With roughly 500 ski resorts across the U.S., nailing down a destination for a ski vacation is no easy feat. Skiers and snowboarders alike have to consider terrain, lodging, town vibes and off-slope activities. If you’re a beginner, there’s an entirely new set of variables to factor.
That’s where Ski.com comes into play. Our 50+ years of experience in the industry and team of top-notch Mountain Travel Experts know not only what resorts are best for each skier — we can tell you exactly what runs to check off your bucket list. Below are some of their favorite mountains across the U.S. Book a call with an Expert today to find the one that’s right for you and your ski group.
Killington Resort in Killington, Vermont, has earned the nickname the Beast of the East, and for a good reason. It’s the largest resort in the East, home to New England's largest vertical drop at 3,050 feet and has the longest ski season on the East Coast. With 1,500 acres of terrain, Killington caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. With an iconic history (it was one of the first resorts to allow snowboarding in the ’80s), strong resort amenities and household-name status, this East Coast classic deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Where to stay: Killington Grand Hotel, just steps from the mountain, this property has amenities like an outdoor heated pool, an on-site restaurant and free ski check.
Every type of skier and snowboarder should discover the magic of Park City, Utah. As the U.S.’s largest ski resort with 7,300 acres, it’s an ideal environment for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Plus, Park City is rich in history. Incorporated as a silver mining town in the 1880s, Park City and the surrounding mountains produced $400 million in silver and created 23 millionaires. You’ll discover clues to the town’s past as you walk down the bustling Main Street, which pairs modern luxury with historic charm.
Where to stay: The Hotel Thaynes offers a modern feel for a great value. Your stay includes complimentary parking, a central location and a recently renovated pool.
Nestled in the Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is home to an iconic Western mountain experience. The town is charming, the views are unbeatable and its 2,500 acres of terrain are guaranteed to provide a challenge. The resort is home to Wyoming’s first and only tram called Big Red, which carries skiers and snowboarders to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain, while the town is filled with classic American Western culture.
Where to stay: The Teton Mountain Lodge is home to the area’s best rooftop hot tub, an après scene worth visiting even if you’re not a guest and bi-level suites ideal for families.
Another massive ski resort, Vail Resort in Colorado has 5,289 acres of terrain ready for skiers of all levels to explore. Construction for the resort and village began in 1962, and it was home to the country’s first gondola. Today, Vail is a purpose-built ski resort with three villages that make traveling, dining, skiing and lodging intuitive. Beyond the convenience, skiers and snowboarders feel transported to Europe, as the village area was modeled after traditional European alpine ski resorts.
Where to stay: The Arrabelle at Vail Square has 81 spacious guestrooms and condominiums that fit right into the entire town’s European theme.
If your dream ski vacation features empty slopes, pristine nature and high-altitude thrills, Big Sky, Montana, is your destination. The resort was erected from NBC's Chet Huntley's vision to create a “big” ski destination, and in 1973, the resort opened to the public with just four lifts. Today, Big Sky has 40 lifts, 5,850 skiable acres and is crowned by the jagged 11,166-foot Lone Peak. A Big Sky ski vacation is promised to offer a rugged, authentic Montana experience.
Where to stay: Montage Big Sky, with two hot tubs, a luxury spa and a game room, it’s tempting never to leave the property to explore the rest of the town.
Tucked away in California’s Eastern Sierra range, Mammoth Mountain is the state’s highest lift-served ski resort with more than 3,500 acres. It’s famous for its snowpack. Mammoth Mountain typically experiences more than 400 inches of snow annually, which means skiers are riding the slopes as late as the Fourth of July.
Where to stay: Outbound Mammoth, a newly-renovated alpine resort with a range of room options including guestrooms, cabins, chalets and condos.
With four distinct mountains, skiers and snowboarders alike can choose their own adventure. Beginners have an entire mountain ideal for learning, while experts can find steep slopes and create legendary memories. Beyond the slopes, Aspen is known for its luxury and rich mining history. Buildings are only a few stories tall, creating a small-mountain feel while also being home to legendary opulence.
Where to stay: The Little Nell, the town’s only Five-Star, Five Diamond hotel, is steps away from Aspen Mountain and guaranteed to offer a luxury stay.
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