Share this:
Skiing is probably the closest thing to flying on land, don’t you think?
It’s almost a meditative activity since you have to concentrate on finding your balance and be in sync with your body as well as your surroundings.
Plus, the amazing views and the fresh mountain air totally chase away any stress you’ve been carrying around.
Can’t decide where to go skiing in 2019 or exploring the possibility of skiing for the first time?
In this article we share the 18 best skiing destinations in the US with all the important details to help you plan an amazing skiing trip, whether you’re a beginner, sort of have the hang of it, or an expert.
1. Colorado
Tons of fresh powdery snow, clear blue skies for days, and ski resorts that stay open later in the season (from early October to later April) than anywhere else in the country – there’s honestly no substitute for a winter holiday in Colorado.
With over 28 ski resorts, some of which are the largest in the nation, Colorado is the place to be if skiing is a highlight in your vacation.
Here are some of the best resorts in Colorado.
a. Aspen
This classic ski resort is a favorite with both expert and newbie skiers and has a good variety of trails in its four prominent skiing areas: Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands.
Height: 2451 m – 3559 m
Ski route: 135 km
Ski lifts: 5
Cost (day ticket): Approx $179/€ 158
Level: All levels (24.3 km Beginner; 40.5 km Intermediate; 70.2 km Advanced)
b. Vail
Vail is nestled in a tiny valley in what seems like a faraway place (between the Gore Mountain Range in the north and the Sawatch Mountain Range in the south), but it is a heavyweight when it comes to a ski retreat in Colorado.
In fact, Vail even attracts Hollywod A-listers with its expertly manicured slopes and luxury spa and resorts. Imagine gliding down a slope and meeting Will Smith at the bottom. Yep, it’s possible in Vail!
Height: 2457 m – 3433 m
Ski route: 234 km
Ski lifts: 25
Cost (day ticket): Approx $230/€ 210
Level: All levels (57 km Beginner; 84 km Intermediate; 93 km Advanced)
c. Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is another hidden gem you need to explore in Colorado. It has diverse trails that’s great for both skiing and snowboarding, and the best part? It’s never crowded.
Height: 2455 m – 3388 m
Ski route: 150 km
Ski lifts: 16
Cost (day ticket): Approx $230/€210
Level: All levels (28.5 km Beginner; 64.5 km Intermediate; 57 km Advanced)
d. Breckenridge
With its wide slopes, Breckenridge is perfect for beginners and families. It’s a historic mining town with tons of opportunities for dining, shopping, and simply relaxing when you’re tired after tackling the slopes.
Height: 2926 m – 3914 m
Ski route: 153 km
Ski lifts: 23
Cost (day ticket): Approx $210/€ 180
Level: All levels (28 km Beginner; 60 km Intermediate; 65 km Advanced)
e. Steamboat Springs
Go skiing at a resort that has trademarked their snow (Champagne Powder® snow!
With low water content (6% compared to 15% in other areas), the snow in Steamboat Springs totally takes you on a magical ride.
Height: 2103 m – 3221 m
Ski route: 165 km
Ski lifts: 17
Cost (day ticket): Approx $180/€ 160
Level: All levels (25 km Beginner; 95 km Intermediate; 45 km Advanced)
f. Telluride
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride has been rated the #1 Ski resort in North America by Condé Nast Traveler. Telluride wows everyone with the beautiful views and old-world charm.
And you almost never need a car here, with most of the hotels located within walking distance of the lifts.
Height: 2659 m – 3815 m
Ski route: 88 km
Ski lifts: 16
Cost (day ticket): Approx $140/€ 130
Level: All levels (7 km Beginner; 52 km Intermediate; 30 km Advanced)
Bonus: Heli-skiing
g. Crested Butte, Colorado
This is a great place for experts with its numerous double-black (advanced) trails. Enjoy long runs and even go on a few cross-country trails.
Height: 2774 m – 3707 m
Ski route: 121 km
Ski lifts: 12
Cost (day ticket): Approx $150/€ 135
Level: All levels (27 km Beginner; 69 km Intermediate; 25 km Advanced)
2. Utah
If you’re maxed out on Colorado ski resorts, Utah is another great winter destination to explore for your next skiing retreat.
Precision-engineered terrain, Olympic downhills, and deep pwder – Utah has it all!
a. Park City
Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the country and provides an unbeatable skiing experience with 426 downhill trails and many spots specially reserved for Nordic skiing.
Height: 2080 m – 3049 m
Ski route: 250 km
Ski lifts: 38
Cost (day ticket): Approx $210/€ 180
Level: All levels (27 km Beginner; 152 km Intermediate; 71 km Advanced)
b. Snowbird Ski Resort
Snowbird is closest to the airport and has the longest skiing season in Utah (it opens before Thanksgiving and is open through to Memorial Day).
It’s also a full-service resort with stellar customer service and plenty of opportunities to ski as well as relax in heated pools and spas.
Height: 2365 m – 3353 m
Ski route: 103 km
Ski lifts: 11
Cost: Approx $135/€120
Level: All levels (27 km Beginner; 38 km Intermediate; 38 km Advanced)
c. Alta
Located at the top of one of Utah’s most famous canyons, Alta is a paradise for skiers. Alta serves up old-world charm with modern infrastructure and adds in great food to the mix. What’s not to love?
Height: 2600 m – 3215 m
Ski route: 116 km
Ski lifts: 9
Cost: Approx $115/€100
Level: All levels (29 km Beginner; 46 km Intermediate; 40.6 km Advanced)
Bonus: Cat-skiing
3. Wyoming
Make your way over to Wyoming for epic downhill terrain and scenic, sunshine-filled days. Essentially, the untamed wilderness of the Teton Mountain Range makes Wyoming a popular skiing and snowboarding destination in the country.
a. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Height: 1924 m – 3185 m
Ski route: 116 km
Ski lifts: 12
Cost: Approx $135/€120
Level: All levels (16 km Beginner; 50 km Intermediate; 50 km Advanced)
Bonus: Heli-skiing, Cat-skiing
b. Grand Targhee Ski Resort, Wyoming
Height: 2365 m – 3353 m
Ski route: 103 km
Ski lifts: 11
Cost: Approx $135/€120
Level: All levels (27 km Beginner; 38 km Intermediate; 38 km Advanced)
4. Washington
Skiing in Washington may not be as big as Utah or Colorado, but the Evergreen State isn’t always evergreen – it has plenty of mountains, which get a lot of snow in the winter months. In fact, the yearly snowfall in the Cascade Range is what skiers in Washington wait for to head off into the mountains.
a. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, Washington
This is Washington’s largest ski resort and its pretty close to both Seattle and Tacoma. This resort doesn’t offer lodging, but they have partnered up with three nearby hotels for the full ski resort experience.
Washington’s highest restaurant – Summit House – is also located here.
Height: 1341 m – 2147 m
Ski route: 50 km
Ski lifts: 10
Cost(day ticket): Approx $100/€90
Level: All levels (8 km Beginner; 27 km Intermediate; 15 km Advanced)
b. Mission Ridge Ski Area, Washington
Located on the eastern side of the Cascades range, Mission Ridge is sunnier than the other Washington resorts.
Facilities here include rentals, lessons, and child care, but you will have to bank on the hotels and restaurants in Leavenworth on your trip.
Height: 1392 m – 2078 m
Ski route: 100 km
Ski lifts: 4
Cost (day ticket): Approx $70/€60
Level: All levels (10 km Beginner; 60 km Intermediate; 30 km Advanced)
15. The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass
The four mountain areas of the Summit at Snoqualmie Pass are great for both beginner and expert skiers. Newbies can learn the ropes at Summit West, while pros can head over to the Alpental area for some serious snow bashing.
This resort doesn’t offer lodging though, but hotels are not far off. Each mountain area does have plenty of dining options.
Height: 800 m – 1180 m
Ski route: 28 km
Ski lifts: 21
Cost (day ticket): Approx $80/€70
Level: All levels (5.2 km Beginner; 13.7 km Intermediate; 9 km Advanced)
California
The amazing thing about California is that you can go from a sunny beach to a snow laden ski trail in the same day!
The North Lake Tahoe region, South Lake Tahoe as well as the Central Sierra Nevada mountains are closest to North California. And, Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada is among the best places to ski in California. Other prominent resorts include Squaw Valley, Heavenly Mountain resort, Northstar, and Badger Pass ski area.
16. Mammoth Mountain
Did you know Mammoth Mountain (11,000 ft high) is an active volcano? Plus it gets almost 400 inches of snow every year, which makes skiing a truly magical activity here.
Height: 2424 m – 3369 m
Ski route: 90 km
Ski lifts: 28
Cost (day ticket): Approx $160/€140
Level: All levels (18 km Beginner; 48 km Intermediate; 22 km Advanced)
New York
In New York, the Finger Lakes region are a favorite among skiing enthusiasts. The cold winds blow over the lakes Erie and Ontario and deposit lake-effect snow that lasts ages in the Central New York Area.
Here are the two most popular ski resorts in the region.
17. Bristol Mountain
Bristol mountains is primarily for beginner and intermediate skiers. The trails are quite wide (about 2 miles), and provide a great skiing experience along with breathtaking scenery.
Height: 304 m – 670 m
Ski route: 20 km
Ski lifts: 5
Cost (day ticket): Approx $80/€65
Level: All levels (6 km Beginner; 10 km Intermediate; 4 km Advanced)
18. Greek Peak
This ski resort is located in a quaint town called Virgil and has fantastic trails for skiers of all levels. Another great attraction at Greek Peek, apart from skiing, is Hope Lake lodge, which is a spectacular mountain lodge with its own water park!
Height: 350 m – 640 m
Ski route: 19 km
Ski lifts: 6
Cost (day ticket): Approx $70/€60
Level: All levels (9 km Beginner; 4 km Intermediate; 6 km Advanced)
Category:
Leave a Reply