Are you looking for the perfect ski town for your next winter vacation? The United States is a winter sports enthusiast’s paradise, with a wide range of mountains and ski resorts that offer something for everyone. From breathtaking scenery to challenging slopes and cozy lodging options, ski towns in the US have it all. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ski towns in the US, highlighting their unique features, top-rated ski resorts, and must-try activities.
What makes a great ski town?
A great ski town is more than just a place to hit the slopes. It’s a destination that offers a range of outdoor activities both on and off the mountain. A great ski town should have plenty of dining options, shops, and après-ski activities to keep you entertained after a day on the slopes. And of course, the ski resort should have a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
The best ski towns in the US
Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is an iconic ski town located in the heart of the Rock
y Mountains. The town is known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain, with over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and some of the steepest runs in the country. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the main ski resort in the area, with 12 lifts and over 130 trails.
But Jackson Hole isn’t just for expert skiers. The resort has plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, as well as a world-class ski school. Off the mountain, Jackson Hole offers a range of activities, from snowmobiling and dog sledding to ice skating and snowshoeing. And no trip to Jackson Hole is complete without a visit to the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge, Colorado, is a charming ski town located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The town is known for its historic Main Street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Breckenridge Ski Resort is the main ski resort in the area, with over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and 34 lifts.
Breckenridge is a great destination for families, with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain. The resort also has a range of activities, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. And for those looking for a bit of adventure, Breckenridge has some of the best backcountry skiing in the country.
Park City, UT
Park City, Utah, is a world-class ski town located just outside of Salt Lake City. The town is known for its luxurious resorts, high-end dining options, and extensive shopping. Park City Mountain Resort is the main ski resort in the area, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain and 41 lifts.
Park City is a great destination for intermediate and expert skiers, with plenty of challenging terrain. But the resort also has plenty of beginner terrain and a great ski school. Off the mountain, there is a range of things to do in Park City, from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to hot air balloon rides and spa treatments.
Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe, California, is a stunning ski town located on the border of California and Nevada. The town is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. Heavenly Ski Resort is the main ski resort in the area, with over 4,800 acres of skiable terrain and 28 lifts.
Heavenly is a great destination for intermediate and expert skiers, with plenty of challenging terrain. But the resort also has plenty of beginner terrain and a great ski school. Off the mountain, Lake Tah
oe has a range of activities, from snowmobiling and ice skating to hot air balloon rides and wine tasting.
Stowe, VT
Stowe, Vermont, is a charming ski town located in the heart of the Green Mountains. The town is known for its historic New England charm and quaint downtown area. Stowe Mountain Resort is the main ski resort in the area, with over 4,400 acres of skiable terrain and 13 lifts.
Stowe is a great destination for intermediate and expert skiers, with plenty of challenging terrain. But the resort also has plenty of beginner terrain and a great ski school. Off the mountain, Stowe has a range of activities, from snowshoeing and ice skating to sleigh rides and spa treatments.
Ski resorts in each town
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located in Teton Village, Wyoming, just outside of Jackson Hole. The resort has over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of 4,139 feet. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner to expert, and is known for its challenging runs and steep terrain.
The resort also has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. And for après-ski activities, the resort has a range of bars and lounges, including the famous Mangy Moose.
Accommodations at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort include hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. The resort also has a range of on-mountain dining options, including the famous Corbet’s Cabin.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort is located in Breckenridge, Colorado, and has over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner to expert, and is known for its long runs and high elevation.
The resort also has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. And for après-ski activities, the resort has a range of bars and lounges, including the famous T-Bar.
Accommodations at Breckenridge Ski Resort include hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. The resort also has a range of on-mountain dining options, including the famous TenMile Station.
Park City Mountain Resort
Park City Mountain Resort is located in Park City, Utah, and has over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner to expert, and is known for its long runs and high elevation.
The resort also has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. And for après-ski activities, the resort has a range of bars and lounges, including the famous High West Distillery.
Accommodations at Park City Mountain Resort include hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. The resort also has a range of on-mountain dining options, including the famous Cloud Dine.
Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly Ski Resort is located in South Lake Tahoe, California, and has over 4,800 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner to expert, and is known for its stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
The resort also has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. And for après-ski activities, the resort has a range of bars and lounges, including the famous Gunbarrel Grill.
Accommodations at Heavenly Ski Resort include hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. The resort also has a range of on-mountain dining options, including the famous Tamarack Lodge.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is located in Stowe, Vermont, and has over 4,400 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner to expert, and is known for its challenging runs and stunning views of the Green Mountains.
The resort also has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. And for après-ski activities, the resort has a range of bars and lounges, including the famous Stowe Mountain Lodge.
Accommodations at Stowe Mountain Resort include hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. The resort also has a range of on-mountain dining options, including the famous Cliff House.
Après-ski activities in each town
No ski vacation is complete without some après-ski activities. Here are some of the best après-ski activities to try in each ski town:
Jackson Hole, WY
- Take a scenic sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge
- Enjoy a soak in the Granite Hot Springs
- Sample some local brews at Snake River Brewing
Breckenridge, CO
- Take a ride on the Alpine Coaster at Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Go snowmobiling in the backcountry
- Indulge in a spa treatment at the Breckenridge Nordic Center
Park City, UT
- Take a ride on the Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain Resort
- Try your luck at the nearby casinos in Wendover, Nevada
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the mountains
Lake Tahoe, CA
- Take a sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe
- Try your luck at the casinos in South Lake Tahoe
- Take a snowshoe tour through the forest
Stowe, VT
- Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow
- Indulge in a spa treatment at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
- Take a scenic drive through the Green Mountains
Best restaurants in each town for après-ski meals
After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than a delicious meal. Here are some of the best restaurants in each ski town for après-ski meals:
Jackson Hole, WY
- The Handle Bar
- The Mangy Moose
- The White Buffalo Club
Breckenridge, CO
- The Canteen Taphouse and Tavern
- The Breckenridge Brewery and Pub
- Blue River Bistro
Park City, UT
- High West Distillery & Saloon
- Riverhorse on Main
- Powder at Waldorf Astoria Park City
Lake Tahoe, CA
- Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe
- Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant
- Lone Eagle Grille
Stowe, VT
- The Bench
- The Whip Bar & Grill
- Doc Ponds
Accommodations in each town
Ski towns in the US offer a range of accommodations, from hotels to condos to vacation rentals. Here are some of the best options in each ski town:
Jackson Hole, WY
- Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
- The Lodge at Jackson Hole
- Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
Breckenridge, CO
- One Ski Hill Place
- The Lodge at Breckenridge
- Crystal Peak Lodge
Park City, UT
- Montage Deer Valley
- Stein Eriksen Lodge
- Waldorf Astoria Park City
Lake Tahoe, CA
- The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
- The Landing Resort & Spa
Stowe, VT
- Stowe Mountain Lodge
- Topnotch Resort
- Trapp Family Lodge
Ski town events and festivals
Ski towns in the US are known for their events and festivals. Here are some of the best events to check out in each ski town:
Jackson Hole, WY
- Jackson Hole Rendezvous Festival (March)
- Old West Days (May)
- Grand Teton Music Festival (July-August)
Breckenridge, CO
- Breckenridge Ullr Fest (January)
- Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival (April)
- Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (August)
Park City, UT
- Sundance Film Festival (January)
- Park City Food & Wine Classic (July)
- Park City Kimball Arts Festival (August)
Lake Tahoe, CA
- SnowGlobe Music Festival (December)
- Tahoe Brewfest (June)
- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (July-August)
Stowe, VT
- Stowe Winter Carnival (January)
- Stowe Craft Brew Race (May)
- Stowe Jazz Festival (August)
Transportation to each town
Getting to ski towns in the US is easy, with most towns offering multiple transportation options. Here are some of the best ways to get to each ski town:
Jackson Hole, WY
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Teton Village Express Shuttle
- Rental cars
Breckenridge, CO
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Colorado Mountain Express Shuttle
- Rental cars
Park City, UT
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Park City Shuttle
- Rental cars
Lake Tahoe, CA
- Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- North Lake Tahoe Express Shuttle
- Rental cars
Stowe, VT
- Burlington International Airport (BTV)
- Stowe Mountain Shuttle
- Rental cars
Conclusion
Ski towns in the US offer something for everyone, from breathtaking scenery to challenging terrain and plenty of après-ski activities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, these ski towns are sure to provide an unforgettable winter adventure. So grab your skis or snowboard and head to one of these top-rated ski towns for your next winter vacation!