For Your Next Winter Stay: The Best Ski Resorts to Visit!
Winter Getaways In The U.S.
Contrary to popular belief that summer vacation is the best type of vacation, winter vacations are also loads of fun. The winter season offers many opportunities to make memories with friends and family. From ice-skating, making snowmen, and even snuggling up inside with a mug of hot chocolate—there’s so many things to do with those you care about during the winter.
However, one of the undisputed highlights of winter is the opening of numerous ski resorts across the United States. These resorts not only cater to avid skiers and snowboarders but also offer a comprehensive winter vacation experience for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, ski resorts provide an idyllic setting for both adventure and relaxation. The crisp mountain air, breathtaking snowy landscapes, and the thrill of gliding down pristine slopes create a unique and invigorating atmosphere that is hard to replicate during other seasons.
If you're contemplating your next winter retreat in the U.S., the country boasts a myriad of exceptional ski resorts that promise an unforgettable experience. From the powdery slopes of the Rockies to the charming resorts in the Northeast, there's a diverse range of options to suit every preference and level of expertise. These winter wonderlands not only provide world-class skiing and snowboarding but also offer a plethora of amenities, including cozy lodges, vibrant apres-ski scenes, and family-friendly activities.
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Windham (NY)
Windham Mountain Club, situated just over two hours from the New York metro area, is more than just a ski resort—it epitomizes a year-round outdoor lifestyle destination that seamlessly blends small-town Catskills charm with 21st-century ambiance. The recent addition of RFID lift technology expedites the lift line process, complemented by the inclusion of a high-speed, six-passenger Doppelmayr chairlift.
Winter enthusiasts will find an abundance of offerings with 97% snowmaking coverage on 54 trails spanning 285 skiable acres. Beyond the snowy season, Windham Mountain Club transforms into a versatile destination for spring, summer, and fall activities. Season passes and programs for the 23-24 season are currently on sale, providing visitors with an array of options for a memorable experience.
The amenities at Windham Mountain Club are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests. The Winwood Inn, located just one mile from the mountain, offers charming lodging. The Windham Golf Club stands as a premier golf course, while a world-class mountain bike park and the Alpine Spa cater to outdoor and wellness enthusiasts. The Tubing Park adds excitement with tubing and pint-sized snowmobiling, and The Skyride, a 2-mile chairlift, provides breathtaking views to the summit of Windham Mountain. Onsite dining options ensure visitors can savor delicious meals without venturing far.
Renowned as the premier alpine destination in the Northern Catskills, Windham is celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere during winter. With 12 lifts, including a new high-speed six-passenger lift, and 54 trails across two peaks, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can indulge in a variety of terrains. The resort features six terrain parks for freestyle enthusiasts, and the Snow Sports School offers comprehensive programs for both children and adults. Terrain Based Learning™ enhances the experience for first-timers, making it more enjoyable. Special discounts for advance online lift ticket purchases and lively après-ski parties on winter weekends add to the overall allure of Windham Mountain Club as a dynamic and inviting year-round destination.
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whiteface mountain (NY)
Located 13 miles from Lake Placid, New York, this resort is in what has been framed the “Olympic Village.” It offers ski rentals, as well as lessons for adults, kids, and private lessons. The resort has parks for all levels of skiers. For beginners, there’s the Flying Squirrel and Mixing Bowl parks. For intermediate level skiers, there’s the Ausable Run park. Advanced skiers can enjoy the Bear park, and cross-country skiers can use the Wolf & Wolf Run park.
There are many places to stay in Lake Placid. There’s the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort that has a view of Mirror Lake, the Grand Adirondack Hotel that has a seasonal rooftop bar and is located near many restaurants and private venues, the modern Placid Bay Hotel, the cozy Cobble Mountain Lodge, and more. Dining options include Black Bear Market, Waffle Cabin, Growler’s Grill, Al Forno Sicilian Pizza, and more. There aren’t many shops, but there are two outdoor clothing stores—Brookside Apparel and Flying Squirrel.
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thunder ridge (NY)
Thunder Ridge is in Patterson, New York. The resort offers daily and private lessons, six-week programs, a Snowsports school, and a race team. It also offers a ski shop and rental ski and snowboard wear. The resort is conveniently located near many hotel options, such as Comfort Suites, Ethan Allen Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, and more.
Thunder Ridge stands as a haven for beginner skiers, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and scenic beauty. Situated a mere 75 minutes away from the bustling heart of New York City, this small mountain beckons both locals and city dwellers seeking a convenient escape to the slopes. Boasting gentle slopes and well-groomed trails, Thunder Ridge caters to those new to the exhilarating world of skiing, providing a welcoming environment for skill development and enjoyment. Its close proximity to the city not only makes it a convenient day-trip destination but also enhances its appeal as a recreational retreat.
The resort has various local dining options, such as Kelly’s Corner, Putnam Diner, Red Rooster Drive-In, and Rocco’s Pizza. Onsite dining consists of SlopeSide T-Bar Cafe with pub-style food, wine, and beer, and the Thunder Truck—a food truck located outside the Lodge with Belgian-style waffles and toppings.
Source: Wikimedia Commons, Photo by Henry P. Gray/ CC BY 3.0
okemo (VT)
Located in Ludlow, Vermont, this ski resort has something for everyone! The resort consists of six parks: Gordon's Garden (a new edition), The Zone, the family-friendly Tree Tap, Okemo Halfpipe, Vermont Family Adventure that includes an obstacle course, and Blackout—a park for advanced skiers. The resort offers ski lessons, as well as ski and snowboard rentals. The resort also conveniently has a daycare for children aged 6 months to 4 years. At the Great Slopeside Child Care, kids are entertained with arts and crafts, storytelling, singing, and more, so parents can go skiing without any worries!
There are multiple gorgeous places to stay in Okemo. Some include Jackson Gore Village, which has the Jackson Gore Inn and the Adams and Bixby Houses. The Mountain Lodge at Okemo in the Clock Tower base area is another option. Nearby, there are many places to shop and dine. Some shops include the Mountain Outfitters at Jackson Gore, a four-season sporting goods and clothing shop in Jackson Gore Village. There’s also Okemo Made—an Okemo merchandise store, and a Snowsports Shop that sells skiwear. Dining options include multiple cafes, such as the Summit Cafe, Sugar House Cafe, and Roundhouse Cafe. There are also various bars, such as The Biergarten, 43 North, and The Bull Restaurant & Bar.
Photo by Empire City Wire
stowe (VT)
The next ski resort is in Lamoille County, Vermont. The resort offers child, adult, and private lessons, as well as ski and snowboard rentals. The resort is in Spruce Peak Village, which has shops, markets, and fun activities. The village also features a view of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The village offers The Lodge at Spruce Peak, which is a luxury resort with an award-winning spa, fitness center, and four on-property dining facilities. It also has outdoor ice skating.
Dining options include Spruce Camp, the resort’s own food court with food such as ramen and rice bowls, chili, soup, and a full bar. There’s the Mansfield Cafe & the Den that serves soups, salads, and local craft beers. There’s also a Midway Cafe & Pizza, and Alpine Hall that cooks with produce from the region’s best farmers and artisans.
Stowe also offers shopping, with a TrueNorth Retail & Rental that sells outdoor clothing, the Stowe Shop that sells resort merchandise, and the Spruce Peak Toy & Candy Company that sells toys and sweet treats.
Source: Wikimedia Commons, Photo by Erichardson2626/ CC BY 4.0
stratton (VT)
This ski resort is in Stratton Mountain, Vermont, and includes Stratton Village with shops and restaurants. This family-friendly resort has lots to offer besides skiing. There’s a game gallery, ice skating rink, indoor rock-climbing gym, Coca-Cola tube park, and an indoor training and fitness center. The resort also holds events, such as live music and races.
There are many places to stay in Stratton. Mountainside lodging consists of the Tree Top and the Village Watch and Mountain Watch. Other places to stay include the Black Bear Lodge, Long Trail House, Crown Point, the fancy Founder’s Lodge, and more. There are many conveniently located dining options, such as Grizzly’s and the Market at Base Lodge. The Market serves house made soups and salads. There’s the Fire Tower Restaurant and Tavern, as well as various bars such as Carve.
Stratton offers various shops. They have a ski shop and their own clothing store, a North Face shop, candy store, Von Bargen’s Fine Jewelry, and a Dashing Bear Boutique that sells home items and clothing such as outdoor wear.
Source: Wikimedia Commons, Photo by Greg L. Wright/ CC BY 3.0
sun valley (ID)
Sun Valley Resort is in Sun Valley, Idaho, and offers ski and snowboard rentals and lessons. There are two main parks: Bald Mountain, which has 3,400 feet (about 1.04 km) of vertical terrain and consistent pitch, and Dollar Mountain, a terrain that has something for everyone with sixteen trails. Lodging consists of Sun Valley Lodge that has a spa, fitness center, yoga studio, restaurants, lounges, event spaces, and more. There’s also Sun Valley Inn, which offers nine unique rental cottages ranging from 2-7 bedrooms. Other options include townhomes and condos.
There are many dining options in Sun Valley. Trail Creek Cabin has a hearty menu with a cabin feel, and visitors get to go on a sleigh ride to get there. There’s also Gretchen’s, located adjacent to the Sun Valley Lodge lobby and that has a cozy atmosphere with comfort food. There’s Konditorei—a cafe with locally roasted coffee, Austrian-inspired brunch, and fresh pastries—and more.
For shopping, there’s the Brass Ranch Village that sells luxury ski and sportswear, the Lodge Gift Shop, and a Signatures & Gift Shop that sells designs by local artists on mugs, t-shirts, hats, and more.
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Big Sky (MT)
Big Sky, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in southern Montana, stands as a captivating community renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse outdoor recreational offerings. At the forefront of its attractions is the acclaimed Big Sky Resort, a winter wonderland and summer haven, boasting world-class ski slopes and exhilarating downhill mountain-bike trails that draw outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide.
Located southeast of the town lies the iconic Yellowstone National Park, a natural wonderland brimming with abundant wildlife, mesmerizing hot springs, and the iconic gushing geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. The proximity of Big Sky to Yellowstone allows residents and visitors alike to embark on unforgettable journeys into the heart of this national treasure, experiencing the wonders of its unique ecosystems and geothermal features.
Venturing to the northeast, the rugged and picturesque Gallatin River winds its way through the awe-inspiring Gallatin Canyon, offering not only a scenic backdrop but also providing opportunities for thrilling water activities such as rafting and fishing. The river's choppy waters create a dynamic landscape that adds to the region's natural allure.
For those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature's beauty, Ousel Falls Park awaits on a tributary. This charming park features the enchanting Ousel Falls, a cascading waterfall that serves as a focal point for visitors seeking serenity. The park also offers well-appointed picnic areas, inviting individuals and families to indulge in a leisurely al fresco meal surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Scenic viewpoints within the park provide panoramic vistas, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings.
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Snowmass (CO)
Snowmass stands as the crown jewel within Aspen Snowmass' expansive mountain portfolio, claiming its title as the largest ski resort in both the local collection and one of the largest in the entire state of Colorado. What sets Snowmass apart is its unparalleled variety of terrain, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. From the welcoming slopes ideal for beginners to the wide groomed cruisers that invite leisurely exploration, and the challenging expert choices found on Burnt Mountain and the Cirque, Snowmass offers a diverse playground for winter enthusiasts. Notably, Snowmass is the sole mountain in the quartet to provide a unique "noon-groom," a popular option for those who prefer hitting the slopes on freshly groomed trails later in the day.
The dining experience at Snowmass mirrors the mountain's diversity, with an array of on-mountain dining options that capture the essence of the resort. From Elk Camp and Lynn Britt Cabin to Ullrhof, Sam’s, High Alpine, Alpin Room, Up 4 Pizza, and Two Creeks Café, visitors are spoiled for choice. Additionally, the Snowmass Mall and Base Village present a myriad of dining establishments, ensuring that every palate is catered to, adding a culinary dimension to the overall Snowmass experience.
Delving into its rich history, Snowmass Mountain made its debut in 1967 with five chairlifts, marking a significant milestone by celebrating its 50th anniversary season during the winter of 2017-2018. The mountain embraced snowboarding in 1988, opening its slopes to enthusiasts of this evolving winter sport. In 1997, the Snowmass Cirque Platter lift made history as the first lift to be powered solely by wind power credits, showcasing Snowmass' commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. These historical highlights contribute to the allure of Snowmass, weaving a tapestry that blends tradition with innovation and an unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional mountain experience.
conclusion
All these ski resorts not only offer a fun skiing experience, but also other ways to have a good time with the ones you care about. From the wide selection of dining options and shops to the various parks and events, these resorts have something for everyone! So don’t wait any longer, start planning your next winter stay to one of these gorgeous, fun-filled resorts!
