Ski season beckons with hundreds of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for the advanced and novice alike. Seeking airborne thrills on the slopes? Or maybe just a leisurely run down the trails capped off with a romantic fireside dinner?
This list of ski areas can help you decide where to spend your next ski trip.
Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
Located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, this ski resort caters to first-time skiers with a beginner’s package that includes equipment rental, lessons and lower mountain lift tickets. Guests can also enjoy the newly designated beginners’ area, where they can learn the ins and outs of skiing from specially trained instructors.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Ready to test your skills? Head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming. The famed Corbet’s Couloir, often referred to as North America’s scariest slope, begins with a drop that will have you free-falling for up to 9 meters. Once you land, you’ll have to make a sharp right turn around a rock. If your skills are up to par, the powder run at the end is a calming finale.
St. Regis Aspen Resort, Colorado
Located at the foot of beautiful Aspen Mountain in Colorado, the St. Regis Aspen Resort earned a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List for “Best Places to Stay in the World.” In addition to skiing, the resort offers such amenities as an acclaimed restaurant, spa, heated pools and top-notch service.
Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado
Colorado’s Beaver Creek offers a family activity for every day of the week, including skate nights, scavenger hunts, and story time at the resort’s children’s theater. There’s also a nursery, as well as a carpool program where staff members escort kids to and from ski lessons.
Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado
If you don’t want your ski vacation to be a la carte, consider Vista Verde Guest Ranch located in Clark, Colorado. Everything from food and skiing to sledding and horseback riding, even yoga, is included for one price.
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Located in Park City, Utah, this ski resort features three terrain parks for snowboarders of all levels. Its intensive Ski and Snowboard School has trained some of the best snowboarders, including Olympic gold medalists.
Purgatory Ski Resort, Colorado
The Purgatory resort located in Durango, Colorado is known to be the most affordable ski destination, and the trails are available for all levels.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado
How about some nighttime entertainment after a day on the slopes? Aspen Snowmass located in Snowmass Village, Colorado offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, and is known for great lodging, dinging, and tourism.
Mt. Hood Skibowl, Oregon
Love skiing in the dark? Mt. Hood Skibowl in Oregon boasts the largest night-skiing terrain in the country with 34 lighted runs.
Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington
Located in Whatcom County, Washington, Mt. Baker’s Ski Resort records the highest average snowfall – 647 inches a year. This ski resort is more likely to be the snowiest.
Big Sky Resort, Montana
Plan on skiing for more than a few days? Located in Montana, Big Sky Resort is the largest ski resort in the country. The 6-mile long resort boasts 5,800 acres of ski terrain.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
Who doesn’t love a good view? Located in El Dorado County, California, Heavenly Mountain Resort gives visitors breathtaking 180-degree views of Lake Tahoe from almost every run on the mountain.
Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, Oregon
If you’d rather your ski getaway be later in the year, Timberline Ski Resort, located in Mt. Hood, Oregon has the longest ski season in North America – typically running from early November through Memorial Day.
Teton Pass Ski Resort, Montana
If you’re an advanced skier seeking adventure, Teton Pass in Montana is one of the most popular destinations for off-piste skiing in the Rocky Mountains. The slopes are easy to access and are usually filled with locals enjoying the dry powdered hills.
If you are planning to hit the slopes this season, contact the ski resorts directly to make sure they are open. Prior to taking off for a trip, make sure to prepare your home and car for the winter weather.
