Ski resorts in the USA: Harmony of extreme and romance in fantastic locations
Ski resorts in the USA lure travellers who are constantly in search of extreme sports and new portions of adrenaline. They open before tourists thousands of acres of stunning landscapes with slopes of different levels of difficulty. Both beginner skiers and snowboarders and athletes with a rich history of achievements regularly come here.
Skiing is a good combination of a rich sporting leisure and enjoyment of picturesque winter landscapes. The United States of America is one of the countries with the best ski resorts, which are definitely worth visiting. They are scattered in different parts of America, from the famous New York to the mysterious Aspen.
If you want a grandiose experience with gorgeous slopes and landscapes, go to Lake Tahoe, a colourful tourist "gem" between Nevada and California. And if you are a fan of New England's amazing nature and dizzying descents, visit the noble Mount Stowe in Vermont.
Popular ski resorts in the USA lavish guests with positive emotions and do everything to make them come here more often.
Sun Valley, Idaho
If you want to spend your vacation in a fabulous area with unrealistically steep slopes, plan a trip to the Top Ski Resorts in the USA with the "warm" name Sun Valley. Here you can find professional athletes and fans of thrilling ski slopes with a little experience in this field.
Sun Valley, which is nestled in Idaho, is conveniently accessible from the city of Ketchum. The gem of the resort is the amazing Bald Mountain with the height of more than 3000 feet, which is more often chosen by tourists with medium and high level of training. For beginners, Dollar Mountain is more suitable with its gentler slopes with no forested areas.
After the incredible slides on the slopes of the mountains, thrill-seekers have a great appetite. You can satisfy your gastronomic dreams in one of Ketchum's restaurants or cowboy pubs. They serve flavourful sandwiches and delicious pizza, herbal teas and divine coffee.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Ski resorts in Colorado are renowned for their top-notch facilities for stunning runs down scenic slopes. In the parking lots of many of them, it is always crowded due to many parked cars. If you prefer vacation spots with a more peaceful atmosphere, be sure to visit Steamboat Springs, which is located in Colorado.
Its trails are covered in dry, crumbly snow that is referred to as "champagne sprinkles" among the locals. The length of the resort's longest piste, which is located near Denver, is 4.8 kilometres.
Steamboat Springs isn't just about dizzying skiing:
- In addition to the chic ski slopes, travellers are welcomed by a host of stores and markets with goods for every taste.
- The resort's movie theatres invite you to relax in a darkened space with a mysterious atmosphere, and creative art exhibitions are always a great way to satisfy your need for creative discovery.
- In the cosy library, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of literature.
If you plan to stay here for a few days, book accommodations at the Steamboat Hotel. There's Stroberry Park Hot Springs and Old Town Springs with marvellous water slides.
Palisades Tahoe, California
Top 10 ski resorts in the United States necessarily includes Palisades Tahoe, which has found a cosy haven in California, surrounded by other world-class resorts. It is famous for its developed infrastructure and the fact that in 1960, the Winter Olympics were held here.
In addition to the mesmerizing mountain slopes, there is a ski elevator that opens a world of incredible landscapes with noble mountains and the magical Lake Tahoe. On holidays and weekends, there are especially many tourists, but they are evenly distributed on mountain streetcars, gondolas and extreme ATVs.
After active entertainment, adventurers head to restaurants to savour the exquisite delicacies of local and world cuisine. And spas with marvellous treatments always offer a double dose of relaxation and positivity.
Park City, Utah
The best ski resorts in the United States are located in comfortable proximity to large objects of infrastructure and try to provide for all the needs of skiers and travellers in terms of entertainment. For example, Park City, which is located in the picturesque area of Utah, is located near the airport.
There are many bars and restaurants with chic cuisine and a rich assortment of drinks. It is a magical vacation spot for humble wanderers and tourists with huge incomes.
Thanks to Vail, Park City formed a cool tandem with Canyons Ski Resort in 2015. This allowed for the longest ski run here at more than 7,000 acres.
Hunter, New York
Upstate New York is known for its beautiful rural landscapes and fantastic ski slopes. Every season is wonderful in its own way. However, in winter, it transforms into a sprawling arena for gorgeous winter fun.
One of the best ski resorts in the United States named Hunter Mountain may not have the widest and most technically intricate slopes, but they're perfect for a carefree vacation with fun skiing and snowboarding. The resort is convenient to get to as it is close to New York City. It can also be reached by airplane from the Albany airport.
There is no time for travellers to get bored in Hunter for several reasons:
- There are plenty of cosy paths for hiking and biking, a wonderful leisure activity while enjoying the mountain scenery.
- After an active ride down the mountain slopes, you can head to the Catskill Museum of Art or the Shroud Museum for a new experience.
- You won't stay hungry in Hunter as the restaurants Prospect at Scribner's Lodge and Deer Mountain Inn, where savoury local and foreign dishes are prepared, wait for you.
Comfortable lodging is provided by Hunter Lodge, Condos by Hunter, Bluebird by Lark and Kaatskill Mountain Club. Here you can find stylish accommodation with functional technical equipment.
And if you're an incorrigible fan of romance, you'll love the warm hospitality of the Fairlawn Inn, which is housed in an old manor house with spacious rooms and a unique vintage style.
Telluride, Colorado
One of the most beautiful resorts in the United States is located in Telluride, which is nestled more than 2,600 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by the majestic mountains: Wilson and San Juan. The territory of this town was the site of curious events related to the "gold rush" of the 19th century.
Telluride is a terrific location for lovers of downhill skiing and snowboarding, atmospheric hiking and biking. With authentic Victorian-style architecture, this town has plenty of stores and restaurants, bars and cafes with specialty cocktails and flavourful wine.
And after your adventures, you can take long walks in the picturesque surroundings, as if they've stepped out of the pages of fashionable travel magazines. There are regular themed events, including the Blues and Bluegrass Festival.
Telluride is accessible by car or bus. It is a 6 hour car ride from Denver. You can also take an airplane to Montrose, from which you can then drive just 1.5 hours to Telluride.
The best time to ski in one of Colorado's top resorts is from December through March. This is the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding. Cosy accommodations are offered by comfortable Telluride hotels:
- New Sheridan Hotel;
- Dunton Town House;
- Viking Lodge B218;
- The Hotel Telluride.
Rooms at these hotels should be booked in advance as they are usually busy during the high season. You can get to the top of the mountain by a special elevator to breathe in "freedom" and "harmony" with a full chest.
Big Sky, Montana
Our journey to the best resorts for skiing in the USA continues. Now let's virtually transport ourselves to Big Sky, which offers tourists a wide range of skiing opportunities. This resort is located in the picturesque Big Sky Mountain Village area of Montana.
In 2013, its area was enlarged with the addition of Moonlight Basin Resort and now the resort area is more than 5,500 acres with fabulous landscapes.
The resort offers travellers plenty to do and see:
- spa;
- spacious outdoor pool;
- massage room;
- hot tub.
The Village Centre Hotel offers stylish and bright studio rooms with cosy fireplaces, practical furniture and appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens and modern TVs with cable broadcasting. A pleasant bonus for guests is the delivery of appetizing delicacies and drinks directly to the room.
Big Sky Village Centre's pride is the Andiamo Italian Grill Restaurant, which offers a rich assortment of Tuscan cuisine and a fine selection of pastas with bright spices and the most unexpected ingredients.
The Village Centre offers elevator passes and has a spacious "vault" for skis and other equipment for epic descents. A master skiing class is available here. In the summertime, travellers play tennis or miniature golf on the hotel's court. In addition, the doors of the fitness centre are cordially open for guests of the resort.
Not far from the hotel is the picturesque Gallatin River, where tourists enjoy fly-fishing. If you wish, you can also visit Yellowstone National Park with stunning scenery and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Vail, Colorado
The list of top 10 ski resorts in the USA includes Vail, which welcomes skiers of all skill levels. It boasts huge groomed slopes that beckon to ski all day long in the rays of the flirting winter sun.
Mountain restaurants with open terraces are simply magnificent. What could be more romantic than sitting in the fresh air with a glass of specialty cocktail, indulging in dreams of eternal joy and freedom? There is a good choice of wine from juicy grape varieties and craft beer. Guests are pleased with the large portion sizes because there are no halftones in anything here, including appetizing food and drinks.
There are 7 swanky snowboarding runs and a fan park with a halfpipe. Vail's pistes are marked in different colors for the convenience of travelers:
- green for easy runs;
- blue for medium difficulty slopes;
- black for difficult steep tracks, which require special skills.
The high season here lasts about 150 days. It starts in mid-April and ends in mid-November.
In the evening time, Vail Village, a good ski resort in the USA, turns into a lively "hive" with great family dinners and entertainment events. There are regular concerts featuring talented artists and live music. Strolling through local boutiques and art galleries replaces expensive therapy sessions for travellers.
When one wants unconditional relaxation with wonderful rejuvenating treatments, tourists immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of a spa. A must-see place to visit on the Vail mountain peak is the Adventure Ridge, which is happy to welcome guests not only during the day but also at night.
This area is perfect for a variety of exciting leisure activities:
- laser gun shooting;
- ice skating, snowmobiling and ski biking;
- snowshoeing;
- fast slides down the snow slide called "tubing".
The resort's immediate plans include the erection of new stores, hotels and restaurants, as well as the development of a new ice rink, so it has no plans to leave the lists of the most popular ski resorts in the United States.
North Conway, New Hampshire
Our adventures in the major ski resorts of the United States continue. It's time to visit North Conway, a cosy little town in New Hampshire. There's the Cranmore Ski Resort and the Cammore Cable Car, a ride on which helps you enjoy the magic of the surrounding scenery.
Another highlight of the town is Mount Conway Park, an amazing location for spectacular promenades and outdoor recreation. North Conway Village's well-stocked stores always welcome shoppers.
In addition to skiing, there are plenty of other options for chic outdoor recreation:
- canoeing and kayaking along the scenic banks of the Saco River;
- watching mountain birds in the wild;
- bicycling on winding mountain trails;
- golfing;
- fishing.
In winter, the mountainsides are covered with a thick layer of snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of places to visit here too. Detailed information about mountain ranges and weather conditions is provided by the Mount Washington Observatory Museum, and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Centre Zoo is a great place to take the whole family for a dose of joy and fresh emotions.
North Conway has several hotels with chic service and great accommodations:
- Starlight Lodge North Conway
- Golden Gables Inn
- Cranmore Inn and Suites
- Yankee Clipper Inn
- The Glen House.
Prices here are quite acceptable, so travellers of different income levels come to the resort town willingly.
Tip: North Conway lodging is best booked in advance, especially during peak seasons, so that your vacation will be unforgettable and without unpleasant surprises.
Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park Resort is a great location for skiing. It is spread 60 miles from Denver and has been in operation since 1939. It is surrounded by noble mountains, so staying here makes travellers feel secluded. It has a huge space for winter sports and one can come here with the whole family.
With over 3,000 acres of winter park, there are different piste options for beginners and experienced skiers alike. The resort has two mountains with long slopes at its disposal. There are many slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. The resort's mountain landscapes are varied, ranging from fairly steep slopes with trees to spacious alpine bowls.
Mary Jane Mountain is never "boring" in the high season, and it is not uncommon to run into world-class celebrities here. A characteristic feature of Winter Park is its convenient transportation and developed infrastructure with gastronomic establishments, hotels with comfortable accommodation and stores.
Winter Park can be reached by car as the resort is separated from Denver by a 1.5-hour drive. Another convenient option is to use train, but it is always worth booking tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Covering the topic of top ski resorts in the United States, it is worth noting Breckenridge, which is located in the central part of Colorado, not far from Denver. It is famous for its impressive variety of landscapes and vibrant gastronomic scene with an abundance of mouth-watering delicacies and steaming drinks.
A must-see here is the picturesque Baldy Mountain, which is often used as a gorgeous filming "set" for famous movies. Breckenridge is a suitable location for winter sports with exciting skiing and snowboarding.
In the summer, hiking, biking, thrilling horseback riding and fishing are popular. For a comfortable overnight stay with all the perks of American hospitality, the excellent hotels on Bouldy Mountain are:
- Revett Retreat
- The Wayside Inn
- LOGE Breckenridge
- Breck Inn
Local cafes and restaurants are perennial favourites for juicy burgers and grilled steaks. In addition, you can also enjoy great craft beers from local breweries.
We hope our walk through the most popular ski resorts in the USA was interesting and informative for you. Now you will not doubt where you should go for your next vacation with the whole family to enjoy magical landscapes and mountain adventures.
When packing your bags, don't forget to take positive attitude with you. It will help you feel just great surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges!