Get your skis on at some of the best ski resorts in the US
The US has some of the best ski resorts in the world, but with so many to choose from—from the Rocky Mountains to the snowy slopes of California and the resorts on the East Coast—it can be hard to know where to head to next. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway with a healthy side of fresh powder, or hoping to carve up some black diamond runs, there’s a ski resort in America that’s perfect for you. Check out our guide to some of the most popular ski resorts on the East Coast and in Colorado.
Visit some of the best ski resorts on the East Coast
If you’re looking for local ski resorts on the East Coast, you’ll want to head north to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Named after the Green Mountains that define its landscape, Vermont turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months, with plenty of local ski resorts offering a wide range of runs to choose from. And if you’re not so keen on skiing, you can always stick to antiquing and sightseeing in its many pretty towns. You’ll also find some great skiing opportunities in New Hampshire and Maine—Maine’s Sugarloaf and New Hampshire’s Bretton Woods are both particularly popular.
Ski your way into a winter wonderland in Vermont
The East Coast is the perfect place for a family ski trip, with Vermont getting top billing when it comes to its resorts, parks, grooming, and snowmaking, as well as excellent dining and shopping opportunities. Consistently voted among the top resorts in the state for skiing, Okemo Mountain is perfect for all levels and abilities, so mom and dad can get some time in on the more advanced runs while the kids keep it cool on the nursery slopes. Better yet, you’ll find a great range of options when it comes to chalets, apartments, and cozy log cabins in the area, some even boasting views over the mountains or hot tubs.
Head north for skiing in New Hampshire and Maine
Bretton Woods Mountain Resort is easily the most popular ski resort in New Hampshire. Just north of North Conway, this high-end resort features 10 lifts and 62 trails; it’s also got some of the most dependable snow conditions on the East Coast, and even boasts night skiing on the weekends. Meanwhile, Sugarloaf in Maine might be a little remote, but it makes up for it with 1,240 acres of terrain and an average annual snowfall of 200 feet. Both ski resorts also feature a great array of vacation rentals, suitable for anything from a romantic long weekend to a longer stay in a winter wonderland with the whole family.
Get to know the best ski resorts in Colorado
If you’re looking for serious skiing combined with serious fun—and a seriously sophisticated apres-ski scene—then Colorado is where it’s at. Home of the Rockies, Colorado boasts some of the best skiing conditions in the country and is an absolute must for any ski or snowboarding aficionado. Well known for ski resorts such as Vail and Aspen, you’ll find that Breckenridge caters to all levels, and is particularly popular with families and groups. Wherever you choose in Colorado, you’ll be sure of some excellent skiing conditions and a great range of choices when it comes to getaway cabins and vacation rentals.
After hitting the slopes, hit the bar in Aspen
One of the most famous ski resorts in the country, Aspen has a glittering reputation for the famous clientele the resort attracts. Aspen has long been the place to see and be seen on the slopes in Colorado, and while this does make staying here more expensive, the 4 mountains that make up the resort more than make up for it. Families and beginners will want to stick to exploring the runs on Buttermilk and Snowmass Mountains, while Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands are a haven for experts. But whether you’re a newbie or a veteran of the mountains, you’ll be sure to find your perfect vacation rental in Aspen.
Bring the whole family on a ski trip to Breckenridge
Less than a 2-hour drive from the heart of downtown Denver you can find some of the best skiing in the country. So much more than a local ski resort, Breckenridge, is one of the best ski resorts in the state and is a great choice for groups and families looking for somewhere to keep everyone happy. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Tenmile Range, the resort boasts a base elevation of 9,600 ft, and the highest lift in North America on Peak 8. At the heart of Breckenridge is the charming and welcoming historic mining town, where you’ll find a nice variety of vacation rentals.
