12 US Destinations for an Unforgettable Ski Trip
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If taking to the slopes is your idea of heaven, you must know about the best skiing destinations in the US. These destinations offer so much more than winter sports: luxury accommodations, golf courses, adrenaline activities, beaches, local history, wildlife, and more.
From Alaska in the west to Vermont in the east, here are some of the best mountain resorts to visit – at any time of the year.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky lies in southern Montana’s Rocky Mountains and is known for downhill mountain biking tracks, skiing, and snowboarding slopes. Big Sky is also a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The area is a true outdoor playground, offering dog sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, trout fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, wildflowers, and wilderness camping.
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Read also: Relaxing Mountain Retreats in the US
Breckenridge, Colorado
Historic Breckenridge is so much more than a mere ski resort. The former Gold Rush town also offers the Victorian-era Breckenridge National Historic District, lined with colorful late 19th-century buildings. Alpine activities are available all year round here, including a vast network of hiking trails.
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Read also: Awesome US Destinations To See Fall Foliage
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Jackson Hole Valley in Wyoming is one of the top ski destinations in the US. Expect to see arches made from elk antlers in town, where you can also find the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The area is also a gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
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Read also: Top US Outdoor Spots
Alyeska, Alaska
Only around 30 miles from downtown Anchorage, Alyeska is known for its steep slopes and deep snow. The resort offers over 300 rooms, a spa, a saltwater pool, and fine dining establishments. It’s one for summer, too, with around 75 hiking trails and about 1,500 skiable acres.
Read also: Spectacular Winter Getaways in the US
Killington, Vermont
The town of Killington in Vermont’s Green Mountains is a popular snowboarding and skiing destination but is also known for golfing and mountain biking. Hiking is also a draw, with the area offering access to a section of the Appalachian Trails and the Thundering Falls Trail. Nearby, Gifford Woods State Park is also filled with native maple sugar trees.
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Read also: Terrific East Coast Road Trip Stops
Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
Home to spots like the Heavenly Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe offers a range of ski areas to suit all abilities. It’s a popular place all year, with hiking and beaches in summer and winter sports during the colder months. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the highest in the region and the perfect place to learn to ski, with jaw-dropping lake views.
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Read also: Amazing US Lake Destinations
Loon, New Hampshire
Within the White Mountain National Forest, Loon Mountain in Lincoln is one of the highest peaks in New England. In addition to winter sports, adrenaline-inducing activities are a big thing locally. Take your pick between an aerial forest adventure park, bungee trampolines, the longest scenic gondola ride in the state, and a thrilling zipline.
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Read also: Breathtaking US Hiking Trails
Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Utah has been open since 1971 and is located at Little Cottonwood Canyon, around a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City. The longest winter sports season and the sole aerial tramway in the state can be found here. The resort also offers deluxe accommodations, spa facilities, and heated swimming pools for a decadent stay.
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Read also: Must-Visit US Cities
Stowe, Vermont
This northern Vermont town is one of the US’s premier ski destinations. As well as taking to the slopes, you can delve deeper into winter sports history at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum here. For fans of sweet, creamy treats, don’t miss the Ben and Jerry’s Factory. Stowe also offers superb accommodations, shops, and dining options.
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Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US
Sun Valley, Idaho
This Idaho resort town is known for the Bald and Dollar Mountain ski areas, the former being steeper. Like other mountainous areas, this is also a popular summer destination due to the many local hiking trails. Sun Valley is also part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, as the region offers unparalleled star-gazing opportunities.
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Read also: US Hidden Treasures
Vail, Colorado
The Alpine resort of Vail is also one of America’s top ski resorts. Located within the White River National Forest in Colorado, Vail is known for fly fishing at central Gore Creek and winter sports. Visitors also flock here for hiking, golfing, and the vibrant local cultural scene in summer.
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Read also: Remote US Towns for Private Getaways
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Whiteface Mountain has a lot going for it. You can find the East Coast’s biggest vertical drop here, and Lake Placid is just 13 miles away. Of the 90 trails, there are slopes for all levels of skier in this Adirondack mountains resort, all accessed via 11 ski lifts.
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Read also: Unique American Towns To Visit
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Tracy Chesterson is a freelance content writer specializing in travel. UK-based, she’s traveled widely, particularly in Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, and spent a year exploring Australia. Tracy has also worked in the travel trade. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors and plan future trips.
