Each winter, skiers and snowboarders are faced with exactly the same dilemma: Where should they ski this year? For the lucky few who live near great skiing, a season pass and a few tanks of gas may suffice. However, for the majority of the country, a ski vacation demands a hefty investment and hours of travel.
To make sure that you’re receiving the most from ski season, we’ve rounded up the 3 best ski towns you should visit this winter season. Our picks also prioritize other factors, like which resorts are opening new chairlifts, debuting new on-mountain amenities, or have big upcoming events.
To make things even easier, we’ve included a popular hotel for each ski destination, because nothing tops off skiing quite like a hot tub as well as a comfy bed. Upset that your favorite spot didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments what we’re missing and why you love it.
Most desirable ski towns to check out this winter
Head to Aspen, Colorado…
Aspen always delivers an epic ski vacation, but this winter the town will make headlines in March as being the host of the 2017 Audi FIS World Cup Finals. It’s the first time in 20 years that the competition will be held in the United States, and the best ski racers on the planet will attend.
Beyond this major event, Aspen provides skiing at four different resorts: the kid-friendly Buttermilk, the steep and in-town Aspen Mountain, the nearly always awesome Highlands, and a large ski area with something for all, Snowmass. Families will enjoy the Aspen Snowmass ski program (held at Buttermilk and Snowmass), while hard-core skiers just can’t get enough of the ski resort’s diverse terrain.
It’s truly hard to have a bad time in Aspen, where you can also check out the amazing-and free-Aspen Art Museum, listen to seriously good music at Belly Up, have a chicken sandwich at White House Tavern, or a drink at the historic Hotel Jerome. And don’t miss après ski at Ajax Tavern (found at the base of Aspen Mountain). And stay at the Little Nell.
As one of the best luxury hotels in the state of Colorado, a stay at the Little Nell won’t come cheap, however it always impresses. Having an in-town, slope side location on Aspen Mountain, you’re just steps away from the Silver Queen Gondola and the hotel boasts an indulgent year-round pool and spa. Guests may also sign up for the complimentary First Tracks program, which will allow skiers to board the gondola at 8:15 am and get access to groomed corduroy or fresh powder 45 minutes ahead of the public.
Visit Sun Valley, Idaho…
A longtime playground of America’s celebrities, Sun Valley has received some big overhauls lately. In addition to the recent renovation of the Sun Valley Lodge, this winter the Aspen Skiing Company-owned Limelight Hotel Ketchum will open with 99 hotel rooms, 14 for-sale condominiums, a restaurant, along with a lobby lounge. It’ll offer much-needed upscale Ketchum lodging, all steps from the city’s thriving art scene, delicious food at restaurants like Rickshaw and Cristina’s, and a pleasant, walk-able downtown.
There are two hills at Sun Valley Resort, the beginner-oriented and family-friendly Dollar Mountain-home to the world’s very first chairlift-and the much larger Bald Mountain. While Sun Valley is famous for incredible groomers, no lines, and sunny skies, when you catch snow at Bald Mountain, prepare to be impressed. This isn’t the steepest mountain you’ll ever ski, but sustained pitches and fun trees make a 10-inch powder day loads of fun. And stay in the Sun Valley Lodge.
Although this 80-year-old property still boasts the historic charm which has made it a top ski destination for decades, the Sun Valley Lodge’s recent renovation added larger rooms, fireplaces, along with a 20,000-square-foot spa. The Lodge also boasts a retro bowling alley, plentiful on-site dining options, ice skating, and multiple pools. For families, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Go to Telluride, Colorado
It’s never been easier to get to this remote ski town in Colorado, which is good because Telluride might have the most gorgeous scenery of any ski area in the nation. Great Lakes Airlines will fly direct into Telluride Regional Airport from Denver International Airport, and there is also increased flight service into Montrose/Telluride Airport from destinations throughout the country.
Once you’re in Telluride, you’ll find a gorgeous and walk-able downtown area with easy access to the ski area. Telluride’s free gondola, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, connects the historic town to the ski area’s Mountain Village up above. Experts will enjoy hiking Telluride’s Gold Hill Chutes or Palmyra Peak, and there’s an abundance of well-groomed blue runs for families. After skiing, don’t miss the Detroit-style pizza at Brown Dog Pizza and the Thai food at Siam. And stay at the Lumiere.
This boutique ski-in/ski-out property in Telluride’s Mountain Village is conveniently located close to the town gondola and offers 11 hotel rooms and 18 guest residences. The ski concierge is convenient, the rooms are large, and the resort gets kudos for small luxurious touches, like the steam showers that transport you to water nirvana.
So did we leave any notable area out? To let us know other great spots, simply click here to leave your comments