The heavy snowfall and icy winds mark yet another exciting season. And when winter is around the corner a ski vacation is warranted!
While there are a lot of ski resorts and cross country tracks in the US, we have our favorites! The United States is known for its winter wonderland slopes and epic cross country tracks. And of course, Colorado is the country’s ski capital and home to the top 2 ski destinations in the country. We also asked outdoor sports expert Karen Adelson what the best ski resorts are and he recommended the following resorts.
So ready your gears as we embark on a ski adventure. We’ll be listing our favorite ski resorts. You will surely find one of your favorites here!
Brackenridge
Located in Colorado, the ski capital of the country, Brackenridge will keep you in awe with its Victorian-era charm. What makes it unique is that it’s a real mountain town and Brackenridge was a silver and mountain town in the mid-1800s.
Brackenridge was able to maintain that gold rush feel and visitors will surely find lots of exciting activities to highlight their winter vacation. This ski resort has something for everyone! Kids can have a grand time skiing on the mellow slopes with Ripperoo. But at the same time, it offers exciting slopes and terrains for thrill-seekers.
Off the mountain, you can find a ton of fun activities. From snowballing to dog sled rides, it’s never short of things to do. So if you’re not a fan of highs and slopes, you’ll be preoccupied with all the fun activities the resort can offer. And if you’re looking for a quiet sojourn, you can indulge in a cup of hot cocoa or coffee in one of the town’s charming cafes. It’s indeed food for the soul.
The slopes are ready to indulge you from November to April. So if you intend to spend your ski vacation in Breckenridge, mark these months in your calendar. Alternatingly, if you’re on a budget, you can opt to go hiking instead of skiing. The snow starts to thaw from May to October.
Park City Mountain
Park City, located in Utah is the best ski vacation destination if your priority is accessibility. It’s also one of the largest ski resorts in the US spanning 7,30 acres and 17 peaks. You’d feel like Alice in a winter wonderland!
While getting to most ski resorts in the country can be such a hassle, it’s quite the opposite of Park Lake Mountain. You don’t need to rent a car after getting to one of the major cities. Not to mention, the horrendous traffic that you have to endure. Park City Mountain is located just 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City international airport.
Utah is known for fluffy powder snow and owns the tagline, “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” And though it doesn’t snow grand every day in Utah, there’s a high possibility that you’ll be greeted with one in your vacations here.
Aside from the fluffy powdery snow and thrilling skiing adventures, the city is also quite charming in itself. Park City is also one of the preserved mining towns in the US, so you can take a historic walk along its Main Street. You’ll be met by an array of quaint and cozy cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
In addition. Park City Mountain also offers one of the most diverse lodging options. The park is home to several luxurious retreats. But in this park, you’ll also find one of the cheaper ones. So if you’re on a budget, you’ll find cheaper accommodations in the Park City Mountain
Stowe Mountain Resort
Located in Stowe Vermont, the Stowe Mountain is home to the state’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. And it’s also beside another mountain peak, the Spruce Mountain. It’s quite convenient to hover through the next destination as it’s just one gondola ride away.
So you can expect one hell of a skiing journey as you go cross country skiing. In fact, Stowe Mountain resort is the only ski resort to offer such. And visitors can cover these two peaks in a day.
Stowe Mountain resort caters best to intermediate skiers with more than half of its runs designed for intermediate players to hone their skills. Albeit that, advanced and newbies will not find this ski resort lacking or anything. It also offers jumps and rails for pros to sharpen their skills. And beginners can take advantage of the resort’s private skiing lesson at Spruce Peak.
In addition, this town boasts of an idyllic New England village. So if you’re looking for a quintessential European skiing trip, there’s no other place to go.
Snowbird Resort
If you’re looking for consistently great snow, the Wasatch Valley is your dream destination. And this snow-capped mountain is home to Snowbird Resort. It’s one of the places in the USA that gets consistent snow.
With its alpine scenery, the Snowbird is also considered the most scenic ski resort in Utah. It boasts jagged slopes, exciting and interesting terrains. Thus, pro skiers and snowboarders will never find this resort lacking. Hardcore skiers will ultimately feel challenged with the resort’s steep terrains.
And if you want to ski to another location, it’s situated beside Alta, another ski vacation-worthy destination. You just have to have tickets for both locations.
Snowbird is also quite accessible with just 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City so this place can get heavy and crowded during the peak seasons. And if you’re looking for more affordable lodging, you will only be able to find one off-mountain. Lodging and accommodations at the Snowbird Resort can get pretty expensive.
Whiteface Mountain Resort
The Whiteface Mountain Resort in New York City is home to the tallest vertical drop east of the Rockies. And it’s also one of the few ski resorts that use sustainable energy. So if you’re big on going green, this is possibly the best ski destination for you.
The Whiteface Mountain Resort is quite friendly for beginners. Greenhorns can easily hover through the lower part of the ski area. And the resort also offers several classes and schools for beginners. Thus, you’ll be leaving the resort feeling more confident with the new skills that you have acquired.
Alternatingly, more advanced skiers will find something that can challenge them. This resort is home to one of the longest intermediate runs in the northeast. These steep drops will surely make your adrenaline pumping.
Fun fact, this ski resort hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics. You can spare some time to enjoy the scenic views and Olympic sights.
Whiteface Mountain Resort is more of a family-oriented ski vacation destination. And though it has several activities for the more experienced skier, the resort is more known as a beginner-friendly ski destination.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned skier, there’s a dream ski vacation destination for you. We have listed our favorites and you can also find an abundance of off-mountain activities for the laid-back ones
Not to mention, the sights of these mountain villages are enough to calm your nerves and sense. So enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows while you’re at it!