8 Best Places in the USA for a Ski Vacation

8 Best Places in the USA for a Ski Vacation

Are you looking for some great places to go skiing or snowboarding during winter vacation? If yes, then check out these top eight ski destinations in the US.

The U.S. has hundreds of ski resorts, ranging from small family-owned operations to large commercial establishments. Some of these resorts offer skiing lessons, equipment rentals, and other services that will help you learn how to ski or snowboard safely.

From California to Colorado, New York to Utah, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you want to hit the slopes at a resort near home or travel a bit further away, you’ll find some really good options in the list below!

1. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains and has plenty of world-class ski resorts within a short drive. The town is also home to several cultural attractions, fine dining, and shopping.

Aspen is known for the Aspen Snowfest, a winter music festival held in March, and the Aspen Ideas Festival held in June. Aspen is a clean and safe city with a low crime rate. The nearby Rocky Mountains offer a variety of terrain and conditions.

There are over 100 ski runs and 75% of the mountain is designated as beginner and intermediate. People visit Aspen for a wide variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, paragliding, fly fishing and even for ski lessons in Aspen. You can also take a river cruise or fly with a glider pilot for a bird’s-eye view of the area.

In short, you can experience much more than skiing and/or snowboarding in Aspen. So if you want a more wholesome experience, put this destination at the top of your shortlist.

2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the world's most famous ski resorts according to a leading snowboard company as well as the millions who flock there every winter! It is estimated that around 2.6 million people visit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort every year! Even if you’re not willing to take our word for it, those numbers don’t lie. 

But skiing is not the only recreational activity in Jackson. There are also a number of outstanding restaurants, shopping centers, museums, and galleries that you can experience while in town.

There are daily non-stop flights between Denver and Los Angeles from Jackson Hole Yellowstone International Airport. Jackson is a great place to explore the surrounding high alpine and glaciated landscapes.

Jackson Hole has a high elevation of 6,000 feet. The area’s abundant snowfall contributes to the high tourist numbers in the winter season. Imagine the views from the top of the Teton Range, which are some of the most spectacular in the world.

This is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to ski and snowboard in a protected environment that also offers wilderness experiences.

3. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is a top ski destination that is home to several world-class ski resorts. The Rocky Mountains and Colorado Springs are also just a few of the great things you can do there.

In the winter, there is no better place than Vail for winter sports enthusiasts. It’s located in the Rocky Mountains, just a few hours from Denver. Additionally, it is one of the few places in the country that offers summer skiing.

There are five ski resorts within a 35-mile radius of Vail: Arapahoe Basin, Avon, Eldora, Buttermilk, and Aspen. There are also plenty of other winter destinations nearby, including Telluride, Grand Mesa, and Beaver Creek.

4. Park City, Utah

There are many ski resorts around Park City, Utah but one of the best is in Park City. A number of ski resorts are located here, as well as other outdoor activities. Besides offering plenty of dining and shopping options, the town has a lively cultural scene.

Winter sports enthusiasts flock to Park City for its winter sports facilities. The town is located in the Wasatch Mountains, just a few hours from Salt Lake City and Denver International Airport.

Park City also has easy travel access to other popular winter destinations, including Utah’s western deserts and Yellowstone National Park. When it comes to winter activities in Park City, there is plenty to choose from.

Not only do skiers and snowboarders enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding, but there are also cultural events like the Sundance Film Festival, the Utah Film Festival, and the Park City Jazz Festival.

5. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado is a top destination for ski lovers. There are also many outdoor activities available in the town.

The surrounding San Juan Mountains offer plenty of terrain and fresh snowfall. With snowmaking and grooming equipment at most resorts, the terrain is usually good and groomed.

Telluride is a booming town with a growing economy. Not only is it a great ski and outdoor destination, but it’s also an amazing place to visit during the summer months. The town is home to several festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the West Side Art Festival.

6. Northern Vermont

Northern Vermont is located in the Green Mountains, just an hour and a half from the southern border of New York. There are several ski resorts in the region, including Bromley Mountain, Killington, Mad River Glen, and Burke Mountain.

There are also several other winter destinations nearby, including Stowe, Vermont, and the Appalachian Trail. In addition to winter activities like skiing, Northern Vermont is a great place to visit year-round. The region is known for its active winter sports culture, but it’s also a great place to visit in the summer.

There are several nearby mountains that are worth visiting in the summer, including the Green Mountains, the Berkshires, and the Adirondacks.

7. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is one of the top ski resort destinations. In this town, you can find a lively cultural scene as well as several world-class ski resorts.

For instance, the Adirondack Mountains are home to several ski resorts, many of which are located within easy driving distance from Lake Placid. There are over 100 ski runs within a 30-minute drive of the city, and many of the mountain resorts have summer outdoor activities as well.

Lake Placid is a great place to visit during the winter season. The town is located on the southern shores of Lake Placid, where the glacial waters are especially clear and beautiful.

8. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Bretton Woods, the town is located in the White Mountain National Forest, just an hour and a half from the southern New York border. Winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of terrain and fresh snowfall in the White Mountain region.

There are over 200 ski runs in the area, and many of the resorts offer activities in the summertime. Bretton Woods is a bustling town with a lively cultural scene. In addition to enjoying the many winter sports activities, visitors can explore the area’s museums, art galleries, and cultural events.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide has introduced you to some great places in the US for a skiing vacation and given you ample inspiration and ideas for your next trip. Whether you want to ski at a small family-owned resort or take a trip to a large prestigious resort, there are great options available.

If you are still a bit confused and need more help deciding where to go, consider our winter ski vacation planning guide.