The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes
The banner year forecasted for the 2023-24 ski season, thanks to persistent El Nino weather patterns, hasn’t materialized across U.S. resorts quite yet. As we head into peak season, conditions are currently below average, with warm, dry weather resulting in base depths well below the norm at resorts across the country.
California and East Coast resorts have had an especially late start. In the Rockies, which is faring the best so far, big-name resorts like Jackson Hole, Breckenridge and Park City are operating with less than 70% of terrain open, with many lifts not yet running, according to data from On the Snow.
While no one can truly predict snowfall months or even weeks out, opting for flexible hotel and flight bookings — while also staying updated on the latest snow conditions — is the best strategy to ensure you can satisfy your powder cravings.
Beyond selecting the best U.S. resort based on optimal snowfall, if you haven’t yet booked your ski trip this year, there are many other factors you should take into account.
First, though, let’s dispense with the superlatives right here and admit that “best” means something different to everyone, depending on priorities and preferences. What wows an extreme skier looking for bragging rights isn’t necessarily going to provide the most pleasant experience for families or beginners.
There are other criteria as well: Some of the best ski resorts win accolades for luxurious accommodations and white-glove service, while others thrill with wild scenery or an exciting apres-ski scene.
Then there’s geography. Most of America’s world-class ski resorts are in the West, simply because that’s where the highest mountains are. But those on the East Coast have some classics among them as well.
Here is a general guide to some of America’s top ski resorts and the reasons each might be the best choice for you.
Aspen Snowmass Resort
From the expert runs of Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands to the expansive and family-friendly terrain of far larger Snowmass, this 5,500-acre complex encompasses four skiing and snowboarding areas. It lives up to its reputation as the definitive all-in-one ski destination and one of the best Colorado ski resorts. And thanks to the addition of a new high-speed quad and a significant terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain, there will be even more to explore this winter.
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Despite its tony image, there’s plenty of rowdy fun to be had here. Go tubing and snow biking under the stars at Elk Camp or ice-karting around a frozen lake in nearby Roaring Fork Valley.
What to know
Each of the four Aspen Snowmass ski resorts has its own personality. Aspen Mountain is known for its challenging terrain and easy access to town and nightlife, while Aspen Highlands is famed for its expert runs. Families and beginners can’t do better than the gentle slopes of Buttermilk, especially the tot-friendly Panda Peak and the teenager favorite X Park.
Snowmass offers equally easy access while still pleasing thrill-seekers with its 4,400-foot rise. Speaking of thrills, no other resort offers an experience like the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which whizzes through the forest on an elevated track.
Where to eat
Hit up Aspen Public House for burgers and truffle potatoes or Spring Cafe for soups, salads and creative breakfast scrambles. For something more celebratory, try the French bistro cuisine at Betula or the prime rib at Catch Steak.
Where to stay
Where you stay depends on your budget and on which mountain resort you want to ski. There are plenty of choices, and luckily, Aspen has some of the best ski hotels in the U.S.
The recently opened Mollie Aspen is a great option for those looking for a quieter, simple boutique hotel in the center of town. The St. Regis Aspen Resort is ideal if you’re hoping for a dose of luxury just a few steps from the lifts at Aspen Mountain.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who like luxury and want to be close to town. This is not a true ski-in, ski-out hotel but is an easy walk to Aspen Mountain.
Why stay here: This resort gives off modern mountain vibes with a great outdoor heated pool and three hot tubs to soak in at the end of your ski day.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
Rates start at $1,567 or 116,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during ski season on select midweek dates, although weekends can exceed $2,000 per night. Depending on the number of nights booked and specific dates, nights can be as low as 76,800 points.
W Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Those who want to be steps from the lift at Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, and within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in downtown Aspen.
Why stay here: This 88-room hotel is right on the slopes and blends a mountain vibe with the standard W touches, like a DJ in the lobby and even rooms with bunk beds. For larger groups who are looking to splurge, check out the Sky Residences.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, or directly with Marriott to redeem points.
Rates start at $948 per night during ski season and $600 per night off-peak, or from 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, all plus a $50-per-night resort fee.
The Little Nell
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Skiers who want top-notch luxury accommodations steps from the slopes and right in the heart of town. This hotel has been a luxury mainstay since its 1989 opening. Since then, this has been the place to stay and eat for those wanting an over-the-top experience.
Why stay here: Skiing can be exhausting. Why not come back at the end of the day to the best service and pampering money can buy? Everything about this hotel, including its location, makes it easy to ski and relax. And as a Relais & Chateaux property, you know the food is going to be as heavenly as the skiing.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Rates start at $2,000 per night during ski season, $600 per night off-peak.
Viewline Resort Snowmass
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want something steps from the slopes at an affordable price.
Why stay here: Formerly The Westin Snowmass, this Autograph Collection property built into the side of the ski slopes recently went through a renovation and a rebranding. It isn’t as glamorous as other Aspen properties, but it offers good value.
Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott to earn and redeem points and enjoy elite status benefits.
Rates start at $550 per night during ski season, $250 off-peak or 55,000 points per night during ski season plus a $50 daily resort fee.
Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort
With the 2014 addition of the Canyons ski resort increasing its size to 7,300 acres, Park City arguably became the largest ski resort in America. It’s second only to Whistler Blackcomb in North America.
Deer Valley Resort, just 3 miles away, provides a premium experience with high-touch service for skiers; snowboarders are still banned from the impeccably maintained slopes.
Alterra Mountain Company, which owns Deer Valley, recently announced a historic expansion that will incorporate the Mayflower Mountain Resort into Deer Valley. This will more than double the skiable terrain and add 16 new lifts and a 10-passenger gondola to the slopes.
What to know
A new eight-person gondola now connects Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons from peak to peak, making access easy. Snowboarders are out of luck at Deer Valley, which is one of the three last American resorts open only to skiers. Luckily, Park City and Canyons are snowboarder favorites.
Where to eat
As one of the best ski towns in the U.S., Park City has no shortage of terrific dining options. You’ll find plenty of chef-driven culinary haunts along Main Street, including Riverhorse on Main, Grappa and Chimayo. You’ll pay handsomely for the scenery and prime location, though. A younger, lively crowd flocks to places like High West Saloon and No Name Saloon. Locals tend to frequent places off the tourist trail, such as Five5eeds, purveyors of fresh, healthy fare, or Sammy’s Bistro, a local institution.
The Swiss Alps come to Utah at Deer Valley Resort’s Fireside Dining, where you can feast on warm raclette cheese and classic fondue after arriving by horse-drawn sleigh.
Where to stay
There are plenty of fabulous lodges where you can park your skis at the end of a day out on the slopes. The big decision here is whether to stay closer to Deer Valley or Park City. For snowboarders or families with snowboarders, the decision is easy since they aren’t welcome at Deer Valley.
But for skiers, the decision is less straightforward. Regardless of where you’re skiing, staying close to Park City Mountain Resort or Canyons is an option. They are quite literally side by side and connected by the Quicksilver gondola once you are on the mountain.
Staying at Deer Valley is a better option for those looking for a more luxurious, secluded, high-end vibe, while Park City lends itself to a more laid-back, casual experience. If you’re looking for the option to walk from bar to bar or explore different restaurants by foot, staying closer to Park City is a better bet.
The St. Regis Deer Valley
Deer Valley, Utah, USA
Best for: Those seeking a deluxe on-mountain stay at a world-class resort.
Why stay here: The St. Regis Deer Valley has it all. It’s located right on the mountain (though on an actual run and not at the ski school base), has an Elemis spa, restaurants, a ski shop and a valet, not to mention free nightly Champagne sabering, s’mores and hot chocolate to warm you up and celebrate another great day on the slopes.
Best way to book: Book the St. Regis Deer Valley through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, using your Marriott Bonvoy points, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection.
Winter rates at the St. Regis Deer Valley start at $1,160 or 96,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Montage Deer Valley
Park City, Utah, USA
Best for: Vacations where you’re after a traditional take on mountain luxury with unique on-property family amenities.
Why stay here: Montage Deer Valley is perfect for a classic luxury vacation, as it has heated bathroom floors, soaking tubs and more in its spacious 600-square-foot rooms.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.
Winter rates at the Montage Deer Valley are available for $1,500 per night.
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Park City, Utah, USA
Best for: A luxury ski vacation with easy access to both snow and the city.
Why stay here: The Waldorf Astoria Park City is equidistant from Park City Mountain Resort and Main Street, making it the perfect jumping-off point for your snowy adventures.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or directly with Hilton to redeem Hilton Honors points.
Rates start at $365 per night in low season, around $955 in high season or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.
Breckenridge, Colorado
A Western-chic vibe still pervades this historic 19th-century mining town. The resort’s Five Peaks frame a bustling main street lined with gingerbread-bedecked clapboard buildings.
An all-season destination known for mountain biking and hiking almost as much as it is for skiing, “Breck” hosts a year-round roster of festivals and events. This includes the International Snow Sculpture Championships, which turn the town into a magical fantasyland of ice during the last week of January every year.
The fun vibe continues in town which you can reach via the free BreckConnect gondola. From the top of the Imperial SuperChair — the highest chairlift in North America, which sits 12,840 feet above sea level — you can take the trails directly from he slopes into town.
What to know
At 9,600 feet above sea level, Breck is among the highest-altitude towns in the U.S. As such, it has become known for early fall color and snowfall and late snowmelt, with good snow conditions typical into late spring. And with such a wide variety of lodging around town, it’s no surprise that Breck has some of the best ski lodges in the U.S.
Where to eat
Dine on elk and buffalo while listening to jazz and blues at Blue River Bistro, known for its three-hour happy hour. Or, class it up at Legends Steak & Seafood, where the butcher’s cut of the day is reliably excellent. The restaurant at Breckenridge Distillery is almost as beloved for its celebratory atmosphere and eclectic menu of small plates as it is for its world-class whiskey.
Tip: Take a distillery tour if you have time.
Where to stay
More casual than some of Colorado’s glitzy ski destinations, Breckenridge still has some wonderful places to stay. Hotels like the Residence Inn are perfect for enjoying the town as a whole; its location on Main Street makes it the perfect place to enjoy the nightlife after a long day of skiing or riding. And with the number of restaurants, shops and bars in Breck, it’s definitely worth leaving the slopes and spending some time wandering around town.
Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want to be right on Main Street or travel with their pets. The hotel is in Breck’s historic district, which is slightly quieter than the slopeside areas but doesn’t sacrifice the spectacular views.
Why stay here: The rooms are larger than typical hotel rooms and they offer free breakfast — not to mention it’s a short walk to the shopping and restaurants downtown. A year-round outdoor pool and hot tub make this Residence Inn stand out from others in the chain.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott to earn or redeem points.
Rates from $400 per night during ski season, or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Gravity Haus Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Best for: Those looking for a trendy, boutique experience steps from both the chairlift and town. This dog-friendly hotel (call ahead if you plan on bringing a pet!) features 60 rooms, fitness classes, gear storage and even has a Japanese-influenced onsen for the ultimate relaxation after a long day on the slopes.
Why stay here: Part of the quickly growing Gravity Haus chain, this might feel like more of a club than a hotel. Come to work, stay, ski or just mingle. It’s a pet-friendly hotel where you are meant to interact with other guests.
Best way to book: Directly with the hotel.
Rates from $389 per night during ski season.
Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge at Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Best for: This Marriott Vacation Club property is great for timeshare owners or those who want a little space to spread out. It’s steps from the slopes and from town, making it ideal for everybody in your group.
Why stay here: The extra space and great location make this a great spot for your ski adventure. Don’t expect to be pampered at this resort, but the location makes it an ideal ski spot, especially for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott to earn or redeem points.
Rates from $350 per night during ski season, or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (though it can be a challenge finding them).
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Yes, Jackson Hole is a bucket list destination for expert skiers looking to prove themselves on its craggy slopes and famously steep chutes like the infamous Corbet’s Couloir. That said, beginning and intermediate skiers will also find some gentler trails as well as recently expanded intermediate terrain.
What to know
It’s only a 15-minute ride up the mountain on the aerial tram affectionately dubbed Big Red, but get there early during peak times to avoid lines. Families and beginners will love the recently opened Solitude Station ski school and learning hub that offers lessons, rentals and fire pits to make waiting more pleasant.
Where to eat
There’s no lunch spot like Piste Mountain Bistro at the top of the Bridger gondola, where a glass wall showcases mountaintop views. Local favorite Gather serves up modern American comfort fare in an unusual round dining room surrounded by a spacious patio. The top-of-the-world waffles at Corbet’s Cabin are a must.
Where to stay
Rustic-chic is the name of the game when it comes to luxurious lodges in this former frontier town. Many lodging options, like the Caldera House and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Teton Village, are higher-end properties that focus on the amenities and a luxurious off-slope experience. There are also more affordable options, like the Snake River Lodge and Spa, which is still a luxury mountain resort — just slightly less high-end than some other properties.
Snake River Lodge & Spa
Teton Village, Wyoming, USA
Best for: High-concept coziness that will make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie with snow-covered roofs and twinkling lights.
Why stay here: One of the town’s more affordable options, it’s also among the most convenient since it’s connected to the tram and gondola via a series of heated walkways and buildings. Come for the skiing, stay for the fabulous hot tubs.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at $356 per night
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Teton Village, Wyoming, USA
Best for: A luxurious family vacation at any time of the year.
Why stay here: A year-round heated pool in an aspen grove, an expansive library and a naturalist ready to advise are just a few of the features distinguishing the Four Seasons Resort and Residences. With the Bridger and Sweetwater gondolas just steps away, you’ll be happy staff is on hand for ski tuning and boot warming.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts with your Platinum Card from American Express.
Rates start at around $1,410 per night in high season.
Caldera House Jackson Hole
Teton Village, Wyoming, USA
Best for: Design lovers who want a luxurious stay in one of America’s best mountain towns.
Why stay here: With just eight rooms, Caldera House is exclusive even for Jackson Hole, but the $100-million chalet earns its place on TPG’s list of coolest new hotels for its eye-popping design and perks like a cedar sauna and extensive menu of educational programs.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.
Rates start at around $1,400 per night in high season.
Palisades Tahoe
As you’d expect from a resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and trained 1998 gold medalist Jonny Moseley, Palisades Tahoe is the resort of choice for expert skiers drawn to extra-steep runs, including several newly designated as double black diamonds. But it might come as a surprise to learn that the terrain at today’s resort is almost evenly divided among beginner, intermediate and expert.
Palisades Tahoe has recently undergone several major improvements, including a multimillion-dollar renovation of its Gold Coast midmountain lodge.
What to know
Two base areas, the Village and Alpine (the former Alpine Meadows, now part of Palisades), are linked by a brand-new base-to-base gondola, making it possible to ski both in one day. Unlike most resorts, Palisades has beginner areas at the top of the mountain at the 8,200-foot High Camp, accessible by an aerial tram.
Related: From hidden gems to big names: Here are 11 of California’s best ski resorts
Where to eat
Take a lunch break with 8,200-foot views at High Camp’s Granite Bistro, which overlooks the pool and hot tub, or savor kebabs and other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare at Mogrog Cafe in the Alpine base camp. Off-resort on the banks of the Truckee River, the River Ranch Lodge serves elk ribs, bison chops, scallops, calamari and ahi poke alongside more conventional pub-style fare.
Where to stay
More casual and laid-back than some other ski resorts, Palisades Tahoe has plenty of accommodation options for travelers of various inclinations.
Unlike destinations like Aspen — where luxurious rooms and top-notch spa treatments are just as (if not more) important than the skiing itself — the Tahoe area has accommodations perfect for winding down between long days of skiing. That’s not to say there aren’t some nice places to stay (like North Tahoe’s PlumpJack Inn), but they’re just a bit more casual than the hotels frequently found in some of the higher-end destinations.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Olympic Valley, California, USA
Best for: Large groups who like doing their own thing.
Why stay here: The expansive collection of rooms, suites and condos offers pretty much any size or configuration, including Premier Plus suites that can sleep up to 11 people.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start as low as $150 per night for a studio, midweek, during ski season.
PlumpJack Inn
Olympic Valley, California, USA
Best for: Skiers who want a boutique experience in the heart of the action.
Why stay here: Originally built to house high-end guests attending the 1960 Winter Olympics, PlumpJack Inn maintains an exclusive boutique ambiance with ski-in, ski-out privileges within strolling distance of the cafes and shops of the village.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $470 per night during ski season.
Sun Valley Resort
Ernest Hemingway finished “For Whom the Bell Tolls” there; Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Lee Curtis own homes there; and so many Hollywood celebrities vacation there that it’s known as New Hollywood North. Yet Sun Valley, Idaho, has plenty to offer the rest of us, from the beginner terrain on Dollar Mountain to the pristine and well-groomed trails on Bald Mountain. Not to mention, it gets more than 250 days of sunshine a year.
What to know
Dollar Mountain lures beginners with easy-to-navigate trails while experts head for Bald Mountain, or “Baldy,” for black diamond runs. Sunrise, a new 380-acre terrain park that opened in 2020, expands the resort’s skiable acres by 20%. New for December 2023, Sun Valley is improving the Warm Springs part of the resort with several new lift installations and an additional 54 acres of gladed terrain.
Related: Sleigh rides and snowball fights: Top 8 ski resorts for people who don’t like to ski
Where to eat
Pub-style food and a convivial atmosphere make Warfield Distillery & Brewery a good place to chat with locals and catch the occasional live band.
Where to stay
Sun Valley gets a lot less recognition than some of the other major ski destinations throughout North America. Naturally, the accommodations will be much more laid-back and affordable than the higher-end inns and lodges at places like Breckenridge and Jackson Hole.
That said, Limelight does have a location in nearby Ketchum, which emulates its successful property in Aspen. And just because it gets less recognition (although that seems to be changing recently) doesn’t mean the skiing or lodging experiences are any less noteworthy.
Sun Valley Lodge
Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Best for: Skiers who want an affordable yet upscale home base to explore the area’s excellent terrain. Having a huge spa and fitness complex doesn’t hurt, either.
Why stay here: With its midcentury modern decor and crisscross layout, Sun Valley Lodge maintains the retro glamor of 1950s Sun Valley while keeping current with offerings like a yoga studio, glass-enclosed pool and poolside cafe, and nearby skating rink.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $471 per night.
Limelight Hotel
Ketchum, Idaho, USA
Best for: A budget-friendly, car-free ski vacation.
Why stay here: At the Limelight Hotel you’ll stay in the heart of Ketchum without losing out on spectacular mountain views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows framing Bald Mountain. Mountain and airport shuttles make it possible to have a car-free vacation.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $260 per night.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hailey Sun Valley
Hailey, Idaho, USA
Best for: Skiers who want a boutique experience in the heart of the action.
Why stay here: Presenting an alternative to upscale Ketchum, 15 minutes away, Hailey offers a relaxed family-friendly vibe epitomized by the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which opened in 2021. Apply Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of the complimentary breakfast, onsite fitness center and convenience store, and indoor pool.
Best way to book: Book through Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite-status benefits.
Rates start at around $370 or from 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Steamboat, Colorado
In Colorado’s Yampa Valley, the town now known as Steamboat Springs served as an important hunting ground for the Ute tribe; the area’s natural springs were also culturally significant for the Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes. When a railroad was built in the early 20th century, the region became important for ranching, but it wouldn’t be long before skiing followed.
Today, the ski area pays tribute to its past with events like the Cowboy Downhill race, which is exactly what it sounds like: a rowdy time with professional rodeo cowboys competing in a race that includes slalom, a jump, lassos and horses.
What to know
The resort is set to complete a $220 million, three-year development project in time for the 2023-24 ski season — the largest in resort history.
The project’s final phase adds 655 acres of skiable expert terrain, bumping Steamboat up to the second-largest resort in the state. The installation of the upper section of the Wild Blue gondola will make it the fastest and longest 10-person gondola in North America. Steamboat is approximately a four-hour drive from Denver, but there is flight service to nearby Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) from 15 major cities nationwide.
Where to eat
There is no shortage of options for food around Steamboat. There are casual spots like TBar — which is set in an old ski patrol building and offers empanadas and sandwiches like a pork belly BLT — as well as higher-end culinary experiences like Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, which specializes in smoked and cured foods.
Where to stay
Steamboat has plenty of lodging options to choose from. Gravity Haus now has a ski-in, ski-out location at Steamboat for those who don’t want to waste time before getting to the slopes in the morning. Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas is also an on-mountain hotel with great access to and views of the slopes.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott loyalists who want to be steps away from the slopes.
Why stay here: Since this is part of Marriott’s timeshare collection, there are larger options available for groups, up to three-bedroom villas. That means space to spread out and a kitchen to cook your own meals.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite status benefits.
Rates start at $303 per night during ski season, and Bonvoy points bookings are typically unavailable during high-demand times, like ski season.
The Steamboat Grand
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Best for: Those who want nice rooms close to the slopes and the amenities that come with a large resort.
Why stay here: There’s a wide variety of room types here, from standard rooms to condos and luxury penthouses. There’s a large outdoor heated pool and two hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes.
Best way to book: Directly with the hotel.
Rates start at around $565 per night during ski season.
Gravity Haus Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Best for: Families looking for a modern ski-in, ski-out boutique hotel with the convenience of an on-site gear rental shop, a cafe, a pool and a restaurant.
Why stay here: Gravity Haus recently purchased the former 77-room Ptarmigan Inn and transformed it into a hip boutique hotel, complete with a co-working space and a tavern that’s set to open for the upcoming ski season. It has a wide variety of rooms and even allows dogs for a $50 per night fee.
Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and special offers and packages.
Rates start at $359 per night.
Big Sky Resort
Halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone in Montana’s Madison Range, Big Sky is the out-of-the-way destination every skier dreams of.
The resort became another contender for one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. with the 2013 addition of Moonlight Basin, bringing the total skiable acres to 5,850. There are even lifts and runs connecting Big Sky to the privately owned 2,200-acre Yellowstone Club, open only to those owning property or staying there.
Big Sky is also nearing the end of a 10-year upgrade project, which includes a new network of lifts, new food and beverage options, and a new Lone Peak tram with an all-glass viewing platform at the offload point (and glass floors in the tram itself).
What to know
Four connected mountains and seven terrain parks give Big Sky a huge variety of runs and conditions. It also boasts the second-longest vertical drop in the U.S., an adrenaline-surging 4,350 feet from the top of Lone Peak.
Where to eat
Fuel up for the day at Blue Moon Bakery, which also serves up a mean pizza. Celebrate a special occasion — or just a successful day on the slopes — at Alpenglow, the Montage’s swanky brasserie.
Where to stay
Thanks to cozy town hotels and new over-the-top luxury lodges, Big Sky is quickly becoming one of the country’s premier ski resorts to visit. Despite Big Sky being less crowded and popular than some of North America’s megaresorts, there are still plenty of lodging options. Options range from high-end resorts like Montage Big Sky to the Summit Hotel, which has a bit more of a “standard” hotel feel.
Montage Big Sky
Big Sky, Montana, USA
Best for: The chance to visit one of the country’s most exclusive new ski hotels before it’s discovered by the international jet set.
Why stay here: There’s no skimping on style (or glass) at the Montage Big Sky, where windows seem to frame the towering peaks from every angle. Residences are available with as many as six bedrooms, making the Montage a prime choice for large groups.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts with your Platinum Card from American Express.
Rates start at around $1,200 per night.
Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort
Big Sky, Montana, USA
Best for: Skiers who prefer their luxury to be slopeside.
Why stay here: Two presidents have spent their vacations at the Summit, which is not surprising given the hotel’s impeccable service and extensive amenities and dining options, all within a few minutes of two high-speed lifts.
Best way to book: Book direct to find the best rates and packages.
Rates start at around $500 per night.
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
Big Sky, Montana, USA
Best for: A casual stay in town that’s still convenient to the slopes.
Why stay here: Marriott dubbed this Residence Inn The Wilson to highlight its old-school style, which includes a piano in the lobby, wide-horizon views from all sides and a plethora of on-site extras like a market featuring healthy snacks and to-go items.
Best way to book: Book through Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite-status benefits.
Rates start at around $392 or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Killington Resort
Living up to its nickname of the Beast of the East, Killington boasts the most trails and terrain parks of any resort in New England. The 3,000-acre resort in the Green Mountains also prides itself on being the first to open and last to close, often keeping the snow on at least one trail as late as June.
What to know
The Snowshed base area is the perfect starting point for beginners, while Ramshead is Killington’s playground, making it one of the best family ski resorts. Serious skiers head for Killington Peak, known as K-1, which has the resort’s most challenging terrain, including the second-largest vertical drop on the Eastern Seaboard.
Where to eat
Pizza and calzones from Domenic’s will fill up the family, while The Foundry is the local hot spot for a festive meal. Lookout Tavern is a lively spot for beer and the family basics, including a large, well-priced kids menu.
Where to stay
Even in a little ski destination like this, your hotel points could come in handy at places like the Killington Mountain Lodge, a Hilton property. Killington is known for its lively nightlife (check out the Wobbly Barn for an iconic apres-ski scene), but since the town is relatively small, it’s pretty quick and easy to get around regardless of where you stay.
Killington Grand Resort
Killington, Vermont, USA
Best for: Skiers seeking a little pampering without breaking the bank.
Why stay here: Spacious rooms, ski-bridge access to the slopes, a relaxing spa and an outdoor heated pool are some of the calling cards of the Killington Grand Resort.
Best way to book: Book direct to find the best rates and packages.
Rates start around $381 per night.
Killington Mountain Lodge
Killington, Vermont, USA
Best for: Families who want to mix a few non-ski activities into their stay.
Why stay here: Killington Mountain Lodge lives up to the goals of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection with the brand’s noted combination of luxury amenities and family-friendly ambience, not to mention a huge hot tub for up to 20.
Best way to book: Book through Hilton to earn and redeem points and enjoy any elite-status perks.
Rates start at around $170 or 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
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