17 Epic Ski Resorts to Add to Your Snowy Bucket List

Get your winter sports fix at the best mountain resorts around the West

Written by Sunset April 15, 2011

For many of us, winter in the West is all about skiing. With some of the best ski resorts in the world located right here in our backyard, powderhounds have plenty to choose from. Spread the love around and try to hit more than one this year.  From the kid-friendly Beaver Creek in Colorado to the low-key slopes of Solitude in Utah, we found the best snowy getaways to suit any group of schussers. 

Please note that all these resorts do plan to open for the 2020-2021 season, but that due to COVID-19, not every amenity and activity may be available.

1 of 17 Courtesy Beaver Creek

For Families: Beaver Creek Resort, Beaver Creek, CO

Beaver Creek—built specifically for luxury travelers in the 1980s—is known for its heated sidewalks, ski valets, and tissues and hot cocoa served at the chairlifts. For families who can swing it, there’s no better experience. Between the fresh-baked cookies doled out every afternoon, one of the best ski schools in the country, a centerpiece ice skating rink, and fireworks display, the experience is pure childhood magic. The resort is better known for its gentler terrain, but that’s only because many aren’t privy to the killer tree skiing; steep groomers; and steep chutes that ensure advanced parents and teens won’t be bored.
2 of 17 Jason Cameron/ Getty Images

For Couples: Park City Mountain Resort, Park City, UT

Of Park City’s area resorts, PCM is the only one you can get to from the cute house rentals and ultra-luxe inns that line Main Street. Ski-boot-step from your door right over to the Town Lift, which will zip you up the mountain, where over 7,300 of some of the West’s best skiiable acres await. Unique programming, like the star-studded Sundance Film Fest and the newer Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour, which leads intermediate skiers to relics of the former mine town, makes for memorable dates. Meanwhile, cushy hotels like the Waldorf; the revamped Hyatt Centric; and the new Blue Sky Lodge, 20 minutes outside of town, set a romantic tone.
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3 of 17 Courtesy Mammoth Mountain

For Mixed Groups: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Mammoth Mountain attracts a mix of serious LA. skiers unfazed by the six-hour slog, requisite bunnies, and folks from all over who fly in, with their sticks and snowboards, to Mammoth’s little airport for a taste of the Swiss Alps in the Eastern Sierra. With 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, more than 150 varied trails, and about 400 inches of snowfall annually, Mammoth will suit just about anyone. The resort’s lauded Unbound Terrain Parks is one of the best in the biz with three halfpipes, more than 100 jibs, and up to 50 jumps spread across 100 acres. Naturally, Mammoth can get busy, but with dozens of lifts and thanks to the sheer size of the resort, it’s easy to spread out. And its high elevation ensures an uber-long season, keeping the skiing going from November through May, and some years even into July.
4 of 17 gladassfanny/ Getty Images

For a Party: Vail Ski Resort, Vail, CO

With a tag line of “Like nothing on Earth” (and lift tickets over $100), Vail Ski Resort has a lot to live up to. And, as the most popular resort in the U.S. with 1,6 million visitors a year, 5,000 acres to ski, seven powder-filled back bowls, and 300-plus guaranteed bluebird days, it actually does. Extensive upgrades to its snowmaking, new runs, and eco-friendly upgrades keeps upping the game at this buzzy resort that also hosts some of the rowdiest events in the ski world. Catch the music-filled Vail Snow Days in December; the Burton U.S. Open in February; and Pink Vail in March, when a sea of magenta descends on the mountain in support of breast cancer research. Beyond that, Vail takes the superlative across most categories: broad selection of lodging, top-notch spas, tons of family -riendly activities, variety of bars and restaurants. There’s a good reason Vail reigns as Queen Bee.
5 of 17 Photo by Brown Cannon III

For the True Ski Town Experience: Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride, CO

If you’re talking about ski resorts that have it all, Telluride should be at the top of the list. On one side you have the modern, sleek Mountain Village with ski-in/ski-out hotels (book The Madeline or the recently revamped Lumiere), excellent skiing (including designated beginner areas, tons of advanced terrain, glade skiing, and heli skiing), and blessedly short lift lines. On the other side, there’s the charming town with Victorian architecture, solid bars and restaurants, and a strong community spirit. A free gondola links the two for easy access. And though the resort’s staggering views and tony accommodations draw celebs and high-rollers, there’s no pretentiousness here.
6 of 17 Photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

For Stylish Skiers: Aspen Snowmass, Aspen, CO

People think the tough-to-get-to-mountain town of Aspen-Snowmass is more about Prada than powder. But once you schuss out of your posh hotel and right onto the slopes, it’s obvious that Aspen and Snowmass are skiers’ and snowboarders’ mountains. Still, the amenities here are top-shelf with private clubs, ritzy pop-up restaurants and shops, and bespoke experiences. In the past couple years, the long-underrated Snowmass has embarked on a $600 million facelift with new eco-friendly hotels, farm-to-table restaurants, and modern amenities like a coworking space and Colorado’s largest climbing wall. The Viceroy Snowmass, renovated to the tune of $3.5 million, is the place to stay for posh interiors and ski-in/ski-out spa treatments
7 of 17 Photo by Hank de Vré

For Shredders Who Love to Après: Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley, CO

Admire the rising sun as you schuss down just-groomed runs at Squaw Valley, which in addition to its world-class skiing, also runs one of the most eco-friendly ski operations in the country, leading the pack on everything from plastic to clean energy. The resort’s après scene epitomizes the joys of ski culture with rowdy parties (the neon-fueled New Year’s Retro Après Ski Party and the Pain McSchlonkey Classic costumed downhill race are two not to miss), fun bars (the Chamois, Slot Bar, the new Tram Bar), and high-elevation hot tub action at High Camp.

8 of 17 Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

For Nostalgic Skiers: Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, ID

The country’s first destination ski resort and the birthplace of the game-changing chairlift still manages to retain that laid-back luxury it trademarked since opening in the thirties with a Hollywood clientele. At this still-family-owned resort, you can dine, shop, steam, dance, swim, and ice-skate your day away in the village. It’s a good place to learn new skills: The ski staff at Sun Valley Resort is exceptionally good, with an all-star clan. As for lodging, you can never go wrong with the Hemingway-favorite Sun Valley Lodge or the more modest Sun Valley Inn—both recently renovated. But if you’re looking for something more hip, the Limelight Hotel on Ketchum’s main drag comes complete with nightly live music, free loaner fat bikes, and an on-site gear shop for ski and snowboard rentals.
9 of 17 Photo by Rob Brodman

For a Value: Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, ID

The numbers at Schweitzer speak for themselves: 2,900 skiable acres; 300+ inches of average annual snowfall; three terrain parks; 92 runs, including a 2.1-mile continuous groomer; 20 miles of nordic trails; and the state’s only high-speed six-person lift. Views from the top include three mountain ranges, three states, Canada, and 65-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille. Not only that, lift lines are nearly nonexistent, and a ticket will set you back just $79. Nonskiers will love the free movies, guided snowshoe hikes, and on-mountain wine tastings at Gourmandie.

 

 

10 of 17 Photo by Janis Nicolay

For Living Large: Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler, BC

Fresh Tracks, Whistler’s early-bird program, lets you ski the powder an hour before anyone else hits the slopes. Last year the resort invested $52 million into new, faster lifts and a new gondola, giving you even more time to properly tackle North America’s largest ski resort. Here, two hours from Vancouver, 8,171 acres of inbound skiing offer virtually every type of terrain. The sprawling pedestrian village is as varied as the slopes with all forms of dining and partying—from family-friendly hot cocoa and ice skating apres options to posh sushi joints to late-night dancing at Garfinkle’s.

11 of 17 Photo by Brown Cannon III

For Pure Skiing: Alta Ski Area, Alta, UT

Almighty Alta has just seven lifts (and not much else) spread across 2,200 acres of heart-pumping hikes and narrow chutes, chest-deep powder, and total lack of pretension. It's a resolutely uncorporate resort, where five no-frills lodges sleep 1,200 skiers, tops. Locals and long-time fans treasure that enduring, simple vibe. The tide seems to be turning with the re-opening of Snowpine Lodge in early 2019. After a $50 million update, the building that has been Alta’s general store and a public shelter, now stands as the mountains first luxury hotel. Still, locals and resort staff say Alta’s gritty, ski-only soul isn’t going anywhere.

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For Serious Shredders: Taos Ski Valley, Taos, NM

The family-owned Taos Ski Valley resort’s remote location keeps skier visits to a quarter of what Colorado’s Vail gets, yet the secret on this expert-haven is quickly getting out thanks to major upgrades since new owners took over in 2013. Sure, the European-inspired village is charming, and The Blake—with its stunning art collection and LEED certification—is one of the best new ski hotels in the industry. And yes, Taos is the only ski resort honored as a B Corp for its responsible practices toward its employees and the environment. Yet, for powder hounds, the highlight is the terrain. With its location at 9,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos touts some of the most challenging terrain in the region. Kachina Peak is the resort’s crown jewel with steep bowls, chutes, and big cliffs. But West Basin Ridge, Highline Ridge, and Al’s Run also get plenty of buzz from those in-the-know. And with increased snowmaking this year and the resort’s snow farming program, good snow is practically guaranteed.

13 of 17 Photo courtesy of Sun Peaks / Kelly Funk

Food Food Lovers: Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks, B.C.

Thanks to two alpine areas moved inbounds, Sun Peaks’ three mountains provide the second most expansive terrain in Canada, 90 percent of which is rated intermediate and expert. The resort—which announced $60 million in capital improvements—is located near the Okanagan Valley, meaning good food is easy to come by and often accompanied by a solid wine list. Go in December (most years) for the Savour the Sun Mountain Wine Festival, which shows off vinos from the Oliver Osoyoos region. Or, wait until March (hopefully) when this food-obsessed mountain debuts the Sun Peaks Wine and Food Festival with themed pairing dinners ranging from a history-inspired menu to a gourmet grilled cheese-and-wine feast. Anytime you go, plan to ski under the stars after a fondue dinner mid-mountain at the recently renovated Sunburst Bar + Eatery, with lanterns lighting the slope and your own personal headlamp to guide the way.
14 of 17 Photo by Corey Rich / Aurora Photos

For Epic Views: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe, CA

Views, views, views of Lake Tahoe’s hallowed blue waters are what Heavenly is known for. Well, that, and some of the best terrain in the Sierra. This sprawling South Lake resort counts with 29 lifts and about 100 trails, from green-circle groomers to epic experts-only chutes. Ridge Run probably has the best, widest view of the lake. For non-skiers, the new UTV (utility-task vehicle) tours across the Blue Sky Terrace offer a different vantage point.

15 of 17 Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

For White-Glove Schussing: Deer Valley Resort, Park City, UT

Skiers-only (and proud of it), Deer Valley is brimming with elitism and Utah’s featherlight snow. A max of 7,500 tickets are sold per day, which ensures solitary schussing; free overnight ski storage eases the burden of lugging; the high-speed quad helps you get in more runs. Adding to the $8.1 million invested last year; for the 2019-2020 season, Deer Valley dropped nearly another eight mil on digital signage with real-time info on ticketing and conditions, the latest high-end Rossignol gear for rentals, and improved snowmaking and grooming equipment. When it comes time to rest your head, choose from one of the only few five-star hotels in skiing, the Stein Eriksen Lodge, or the also-ultra-luxe St. Regis Deer Valley.
16 of 17 Michael Hanson

For Big Snow: Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, B.C.

Young families and ski groups whoop it up at this Monashee Mountains resort that lacks the intim­idation factor of Whistler—both in vertical drop and social scene. Ski amid Big White's famed “snow ghosts”—sculptural, snow-clad trees located at higher elevations on the mountain.

17 of 17 Photo by Michael Harp

For Solitude: Solitude Mountain Resort, Solitude, UT

Solitude has unbelievably fast lifts with hardly any lines, so you can get in more runs. There are lift-served off-piste areas, groomed Nordic trails, and lengthy laps. Blessed with the Champagne powder that makes other Cottonwood resorts like Snowbird so coveted, Solitude gets an average 500 inches of powder a year, and it’s interconnected with Brighton, which gives you access to another 1,050 acres. It hardly makes any sense that this resort still manages to fly under-the-radar.

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