15 Must-Visit Ski Resorts in the U.S.
Winter is calling — and it’s saying “pack your boots and find some powder.” Whether you’re the type who tackles double black diamonds before breakfast or someone who defines “ski trip” as sipping cocoa in a hot tub, the U.S. has no shortage of magical mountains to explore.
I grew up skiing with parents that loved it and two older brothers that constantly pushed me to be the fearless childhood skier that I was! Times have changed a bit now that I am older and have children and being the fastest or most aggressive skier down the mountain is no longer important to me. Now it is all about blue skies, fresh powder, a wide-open blue run and watching my kids learn to enjoy it the way I did as a child. Ski trips are truly some of my very best childhood memories and it is something that I feel passionate about passing down to my kids too.
I believe that you don’t have to be an experienced skier and you do not have to take your children skiing every year for them to develop a love for the sport and to become great skiers later in life. I think it is important to introduce them to it, try to make it a few times in their young adult years and then let it be something they take with them into their adult lives.
I thought it would be fun to round up some of the beautiful ski resorts that we have right here in the US to explore and try. I have been lucky enough to ski quite a few different resorts although I spent about a decade only skiing Vail. You can read about all of our ski trips and ski posts here.
Here are 15 of the top ski resorts to add to your winter getaway list — complete with hotel recommendations that’ll make your après-ski as swoon-worthy as the slopes themselves.
1. Vail, Colorado
This spot holds a special place in my heart because my Mom owned a place here from about 2005-2020. It is a wonderful place for families with tons to do and a huge mountain to learn on. You can find my Vail blogposts here.
Why go: Iconic back bowls, 5,300+ acres of terrain, and a European-style alpine village full of après-ski action. A great family mountain with plenty to do.
Stay at: The Arrabelle at Vail Square — a romantic Bavarian-inspired hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and an irresistible spa.
Vibe: Luxe, lively, and just the right amount of “see and be seen.”
2. Steamboat, Colorado
Steamboat is definitely a family spot and probably a little more budget-friendly. They have lots of activates to offer whether you are a skier or like to take time off the slopes. We stayed at the Steamboat Grand during our week here and enjoyed it; but if you are looking for ski-in and ski-out, I would look for something at One Steamboat Place or condos right in the village. You can read about our trip here.
Why go: Home to the legendary Champagne Powder® and that cozy “Ski Town U.S.A.” energy.
Stay at: The Steamboat Grand — rustic-chic suites, an outdoor heated pool, and steps from the gondola.
Vibe: Western charm meets snow-globe fantasy.
3. Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass has been a long time favorite ski resort for us because it is located close to Aspen, but it is great for kids. We love the Snowmass village and the proximity to 3 other mountains — Highlands, Buttermilk and Aspen– all just a short bus ride away. You can read about our trip here.
Why go: Part of the Aspen Snowmass collective, it’s huge, family-friendly, and perfect for long ski days.
Stay at: Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection — sleek mid-century design and killer slope views or look for a condo in the Snowmass Village.
Vibe: Family fun with a luxe twist.
4. Aspen, Colorado
“A place where the beer flows like wine, where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little place called Aspen”. – Llyod Christmas. I couldn’t help myself. But really, does anywhere top Aspen? It is a place to see and be seen, shop til you drop, and eat fabulous food. As for the skiing, it is a more advanced mountain; so it would be my recommendation to make this one an adult-only trip otherwise you are shlepping your kids into Snowmass for ski school. You can find our Aspen trip recaps here.
Why go: Glitz, glam, and seriously good skiing across four mountains.
Stay at: The Little Nell — Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel, with ski-in/ski-out access and award-winning dining.
Vibe: Champagne in the hot tub and celeb sightings at après.
5. Beaver Creek, Colorado
This is a mountain that I have skied, but never stayed before. This ski resort is just up the way from Vail and is a quaint and cute ski town. I hear it is wonderful for families and a great mountain to learn on.
Why go: Meticulous grooming, peaceful runs, and those legendary free cookies.
Stay at: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa — ski right to the door, then sink into the outdoor hot tubs.
Vibe: Polished, plush, and perfectly quiet.
6. Crested Butte, Colorado
I have heard incredible things about Crested Butte which is why it made it on my Bucket List, but I have never been. I understand that it is a little harder to get to compared to some of the other resorts, but offers some of that old-school ski resort feel and never too crowded.
Why go: Quirky, colorful, and a haven for expert skiers who crave steep terrain and small-town charm.
Stay at: Scarp Ridge Lodge — boutique luxury with private guides and serious adventure cred.
Vibe: Adventure with artisanal whiskey by the fire.
7. Deer Valley, Utah
I have skied Deer Valley once as a teenager and once as an adult. I was a little surprised by my favoritism towards it after our last trip there in 2024. We stayed at the Montage and loved our experience so much. It was nice to have the amenities of a hotel, yet still be ski-in-ski-out. I will mention that it is a 15-20 minute ride into ski school if you have kids there; but they have accommodations to help with that or if you take private lessons, they can meet you right at the hotel.
The mountain is expanding and they have some of the nicest, top of the line lifts that I have ever seen. It is a first class mountain for sure. You can read our experience here.
Why go: No snowboards, no crowds, and no skimping on service.
Stay at: Stein Eriksen Lodge — Norwegian elegance, roaring fireplaces, and ski-valet heaven or the Montage Deer Valley for an elevated alpine escape from the hustle and bustle.
Vibe: Refined, exclusive, and oh-so-romantic.
8. Park City, Utah
I haven’t skied Park City mountain since I was in college but I remember loving the Main Street area and all it had to offer. This place has grown so much in the last decade and is continuing to grow more and more. This is a great spot as well because you have the option of skiing both Park City and Deer Valley mountain as long as you are not a snowboarder.
Why go: The largest ski resort in the U.S. with a charming Main Street and incredible dining.
Stay at: Grande Summit— ski-in/ski-out luxury with plenty of amenities.
Vibe: Old-West chic meets Hollywood cool.
9. Telluride, Colorado
I am dying to ski this mountain and have heard absolutely wonderful things. Look at the charm of this little western town. It is getting bigger and bigger as we speak and I am hoping to get there sooner than later before it becomes more and more crowded.
Why go: Remote, breathtaking, and utterly cinematic.
Stay at: Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection — slope-side glamour with a modern mountain soul.
Vibe: Wild-West romance and small-town intimacy.
10. Big Sky, Montana
This is where we are headed for our next family ski trip and I can’t wait to check it out. I have never been to Montana before and looking forward to seeing its old western, cowboy-chic charm! I don’t know a ton about it yet; but we are excited to explore.
Why go: Huge terrain, no lift lines, and endless alpine views.
Stay at: Montage Big Sky — Montana’s most luxurious mountain retreat with ski-in/ski-out access.
Vibe: Rustic luxury in a cowboy-chic package.
11. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This is a spot that we are waiting until the kids get a little bit older and more experienced skiers before we take them here. I hear incredible things about the mountain and the town, but they do say that it is pretty tough terrain. So this would probably not be the best choice for beginner skiers.
Why go: Steep terrain, big powder, and that legendary Wild West character.
Stay at: Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole — slope-side elegance with breathtaking Teton views.
Vibe: High adrenaline by day, high thread count by night.
12. Sun Valley, Idaho
I love that this was America’s first ski resort and I feel like I don’t hear all that much about it. It definitely has me intrigued to check out and experience its old glamour.
Why go: America’s first ski resort — chic yet unpretentious with wide, sunny slopes.
Stay at: Sun Valley Lodge — where Hemingway wrote, and vintage glamour still sparkles.
Vibe: Retro elegance and cozy fireside cocktails.
13. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
The lake alone has me dying to see this place. I have never been and love the idea of being able to ski by day and hit a casino by night if I had any energy left! The views look truly breathtaking and I hope to get to ski here one day.
Why go: Stunning lake views and a choose-your-own-adventure mix of world-class resorts.
Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe — perched mid-mountain with direct ski access and a divine spa.
Vibe: Bluebird skies, bubbly brunches, and lakeside luxury.
14. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Okay, okay. I know this isn’t in the US, but I had to include it. There is something dreamy about a cold, snow-filled mountain like Whistler appears to be. I have never skied outside of the US before and think this would be the perfect first spot!
Why go: North America’s biggest, boldest ski resort with epic terrain and an après scene to match.
Stay at: Fairmont Chateau Whistler — ski-in/ski-out, fireplaces, and legendary service.
Vibe: International flair with mountain-town magic.
15. Santa Fe, New Mexico
I do hear that the altitude in New Mexico can really get you, but I still definitely want to try this spot. I first fell in love with this Auberge resort below when I saw it and then realized it was about a 20-30 minute drive to the ski slopes. This may be the perfect spot for a family that would like to try skiing, but may not want to do it for the whole week of their trip.
Why go: Sunshine, culture, and powder? Yes, please. Ski Santa Fe combines high-altitude snow with rich Southwestern flavor.
Stay at: Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection — adobe luxury nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills.
Vibe: Ski by day, margarita under the stars by night.
Plan Your Next Ski Adventure
Whether you’re chasing deep powder, breathtaking views, or luxury lodges with five-star robes, these resorts are ready to deliver your dream winter escape.
So… which one are you booking first — Aspen for the glam, Big Sky for the grandeur, or Park City for the flirty après scene?
Did a miss one of your favorite ski resorts?? Please share!
Tips for Family Ski Trips
Ski Trip Packing List | Best Tips for Packing for Your Ski Vacation
More Ski Slope Style Posts
Here is a look at a few post that I have done in the past that has some women’s and kids ski fashion as well.
My favorite Ski Clothes
Ski Season | Fashion + Function
Slope Style
Our Previous Ski Trips
A look at our family ski trips from years past…
Aspen Adult Weekend December 2025
Deer Valley Family Trip December 2024
Snowmass Family Trip March 2024
Aspen Adult Weekend December 2022
Steamboat Family Ski Trip March 2022
Vail Family Trip March 2020 COVID CANCELLED
Vail Family Trip March 2018
Vail Family Trip March 2017
Aspen Family Trip December 2014
