A ski vacation is the perfect winter getaway for those who love the heavy snowfall and the icy winds that accompany the season. If you are all set to hit the snow covered slopes this season and ski to your heart’s content, here is a list of the top ski resorts in the U.S. that you definitely need to visit for the same purpose.
1. Jackson Hole
Couple powder laden slopes with chilly temperatures and what you have you got? A truly spectacular skiing destination just perfect for skiers and snowboarders alike!
The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a hit with the more experienced crowd while beginners can tackle the Grand Targhee and Snow King slopes located downhill.
If that’s not enough, you have plenty to do in the form of Wildlife Tours that will take you through the snow covered landscape to catch glimpses of elk, moose, bighorn sheep and bison in the National Elk Refuge as well as the Grand Teton National Park.
2. Taos Ski Valley
Located atop the Sangre de Crist Mountains, Taos Ski Valleys height of 9000 feet may seem daunting for some. However, it is the perfect destination for boarders and skiers from far and wide.
Hit the skiing slopes stretching for almost 1300 acres, conquering known trails and unknown bumps and rocks on the way.
Feeling more adventurous? Head up to the Kachina Peak or the Highline Ridge and ski down death defying snow covered slopes filled with cornices and steep chutes.
3. Telluride
Telluride has over 2000 acres of skiable surface, with over 125 trails and a heart stopping 4425 vertical drop that can make even the most experienced of skiers go weak in their knees.
The three terrain parks bordering the resort cater to beginners and experts alike.
If the skiing gets to you, you can always opt for a hike to the top of the 13320 foot Palmyra Peak. Fancy dry snow? Head over to San Juan slopes. Ready to retire for the night? Hit the chalets in the Mountain Village for a peaceful night’s stay.
4. Finger Lakes
Considered as a skiing paradise for every East Coast skier, Finger Lakes is an area covered with lake effect snow, thanks to the 11 lakes that surround the region. The area is also home to over 30 groomed ski parks and trails catering to skiers of all levels. If cross country skiing is your cup of tea, Finger Lakes is where you need to be.
5. Sun Valley
The oldest ski resort in American still holds onto its old world charm despite being visited by thousands of avid skiers and snowboarders every year.
Stretching for over 2000 acres and featuring a massive 3400 foot vertical drop right at the edge of Sawtooth National Forest, Sun Valley boasts of housing some of the best Nordic trails in the entire country.
Don’t forget to take the trip aboard the 56 car Roundhouse Gondola to the Roundhouse Restaurant on the summit of Bald Mountain to sample the luscious northwest lamb burger while enjoy stunning views of the alpine valley below.
6. Whistler Blackcomb
Everyone who’s everyone has heard of the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in the U.S. Covering an astounding area of 8000 acres, the resort and its surrounding areas are a haven for ski lovers worldwide.
Featuring a 5500 foot vertical drop along with high speed gondolas and over 37 ski lifts ferrying up to 65000 people up the slopes every hour, the resort boasts of housing some of the most terrifying ski slopes on earth.
The more experienced can head to the long steeps and race runs at any one of the 16 alpine bowls in the resort. Combine that with terrain parks and a never ending nightlife, and you have a place that is a must visit on your ski vacation list.
7. Aspen
Aspen has over four major ski regions catering to skiers of all levels. These include Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. If you are tired of conquering the slopes all day, you can always head over to the White River National Forest to try your hand at some classic cross country skiing.
8. Squaw Valley
As the host of the 1960 Winter Games, Snow Valley houses over 3600 acres of snowy terrains covered with treacherous mountain peaks galore.
It has all you would want in a ski resort, offering you the change to tackle skiing at every level, including open bowls, groomed trails, pipes, terrain parks and classic steeps.
Follow a daylong of skiing with a memorable nightlife at the pedestrian village which is teeming with pubs, shops, restaurants and avid skiers like yourself.
9. Killington
Sitting amidst the majestic Green Mountains, Killington enjoys a great snowfall season every year which covers the entire 2000 acres of the region with a beautiful blanket of snow. The slopes on the resort are mostly suited for advanced and intermediate skiers who can race down over 92 miles of trails in the white snowy landscape.
10. Vail
Again catering to the more experienced crowd, Vail has over 193 skiable trails in addition to 31 ski lifts and a jaw dropping 3500 foot vertical drop.
Hope to conquer the steep back bowls at China, Sun Up and Siberia while learning some much needed skiing lessons at Vail’s Ski and Snowboard school.
Join the Adventure’s Sessions to undertake a guided tour atop the mountain and choose to explore the extremely eco-conscious villages dotting the region, complete with their solar panels and water consumption contraptions.
