Are you thinking about going on a ski trip? Looking to find the perfect ski resorts in the US?
You have come to the right spot!
There are so many amazing places to ski in the USA. From the east coast to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, this post has a little something for everyone! I have worked with a great group of travel bloggers that have had experiences all over the country and will share their opinions on what they feel like the best places to ski in America are. We will help you know which ski destination is right for you!
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Park City Ski Resort
Description of Park City Mountain Resort by Planningaway
Park City Mountain Resort is located 40 miles away from Salt Lake City, Utah. This resort is massive with 348 trails, 41 lifts and 7 terrain parks. A gondola connects Deer Valley Resort so you have the option to ski at both resorts.
Park City is a great city and has a fabulous night life. The city provides a free trolley that shuttles from the ski area to the main street. Main street is full of restaurants and stores!
The main reason people love Park City Mountain Resort is because you can guarantee luxury accommodations and treatment. There are many ski in ski out Park City options which makes for a perfect ski vacation. Park City attracts many celebrities and you may see them if you choose to ski Park City!
Utah has the “best snow on earth” and if you are planning the Ultimate Utah Ski Vacation don’t forget there are actually eight resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City!
Minnesota Ski Resorts
Description of Minnesota Ski Resorts by Ruhls Of The Road
Minnesota is home to tons and tons of snow and Winter. In fact, it is the most northern state in the continental United States! And what comes with all that snow? Skiing of course!
Skiing in Minnesota is something kids do from the time they can walk, heading out to one of the many ski resorts that call Minnesota home.
My personal favorite resorts in Minnesota are: Afton Alps, Spirit Mountain, and Lutsen. Each of these resorts has something that makes it a unique and wonderful experience.
Afton Alps is right outside the Twin Cities, and has a wide array of adventures including an awesome Terrain Park. You can ski all day then head to Minneapolis for the night!
Spirit Mountain, located near Duluth, has in incredible view of Lake Superior as you ski down one of the many runs.
Lutsen is the most impressive resort in Minnesota, with a peak over 1,000 feet up and over 1,000 acres of skiing area. Skiing in Lutsen can sometimes make you feel as if you are out West in the Rockies, with long runs and a few challenging black diamonds as well.
Skiing in Minnesota is a must, and these 3 resorts are the place to do it. Click here for more recommendations!
Steamboat Springs
Description of Steamboat Springs in Colorado by Peanuts or Pretzels
When you are talking about the top ski resorts in the US, you have to mention Steamboat Springs, Colorado. There are some amazing ski resorts in Colorado and Steamboat Springs is top on the list.
Also known as “Ski Town U.S.A”, Steamboat Springs is home to many US Olympic skiers and home for the most Olympic medalists in the country. So you know when you
are skiing in Steamboat Springs, you could easily be skiing next to a future gold medalist.
The iconic ski slopes in Steamboat Springs dates back to 1963. While you can easily spend all day on the slopes skiing it up in Steamboat, you will want to make sure to do it around the time of the Winter Carnival.
You can see some of the best skiing competitions from locals and some pros too in the middle of the town. Don’t forget to bring your dog too. Steamboat is super dog-friendly too. Hana loves it!
Telluride Colorado Ski Resort
Description of Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado by Adrift Aesthetic
If you’re looking for a fantastic ski resort that is also conveniently located above one of the most picturesque towns in the U.S., look no further than Telluride, Colorado.
This gorgeous mountain city is known for its striking views all year-round. Centrally located near many other unique areas like Ouray or Durango, Colorado.
Telluride is a secluded oasis that should be on anyone’s Colorado bucket list. However, the winter months are when the Telluride Ski Resort, comes to life. Head to the chair lift just off the main street to be transported into a Colorado winter wonderland.
Located in the San Juan Mountains, you’ll be gifted with 360-degree views as you make your way up to the Ski Resort.
Many of the surrounding mountain peaks reach 13,000-14,000 feet! With over 2,000 acres of skiable land (with multiple runs ranging from beginner to advanced), this is the ideal stop for any winter sports enthusiast.
The ski resort has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the country by multiple travel publications, and is also home to an extensive ski school and hosts countless winter weddings each year.
With stunning views of snow-capped mountains across the horizon and the quaint town of Telluride in the valley below for endless food options and activities, the Telluride Ski Resort is one you have to visit! It is time to plan a Telluride ski vacation!
Copper Mountain Colorado
Description of Copper Mountain in Colorado by Ramble Around The World
If you’re looking for a Colorado ski resort that has pristine powder, half the crowds as ‘name-brand’ resorts and is a straight shot to and from Denver, Copper Mountain is your go-to. It’s a quaint resort town that boasts three mountains and 2,450 acres of terrain — and it’s one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets.
With a run peaking in elevation at 12,313 feet above sea level, Copper Mountain is home to the ninth-highest groomed trail in the United States. That run begins as a double-black diamond, but the resort caters to every skill level.
From tree runs and mogul black diamonds to green and blue slopes, Copper’s 140-plus trails offer a healthy mix of runs that could keep everyone from beginners to experts busy all weekend.
And you can stay extremely busy because lift lines are nearly nonexistent due to the resort’s 26 lifts, which include the newly added high-speed, eight-person chondola.
But one of the coolest things about Copper Mountain is that it’s home to one of 12 Woodward facilities in the world. This feat of providing state-of-the-art training facilities for America’s next Olympians is also why it annually hosts the U.S. Grand Prix, which is a weekend-long nationally televised competition that takes place in Copper’s 22-foot superpipe every December.
Jackson Hole Wyoming
Description of Jackson Hole Wyoming by Travels With BiBi
Are you looking for a world class snow sport destination where lasting memories can be made for your entire family? If so, Jackson Hole, Wyoming should be at the top of your travel wish
list!
With so many mountain ranges just a stone’s throw away, Jackson Hole is known as a hub of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Wildlife viewing is a favorite activity in Jackson Hole where deer, elk, and many other small mammals can be found throughout the valley. Visitors also find many species of birds hanging out in the valley including ducks, geese, and even swans.
Like other mountain ranges though, snow sports are the primary winter activity and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King and Grand Targhee resorts all offer excellent skiing experiences and accommodations.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of my all-time favorite resorts and is the premier winter ski and snowboard resort in Jackson Hole. With over 2,500 acres of exceptional skiing and snowboarding runs, it’s the perfect base camp for your winter vacation.
Bridger Bowl Ski Resort Montana
Description of Bridger Bowl by The Trecking Family
“Ski Season is upon us! And so are ski trips.The Bridger Bowl Ski Resort is a Bozeman, Montana staple! It is bout 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman.
Bridger Bowl has 11 ski lifts, 2,000 acres of skiable terrain with over 75 runs available all the way up to the ridge and down.
Something that makes Bridger Bowl so unique is Schlasman’s Lift. Schlasman’s Lift takes you up to the famous Bridger Bowl Ridge. It’s the backbone of the entire Bridger mountain range and offers back country skiing with the convenience of a lift. There are tons of gnarly chutes and cliffs for the experienced skier.
I enjoy this resort more than most because I know for a fact that I won’t get lost or die… which is a genuine fear of mine when it comes to skiing. Not only that, but it’s locally owned and operated! Double bonus!”
If you want to learn more about Montana’s Ski Resorts check out this post!
Big Sky Resort in Montana
Description of Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana by Travel Montana Now
If you love skiing or snowboarding, you must make it to Big Sky Resort someday — or every winter! Big Sky is an epic place for skiing in Montana. It is Montana’s premier ski resort, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its massive mountain slopes and snow bowls.
With gondolas to protect you from the cold as you make your way to the top of the mountain for long runs, quick chair lifts on other slopes, plus small hills for beginners, there is something for every skill level.
For a midday break, cozy up in one of the chalets and enjoy a bowl of chili or cup of hot chocolate. After you’re done hitting the slopes, head back inside for a refreshing beer or go into Big Sky’s downtown area where you’ll find more food and drink options.
Accommodations also abound in Big Sky, with ski-in condominiums, multi-bedroom houses on the edge of town, and hotels near the resort. However you choose to vacation in Big Sky, you’ll quickly see why it’s one of the best ski resorts in the world!
Schweitzer Mountain Resort In Idaho
Description of Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho by One Savvy Wanderer
Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Northern Idaho is one of the top ski destinations in the Pacific Northwest. 92 trails cover 2900 skiable acres with a top elevation of 6,400 feet. The size of the mountain is just one of the reasons Schweitzer is a must visit as it was recently named the 7th most affordable ski resort in North America!
Adult full-day lift tickets are $86, junior tickets (ages 7-17) are $50 and children 6 and under are free. For easy ski-in/ski-out access, skiers can choose to stay at one of the resort hotels or rent a condo on the mountain through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
Visitors to Schweitzer can also stay in Sandpoint, which is a 15 minute drive down the mountain. There are lots of things to do in Sandpoint, including live music at the local restaurants and breweries after a long day on the mountain.
Lake Tahoe Ski Resort
Description of Lake Tahoe Ski Resort by Mona Corona
Existing on both sides of the state line of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the premier ski resort town for both these popular travel destinations, and home to one of the top ski resorts on the West Coast.
The Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe is open year-round for scenic gondola rides boasting spectacular views of the glimmering lake below, and during the winter season, Heavenly offers skiers a range of 97 skiable trails. With nine high-speed lifts, two terrain parks, 10,067 feet elevation, 3,500 vertical feet (the highest on the West Coast), and 4,800 skiable acres. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the perfect ski destination no matter your experience level.
Around the slopes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for lodging ranging from cozy mountain-side cabins to ultra-luxurious lake-front resorts.
Entertainment is also endless as Tahoe venues offer nightly shows and concerts, family-friendly activities, lively casinos, and bountiful restaurants and bars.
The Lake itself is also somewhere to spend your time off the slopes as it is the largest alpine lake with some of the clearest waters on earth. Lake Tahoe is the perfect blend of unbeatable outdoor beauty and adventure, and is the perfect winter escape for both skiers and non-skiers alike!
New Mexico Ski Resorts
Description of New Mexico Ski Resorts by Planningaway
Skiing in New Mexico needs to be on your list! New Mexico has eight resorts located about two hours away from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Personally, my favorites are Angel Fire, Red River, and Taos. Each has a unique feel that will give you a totally different experience.
Angle Fire is a great resort to learn to ski while Taos is much steeper and would be a great fit for a more experienced skier. Red River Ski Resort has more accommodations and stores near by. All of the resorts are around the same price range.
Making family memories is what you will find when you plan your trip to ski in New Mexico. With lots of ski resort options and snow all around you will not be disappointed!
Killington Ski Area In Vermont
Description of Killington Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont by In The Olive Groves
Killington Ski Area is known as “The Beast of the East.” It boasts the most terrain as well as being the largest mountain resort in the northeast. However, don’t let the size intimidate you, Killington is a very family friendly ski resort. While still providing all the challenging terrain for the most seasoned skiers and riders. Let’s talk stats, the resort consists of:
6 mountains
155 trails
22 lifts, one being the new 6 pack ‘bubble’ lift
3 Gondolas
1516.9 acres
73 miles of skiing
3 main terrain parks with 1 added in the early season and a different 1 added in the late season
6 lodges and many food shacks around the different mountains
My Experience at Killington
We’ve been skiing Killington mountain as a family since Evelyn was 2 years old. My husband loves skiing and has definitely instilled in our girls that love. Going up for weekends as well as on days off from school and school vacation weeks is something we make a priority.
We all have our favorite runs which we try and get to at least once every day we are there. Introducing new trails to the girls each trip is something to help us expand our favorites.
Our girls have started to enjoy the woods trails. I love how the mountain is set up. My husband can take the girls into the woods and I can still ski alongside on a groomed trail.
They have also started going through the terrain parks. Luckily, they haven’t tried anything too crazy yet so I’m Okay for the moment.
There are several things we really like about the Killington Mountain Ski Resort. First, the wide variety of terrain, second the many lodges and food shacks, third having all the lifts. We have fallen in love with the new ‘bubble’ lift that opened last year. You can check out my video of it in my full post on Killington.
Child Care
Parents will be happy about the childcare services. For ages 12 weeks to 12 years, the staff will entertain your kiddos for either a half or the whole day. Your child can also take ski lessons as part of the childcare package. They will start children with an hour ski lesson as young as 2 years old.
For kids who just want to ski, they offer either a half-day or a full-day lesson package. They also offer teen and adult group and private lessons.
With Killington Mountain Ski Resort offering so much it’s no wonder everyone loves this resort.
Let's Plan a Ski Trip!
We hope you have been inspired! But most importantly, we hope that this wonderful list of ski resorts gets you dreaming and thinking about where you want to go. Now it is time to get really excited and plan your ultimate ski trip!
If you have any questions be sure to comment down below!
Also, we have a great Planningaway Travel Community on Facebook. You can ask any question and everyone in the group helps each other! I have also started posting travel deals!
Leeanne
December 4, 2019 1:42 pmWhat a great group of ski resorts. My husband and I have skied out west but not my kids. I need to go and soon. Thanks for putting all this info together. I am pinning it for later planning.
Lisa
December 4, 2019 2:16 pmOh good!
heather
December 5, 2019 10:52 amGreat list of resorts. I will be sure to share with my friends who love to ski and snowboard. As for me, I will be in the lodge with a good book and hot cocoa. LOL!
Lisa
December 5, 2019 10:07 pmhaha! That surprises me! I figure you would be hitting the slopes!
Lee Anne
December 5, 2019 11:27 amTaos is my favorite! But I have not gone skiing there 🙂 Great list!
Lisa
December 5, 2019 10:06 pmGreat ski town!
Christine Johnson
December 5, 2019 7:26 pmGreat list! I went to college near Killington…so glad it made the list!!!
Lisa
December 5, 2019 10:06 pmEast Coast represented!
Vessy Smith
December 5, 2019 9:28 pmLove, love, love skiing, and this was such a fun post to read! We have been to several of these resorts, but I also found many that we would LOVE to visit. We really enjoy Copper Mountain, but this year, we may plan to go to Telluride Ski Resort. We have never skied there but keep hearing great things about it! Thanks for this great info! 🙂
Lisa
December 5, 2019 10:05 pmoh Awesome!
kmf
December 5, 2019 11:48 pmGreat compilation of ski resorts…and love that you included Minnesota. My husband, son and I all learned to ski at a much smaller place in the Twin Cities. Buck Hill is just five miles from us and with a vertical drop of less than 300 feet, it is really just a big hill. But it’s where Lindsey Vonn learned to ski and race as well as several other U.S. ski team members, Olympians and World Cup winners. Thought you might find that trivia a little interesting.
Lisa
December 6, 2019 4:24 pmI love that trivia! I bet Minnesota is a great place to learn!
Shirley
December 6, 2019 7:44 amThanks so much for including my Jackson Hole, Wyoming contribution. All of these resorts are awesome!
Lisa
December 6, 2019 4:22 pmI have heard Jackson Hole is amazing! It is on my list!
Michele
December 6, 2019 7:45 amAll of these look awesome! We are hoping to take Payton skiing for the first time this winter!
Lisa
December 6, 2019 4:22 pmWhere are you thinking of going?
Stacey Billingsley
December 6, 2019 7:49 amThese look great! I’ve had friends go to Steamboat Springs, so I’ve been interested in going there. I haven’t ever been snow skiing, but I’d like to give it a try. I do love snow and winter. I like experiencing all of the seasons, so I am happy just about anywhere anytime!
Lisa
December 6, 2019 4:21 pmColorado skiing is amazing! It is fun to try just be sure to take lessons and give yourself 3 days to practice!
Sheila Thomas
December 6, 2019 10:05 amI know my husband would love a ski vacation, but sadly he will need to find someone to go with as I never have been skiing and never will.
This is an awesome list and a skiing lover would be in heaven.
Lisa
December 6, 2019 4:20 pmPark City would be the place for you, He could ski all day and you could shop! Park City has great shopping! But yes you need to go with another couple!
Tara
December 6, 2019 12:41 pmThank you for suggesting a ski area that isn’t just out West! We would love to find a ski resort town in the east and I think your Vermont suggestion just made our list!
Lisa
December 6, 2019 4:18 pmI know Leeanne from in the olive groves loves that resort!
Courtney
December 6, 2019 5:12 pmWe have really enjoyed Steamboat Springs and Killington!
Lisa
December 6, 2019 8:16 pmOh good! I bet they are amazing!
Hera
December 7, 2019 10:43 amWinter is not my thing but r we Luke like to try skiing at some point. Lutsen is a place I’d try as I love it there in the Summer.
Lisa
December 7, 2019 8:52 pmWhere is Lusten, I haven’t heard of it?
Amanda
December 7, 2019 1:28 pmThis is a great list of top ski resorts in the USA. I have not been snow skiing yet, but the girls really want to go, so maybe soon!
Lisa
December 7, 2019 8:52 pmYour kids are at the perfect age!
Missy
December 7, 2019 8:06 pmThis is wonderful. Thank you for sharing all these different locations. I have never been skiing before and this is a great resource.
Lisa
December 7, 2019 8:50 pmOh good! I hope you get to go one day!
Charlene
December 9, 2019 11:31 amI’m hoping to do some skiing for my birthday next month!
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:46 pmThat is great! Where are you going?
Liza Brackbill
December 9, 2019 12:19 pmI’m a huge skier with the Icon pass this year!! Can’t wait to hit some of these quality spots!
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:46 pmThat is awesome!
Barbara Johnston
December 9, 2019 12:53 pmI am not a big skier, but I have a few friends I am going to share this with. They love to go skiing.
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:45 pmOh good! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
December 9, 2019 1:24 pmGreat list! I want to go skiing in Jackson Hole so badly!
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:45 pmSuch a romantic town!
Holly
December 9, 2019 2:23 pmGreat list of some amazing resorts! I learned a lot about each..Hopefully I can go soon!
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:45 pmYes, I hope so too!
Beth
December 9, 2019 2:39 pmWow what an amazing line up of places. Beautiful pictures. I don’t ski – but this makes me want to for sure. Thanks for sharing and how fun.
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:44 pmThanks! I hope you get to go someday!
Maria Gustafsson
December 9, 2019 3:36 pmAwesome list! I’ve pinned it for future reference, if not for myself, but for my clients!
Lisa
December 9, 2019 3:43 pmOh good!
Tricia Snow
December 9, 2019 5:02 pmI am definitely bookmarking this for later! I really want to try skiing!
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:08 pmIt is fun but really hard at first! Hopefully you get the chance!
Clara Reck
December 9, 2019 6:15 pmI love seeing this! I hope it helps many people plan their ski trips this year!
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:07 pmMe too! Finding a great ski resort close to home!
Danielle
December 9, 2019 6:21 pmThis is such a wonderful list of ski resorts! Would love to visit some one day.
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:07 pmFor sure! It is a fun winter sport!
Jane
December 9, 2019 7:38 pmWhat an extensive list and it’s amazing how you have visited each of these resorts! Its a perfect guide for anyone who wants to go skiing this time of the year.
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:06 pmNo, I have been to New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah to ski. I love collaboration post because so many people include their favorites!
Suzan
December 10, 2019 6:20 amNice compilation of resorts! Thanks for adding an East Coast fav 🙂
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:05 pmI know there is probably a lot more, I am not super familiar with the east coast resorts!
Eva
December 10, 2019 7:38 amWhat a terrific list of resorts! Awesome resource.
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:05 pmThanks!
Robin Frields
December 10, 2019 8:23 amMy husband and I snowboard. I was excited to see 2 of our local resorts on here! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:05 pmOh which ones?
judean
December 10, 2019 12:30 pmI am not a skier – as much as I would like to be, my knees just don’t work that way! However, I have a lot of friends that ski and this list is awesome! In addition, the Western New York area has a lot of ski resorts as well! Specifically, Holiday Valley in Ellicottville – such a quaint town with shopping and breweries on the main strip and the slopes turn into a golf course in the summer!
Lisa
December 10, 2019 2:04 pmOh that is awesome! I have not skied on the east coast!
KENDRA
December 10, 2019 2:31 pmGreat resource! I don’t ski, but I still love to experience these awesome mountain towns.
Lisa
December 12, 2019 9:59 pmThey are so cute!
Katherine Wolfe
December 10, 2019 4:38 pmThis brings back many memories of skiing when I was younger. I wish I hadn’t given it up….not even sure how that happened.
Lisa
December 12, 2019 9:59 pmSkiing is hard work! I get it!
Brianna
December 13, 2019 9:23 amThats awesome that you mentioned New Mexico! Thats where I’m from. 🙂 Ive been wanting to go to the one in Taos, and I think I will this year! Thank you!
Lisa
December 13, 2019 12:02 pmOh good! New Mexico is where I learned to ski!
Susan
December 14, 2019 9:24 amGreat list and perfect for this time of the year. They are all so beautiful and I love how the dog seems to get into it too.
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:51 amI know that dog is having fun! Thanks1
Cindy
December 14, 2019 7:27 pmI’m not a skier but these places look amazing. What a great resource for those who enjoy hitting the slopes.
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:48 amThanks!