12 Best Ski Resorts in USA For A Wonderful Holiday
By Deepak Kannan
on Jan 08, 2019
* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and book something (there is never any extra cost to you for using these links).
Ski resorts are a perfect getaway from the daily mundane routine of life and lets you experience something really offbeat & heart filling. Home to more than 450 ski resorts, USA is a paradise for skiers from all around the world and offers a unique experience that is totally in contrast to the ski resorts in Europe. From beginners to experts to families, the U.S. resorts offer a special something for everyone to enjoy and cherish. Based on the popularity, quality of snow, and the vertical drop, we have picked up the 12 best ski resorts in the USA that you should visit on your skiing holiday.
1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Named after the iconic Jackson Hole Valley, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a ski resort in Teton village of Wyoming. With the vertical drop of 4,139 feet, Jackson Hole Resort has a world class terrain that is extreme and enthralling. If you are an expert skier and are looking for a steep ski resort where you can satiate your quest for adventure, then Jackson Hole ski resort is the place you should head to. On the other hand, if you are a beginner but are interested in experiencing the terrain of Jackson Hole, you can enroll in the Mountain Sports School for some expert training.
Served by an incredible skiing experience and amazing hospitality, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the USA and has been constantly finding a place in the top resorts' list. While you are here, also visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, National Elk Refuge, and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Activities: Cross-country Skiing, Winter bike tours, Heli-skiing, Sleigh rides, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Paragliding, Aviation adventures, and Wildlife tours.
Spend a stupendous vacation in USA with the best guide USA Itinerary 3 Weeks
2. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Situated next to the town of Vali in the Eagle county of Colorado, Vali ski resort is the third largest ski resort in the United States that has seven back bowls. Sprawling across an area of 5,289 acres, the terrain of Vali is dotted with plenty of dining and shopping options that will keep you occupied and entertained. With a perfectly groomed terrain, Vali ski resort is easily accessible and incredibly friendly.
Vali Ski resort also has a snowboarding school for kids and a mini snowmobile for them to ride around. When you are done exploring the terrain, take some time off the resort and escape to the charming and the vibrant quaint town of Vail nestled at the foothills of the ski resort. Home to a plenty of events and festivals like Snow Daze, Holidaze, CarniVail, and Burton US open snowboarding championship, the experience in the Vali Ski resort is one of a kind. The resort also has spas and a plenty of nightlife place to have a drink at.
Activities: Tubing, Snowshoeing, Ski biking, Snowmobiling.
Discover the Most Snowiest Places In The World
3. Alta Ski Area, Utah
Alta Ski area, located in the town of Alta of Utah is one of the oldest ski resorts in the America With a vertical drop of 2,020 feet and a skiable area of 2,200 feet, Alta Ski area has the most diverse terrains of the all of USA attracting skiers from around the globe since 1939. Receiving more than 14 meters of snow every year, Alta Ski area is one powdery ski resort destinations in the world. While the ungroomed terrains of the resort are a treat for expert skiers, groomed terrains can be best utilized by the beginners and the enthusiasts.
To get the most of the place, get an Alta card that will help you receive discounts. The ski area also provides you an opportunity to go on a tour with a ranger and get trained at snow schools. The resort has a plenty of dining and lodging options, including a mountainside spa. It is important to note that the resort does not allow snowboarding.
Activities: Snowcat skiing, Heli-skiing, Utah Mountain adventures.
Start creating your travel plans for the best Ski resorts in USA
4. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Maintained by the Vali resorts, Park City Mountain resort is set in the heart of the Park city in Utah. The 7,300 terrain acre of the resort is an ideal location for intermediate skiers to sharpen their skiing skills. Connected to the neighboring Canyons resort through a Gondola ride, Park City Mountain resort is a major tourist attraction in Utah. With plenty of summer and winter activities in store, Park City Mountain resort can be visited any time of year making it a perfect ski holiday destination.
For a totally special experience, relinquish the taste of the five-course elegant dinner served at Viking Yurt. Park City Mountain resort notably hosted the snowboarding events in the 2002 winter Olympics. The Park City Mountain also consists of several training courses for the U.S. ski team of Slalom and Giant Slalom. If you are planning to visit the resort frequently, get a seasonal pass.
Activities: Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Sleigh rides, Alpine coaster, Mountain biking, Gondola rides, Adventure tours, and Horseback riding.
Explore the 5 mighty National parks in Utah
5. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Internationally recognized as one of the best ski and snowboard destinations, Telluride Ski resort located in the Mountain Village of Colorado is a part of the Rocky Mountains. Once a mining camp, the ski resort has an authentic feel to it with an old world charm. Set at an elevation of 13,150 feet and a skiable area of 2,000 acres, Telluride Ski resort has the steepest, deepest, and a varied range of terrains. The scenic and the dramatic landscapes of Telluride ski resort are accessible all year-round and boasts of plenty of activities, both in the summer and the winter season.
If you are looking for a one in a kind of location to say 'I do', then Telluride Ski resort is the best option that you have. Yes, the ski resort helps in planning the best wedding. Your dream of getting married in the perfect setting is one step closer to becoming a reality!
Activities: Hiking, Mountain biking, Cat skiing, Horseback riding, Background skiing, Heli-skiing, Ice climbing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Fly fishing, and Bungee Trampoline.
6. Killington Ski Resort, Vermont
Located in the northeastern U.S. near Killington, Vermont - Killington Ski resort is the largest and one of the best ski resorts in the east coast region. Nicknamed the 'Beast of the East', Killington Ski resort has a vertical drop of 3,050 feet and is the second highest mountain in Vermont. Spanning across 6 mountains, Killington Ski resort offers an extensive trail to explore. From gentle terrains that are easy for skiing to steep extreme terrains, the landscape in the Killington Ski resort varies significantly.
Other than the activities, the resort also has a grand spa, sports center, conference and a wedding hall, dining facilities, and plenty of shopping centers to hang out at. To get the best out of the Killington ski resort check for seasonal tickets and passes.
Activities: Gondola rides, Skyride, Snowcat sleigh rides, Mountain Biking, Adventure center, Golfing, Mountain coaster, Snowshoeing, and Tubing.
7. Deer Valley Resort, Utah
From hosting the freestyle moguls, aerial, and alpine slalom events in the 2002 Winter Olympics to becoming one of the top-ranked ski resorts in North America, Deep Valley Resort has traveled a long way. Situated in the Park city of Utah, Deer Valley is an alpine ski resort that provides for the all-inclusive escapade complete with all the modern and luxury amenities. With utmost attention to details and an impeccable service, Deer Valley resort offers a remarkable experience of your lifetime.
The Snowpark Amphitheater in Deer Valley resort is home to plenty of live music concerts and performance shows. If you happen to visit Deer Valley resort in the month of February, you can watch the Freestyle ski world cup event live.
Activities: Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Sleigh rides, Hiking, Mountain biking, Fly fishing, Paddleboarding, Adventure park, and Horseback riding.
Check Out : Places to travel alone in usa
8. Aspen Snowmass Resort, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass is a winter resort in western Colorado of the U.S. The resort of Aspen Snowmass has four different areas - Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Aspen Moutain, and Snowmass. Each ski area has a special something and the terrain scene also varies significantly. With a vertical drop of 4,406 feet, Aspen Snowmass resort falls straight into the town of Aspen. Equipped with all the features, Aspen Snowmass resort is a separate world in itself making it a great vacation spot. The resort also helps in organizing weddings, meetings, and other special occasions.
Get to the town by taking a gondola ride and go on a leisurely stroll in the evening shopping and tasting food. When you are full, go witness one of the many music events that take place in the town which has a thriving nightlife. Some of the most popular events in Aspen Snowmass that you should not miss are Bud Light Street Rail Fridays, Annual Tree Lighting, Aspen Snowmass Series, and Audi Ajax Cup.
Activities: Cross-country skiing, Snowshoeing, Tubing, Aspen powder tours, Kids activities, Guided tours, Rafting, Hiking, Paragliding, Ballooning, camping, fishing, and Horseback riding.
9. Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah
Nestled in the Little Cottonwood Canyon region, Snowbird Ski resort is set at the heart of Wasatch National forest. Receiving more than 500 meters of snowfall every year, Snowbird Ski resort is a paradise for snow lovers. If you have always wondered where you could actually make a snowman, it is here! Climb up to the top of the summit and witness the breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley that is mesmerizing and absolutely wonderful.
The resort also has the longest running ski season in the whole of Utah, making it accessible almost all times of the year. Get the best of deals by getting a pass. Some of the famous events in Snowbird Ski resort includes Christmas Eve Parade and Fireworks, New Years, and Brewfest.
Activities: Night Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tram rides, Fly fishing, Heli skiing, Mountain tours, Hiking, Bungee Trampoline, Camping, Mountain coaster, and Vertical drop.
10. Winter Park Resort, Colorado
Winter Park resort is an alpine resort in Winter Park, Colorado and is a part of the Rocky Mountains. The resort comprises of 3 interconnected mountain peaks - Winter Park, Mary Jane, and Vasquez Ridge that can commonly be reached using a single lift. Adorned by a plenty of easy slopes, family-friendly resorts, and modern amenities, Winter Park Resort is ideal for a family vacation. If you want to explore the resort all by yourself and want your kids to be safe somewhere close by, you can admit them in childcare centers that are available at the resort.
Some of the events that you should catch at Winter Park Resort include Wells Fargo Ski cup, Vans King of the Grommets, Christmas Eve torchlight Parade, and Golden Bunny Classic. Winter Park Resort also has special skiing program for the disabled.
Activities: Ice skating, Tubing, Fat biking, Cirque sled, Nastar racing, Yoga, Sleigh rides, Snowcat tours, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, and Alpine slide.
11. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
Operated by the world's leading resort operators, Vail resorts - Breckenridge Ski resort is one of the most visited resorts in the Western Hemisphere. The resort is an interconnection of five different peaks and the terrain is totally diverse. Home to some of the smoothest of trails, Breckenridge is one of the best ski resorts for beginners. So if you are a beginner and are interested in skiing, pack your bags and book a flight now!
When you are exhausted from all the activities in the resort, head to the town of Breckenridge that is styled in all Victorian with a medieval feel to it. The aesthetically rich town along with the wonderful resort adds to the beauty of the place, making your visit a pleasant one. With an excellent weather condition, Breckenridge Ski resort can be visited any time of the year.
Activities: Dog Sledding, Skiing, Snowboarding, Ziplining, Alpine coaster, Snowshoeing, and Hiking.
12. Mammoth Mountain Ski area
With over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, Mammoth Mountain Ski area in Eastern California is considered as the largest and one of the top ski resorts in North America. Set at a top elevation of 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain Ski area has a variety of terrains that includes 8 parks complete with 50 jumps, 70 jibs, 4 halfpipes and a freestyle terrain. The ski resort also receives good quality of snow all round the year, given the elevation of the resort.
Situated in close proximity to the Yosemite National park, Mammoth Mountain is the ideal place to start with exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Equipped with all the modern amenities, steep chutes, and mogul runs, Mammoth Mountain Ski area is frequented by professionals. The resort has one of the longest ski seasons that spans from November to June and can be visited all year round. Be in time for the New Year, the resort will be all glittering in lights.
Activities: Cross-country skiing, Gondola rides, Snowcat adventures, Snowmobiling, Tubing.
What is your pick of the lot? Let us know in the comments.
Related Articles