Alright, grab your ski goggles and gloves because we’re about to dive head-first into some of the best ski resorts in the U.S.
There is something magical about a ski resort—the fresh air, apres-ski parties, and cabins with fireplaces. I’ve skied my fair share of mountains worldwide and can confidently say there is something extra special about skiing in the U.S.
Nothing quite compares to the vibe here, with international ski bums running the mountain, to the rustic log cabins and the fluffy powder after a snowstorm. The country is massive, which means if you can’t find the right snow in Washington, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for in California.
And don’t get me started on the ski resort rentals in the U.S. You can find everything from luxurious cabins to boutique hotels and condos.
The only negative is that the U.S. isn’t the cheapest ski destination. In fact, it’s not budget-friendly at all. But as the resourceful, broke backpackers that we are, there is always a way around the steep prices.
Let’s explore North America’s top ski resorts.
Staying in a Ski Resort in The U.S.
With snow carpeting the landscapes, the smell of wood-burning fireplaces, and the dull hum of the ski lifts in the background, ski resorts are about more than just skiing and snowboarding. They’re about embracing the wintery chill with just as much excitement as you would a beach in summer.
Accommodations in ski resorts are as varied as the slopes themselves. If you can splurge, high-end lodges come with every amenity imaginable, from ski-in/ski-out access (a true lifesaver on the coldest days) to heated pools, in-room fireplaces, and even on-site spas. You’ll often find restaurant options for every apres-ski mood. Think fondue nights, mulled wine by the fire, and live music.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Boutique hotels bring a more unique and homey charm than big lodges. They’re known for their rustic yet stylish interiors, artfully placed decor, and usually a welcoming ambiance made possible by home-cooked meals and personal extras.
And then there are rentals in the best ski resorts in the U.S. These can be both budget-friendly or lavishly expensive. Here, you can expect to have your own kitchen, wood-burning stoves, firepits, and sometimes even a sauna, hot tub, and ski room to store your damp clothes. The best cabins are those you can ski to and from, but these aren’t the cheapest.
Let’s not forget about the community vibe at a ski resort. Whether you’re sharing a lift with new friends or warming up around a fireplace with a s’more courtesy of the resort (U.S. ski resorts are known for handing out sweets at the end of the day), ski resorts have a way of bringing people together. If you’re traveling in the US in winter, then you’ve just got to visit a ski resort.
Field Guide Lodge, Stowe, Vermont
- > $$
- > 2-6 Guests
- > Seasonal outdoor pool
- > Ski pass sales and ski room
Homey Condo with Covered Terrace in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Idaho
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Walking distance to slopes
- > Covered terrace with mountain views
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Spa, fitness, and wellness center
- > Ski-to-door access
Log Cabin in the Woods, Killington Resort, Vermont
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Remote location with no noise pollution
- > Pet friendly with free parking
The 15 Top Ski Resorts in The U.S.
They’re cozy, scenic, and sometimes a little bit pricey, but not much compares to the feelings that come with a ski resort experience.
Now that we’re all fired up for the winter vibes, here are fifteen of the best places to stay in the U.S’s top ski resorts:
Field Guide Lodge – Stowe, Vermont | Overall Best Value Ski Resort in The U.S.
Known as the ‘Ski Capital of the East’, Stowe boasts the perfect combo of classic New England charm with high-quality slopes. The resort is home to homely ski options, including this classy hotel with its own ski pass sales and ski storage room.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Vermont Ski Museum
- Mount Mansfield Ski Club
- Stowe Village Historic District
It’s not so often you find a hotel of this quality in the center of one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. And when you do, it’s best you book it right away. The hotel has rooms that sleep two, four, or six guests. Suites have all the bells and whistles – fireplaces, balconies with mountain views, and spa baths.
But even the basic rooms are newly remodeled with trendy interiors, pops of color, and bespoke furniture. It’s one of those hotels where no two rooms look alike, and I’m all here for it.
Homey Condo with Covered Terrace in Ketchum – Sun Valley, Idaho | Best Budget Ski Resort in The U.S.
Sun Valley is famous for its sunny slopes, long, sweeping runs, and a unique no-lift-line experience. Seriously, it’s about as dreamy as its name suggests. And if a high-end hotel isn’t in the budget, you’ll be glad to know you can rent out this comfortable studio for a relatively low price.
It’s equipped with all the self-catering essentials, and in my opinion, more than the essentials when it comes to kitchen appliances. The bed is comfy, and it has a little covered terrace, perfect for relaxing under during a snowstorm. Although nothing is ever dirt cheap in U.S. Ski Resort towns, this is the best option for those travelling on a budget.
The Little Nell – Aspen, Colorado | Most Luxurious Ski Resort in The U.S.
Aspen is like the Rolls Royce of world-class ski resorts. It’s famous for offering incredible slopes across four different mountains (for all ski levels) and one of the most impressive apres-ski scenes in the country.
And The Little Nell is all part of the luxury ambiance. The small hotel is located at the base of Aspen Mountain, with direct access to the slopes. It might not be cheap, but the spacious rooms, swimming pool, dining options, and mountain views are all worth the price. After all, it is the top ski resort in Colorado for a reason.
Log Cabin in the Woods – Killington Resort, Vermont | Perfect The U.S. in Ski Resort for Couples
Killington is one of those under-the-radar ski resorts in the U.S. that mostly serves Vermont locals. I get it. Why travel far when you have the most skiable terrain in the northeast at your doorstep?
As far as I’m concerned, this is the most romantic slice of couples’ paradise in the area. Tucked under the trees, this log cabin is comfortably warm, with insulated wood interiors, a basic kitchenette, and dimmed lighting. It’s close to plenty of bike tracks, hiking trails, and, of course, the ski area at Killington. If you’re traveling as a couple, you’ll love this spot.
Restored Historic Home in the Heart of Park City – Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Home to the largest ski area in the country, Park City is a favorite not only for its top-class slopes but also for its easy access if you want to check out the top things to do in Salt Lake City. It’s a day trip staple for the lucky residents of Utah’s capital.
This restored three-bedroom house is a bit like a home away from home. It’s quaint and welcoming, with plenty of natural light and all the comforts of a family house. The best thing is that it’s within walking distance of Old Town Park City as well as Utah’s top ski resort, with parking space.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe – Lake Tahoe, California
Palisades Tahoe is iconic. It’s home to big skiing dreams, huge cliff faces, and a few groomers, too. And with views of Lake Tahoe and Olympic heritage, it’s hard to beat this U.S. ski resort when staying in Lake Tahoe.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe is the main accommodation in the resort. It consists of different buildings, each housing one—to two-bedroom condos just a stone’s throw from the ski lifts. The accommodation includes free underground parking (which is necessary at this resort) and access to spa and fitness facilities!
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Gravity Haus Vail – Vail, Colorado
Vail is another quintessentially luxurious ski destination. It’s famous for its back bowls extending for endless miles and its European-style village. With plenty of accommodation and dining options, I rate this as one of the most child-friendly resorts.
Gravity Haus is a slice of Europe in the U.S. It’s located in the heart of Vail Village, close to the gondola, and surrounded by plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. Although, you could spend days just living it up at the hotel, which has room service, a fitness center, and a restaurant on site. It’s ideal for those traveling as a family.
Classic 2-Bed Cabin with Hot Tub – Mt. Baker, Washington
Mount Baker is an active glacier and stratovolcano in Washington state. It’s incredible to look at, let alone ski down. This U.S. ski resort is a little rugged but has a no-frills ambiance that attracts hardcore skiers and boarders. What’s not to love?
For the love of all things rugged and rustic, there are few places as beautiful as this remote cabin in the woods. With two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a modern style, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk through the doors. And if that doesn’t convince you, the hot tub will.
Modern Ski Chalet with Two Beds – Alta Ski Area, Utah
Alta is a skiers-only paradise. As a snowboarder, I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of riding here, but it is supposedly one of the best places to seek out deep powder and challenging runs. Maybe one day…
While this remote cabin in Utah looks rustic and small from the outside, the interior is as homey and modern as you could dream. Everything has been remodeled, so you can expect high-end furniture, top-notch appliances, and dim lighting throughout.
Lift 7 Lodge at Canyon – Mammoth Lakes, California
If you live out west, chances are you’ll have visited Mammoth at some point. This California ski resort is within driving distance from LA and is well-known for its laid-back snowboarding scene.
With stylish interiors that invite plenty of natural light into the central living space, the only issue you will have at Lift 7 is that you won’t want to leave. Aside from the stunning private space, guests can also access a shared pool, sauna, hot tub, and laundry area.
If this doesn’t take your fancy then there are heaps of great Mammoth Lakes hotels to pick from as well.
Chic Old-School Chalet Close to Slopes – Smuggler’s Notch Resort, Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch Resort is big on kids and all things family-friendly. They have gentle slopes, great ski schools, and a homey atmosphere that makes it one of the best U.S. ski resorts for families.
This vintage chalet in a quiet area of Cambridge is suitable for four guests. It’s not the closest option to Stowe during wintertime, but the homey gas fireplace, spiral staircase aesthetic, and small balcony with views over the stream make the 45-minute drive well worth it.
Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole -Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Can you think of a cooler day than skiing steep expert-level terrain and then returning to an iconic cowboy village for a wildly unique apres-ski experience?
For some of the best apres-ski festivities, you won’t need to travel further than the bar at the Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole. The lodge has suites for two to four guests, a gym and indoor pool, and a classic home-cooled cooking restaurant on site. It’s a great place to stay in Jackson Wyoming.
A top-notch deal on top-notch gear.
WANDRD is not your average backpack brand.
And this is not your average sale.
Get up to 40% OFF some of their best and most beloved pieces of gear.
Stylish Slopeside 2-Bed Condo – Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte Ski Resort is one of those old ski towns that is as much about history as it is about powdery slopes. It’s both a heritage hotspot and a playground for snowsports.
This three-story townhome has been stylishly refurbished with the kind of furniture you’d want to have back home (at least, I would). It’s in an unbeatable location in the heart of Crested Butte. With private decks and a shared hot tub just minutes away from the best skiing and hiking trails, it’s the perfect home base.
Traditional Adobe House with Antique Interiors – Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Taos is one of the few U.S. ski resorts in New Mexico. As you can expect, it’s not your average ski town. Here, southwestern charm and wild-west vibes are commonplace. However, the Southern influence extends far beyond just the ambiance, and this adobe house is the perfect example.
It’s a traditional adobe house built using organically curved walls, wooden beamed ceilings, and a stone floor. With the Kiva fireplace burning, the thick walls keep things warm and toasty in winter. Although it’s a studio, it feels like a one-bedroom house, with a private section to sleep.
Beautiful A-Frame with Fireplace and Deck – Whiteface Mountain, New York
You might not know this, but this small ski resort in New York is home to the steepest vertical drop in the East. But while the slopes are steep, the views over Lake Placid are an excellent remuneration for all your hard knee-bucking work.
This traditional A-frame cabin is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, with views of Whiteface Ski Resort. The home has a central living space with a fireplace and a loft-style bedroom ideal for two guests. It’s pet-friendly, and with 30 acres of private land to explore, your dog will be as entertained as you will.
FAQs About Ski Resorts in The U.S.
if you’ve got some more burning questions, then hopefully I’ve covered them here.
Don’t Forget Your U.S. Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to the U.S.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ski Resort in The U.S.
At the end of the day, choosing the best ski resort in the U.S. is all about finding the perfect mix of slopes and terrain, affordability, and a comfortable place to unwind after a day on the mountain.
Whether you’re an advanced skier carving through the backcountry at Palisades Tahoe or exploring family-friendly trails at Northstar, there is a ski resort for every type of winter traveler.
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodge ski resort rentals in the U.S. with five-star amenities to snug private cabins to affordable condos catering to every budget and style. Winter is the time for these ski resorts to shine, and I’m all in for the magic.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in the USA.
- Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance for the USA.
- Backpackers and frugal travelers can use our budget travel guide.
- Sort your eSIM for the USA to avoid unnecessary hassle.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
