17 Best Ski Resorts in the US to Visit

The ski season is underway, and you’re looking for a new resort that caters to your family. Look no further than these best ski resorts in the US. These resorts are guaranteed to keep your kids, as well as you, entertained and having a blast on the slopes.

The first snowfall of the season always attracts tourists from all over the world. Those who enjoy winters and, by extension, snow frequently look for a ski vacation or getaway with their friends and family.

A ski vacation is a wonderful opportunity to discover all that the snowy mountains have to offer, including skiing, snow fun, terrain, lodging in a spectacular resort, and, of course, the ambiance. You will take a holiday during New Year’s or early spring break.

Another wonderful thing about skiing in America is that it’s a lot of fun and extremely affordable. Aside from being magnificent bars and restaurants serving delectable cuisine and the carefree atmosphere of ski towns. These ski resorts offer various recreational facilities, such as snowshoeing trails.

So here we are with a list of the best ski resorts in the US, which are guaranteed to make your skiing experience memorable.

Best Ski Resorts in the United States

Alta Ski Resort, Utah

Alta Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, opening in 1939. This snow-covered resort is located at a high elevation, and only skis are allowed for skiing here.

The actual location of the resort is at the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is just 25 miles away from the famous Salt Lake City.

The resort offers you the perfect luxurious amenities comprising modern and traditional services. The snow here is quite deep and thick, perfect for terrain skiing.

See Related: The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

The elevation of Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana is rather high. It is only 30 miles from Glacier National Park in Montana, which is well-known worldwide.

The facility includes around 105 runs and a 3000-acre terrain skiing area exclusively available to visitors. Apart from skiing, the facility provides you with a pleasant stay as well as many other great winter activities.

In the winter, you’ll be able to ski down a variety of slopes and enjoy breathtaking views. A highlight of this resort is its proximity to the town center.

They generally do not expect much snowfall in early January but recommend that you check with your travel agent before making any reservations. It normally receives a lot of snowfall, about 300 inches annually.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah

This resort is located in the Wasatch Mountains, only 29 miles from Salt Lake City. It is one of the best family ski resorts in the United States because it offers various activities for both kids and adults.

If you’re looking for a place to Ski, there are around 1000 skiable acres, plus a terrain park for snowboarders and freestyles at this epic spot.

• Take the family tubing: Snowbird has the only lift-serviced tubing hill in Utah.
• Ice skate: There is a 6,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink at the top of Snowbird Center
• Cross-country ski: With over 35 kilometers of cross-country trails, Snowbird is a great place to enjoy this winter activity

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States. Park City, Utah, has multiple world-class ski resorts and a lively ski culture.

Here’s why it’s great: Deer Valley Resort is a great place to bring your family to enjoy some of the best skiing in the country. The resort has a variety of slopes that are suitable for all levels, so everyone in your family will be able to find something to their liking.

In addition, the resort is home to a kid-friendly ski school with multiple beginner-friendly slopes and a variety of kid-centric activities and amenities, such as tubing.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass is an iconic ski resort in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The resort offers 4,000 acres of skiable terrain and is mainly known for having excellent intermediate terrain. This is the second resort on Aspen Mountain. You can have two different options to choose from during your stay.

Aspen Snowmass is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re looking to stay near Snowmass, there are a variety of great options to choose from.

The Village at Aspen Snowmass is a great place to stay if you want to be right in the heart of all the action. The resort offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a variety of activities for the whole family.

Another great option is the Limelight Hotel, located in the heart of Aspen Snowmass. This hotel offers a variety of room types and suites, as well as a heated pool and spa.

Mammoth Mountain, California

This quite famous ski resort called the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, and it is one of the highest snow-covered mountains across California and in America as well. 

This is one of the best places to ski in the US as it covers an area of around 3,500 acres, which is all skiable and comprises 28 lifts and 151 runs. The varied terrain and the significant snowfall guarantee that you’ll have some of the best tree skiing, spring skiing, and overall a great experience in California.

The Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort offers you one of the biggest snow recreational resorts that one can ever experience in his lifetime. So, enjoy your next winter vacation at the Mammoth Mountain Resort.

Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is situated on one of the four mountains of Aspen covered with thick white snow perfect for your terrain skiing. The snow-covered terrains are generally double-black expert terrain comprising the Highland Bowl.

This Aspen mountain ski and snowboard resort has a lot of things to offer you, like beautiful and cozy lodges, luxurious hotels, rental accommodations, and many more resorts and cottages in Aspen and the nearby Snowmass villages.

There are a number of lodges and resorts located near the ski resort that offer everything from skiing and snowboarding to horseback riding.

Winter Park Ski Resort, Colorado

The Winter Park Ski Resort in Colorado is iconic and historical, established over 75 years ago. The resort is conveniently located near Denver, making it easy for tourists to visit their holiday destinations.

The ski area is internationally renowned for its ancient and legendary sled ride on Mary Jane Mountain, as well as being considered the finest and most challenging skiing terrain in and around the United States. It’s all between the trees, so it’s a thrill.

Heavenly Ski Resort

Heavenly Ski Resort is considered one of the highest altitude mountain resorts in the whole state of California and Nevada as well. It is actually located near South Lake Tahoe.

The elevation of the towering snow-covered peak is around 10,067 feet, which is extremely high and challenging in and of itself. This high-elevation ski resort’s stunning panoramic view of one of North America’s largest alpine lakes is out of this world. In the coming winter, visit this amazing ski resort on your bucket list.

Squaw Valley

The Squaw Valley Ski Resort is located in the Olympic Valley of Northern California, and it is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The resort spans over 6,000 acres and features a vertical descent of 3,600 feet.

The Squaw Valley Ski Resort was the host site for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, and it continues to be one of the best places to ski and snowboard for expert skiers and intermediate skiers. In addition, this ski town offers Après ski options as well as other great things to do in the local area.

Big Sky Resort, Montana

The Big Sky Resort, situated in Montana, is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States as the area is spread over 5,750 skiable acres, fully covered with thick, white snow.

Big Sky Resort was combined with the Moonlight Basin in 2013, after which it became one of the country’s biggest ski resorts. Big Sky has 300 trails, 6 miles of the run, and a depth of 4350 feet, which may be quite tough. The drop is in the vertical direction, which can actually give you goosebumps.

Skiers and snowboarders who flock to Big Sky Resort each year are attracted to its massive size, variety of terrain, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.

This is the best ski spot in Montana, given the varied terrain, affordability, and easy access from Bozeman International Airport.

Keystone Resort, Colorado

The Keystone Resort in Colorado is made up of three mountains and two tiny towns or villages, all of which are located within proximity to the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Out of the three mountains on which the resort is built, the highest is Outback Mountain, which has an altitude of around 11,980 feet. Skiing here is restricted for local tourists, and only professional skiers can ski on this mountain.

The resort authorities organize an epic all-day CAT skiing tour every year in which anybody can participate, whether he or she is a professional skier or not.

See Related: Best Romantic Getaway Vacations

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah

The Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is in Utah, near Salt Lake City, only 27 miles from the resort location. This place receives a record-breaking snowfall yearly, averaging 500-600 inches of snow.

The resort’s authorities have just spent significant money on a major renovation project. The upgrade of the mountain’s ticketing system, which was recently completed, cost $35 million.

Steamboat Ski Resort

The Steamboat Ski Resort is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The resort features 2,965 acres of skiable terrain, 165 trails, and a vertical descent of 3,668 feet.

The resort is family-friendly and offers ski school programs for children as young as 3. In addition, the resort has several beautiful and breathtaking scenic views of the Routt National Forest, comprising around five multi-level terrain parks, all covered with thick white snow.

The Mavericks are the biggest of the five multi-level terrain parks, with jumps or drops that range from 50 to 7 feet high. The resort also provides several great place options to stay including luxurious lodges to smaller-sized condos.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States. It is owned and operated by the same company that owns and operates the Vail Resort, so you know it’s good!

Every year, more than 1.6 million tourists flock to Breckenridge to experience the excellent skiing vacation that this resort has to offer. If you’re looking for a great family ski resort, look no further than Breckenridge. There are plenty of great lodging accommodations to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay in Breckenridge:

• Beaver Run Resort – This resort is perfect for families, offering ski-in/ski-out access to the ski trail.
• The Village at Breckenridge – This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more traditional ski town experience.
• One Ski Hill Place – If luxury is what you’re after, then One Ski Hill Place is the perfect place for you. It offers incredible views of the mountains.
• The Inn at Breckenridge – This bed and breakfast is a great option for those who want to be close to all the action but still have a cozy place to call their own.
• The Lodge at Breckenridge – Another great option for luxury seekers, this lodge offers ski-in, ski-out, and a great mountain village experience.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

If you’re looking for a ski resort that caters to families, look no further than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. Known as the best ski resort in Wyoming, with endless runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities off the slopes, Jackson Hole is sure to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, and when you need a break from the slopes, there’s plenty to do off the mountain. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts love Jackson Hole.

The mountain combines beginner and the most difficult terrain, enough to challenge even your group’s expert skiers. As you ride your tram to the top of the mountain, you’ll feel the excitement with all the skiable acres this resort offers.

According to statistics, Jackson Hole’s average daily snowfall in recent years has been 38 feet. Over 2,400 acres are covered at the resort, which includes more than 100 named run areas and multiple terrain parks.

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the country. There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages, and the resort is also located in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting for a ski resort than Telluride. Like other attractions in the region, the ski resort is a must-see for tourists. The surrounding mountain scenery is enough to steal your breath, and the ski resort is no exception.

You’ll be surrounded by towering peaks when you enter the valley from above. Plenty of intermediate trails exist for those who want to push their limits without getting too crazy.

In terms of facilities, Telluride has everything you need for a great family ski vacation. The resort has two base areas, Mountain Village and Telluride Town, connected by a free gondola.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly ski resort that is also located in a beautiful setting, Telluride Ski Resort is a great option.

See Related: Essential Packing Tips for Vacations

Park City Mountain Village Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Village Resort is the largest ski resort in the United States, boasting 4,300 acres of skiable terrain. The resort offers a wide variety of trails for all levels of skiers and is especially popular with families. This is one of North America’s most well-known ski areas, as it hosted the Winter Olympics.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Park City Mountain Resort offers many other activities, such as tubing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. There are a number of great places to stay in Park City. Some of the most popular include the following:

• The Silver Star Resort is a great place for families as it offers ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes and other amenities such as an outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center.
• The Canyons Resort is another great option for families as it offers discounted rates on lift tickets when purchased as part of a package with lodging. It also has a wide variety of trails to choose from, making it perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
• The Grand Summit Hotel is located right at the base of the slopes, making it extremely convenient for guests. It also offers a kids’ program, which provides activities and supervision for children aged 3-12.

Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

Vail Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States. The resort offers 5289 acres of skiable terrain, with 193 trails and 31 lifts. Vail Ski Resort is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

Regarding family ski resorts, Vail Ski Resort is hard to beat. With its world-class skiing and après-ski scene, your family will never get bored. The resort also offers a variety of activities for kids, including the Ski and Snowboard School, tubing hills, and a kids’ center.

Regarding things to do in Vail, Colorado, skiing, and snowboarding are at the top of the list. But plenty of other activities keep you busy during your stay.

For instance, you can visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens or take a scenic hike. Vail is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

See Related: Things to Do in Colorado & Places to Visit

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Beaver Creek Resort is located in the Vail Valley of Colorado, one of the most popular ski resorts in the state. It offers a great experience for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert, and it has something to offer for everyone in the family.

Beaver Creek is also one of the most expensive ski spots in America. The varied skiing combined with world-class après-ski opportunities makes Beaver Creek a family favorite.

The resort has two gondolas that whisk skiers to the top of the mountain, where they can enjoy stunning views of the Rockies. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink at the base of the mountain, making it easy to take a day off skiing or snowboarding to enjoy the local area.

On certain parts of the mountain, the gullies challenge even the most advanced skiers at all levels. It’s an amazing mountain that anyone can enjoy.

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