Like a snowflake, each ski season is unique. It snows more in some places than others, exchange rates make certain destinations cheaper for certain citizens, companies buy new resorts, a new multi-resort pass is offered, or some other new, cool feature or trail is added, etc. All these factors affect skier visits to particular destinations year in and year out. Since we offer ski-vacation packages to the 120+ of the world’s best ski destinations, we like to have our finger on the pulse of the industry. We did some sleuthing and looked at visitor traffic to our webpages from September to mid-February to uncover the most popular ski vacations of 2017.
1. Aspen, Colorado
Living up to the hype, Aspen delivers a ski-vacation experience that is at once glamorous and down-to-earth with challenging terrain, stunning scenery and a lively town. This destination sets the standard in many categories, making it so appealing to a wide range of skiers.
2. Park City, Utah
Now the largest ski resort in the United States, skiers are flocking to Park City to experience the new terrain, new lifts and legendary Utah snow. Read more about the Park City-Canyons connection here.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
Close to Denver but a world apart from the daily grind, Breckenridge delivers those snow-globe scenes you dream about. It’s a perennial favorite among our travelers, and that’s likely because of the topnotch overall experience delivered by the ski area, the lodges and the town.
4. Vail, Colorado
Epic in many ways—from its back bowls to its quintessential ski villages—Vail delivers an incredible experience on and off the slopes. Vail tops many skiers’ bucket lists, and those who have visited return year after year.
5. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Europe’s winter playground for the international jet set, St. Moritz is situated in the stunning Engadin Valley in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The destination offers access to five ski areas, which encompass 220 miles of combined skiing and is serviced by 56 lifts. Off-piste skiers have plenty to explore and the discerning diner will enjoy unrivaled Alpine fare.
6. Telluride, Colorado
Rivaling the Alps’ stunning scenery, Telluride has many unique assets, like its wild-West heritage and present-day sensibilities, varied terrain and charming ski-town amenities. The set of skiers that travels to Telluride is as unique as this destination, but they’re fiercely loyal to this mountain town.
7. Steamboat
From its Champagne Powder® to its deep Western heritage, Steamboat has it all: a beloved town, a vibrant base village and world-class ski area. Steamboat’s unique potential for a six-inch snow forecast to turn into a two-foot powder day is the icing on the cake.
8. Powder Highway, B.C.
Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Panorama, Fernie, Whitewater, Kimberley and Red Mountain
This multi-resort ski vacation winds along Route 95A in British Columbia, connecting some of the world’s best powder, heli- and cat-skiing resorts. Whether you’re looking to tick all the big resorts off your list or just want to hit up a couple of them, which are just a couple hours’ drive from one another, the Powder Highway is unforgettable trip for powderhounds who want to ski their hearts and legs out.
British Columbia resorts had a banner start to winter, and Revelstoke has led the pack in snow totals, having received more than 400 inches of snow this season. We love this destination as a stop along the Powder Highway and a perfect base camp for heli-skiing or cat-skiing adventures.
9. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Famous for being one of the world’s most challenging resorts, Jackson Hole has a vast array of terrain options for the bold, but it’s also recently regraded portions of the mountain to satisfy more intermediate needs. Every budget and predilection has options available between the slopeside Teton Village and historic town of Jackson.
This season, the snow gods have blessed Jackson Hole skiers and riders with more than 500″ of snow. It’s been a season for the books!
10. Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth’s half century reputation for varied, awesome skiing and ample snowfall has solidified its place among some of the best ski resorts in North America. Expanded amenities, such as a great ski and snowboard school, an award-winning terrain park and new updates to the base village, will ensure this resort is widely visited for years to come.
The 2016-17 ski season was one for the books for the Sierra Nevadas and Mammoth was no exception. The resort has received 530” to date and will be staying open until July 4, thanks to its ample snowpack.
11. Squaw Valley, California
Renowned for a deep history of churning out ski-movie legends, Squaw Valley is a great destination for those who want to immerse themselves in ski history and mountain culture. Much like Jackson Hole, a good slice of the terrain is best enjoyed by challenge seekers, but there’s also plenty for intermediates and beginners to enjoy, including a high-alpine learning zone, which ensures newbies get to enjoy the views. A variety of lodging in dining options complete the experience.
Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows (its sister resort) enjoyed a banner year, too. In fact, the resort beat its snowfall record for January and February. To date, they’ve received 638”.
12. Keystone, Colorado
About as family-friendly and convenient as it gets, Keystone delivers an unrivaled experience for both kids and parents seeking a turnkey vacation on a budget. This is a hugely popular ski vacation for first-time skiers and parents introducing their kids to the sport.
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