Looking for the best ski resorts in the US? There are a lot of options to consider: North America boasts some of the most renowned mountains in the world with top-notch powder quality, lift infrastructure, and terrain variety and difficulty. And that’s if we’re just being technical about the Alpine sport itself—several also have historic towns at their bases with quaint restaurants, high-end shops, and renowned museums. Oh, and don’t forget the exceptional views and cozy, bucolic surroundings.
Below, find our pick of 10 of the best ski resorts in the U.S. (We gave extra points for the après ski scene.)
Aspen, CO
Aspen Snowmass ski resort stitches together four different mountains, each with its own vibe and terrain difficulty, meaning anyone of any skill level can enjoy the slopes in this iconic mountain destination. Beginner-friendly Buttermilk just completed a $25-million facelift of its base area to make it as easy for newcomers to navigate. Snowmass—the largest and most varied of the bunch (you’ll need a few days to ski it all)—has just unveiled two new lifts, part of an $80-million upgrade. Aspen Mountain, whose Silver Queen Gondola starts right in town, is the local mountain that still maintains a semblance of old-world charm. The recent addition of Hero’s terrain on top of Aspen mountain increased the resort’s expanse by another 153 acres. (Before tackling it all, make time for a stack of pancakes at the family-owned Bonnie’s mid-mountain.)
Meanwhile, Aspen-Highlands’ Highlands Bowl—a 270-acre powder run that takes around 45 minutes to hike if you’re into shape—is a bucket-list item for expert skiers. As is après-ski at Cloud Nine Bistro: If you want a leisurely fondue lunch—especially on a bluebird day—get a table for the noon seating. Those who want to get rowdy (and don’t mind footing a large bill) should book at 2 p.m., when the scene turns into a rowdy, champagne-spraying party. Pro-tip… if you’re seated inside, don’t wear anything you mind getting soaked. And keep your ski goggles on.
Stay at The Little Nell, an elegant 92-room, five-star refuge right at the base of Aspen Mountain with spacious guest bathrooms and roaring fireplaces. The public spaces—including three buzzing restaurants and a cellar available for private wine experiences—are among the most sought-after in town. Another luxurious option is Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection. This historic 99-room hotspot has been an icon for Aspen since it opened in 1889. Its laundry list of amenities deliver an entirely modern stay, whether it’s the just refreshed Western-inspired guestrooms, the après scene at The Living Room, or the newly launched ice rink at the courtyard.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley resort is America’s oldest—developed by the chairman of the Union-Pacific railroad in 1936, who wanted to build a mountain destination that rivaled those of the European Alps. After years of searching, he finally found the mountain town of Ketchum, Idaho. There, he built the resort of Sun Valley, complete with the world’s first chairlift.
As it approaches its 90th birthday, Sun Valley has plenty of high-speed chairs as well as over 120 trails. 90 acres of newly gladed terrain means advanced skiers now have access to an expanded playground. But its enduring appeal lies in the fact it feels like it did all those years ago; you won’t find any high-end designer stores or chain restaurants here. Instead, you’ll stumble upon places like the Pioneer Saloon (Or “Pio”, as it’s informally known), which serves a simple yet delicious meal of steak and potatoes as Ernest Hemingway’s gun hangs on the wall nearby. (The famed writer shot himself at his Sun Valley home in 1961.)
Sun Valley Lodge is considered the town’s grande dame, and for good reason: the 108-room hotel has amenities like a 20,000-square-foot spa and a bowling alley. (It was a favorite getaway for Old Hollywood stars like Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball.) A more modern stay awaits in town at 99-room Limelight Ketchum, which spoils guests with outdoor hot tubs, hearty meals and sharp cocktails at The Lounge, and an Audi test drive program.
Park City, UT
Park City stands out for having two separate ski resorts vying for your attention. 7,300-acre Park City Mountain’s 330-plus trails, which now include Canyons Village, too, cater to both skiers and snowboarders. Deer Valley’s 2,000-acre terrain, however, is reserved for skiers only. And over the next three seasons, it will nearly double in size when it unveils 3,700 acres of skiable terrain; new lifts and trails are scheduled to open as early as 2025. Deer Valley is also the ideal resort if you’re skiing solo thanks to its mountain host tours, which are essentially guided ski-around-the-resort sessions for intermediate and advanced skiers. (They’re offered daily, and they’re free.)
The area is also developing a tony reputation for its culinary offerings. Deer Valley’s recently launched The Taste of Luxury series brings global superstar chefs to Utah; most recently, Massimo Bottura led a three-night feast of his greatest hits. Another classic is Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge, where raclette cheese is served from stone fireplaces. The town of Park City, at least aesthetically, has retained much of its 19th-century-western-mining-town charm, especially at whiskey distillery High West Saloon.
Stein Eriksen Lodge, a ski-in/ski-out retreat located mid-mountain in Deer Valley, brings everything to you: a fantastic spa, dining domes that overlook the resort, and the largest wine cellar in all of Utah. Winos should try its fun blind-tasting sessions where you attempt to guess where wines are from (and what grapes are in there) through just a couple of sips.
If you prefer a more boutique stay in the heart of Park City near the best dining, shopping, and nightlife, opt for a stay at Washington School House instead. This transformed 19th-century schoolhouse is full of rustic-chic details, from the living room with a fireplace perfect for a post-ski cooldown to the heated outdoor pool and the 12 rooms individually designed to evoke intimate warmth.
Big Sky, MT
Not far from the western edge of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky’s 5,850 acres of skiable terrain have recently undergone some exciting modernization. The lift network here is pretty impressive, from Ramcharger 8’s heated seats and weatherproof bubbles to Swift Current 6, the fastest chairlift in the region. It also recently welcomed more luxe lodgings as well as brand-new dining and apres-ski venues, including Umbrella Bar, which offers 360-degree views of the resort. While there’s a lot of novel stuff on offer here (the debut of Kircliff and Explorer Gondola now allows non-skiers to enjoy the summit of Lone Peak in winter for the first time ever), make no mistake: Big Sky has been a long-time favorite among die-hard winter sports enthusiasts who love the snowy resort’s massive expanse and its wide-open runs.
One of the biggest news in the global ski scene is the opening of One&Only Moonlight Basin, the luxury hospitality brand’s first mountain location. Sitting on 240 acres of rugged Montana wilderness, this newcomer has 73 rooms, 19 cabins, and a few sprawling private residences. Five dining venues (including a new restaurant from celebrity chef Akira Back) and a 17,000-square-foot wellness area round out the hotel’s list of world-class amenities.
2021 saw the opening of Montage Big Sky, which has 100 swanky rooms and suites, a 10,000-square-foot spa, and six different restaurants and bars. For skiers, on-site Compass Sports is an exceptional spot from which to rent the perfect pair of boots: During the fitting, hotel guests get a complimentary glass of champagne.
Jackson, WY
If you’re an expert skier, you’ll love the adrenaline-fueled terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, considered one of the toughest in the country. Its world-famous Corbet’s Couloir on Rendezvous Mountain is counted among the world’s most terrifying ski runs due to the extreme free-fall at the top. If you’d rather take it easy, there are 130 other trails to tackle, but note that only 10% of them are suited for beginners.
Or, head to the town of Jackson—about 30 minutes away—and join locals at Snow King Mountain Resort, affectionately nicknamed the “town hill.” Grand Teton National Park is a short drive away, making it easy to do a two-for-one vacation. But no matter what, make sure to leave time for two iconic Jackson experiences: a fortifying meal at Snake River Grill—the old-school town restaurant that serves bison ribeye in front of roaring fireplaces—and a rowdy night out at celeb-approved Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. (Read more in our full guide to Jackson.)
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole’s ski-in/ski-out perch in Teton Village is the ultimate luxury both for convenience and the seemingly endless on-property amenities, including the just-debuted Steadfire Chophouse. There’s also usually a lot of activities on offer, from restorative yoga sessions to more elaborate day-trips for potential wildlife encounters.
Another top pick for a ski-in, ski-out stay is Caldera House. One caveat: It’s not a traditional hotel, partly because traditional hotels don’t boast framed Ansel Adams photographs and Lindsey Adelman light fixtures, but mostly because it only offers two-or four-bedroom suites. Book this for a group trip.
Telluride, Colorado
This scenic Rocky Mountain town with a full-time population of less than 2,600 is, even by 2025 standards, remote—it’s a six-hour drive from the city of Denver, and its teeny-tiny commercial airport boasts the highest elevation in the United States. Yet you will be rewarded by the journey: Located in a box canyon, the entire historic Victorian mining town is surrounded by 13 to 14,000-foot snow-capped mountains. One of them is Telluride Mountain resort—with 2,000 acres of skiable terrain.
The Madeline Hotel Residences, Auberge Collection perfectly captures Telluride’s refined, rugged personality. With sprawling mountain views (the hotel is 10,000 feet up the mountain from town), a gorgeous outdoor pool setup, and a cozy après-ski called the Timber Room, you may not ever need to leave. But with its ski-in, ski-out location and a concierge team that can have you fly-fishing or horseback riding in a flash, this five-star retreat is for the outdoorsy set, too. For an entirely more intimate stay in the heart of downtown Telluride, Dunton Town House—a five-room inn stuffed into a 19th century Victorian home—impresses with Tyrolean antiques, fireside breakfast spreads, and soaking tubs.
Taos, NM
If you think New Mexico is too far south for a ski vacation, think again. Artists from Ansel Adams to Georgia O’Keeffe have long been seduced by Taos’s dramatic, rugged landscape, which offers a surprising variety of ski terrain. On the southernmost edge of the Rocky Mountains, Taos Ski Valley has 1,294 skiable acres; many of the trails here are quite steep. The resort hosts some fun week-long programs, too, such as Race Week and Women’s Week that bring a convivial atmosphere to the mountain. But the area around the city of Taos offers many more options that are both family-friendly and affordable, namely the Red River Ski Area and Angel Fire Resort. Downtown Taos is bristling with Southwestern energy via the remaining adobe-style architecture that now houses charming art galleries, restaurants, and inns.
A few years ago, the resort christened three new expert trails, resulting from a forest cleanup in 2021. If you consider yourself a master shredder, make for Dadou’s, a thrilling double-black tree run named after beloved 50-year Taos ski instructor, Bernard “Dadou” Meyer, who recently passed away.
In Taos, there aren’t many big-box lodging chains; instead, you’ll get indie accommodations like family-owned B&Bs and sleek boutique hotels. The 80-room The Blake at Taos Ski Valley has an Alps-meets-the-Southwest aesthetic that gives it a stylish sense of place. And after a full day of skiing, the property’s wellness center (with its pool and treatment rooms for muscle-relaxing massages) is exactly where you’ll want to spend a couple of hours.
Newer still is Hotel Willa, which debuted in May 2025. Formerly a 1960s adobe-style motor lodge, Willa retains that earthy, artsy Southwest aesthetic (in a very contemporary, design-forward way) but creature comforts—walk-in showers, locavore dining thanks to chef Johnny Ortiz, and a sweet outdoor pool—make for a thoroughly modern stay. One important caveat, however, is that this 51-room boutique property is located in Taos’ historic district, about a 30-minute drive to the mountain.
Stowe, VT
Throughout its nearly 90-year history, Stowe Mountain Resort has been largely considered one of the very best ski destinations in the East Coast. (Don’t miss the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum to learn more about this rich legacy.) The allure is two-fold: Its two mountains (Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak) provide a variety of shredding terrain, and the quaint, historic New England town of the same name has all the trappings of a fun après scene. You’ve got mom-and-pop inns, indie boutiques, fancy restaurants, and down-and-dirty dive bars to soothe your soul if the skiing conditions themselves aren’t always great.
Field Guide Lodge revels in a more whimsical mountain aesthetic. Headboards made of driftwood, graphic wallpapers depicting little birds, bright orange poufs, and rocking chairs upholstered in plaid provide a more design-forward take on rustic-chic. Larger suites come with winter-ready perks like soaking tubs and fireplaces. Its sister property AWOL Stowe is similarly outdoorsy with its striking A-frame buildings adjacent to Cady Hill Forest. The 35-room property’s Alpine aesthetic is layered with sculptural chandeliers, washed walls, colorblocked couches, and organically shaped ceramics; altogether, a very modern mountain hotel.
Whiteface Mountain, NY
This resort in the Adirondack Mountains might not have the most welcoming reputation, especially if you’re a beginner. Often, you’ll hear more experienced skiers talk of its challenging runs and tough to navigate terrain and conditions. At less than 4,900 feet high, Whiteface isn’t the tallest mountain around (not even in the state), but it’s still home to the greatest vertical drop you’ll find in the east coast. This generally means that you’ll get longer runs to play around in, and from the mountain, views of Lake Placid are stunning enough to distract you from your A-game.
Whiteface resort itself has some infrastructure but if you’d prefer more dining options and small-town charm, stay in Lake Placid. Its quaint shops and warm restaurants are just 30 minutes from the base of the mountain. There, you can tuck into the stylish yet rustic vibes of the brand-new Eastwind Lake Placid, where you can choose between design-forward rooms (spring for the units with standalone tubs) or cozy cabins. But for a classic luxury camp experience, there’s the all-suite Whiteface Lodge, just a 15-minute drive to the mountain. Its all-wood interiors—which include deer antlers, gas fireplaces, antique rocking chairs, and quilted fabrics—authentically bring that deep-in-the-woods fantasy to life.
Lake Tahoe
This glistening lake that straddles both California and Nevada is surrounded by ski resorts big and small. Northstar California Resort is perfect for a family-friendly winter getaway. Palisades Tahoe, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, merged with Alpine Meadows in 2012 to offer 6,200 acres of terrain. A base-to-base gondola that officially connects the two was just completed for the 2022-2023 ski season. But if you’re looking to ski or snowboard with incredible views of the lake itself, you’ll want to head to Heavenly Mountain Resort, a massive ski area (the largest in Tahoe based on size and vertical drop) that will make you feel like you’re heading straight for the water.
Not far from Heavenly, tucked-away, lakefront Edgewood Tahoe Resort feels at once intimate and grand. On 235 acres of real estate overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains, there are only 154 luxury rooms plus a 8,500 square-foot spa and three restaurants and bars. And if you prefer a more adventurous après experience, Edgewood’s starts with a guided snowshoeing excursion followed by cocktails in the clubhouse. It also just upped the ante for Tahoe hospitality with the 2022 debut of its two- to five-bedroom villas.
More slopeside luxury can be had on the Northstar, California side of the lake with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, where every room comes with fireplaces and marble bathrooms. For après, take your pick between a treatment in the 17-room spa or caviar and champagne at the terrace bar.
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