North America

12 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. That Will Keep You Active and Cozy

Get ready to speed down the slopes, then cozy up by the fireplace at some of the best ski resorts the country has to offer.

From the coveted Colorado Rockies to the renowned runs of Lake Tahoe, the West is unbeatable when it comes to abundant, quality resorts, big mountain skiing, and powder days. Want to challenge yourself and push your boundaries on the mountain? Head to Wyoming or Colorado. Or maybe you’d like a more easy-going, forgiving region with plenty of sunshine; Utah and California are calling your name.

Whether you’re an avid skier or a novice just getting your bearings, here are a few of our favorite ski resorts.

Aspen

Aspen is nestled into one of the most popular ski regions in the world. Everything from the food to the resorts is world class. But Aspen isn’t your average sleepy ski town. This is where the annual X-Games competition takes place and you’ll find no shortage of incredible hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Aspen

3573 Hotels
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Best Resort For Families: The Little Nell

1/4

The Little Nell is consistently favored as Aspen’s most luxurious hotel. With ski-on-ski-off privileges, an abundance of amenities, and attentive customer service, it’s no wonder this resort earns five-star reviews across the board. Everything from the rooms to the staff to the dining is exceptional.

One of the most notable features of The Little Nell is their on-site restaurant, Element 47. This five star, five diamond New American restaurant is known for their guest chef dinner series that feature renowned chefs such as Jean Georges and Thomas Troigois. While the pre-fixe menus are a surprise for each series, you can expect original creations from each chef using their distinctive cooking flair. (Think flower-infused Maine lobster and caviar-topped arctic char.) Pre-paid tickets are $165 and can be booked ahead of time here.

As for accommodations, The Little Nell features all the amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel. They offer five types of luxury suites and residences that can comfortably accommodate families and large groups up to 10 people. All suites have easy mountain access, heated pools, and hot tubs as well as a spa and wellness center where you can indulge in a variety of services, including Oxygen facials and hot stone massages.

The Little Nell

Top rated
Aspen
9.7 Excellent (345 reviews)

Best Resort For Couples: St. Regis Residence Club

1/4

Looking for a romantic Aspen getaway? The elegant and timeless St. Regis Residence Club has you covered. Nestled at the base of Aspen and featuring their world-class Remede Spa, a heated outdoor pool, and fully stocked condo-style accommodations complete with full kitchens and fireplaces, The St. Regis Aspen is the ideal couple’s getaway.

After a long day of skiing, share a toast at their nightly champagne sabering (lopping the cork off a bottle of champagne with a sword), then head to the Remede Spa for a relaxing couple’s massage and finish your day with an intimate dinner at the Chef’s Club. The St. Regis Aspen features the traditional luxury, superior service, and quality you expect from a St. Regis property. As one of Aspen’s original premier properties, it’s a classic resort that doesn’t disappoint.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Top rated
Aspen
9.2 Excellent (802 reviews)

Personal Favorite: The Limelight

1/3

The Limelight Hotel has a more low key, boutique hotel vibe and combines luxury accommodations with a convenient location and great value. The rooms are modern and spacious and many include fireplaces and balconies with mountain views.

Limelight Hotel

Top rated
Aspen
9.6 Excellent (2185 reviews)

Utah

Utah arguably has the best snow terrain on the planet; it’s dry, soft, and forgiving. Most people who experience a Utah powder day will tell you it’s like floating on a cloud. Suffice it to say that Utah lives up to their state moniker, “The best snow on earth.” It’s also one of the best beginner-friendly states to learn to ski or snowboard due to its abundance of light, (less dangerous) fluffy snow.

Here are a few of our favorite ski resorts in Utah.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Utah

51899 Hotels
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Best Resort For Families: Hotel Park City

1/4

Hotel Park City is centrally-located to several of the best ski resorts in Utah, including Park City and Deer Valley, and features large cabin-like accommodations that are perfect for families. Other features include private hot tubs, fireplaces, and a complimentary shuttle to take you and your family to nearby activities including ziplining, bobsledding nordic skiing, dog sledding, and fly fishing.

Hotel Park City

Top rated
Park City
8.7 Excellent (148 reviews)

Best Resort For Couples: Montage Deer Valley

It doesn’t get more romantic or luxurious than the Montage Deer Valley. As Park City’s most well-appointed resort, it’s the ideal spot for couples looking for a lover’s getaway. The suites are cozy and classically decorated with fireplaces, heated floors, and deep soaking tubs; features that are much-appreciated after a long, brisk day on the mountain.

Order a bottle of champagne to your room and unwind by the fireplace while dozing off to spectacular 75-mile panoramic snow-capped mountain views. And did we mention the 35,000-square-foot spa and wellness center? Spa Montage includes 29 therapy rooms, an indoor lap pool, whirlpools, an outdoor pool, steam rooms, a sauna, and a full-service salon.

Montage Deer Valley

Top rated
Park City
9.2 Excellent (682 reviews)

Personal Favorite: The Inn at Snowbird

1/3

The Inn at Snowbird is the hardcore skier’s and snowboarder’s resort. This is where you stay when you want to avoid the traffic from Salt Lake City and maximize your time on the mountain.

Nestled at the base of one of Utah’s (and arguably the world’s) two best ski resorts, The Inn at Snowbird gives you quick access to both Snowbird and Alta resorts without the fuss of commuting up the mountain (which can often be backed up with traffic during prime season). Sure, this hotel is not the most luxe you’re going to find in the region, but it is the most convenient and reasonably priced. Amenities include fireplaces in most rooms, a gym, steam room, outdoor heated pool, and a hot tub.

Inn At Snowbird

Snowbird
8.9 Excellent (7 reviews)

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole exudes an authentic charm of days past. From the Cowboy-inspired decor to the wood plank sidewalks, it takes you back to the days of the Wild Wild West. But for all its charm, Jackson Hole is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to weather and terrain. It’s not for the faint of heart, and we mean that in the best way possible. We’re talking 20 below zero temperatures, 70 mile-an-hour summit winds, and steeply pitched mountain runs that will have your adrenaline pumping out of your chest. If you can make it on Jackson Hole, you can make it anywhere.

When you’re not scaring the living daylights out of yourself on the mountain, here’s where to stay in Jackson Hole.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Jackson Hole

834 Hotels
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Best Resort For Families: Fireside Resort

1/4

Fireside Resort is located minutes by car from Jackson Hole Mountain and features large, pet-friendly cabins that are perfect for groups and family stays. While Fireside doesn’t have your typical hotel amenities such as on-site restaurants or fancy spas, its detached cabin-style and rustic furnishings give this resort a classic Wyoming charm and a home-like feel that is hard to find at other more traditional hotels.

Each fully-equipped cabin features private bbq grills, picnic tables, luxury rustic finishes, comfortable pillow top beds, private campfires, fully stocked kitchens, and easy access to additional nearby outdoor activities, like elk watching, ice fishing, and sledding. And don’t let Jackson Hole’s cowboy theme fool you; this city has a plethora of upscale dining options including local favorites The Restaurant at White Buffalo (seafood and steak), Trio (new American), Blue Lion (seafood), and Wild Sage (regional cuisine).

Fireside Resort

Top rated
Wilson
9.8 Excellent (668 reviews)

Best Resort For Couples: Hotel Terra

Located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain, just steps from the slopes, Hotel Terra is one of Jackson Hole’s most modern, luxurious hotels, surrounded by views of Yellow Stone National Park and the Grand Tetons. After a day on the mountain, take a lap in their rooftop infinity pool or enjoy one of the many spa services at their relaxing Chill Spa (try their Arnica Sore Muscle Massage and All Organic Facial). Finish the evening at Il Villaggio Osteria, their on-site traditional Italian restaurant featuring handmade pasta and a curated wine list.

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole

Top rated
Teton Village
9.0 Excellent (1569 reviews)

Personal Favorite: The Lodge at Jackson Hole

1/4

The Lodge at Jackson Hole is a short 10-minute drive from the mountain and features classic cowboy Wyoming Flair. Walk into the lodge, surrounded by deer antlers and wooden carved bears, and you know you’re in Wyoming. If you want an authentic Jackson Hole experience (minus the fluff), stay at The Lodge. The staff is ultra-friendly and accommodating and the hotel has all the necessities you need such as a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor-outdoor heated pool, soaking tubs, saunas, and a spa.

It’s also ideally situated in the town of Jackson and within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes, including the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a local favorite watering hole with live music. The Lodge at Jackson is a great resort for anyone looking for value, location, and a true Wyoming experience.

The Lodge at Jackson Hole

Top rated
Jackson
8.7 Excellent (2122 reviews)

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe boasts expansive views and terrain few ski resorts can compete with. How many other ski resorts sit above a massive deep blue lake that you can see while skiing?

Known for its pristine lakes, cloud-like powder snow, and abundant bluebird days, Lake Tahoe is one of the most coveted, scenic ski regions for a reason. People flock from all over the globe to experience Lake Tahoe’s unique, sun-lit beauty and incredible ski views. If you’re looking for your next, must-visit ski resort in Lake Tahoe, here are our recommendations.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - South Lake Tahoe

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Best Resort For Families: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

1/4

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel features a variety of room sizes including large two-room suites that comfortably fit groups and families. The location is within minutes of Tahoe’s best resorts including Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Squaw Valley. The mountainside hotel features expansive private balconies with wide views of the lake that are second to none. The rooms are cozy and comfortable and guests enjoy a full free breakfast every morning, nightly happy hours, and delicious seafood fare at their onsite restaurant, Echo. (Try the Avocado Citrus Lobster Salad and the Tuna Tartare.)

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe
7.2(3622 reviews)

Best Resort For Couples: The Landing Resort & Spa

1/4

The Landing is one of Tahoe’s most enchanting, private five-star boutique resorts. Situated on the beachfront shoreline of South Lake Tahoe, it combines luxury, location, and lake views. Every detail from the modern, well-appointed rooms to the onyx-clad Jimmy’s restaurant exudes sophistication and elegance.

Couples will find the serene, lakefront location ideal for cracking open a bottle of wine and unwinding by the fireplace after a long day on the slopes. You’ll also want to head over to their spa for their side-by-side “Pair” couples massage, where your masseuse will customize a treatment for each of you. If you’re looking for a romantic, dreamy couple’s retreat, add The Landing to the top of your list.

The Landing Resort And Spa

Top rated
South Lake Tahoe
9.0 Excellent (2137 reviews)

Personal Favorite: Marriott's Timber Lodge

1/4

Located in the center of Heavenly Village, Marriott’s Timber Lodge is a smart pick for anyone who is serious about skiing and wants to ride on and off the mountain while still being close to restaurants and entertainment. The convenient mountainside location and large, fully-equipped condo-like accommodations that include kitchens, in-unit washer and dryers, and fireplaces make it excellent for groups and families. It includes all the essential amenities you would expect from Marriott; a full fitness center, sauna, heated pool, and hot tubs. However, the best part about this resort is the proximity to both the mountain and the village.

Once you’re done skiing, you won’t be bored. Their prime location puts you in the center of it all with easy, walkable access to Harrah’s and Harvey’s Casinos, The Opal Nightclub, The Loft Theatre, Heavenly Ice Rink, several spas including Serenity Spa and Blue Water Day Spa, and plenty of art galleries that feature works from local artists.

Marriott's Timber Lodge

Top rated
South Lake Tahoe
8.9 Excellent (255 reviews)