It’s still well above 90 degrees here in Atlanta, so it’s hard to consider that winter is just around the corner and will be here before we know it. With winter so close, that means that ski season is just three months away. As we get closer to the beginning of the ski season, many are already starting to plan vacations and evaluating where are the best places to ski. It can be hard to choose, so here are a few of the best ski resorts in North America.
Jackson Hole – Wyoming
Considered one of the best resorts in the United States, Jackson Hole is known for having one of the best lift networks, an exorbitant amount of snowfall, and top-notch terrain. While considered to be a haven for experts, the resort has made itself more accessible for intermediate and beginner skiers in recent years. The resort has plans to open a mid-mountain lodge that will have a ski school and family-friendly social events as well. The slopes at Jackson can sometimes get crowded, but waiting in line is a rare situation. If you’re interested in the town, winter is actually considered the offseason, as it serves as an unofficial gateway into Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. So while you may not get the ambiance you’re looking for, there are plenty of opportunities for lodging deals.
Telluride – Colorado
Telluride tops the list as my favorite North America ski resort. With views of the San Juan Mountains that will take your breath away, Telluride is a great resort that skiers of all levels can enjoy. Many resorts don’t offer novices the chance to get on a true ski run, but Telluride is home to a 5-mile long green run that starts at 11,800 feet, at the top of the Prospect Express lift. For higher-level skiers, parts of Revelation Bowl are a great option, but the true experts and can go up to Palmyra Peak at 13,320 feet if they’re looking for something more intense. The town itself is a true western town and sits at the end of a box canyon. For those who stay at Mountain Village, downtown Telluride is a fun and scenic gondola ride away. Restaurant options are not plentiful, but there is something for everyone. The travel logistics make this one of the tougher resorts to get to, and this definitely keeps the crowds away. Liftlines are rare at Telluride, and the vertical elevation change is significantly larger than many popular U.S. alternative resorts. Visitors can choose from staying in Mountain Village or down in the town where more of the shops and restaurants are located. Either way, you will not be disappointed.
Snowbird – Utah
If you’re interested in more rugged terrain, Snowbird is a great option. The resort offers some of the greatest expert terrains and is home to many professional free riders and extreme skiers. It even hosts several international free-skiing competitions! If you choose to check out Snowbird, make sure you’re prepared. The terrain is not for the faint of heart and it offers plenty of double black runs with trees, chutes, and cliffs. Unlike the other resorts mentioned here, Snowbird doesn’t have much of a town, offering only a handful of restaurants and bars as well as limited nightlife. If you don’t care as much about post-ski activities and want to focus on the snow, Snowbird is the place for you.
Vail – Colorado
Vail is one of the most visited resorts in the country, and for good reason. It’s home to an immensely huge ski area as well as a massive resort town full of plenty of activities. Vail is the largest resort in Colorado at a whopping 5,289 acres and offers a variety of terrain full of green and blue groomers as well as back bowls. Vail is also home to the largest snowmaking enhancement project in America, so you’ll never have to worry about a lack of snow early in the season. As for the town, Vail is split up into 3 villages that form one massive resort town: Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak. Vail Village has a peaceful, small-town feel to it, though it’s full of high-class restaurants, shopping and plenty of nightlife. Lionshead is only about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Vail village and is completely closed off to cars and buses. It’s home to plenty of luxury hotels such as the Arabelle at Vail Square and The Ritz-Carlton. It also offers a variety of activities including an ice rink and plenty of shopping. As for Golden Peak, you only have to walk about 5 minutes East of Vail Village to get there. It’s home to the Riva Bahn Express Lift Chair as well as Vail’s childcare and nursery facilities. It’s also the main access point to Vail’s Golden Peak Terrain Park. Golden Peak is a great place to watch ski racers as it hosts events such as the Burton U.S. Open.
Deer Valley – Utah
Located about an hour from the Salt Lake International Airport, Deer Valley is home to over 2,000 acres of terrain that offers an uphill capacity of over 50,000 skiers an hour. The resort is known for having plenty of great runs such as the Daly Chutes or the Supreme and is perfect for anyone looking to experience a little bit of Olympic history. The Know You Don’t and Champion trails were both used in the 2002 Olympic slalom and mogul events, with local skier Shannon Barhke winning a silver medal on Champion that same year. Deer Valley’s resorts offer luxury lodging featuring curbside ski valets, daily mountain host tours and much more. There are plenty of choices for lodging, from The Goldener Hirsch Inn to their Signature Collection of townhomes and condominiums. For those seeking the ultimate in a luxury ski vacation, Deer Valley is home to the world-renowned Stein Erikson’s lodge.
There are many different expectations, desires, and ability levels to consider when planning a ski trip, so it’s important to find the appropriate resort to ensure you have the best trip you can. Whether you’re looking for slopes that will get your adrenaline pumping or a ski town with exciting nightlife, there’s something out there for everybody.