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From Vail to Jackson Hole, America’s top ski destinations offer travelers wide open spaces and crisp, clean air—as well as cozy lodges and glamorous resorts to return home to after a day on the mountain. As a growing number of destinations move towards multi-mountain passes that give access to a wide reach of terrain, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the best places to ski in the U.S. Whether you’re traveling with bunny-slope beginners or double black diamond experts, après-ski mavens or off-piste enthusiasts, here is your ultimate guide to where to ski, where to stay and what to know.
Contact your Trip Designer or Indagare, if you are not yet a member, to start planning a trip to the best places to ski in the U.S. Our team can match you with the accommodations, reservations and activities that are right for you.
The quieter counterpart to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Montana has western charm, wide-open spaces and truly stunning, peaceful landscapes.
Thanks to the reopening of Snowpine Lodge after an extensive renovation in early 2019, Alta and Snowbird finally have accommodations to match the superb quality and volume of their snow.
Known as “The Big One” for its vast expanses of difficult runs, Jackson Hole embodies the spirit of the Wild West, both on the slopes and off. The rustic local ski scene is punctuated by pockets of luxury centered around the top hotels. Although it has attracted a trendy, high-energy crowd in the past few years, Jackson Hole continues to maintain a rugged, easygoing atmosphere.
With designer shops, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and serious ski terrain, Aspen is the glittering crown jewel of the see-and-be-seen ski destinations.
As the most well-developed ski resort in the U.S., Vail is a diverse destination that offers something for everyone, making it a perfect choice for multi-generational families and large groups. In addition to the wide variety of skiing experiences available, there are plenty of high-end hotels and restaurants to choose from, as well as a buzzy nightlife scene.
No longer a secret among well-heeled families, Deer Valley is now often ranked as the top ski resort in the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that while Deer Valley is easily accessible, private and offers seriously pampering properties, it does not have its own village to explore. Those who desire a social scene can take the five-to-ten-minute drive to downtown Park City, home to the area’s best shops and restaurants—as well as Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States.
Related: Editors’ Picks: The Best Restaurants in Park City & Deer Valley
Once a major mining town in the 19th century, Telluride today draws visitors for its scenic landscapes and Western charm. Well worth the journey to Colorado’s remote southwestern corner, the mountain village offers world-class skiing without the crowds, as well as a lively yet unassuming après-ski scene.
Established in the 1930s, Sun Valley was the very first winter destination resort in the United States. Once the ski getaway for stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, including Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, it continues to draw visitors with easy charm, old-school glamour, excellent slopes and natural beauty
(and it won Ski Magazine's title of "Best Resort in North America" in 2021, 2022 and 2023).
With a variety of mountains to choose from, as well as a gourmet culinary and craft beer scene, Vermont is the best destination for an East Coast ski trip. Sugarbush and Stowe can both be reached from New York City with a five-to-six-hour drive.
Traveling in style is easy with our partner Mytheresa, the finest edit in luxury. Shop our exclusive mountain and ski shopping edit and explore more here. We are also delighted to offer complimentary access to Mytheresa’s Personal Shopping service for individual styling and packing edits. Email myindagare@mytheresa.com to get started.
Published onOctober 18, 2023
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
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