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17 minutes readContents
- Which are the best ski resorts in the US?
- Steamboat, Colorado
- Sun Valley, Idaho
- Aspen, Colorado
- Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
- Telluride, Colorado
- Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
- Park City, Utah
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Mad River Valley, Vermont
- Book accommodations in US Ski Resorts with RateHawk
Which are the best ski resorts in the US?
This list covers the best places to ski in the US. It includes top-ranked winter getaway spots in the best states for skiing, from Vermont to California in the West. Each option has unique selling points for different skiers and winter vacationers.
Here are the top 10 ski resorts in the USA:
1. Steamboat, Colorado
Where to stay: Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
Colorado is home to Steamboat Springs, one of the best all-inclusive ski resorts in the USA. This getaway spot is known for its Western vibe. It is Colorado’s second-largest ski resort, with 3,620 acres and over 180 trails.
But why does it stand out?
Varied terrain
One thing that sets Steamboat apart from other resorts is its six peaks. Experts can find challenging terrain covered in Champagne Powder snow to test their mettle. This resort also offers trails for newbies and advanced learners. Kids can learn to ski at SnowSports School or Greenhorn Ranch. Both provide teaching-friendly terrain away from onlookers and crowds at the base.
Photo: Diana Gramlich / Shutterstock.com
Accessibility
Many vacationers haven’t included this wintry wonderland on their lists in the past due to transportation challenges in the Yampa Valley (Ski Town USA). The situation changed after Steamboat’s addition to the Ikon Pass and increased air service in the region. Visitors can now access nonstop flights from 16 major US cities to the local airport, about 30 minutes from the resort.
Expansion
Avid skiers itch for new skiing areas to add to their bucket lists. Steamboat recently expanded its skiable acreage by 20% with 650 acres, increasing its footprint to 3,620. The new section offers challenging terrain for skilled riders. The resort also added a 10-person Wild Blue Gondola to decongest its base area and transport skiers and snowboarders to the expanded Sunshine Peak. This gondola will increase the base capacity from 6000 to 10,000 people per hour.
Activities
This ski resort is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region has a rich heritage and vibrant social scene in winter and summer. Visitors can access outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hot springs, hiking, fine dining, and mountain biking. Grab a post-powder drink with friends in one of the watering holes. Then, decompress after a long day in a hot tub at the hotel or public hot springs. Another popular after-ski activity is enjoying drinks around communal fire pits at the new base area. It offers tons of opportunities to make new friends.
Photo: Yadav Anil/ Shutterstock.com
Accommodations
This region’s real estate market offers affordable hotels to expensive, ultra-luxury rentals. Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas is perfect for skiers seeking upscale rooms and easy access to the lifts. However, Quality Inn is the go-to option for budget-conscious vacationers. Other lodgings near this resort include the luxurious Holiday Inn, Grand, Residence Inn, Bella Vista, Legacy Vacation, and Porches.
2. Sun Valley, Idaho
Where to stay: Sun Valley Lodge
Sun Valley is Idaho’s crown jewel and an award-winning vacation paradise in Ketchum’s northeast. It is one of the oldest designated US ski resorts, founded in 1936. This destination is known for its comprehensive skiing-vacationing combo.
Here are a few reasons why Sun Valley is one of the best US ski resorts:
Skiing areas
Sun Valley offers 2,400 skiable acres and 121 trails. The resort is known for its gently groomed slopes, ideal for learners. It recently added the new 350-acre Sunrise with expert terrain for skiers seeking a unique backcountry feel. Winter sports enthusiasts can also access Nordic trails at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center.
Photo: CSNafzger/ Shutterstock.com
Amenities
Sun Valley was built for comfort and luxury to woo A-list celebrities and wealthy vacationers. It was one of the first US ski resorts with a chairlift. Visitors can stay at the luxurious Sun Valley Lodge. Although this flagship hotel is as old as the ski resort, recent upgrades introduced world-class amenities. Visitors can also book their stay at the Limelight Ketchum, known for its excellent customer service. Other options include Best Western and Tamarack Lodge.
Scenic views and activities
Sun Valley is a breathtaking winter wonderland. Visitors can immerse themselves in awe-inspiring Bald and Dollar Mountains views as they learn to ski on easy-groomed slopes. This resort also offers several après activities, including culinary experiences at trendy restaurants, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife in downtown Ketchum. There’s no shortage of après activities in Sun Valley.
Photo: CSNafzger/ Shutterstock.com
Legacy
The iconic Sun Valley Lodge has hosted A-list celebs and wealthy entrepreneurs. Literature enthusiasts can find the room where Ernest Hemingway wrote his famous “For Whom the Bell Tolls” novel. This resort has also hosted Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe.
3. Aspen, Colorado
Where to stay: Mountain Chalet Aspen
Aspen offers some of the best skiing in the US. This 3,362-acre skiers’ paradise has four ski mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. Each has unique features and trails.
But why is Aspen one of the top ski resorts in the US?
Terrain variety
Aspen has something for all winter sports enthusiasts. Aspen Snowmass is perfect for backcountry skiers seeking off-piste trails and cross-country skiing. This ski resort also offers easy groomers for newbies and family-friendly activities. Pros can find steep gladed terrain in Aspen Mountain and open bowls in Aspen Highlands. Buttermilk is perfect for learners.
Photo: David A Litman / Shutterstock.com
After-ski activities
Aspen combines some of the best skiing in the US with a vibrant social scene in Snowmass and Aspen Mountain. Both offer fine dining, shopping, bustling nightlife, museums, and galleries. Snowmass also attracts visitors in the summer thanks to its vibrant wildflowers and scenic biking and hiking trails. Its picturesque mountain chalets and deluxe guest houses can entice families and skiers to extend their stay.
Location
Traveling to Aspen is easy, thanks to reliable air and road transportation. This ski paradise is linked by Eagle County Regional Airport near Denver and Pitkin County Airport. Visitors can fly into Aspen and catch a shuttle or bus to one of the four ski resorts. The region’s unique location allows skiers to explore the best ski mountains in the US in a single trip.
Photo: outmeo / Shutterstock.com
Snowmass is one of the best places to ski in the US. However, its on-slope offerings and after-ski activities come at a cost. Adults pay around $489, including $295/person/night at an average hotel and about $194 for a lift ticket.
Snowmass is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the US.
4. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Where to stay: Alpine Village Suites
Skiing isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about New Mexico. However, Taos Ski Valley can change this perception. It is New Mexico’s largest ski resort, known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and unique culture. This destination is only 20 miles north of Taos.
But what makes Taos Ski Valley one of the best ski resorts in the USA?
Varied terrain
Taos Ski Valley has around 1,300 skiable acres with over 110 trails. Its Kachina Peak offers varied skiing terrain for all skiers. Over half of Taos’ trails cater to experts. Hard-core skiers seeking hike-to terrain, steepest slopes, and challenging courses can satisfy their needs in Highline and West Basin Ridge. Recent investments expanded Taos’ skiing areas and terrain variety with groomed trails for learners.
Photo: skitaos.com
Winter sports variety
Taos offers year-round activities. Visitors can ski and snowboard in winter and switch to mountain biking, hiking, and sightseeing in summer. The resort recently introduced an ice-skating rink at the base area.
These offerings make Taos more attractive for families.
Accommodations
Taos offers ultra-luxury hotels, rentals, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation casitas. Visitors can stay at The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, an 80-room guesthouse with easy access to lifts and mountainside adventures. Skiers seeking slope-side condos should consider the Snakedance and Kandahar. Other options include Alpine Village Suites and Cottam’s Lodge.
Check available rooms in Taos Ski Valley with RateHawk.
Unique culture
Did you know the Taos people have lived in the Taos Ski Valley for over 1,000 years? Guests can visit the Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn about the region’s culture.
Photo: skitaos.com
Taos has a small-town charm. It is also home to museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops, and nightclubs with live music sessions. Visitors can sample the region’s social scene and traditional cuisine and brews. These activities complement skiing and outdoor events at Taos Ski Valley.
5. Telluride, Colorado
Where to stay: Hotel Columbia
Telluride is an authentic Western ski town, about a six-hour drive from Denver, CO. It offers 2,000-plus skiable acres with varied terrain and stunning scenery. Visitors can access 148 trails and a 4,425-foot vertical drop at the Telluride Ski Resort.
But why is it one of the best ski resorts in the US?
Varied terrain
This ski resort is known for its extreme, rugged terrain flowing from the San Juan Mountains. Its slopes can push professional riders to the limit. Learners can also find easy blue or green runs. For example, the Galloping Goose’s 4.6-mile double green run starts at 11,815 feet.
Photo: John D Sirlin/ Shutterstock.com
Perfect snow
This region receives around 280 inches of snow annually. Its dry, low-water content snow and beautiful sunny days create the ideal playground for powder lovers. Newbies can practice their skiing skills without worrying about freezing temperatures. There’s no shortage of powder days and the best backcountry skiing in this ski paradise.
Location
Telluride is a hard-to-reach town. Its remote locale eliminates overcrowding. Here, skiers don’t have to worry about long lift lines. Most visitors stay for a week or more instead of one or two days. So, this getaway spot doesn’t have a weekend rush. It is also near some of the best US ski resorts, including Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Vail. Skilled riders itching for backcountry skiing can visit Silverton, a guide-access-only ski mountain. They can hit more than one resort in a single trip to increase the value of their money.
Stunning scenery
The San Juan Mountains define this region’s scenic view. The soaring caps create a breathtaking background to this snowy winter wonderland. It is perfect for outdoorsy souls seeking to enjoy the untainted natural beauty offered by Mother Earth.
Photo: Colin D. Young/ Shutterstock.com
Après activities
This small town hosts several events to entertain its guests. Visitors can attend the comedy festival in February. Its ski-in, ski-out approach offers quick and easy access to après activities in town. After hitting the slopes, explore eateries, bars, boutiques, and the charming Main Street.
Where to stay
Telluride’s real estate market caters to all visitors, from families to group vacationers and lone skiers. Its accommodations include guest rooms, inns, condos, and expansive luxury rentals. Visitors can stay at Hotel Columbia, Camel’s Garden, or Victorian Inn near lifts, trails, and the town center.
6. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
Where to stay: Muddy Moose
Smugglers’ Notch is a ski resort in Jeffersonville, northern Vermont, around 30 miles from the Burlington International Airport. It consists of Morse, Madonna, and Sterling Mountains. Although this destination is close to Stowe, it lies on the west side of the pass. Visitors can access Smugglers’ Notch Resort from Burlington. Smuggs has retained its look and feel for decades, perfect for skiers seeking old-school ski experiences.
Photo: Pearl PhotoPix/ Shutterstock.com
But why is it one of the best ski resorts in America?
Skiing areas for all
Smugglers’ Notch Resort has 1,000 skiable acres with varied terrain and 2,610 feet of vertical. Its 78 trails cater to skiers of all skill levels, with 17% for beginners, 53% for intermediates, 26% for advanced riders, and 5% for pros. Visitors can find easy trails at Morse Mountain and The Village. Sterling and Madonna Mountains offer moderate to challenging skiing terrain.
Amenities
Smugglers’ Notch offers 2 surface lifts and 6 double chairs, ensuring easy access to skiing areas and trails. Guests can find ultra-luxurious to affordable hotels with modern amenities. Nestled in the Green Mountains, Smugglers’ Notch and Sterling Ridge resorts provide scenic views, comfort, and family-friendly activities.
All-in-one getaway spot
Smugglers’ Notch is a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts and vacationers. It is a bucket list item for skiers and snowboarders. However, this getaway spot offers more than winter sports. Smuggler’s is a year-round mountain vacation resort. The region’s warm summer months attract vacationers. It provides indoor games, mini-golf tournaments, and camps where children can learn to ski.
Photo: Yiwenz/ Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
Families seeking private cabins should consider Muddy Moose near groomed hiking trails. This secluded lodging is pet-friendly. Governor’s House in Hyde Park is known for its Victorian charm, cozy rooms, and themed weekends. Other popular hotels in Smugglers’ Notch include Deer Run Motor Inn, Mountain View, and Nye’s Farm for animal lovers.
7. Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
Where to stay: Portland Harbor Hote
Sugarloaf is an iconic ski mountain with 1,360 acres, the second-largest skiable area on the East Coast. This winter wonderland lies east of the Rocky Mountains in Carrabassett Valley.
What makes Sugarloaf one of the top ski resorts in the US?
Generous trails
Sugarloaf Mountain caters to all skiers. This resort has over 150 trails with varied terrain. Beginners can find easy groomers on the Upper Skidder. The ungroomed Double Bitter trail is challenging and narrow, perfect for experts. Skiers skilled in navigating around tight trees, cliff bands, and creek beds can test their abilities in Brackett Basin’s sidecountry. Each trail delivers a unique skiing experience. Visitors may require several weeks to explore everything Sugarloaf has to offer.
Photo: tripadvisor.com
Infrastructure
Sugarloaf runs several lifts and chairs to reduce time wastage. The Skyline transports skiers over 1,450 feet to the best part of the mountain. This skiing area offers steep groomers and bump runs. Skiers can ride the Timberline to reach the Snowfields, known for its compacted snow and windy conditions. This area’s terrain delivers long, high-speed slides. Families and kids rely on the Superquad and Wiffletree to access groomed runs on beginner terrain. Other Sugarloaf lifts and chairs include King Pine and Snubber.
Location
Sugarloaf isn’t easily accessible. This ski mountain is hours away from Boston and Maine’s urban centers. Its challenging terrain deters the weak-hearted from visiting. While these attributes may seem counterproductive, they reinforce Sugarloaf’s position as the go-to ski resort for skiers seeking serenity. Here, visitors enjoy some of the best skiing in the US without the disruptive crowds witnessed in other getaway spots.
8. Park City, Utah
Where to stay: The Lodge at the Mountain Village
Park City Mountain Resort gained global fame after hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics. This destination expanded its footprint in 2014 with Canyon’s Village to 7,300 acres, becoming the largest ski resort in the US. Thousands of skiers, snowboarders, and winter vacationers flock to this wonderland annually. Why?
Photo: FashionStock.com/ Shutterstock.com
Terrain
This resort offers 341 runs connected with 43 lifts. Each trail is unique, ensuring there’s something for everyone. This iconic ski mountain in the US has two distinct sides: Park City and Canyon’s Village. Most skiers start their day on the Park City side, characterized by wide groomers, bump runs, and forests with aspen trees. Advanced skiers and pros can find steep bumps around McConkey’s Bowl. This area also offers scenic and easy groomers. The Canyon’s side is challenging but less crowded. Its Dreamcatcher, Dreamscape, Daybreak, and Upper Crowning Glory areas provide several trails with tricky cut-ins and tree skiing.
Location
As a travel agent, you understand the value of bundling several destinations in one trip. Skiers can combine Park City and Deer Valley resorts in their itineraries. Deer Valley is a ski-only destination with diverse runs and ski-in, ski-out lodging. Other neighboring winter hotspots include Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Alta, Woodward, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude.
Photo: Marina Poushkina / Shutterstock.com
Activities
Park City offers more than skiing. Visitors can indulge in culinary experiences in renowned food joints, like the Five5eeds and Dos Olas. Then, learn about competitive skiing from Olympic hopefuls training at the Olympic Museum. Guests can shop and attend a play at the theatre on the Main Street. This resort also offers watering holes like the Red Tail Grill and No Name Saloon. They serve alcohol with food. There’s no shortage of things to do on this ski mountain.
9. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake. This 60-mile stretch on the California-Nevada border has 13 ski resorts and welcomes about 15 million visitors yearly. No other region deserves the “Skiers’ Mecca” title more than Lake Tahoe. Why?
Here is a breakdown of its six most popular ski resorts:
Palisades Tahoe
This California crown jewel hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. With 6,000 skiable acres, Palisades Tahoe is one of the biggest ski resorts in the US. It is tucked between two mountains: 9,050-foot Palisades and 8,637-foot Alpine Meadows. Both offer easy to challenging for skiers, snowboarders, and slalom riders.
Photo: Photos by Kerstin/ Shutterstock.com
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood is a winter getaway spot in the Sierra Nevada and the go-to destination for extreme skiers. This 9,800-ft ski mountain offers gnarly cliffs, chutes, and gladded terrain, perfect for experts and shredders. Newbies can also find easy trails. Annually, Kirkwood’s elevation and location guarantee reliable snowfall. In 2023, Kirkwood Mountain Resort received over 700 inches of snow during the region’s snowiest season.
Sugar Bowl Resort
This resort has 1,600 acres on the shadows of the 8,383-foot Donner Summit along the Sierra Crest ridge line. It attracts thousands of visitors from Sacramento and San Francisco. Although Sugar Bowl is known for its challenging trails, it offers easy groomers. It caters to all winter vacationers, from families to hard-core skiers and snowboarders. Visitors can enjoy groomed runs in the East Face Bowl and around Mt. Lincoln.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
At 10,067 feet, Heavenly is the tallest mountain in Lake Tahoe. This ski resort on the California-Nevada border is known for its low-key vibe. Its snowy slopes offer captivating tree skiing and scenic views of the expansive water body. Visitors can find easy groomers and intermediate runs. Heavenly is only a 50-minute ride from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Photo: jaideephoto/ Shutterstock.com
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
This resort is only a few minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Its 644 skiable acres offer family-friendly terrain with breathtaking views of the mesmerizing water body below. Visitors can find quality powder snow and groomed trails around the 8,540-foot Diamond Peak.
Northstar California Resort
Northstar offers 3,000 skiable acres with groomers and long cruisers on mellow terrain. It is one of the best family ski resorts in the US. Visitors can also access terrain parks, ice rinks, and adventures for non-skiers.
Each California ski resort has its pros and cons. For example, Palisades Tahoe is known for its bars, shops, and restaurants. Skiers seeking shorter lift lines should consider secluded ski resorts in the mountains.
10. Mad River Valley, Vermont
Where to stay: Lodge on Lincoln Peak
Mad River Glen (MRG) in Vermont’s Green Mountain Range is known for its old-school ski experience. This resort has preserved its aesthetics and laid-back vibe for decades. It evokes childhood memories for skiers who visited MRG in the 1970s.
But why is MRG one of America’s best ski resorts?
Authentic skiing experience
MRG is one of the best US ski resorts. This throwback mountain prioritizes skiing over other activities. Its 115 skiable acres offer 60 runs and 45 named trails serviced by chairlifts. Skiers can find the perfect trails for tree skiing.
Photo: Portfoliofotos/ tripadvisor.com
Terrain
MRG’s elevation isn’t as high as other ski mountains in the US. It lies in a valley along the Green Mountain Range and General Stark Mountain. This region is known for its moderate to challenging terrain. MRG offers a 2,037-feet vertical drop from its 3,637-feet summit to a 1,600-feet base and receives 250 inches of snow annually. Skiers can test their skills with a 1-mile long run or find shorter runs between the summit and the base.
Things to do
MRG is an all-inclusive ski resort offering access to Green Mountains’ best-kept secrets. The valley combines scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and a unique social atmosphere. This resort stands out thanks to its authenticity, which nurtures a sense of belonging. Visitors can find tons of skiing and snowboarding opportunities in winter. Then, switch to hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the Warren Falls on Mad River in summer. This river offers natural swimming holes. Visitors can also tour local breweries and farms, sample regional cuisines, and shop in the neighboring Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, and Moretown. These on-mountain and après activities make MRG a year-round getaway hotspot.
Amenities
MRG offers high-quality hotels, rentals, and guest houses for all budgets. There’s no shortage of affordable lodging options in this scenic valley. Visitors can stay at the Lodge on Lincoln Peak, about 2 miles from Mad River center. This lodge offers affordable guest rooms. Other top-rated hotels in Mad River Valley include Madbush Falls and Clay Brook Hotel.
Photo:Ratehawk.com
Book accommodations in US Ski Resorts with RateHawk
Clients rely on your expertise as their travel agent to plan their next ski trip or winter vacation. This top 10 list combines winter destinations with outstanding features, from the best skiing experience to the biggest ski resort in the US. It can help you provide reliable tailored recommendations and address your customers’ needs. Your clients will also demand the best accommodations. Here is where RateHawk comes in handy.
At RateHawk, we’re committed to helping all travel professionals improve their clients’ skiing experience this winter. RateHawk offers quick and easy access to over 2.6 million hotels. You can rely on our support team to help you 24/7.
To deliver tailored recommendations to your customers, join RateHawk today!
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