Are you seeking an adrenaline rush as you zip down the powdery white Rocky Mountains?
While summer is the time for tanning on the beach, winter is the time to pick up those skis and hit the slopes.
Knowing where to go in the US is no easy feat, with 532 ski resorts to choose from.
Fortunately, I’ve done all the heavy lifting. All you need to do is pack your skiing gear and enjoy your next snow-laden vacation.
From Idaho to the East Coast, it’s time to get stuck into the best ski resorts in the USA!
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1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Arguably one of the best ski resorts in the US, Aspen Snowmass is a winter wonderland begging to be explored.
With over 1,500 acres of skiable slopes and breathtaking views of the Aspen Highlands, it’s a spot packed with opportunity.
From the Alpine rollercoaster to its epic slalom courses, you’ll be able to spend days soaking up the best bits of winter.
You can even attend some of the resort’s epic events, like Sunset Tuesdays at Elk Camp.
Or, perhaps a romantic snowcat dinner ride up to Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro (closed in summer) is more your style.
It’s not just a destination for skiing, though.
There are also plenty of other activities, such as mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, and epic canopy tours.
Where to Stay: Book a room at the five-star, ultra-luxurious Viceroy Snowmass.
2. Deer Valley Resort, Utah
With over 2,000 acres of ski slopes, it’s not difficult to see why Deer Valley is one of the best ski resorts in Utah.
I know what you’re thinking: Utah is known more for its desert landscapes and epic national parks.
But Deer Valley is a snowy escape come winter and one of the perfect places to meander between Bigtooth Maple and Quaking Aspen trees.
When you’re not hitting the slopes, there are plenty of shops to grab some memorabilia.
And if you’ve worked up an appetite, take your pick from one of 19 restaurants in this quaint little resort town.
Where to Stay: There’s no point in going to Deer Valley and staying in a basic lodging. So, why not book a room at The Chateaux Deer Valley?
Next Read: 159 Best Skiing Instagram Captions
3. Park City Mountain, Utah
Utah is definitely one of the top places to visit in winter.
So, it’s no shock that Park City is the cute resort town that should be at the top of your Utah to-do list.
From the iconic Eagle Zipline and its scenic gondola to the unforgettable ski slopes, it’s a winter escape calling your name!
The highest slope is above the clouds at 10,026 feet.
And when you consider there are roughly 7,300 acres of skiable land, you know you’re in for a real treat.
You also can’t go wrong with a hearty meal at Red Pine Lodge, offering unmissable views at the top of the mountain.
Where to Stay: From hot tubs to direct access discounted ski passes, Park City Peaks has it all.
4. Breckenridge, Colorado
Offering some of the best skiing in the US, Breckenridge is a ski resort like no other.
Not only does it have the highest lift (Imperial Superchair) in North America, but it’s also made up of five unique peaks.
You can pick from the 187 trails on offer, making it an excellent destination for first-time skiers and experts.
From the exhilarating Gold Runner Coaster to its scenic gondola rides, you won’t be short of material for your next Instagram post.
Plus, one of the best ways to wrap up an epic day of adventure is to head to the Rejuvenation Spa at One Ski Hill Place.
Where to Stay: Resting at the base of Peak 8, you can’t get a closer stay than One Ski Hill Place.
5. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
If you’re looking for a cute winter date idea that’s not basic, take that special someone to Telluride Ski Resort.
This mountainside village has it all, with over 120 trails spanning around 2,000 acres of skiable land.
For a special night with that special someone, Allred’s Restaurant atop the mountain offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
Just note that Allred’s Restaurant is closed in the summer.
There’s no need to worry if you are a novice skier, with a bike park, canopy tours, and golf club offering plenty of other reasons to visit.
Where to Stay: For stunning bedroom views of the snow-capped mountains, look no further than The Peaks Resort and Spa.
6. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
With easy access from nearby cities and airports, it’s easy to see why Jackson Hole is among the top ski resorts in the US.
The resort stretches between two mountain peaks, offering 131 trails and around 2,500 acres of powdery-white ski slopes.
It’s also a fairly environmentally friendly destination, with the entire resort being run on wind power.
There’s plenty to do in winter, from snowmobiling and ice skating to stunning tram rides.
Some other adrenaline-inducing activities include paragliding or indulging in the vast array of restaurants.
Where to Stay: Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa is a great option, with an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, and a world-class spa.
7. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
With Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain in the resort, there’s a fantastic range of ski slopes at Sun Valley.
There are 136 ski trails and some truly stunning restaurants at each mountain peak.
In other words, you can quite easily spend your days skiing, eating, skiing, and then eating again.
You can even enjoy some horse-drawn wagon rides or make the most of The Spa at Sun Valley. Now, who could say no to that?
Where to Stay: The Sun Valley Resort is the only place you need to consider, thanks to its picturesque gardens, six on-site restaurants, and ski specials.
8. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Being the largest ski resort in Colorado and the second-largest single-mountain resort in North America, it’s no wonder Vail is a skier’s paradise.
With 278 epic trails, the powdery white mountain is perfect for any skill level to go gliding down.
Did someone call for a unique experience? If that is you, Vail also offers outdoor on-mounting dining.
And for those looking to decompress after a busy day, The Lodge at Vail is the perfect place to enjoy a facial or hot stone massage.
Where to Stay: Who said you can’t find luxury in Colorado? The Hythe is a boutique resort with three on-site restaurants, a tranquil spa, and simply stunning rooms.
Next Read: 325 Best Colorado Captions for Instagram.
9. Bretton Woods Resort, New Hampshire
If you want to visit the best ski resort in New Hampshire, look no further than Bretton Woods.
Although it’s only 464 acres with 63 trails, it’s the largest in the state and a stunning getaway, be it summer or winter.
Some of the more bespoke activities you can do in winter at Bretton Woods include fat tire biking, snowshoeing, and, of course, skiing.
Is food your second true love after skiing? If so, you’re in luck, as Bretton Woods Resort has over 20 distinct restaurants to tickle your taste buds.
Although smaller than most, Bretton Woods is definitely one of the best US ski resorts on offer.
Where to Stay: Feel like royalty at Omni Mount Washington Resort, with its wide array of amenities, expansive rooms, and 16 restaurants.
10. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
If you’re planning a fall visit to Stowe, you have to add Smugglers’ Notch to your itinerary.
Does it have iconic fall foliage? Tick.
Is it within half an hour’s drive from Stowe? Yes.
Does it have epic skiing opportunities? Absolutely!
From stunning fall foliage e-bike tours to hopping from one craft brewery to the next, Smugglers’ Notch may just become your new home away from home.
Come winter, and it’s time for my fellow skiing fiends to hit the slopes.
With 78 trails and over 310 acres of skiable area, it’s a fantastic option if you’re based in Vermont.
Plus, there’s a never-ending list of activities for you to enjoy, including some cute fall date ideas that are sure to impress your other half.
Where to Stay: Offering ski-in ski-out access, five delectable restaurants, and its own ice rink, who could say no to booking their stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak?
11. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Of all the amazing things to do in New Mexico, few would put skiing on their list.
But trust me when I say Taos Ski Valley won’t disappoint.
If the 110 skiing trails and picturesque gondola rides aren’t enough, just wait until you hear about what you can find near the resort.
From the Taos Pueblo UNESCO Site and the Ojo Caliente hot pools to hot air ballooning over the Rio Grande, there’s plenty to enjoy in the area.
But hey, you’re here for the skiing, right? The slopes can handle up to 15,000 skiers per hour, which is a pretty crazy stat.
Simply put, this is one of the best ski towns in the USA. And despite its small size, it can handle far more people than you think.
Where to Stay: Enjoy a lavish ski-to-door stay at The Blake. The spa alone makes this lodging worth it, while the spacious country-chic rooms are simply the cherry on top.
Next Read: 255 Best Snow Captions for Instagram.
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