Aspen/Snowmass ranks first on the list of the best ski vacations in the USA. For decades, Aspen has attracted an international jet set of skiers. People talk about the town scene, but the real action is on the mountains. Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands are the four ski areas in Aspen. Aspen and Snowmass Village are located at the foot of the mountains.

These resorts offer an incredible number of runs across a vast area of skiable terrain, and the area receives approximately 25 feet of snowfall per year. First-rate amenities and an impressive array of lifts will make your ski day unforgettable. Snowmass will open the new 10.7-million-dollar high-speed quad chairlift, which will replace the old Big Burn lift, for the 2021/22 ski season. Aside from the new lift, several new restaurants, base area upgrades, increased snowmaking capacity, and additional high alpine lift improvements have been implemented.

During the ski season, the regional airport serving Aspen/Snowmass has over 150 flights per week from major carriers. The airport is only five minutes from town, and many hotels offer free airport transportation. Although Denver International Airport is only about four hours away by car, there are several ways to get from Denver to Aspen.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: 120 Lower, Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO 81615,
Phone: +1 970-923-1227
Website: aspensnowmass.com

Telluride Ski Resort ranks 2nd on the list of the best ski vacations in the USA. Telluride takes one of the top spots thanks to its diverse terrain, excellent on- and off-mountain lodging options, and the charming Telluride ski town at the base of the mountain. You can ski down at the end of the day without having to drive to a nearby town. Telluride is located at the end of a valley in southwest Colorado. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The best part is that there are fewer people and shorter lift lines, but it takes a while to get here and lodging is expensive. It is well worth the effort.

Every year, Telluride receives about 23 feet of snow. You can expect some great powder days if you time it right. This is also an excellent choice for a family ski vacation, with roughly 60% of the terrain geared toward beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. The resort provides ski-in/ski-out lodging. The gondola is free and accessible to both skiers and non-skiers. Telluride is included in the EPIC pass program. Durango and Purgatory Resort, another fun ski resort in this part of Colorado, are about two hours away. Purgatory provides a more intimate experience that is very family oriented. Prices are also much lower on the mountain and in the hotels.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: 565 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO 81435 United States
Phone: +1 800-778-8581
Website: tellurideskiresort.com

Breckenridge receives approximately 30 feet of snow per year and retains much of it until late in the season due to its high elevation. This resort will be open until at least May. This resort, which has the highest chairlift in the United States at 12,840 feet, will literally take your breath away.

The lower sections of the ski area are ideal for beginners and families. The wide runs' gentle inclines provide plenty of room to move. The open bowls at the tops of the peaks provide fantastic opportunities for advanced skiers. While skiers near the bottom enjoy spring skiing conditions in April and May, the peaks continue to enjoy full winter conditions.

Breckenridge will install a new chair on Peak 7 in 2022 called the Freedom SuperChair. This will help to eliminate the current delays when attempting to board the Independence SuperChair. At the base, the historical town of Breckenridge is an enjoyable mountain town with fun après-ski options. It has a wonderful selection of restaurants and shops, as well as a picturesque main street ideal for strolling.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 1599 Ski Hill Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424, United States
Phone: +1 970-453-5000
Website: gobreck.com

Big Sky Resort is Montana's top ski resort. This place has it all: big mountains, big lifts (including a tram), big snowfall (33 feet), and big, wide-open spaces. The only thing that is small here are the lift lines. The resort does not see a lot of visitors. Big Sky is spread out over 5,850 acres, which means you'll likely have over two acres of snow-covered bliss all to yourself even on the busiest of ski days.

One advantage of skiing at Big Sky Resort over ski resorts further south is elevation. You'll ski at lower elevations here. The effects of high altitude (headaches, tiredness, shortness of breath) are less severe for those coming from sea level. You can stay on the slopes longer and feel stronger!

Because of the recent installation of a six-passenger, heated high-speed quad called the Big Sky Blue Bubble, you'll need that extra stamina to keep your legs pumping. It's North America's fastest chairlift, so you'll be back at the top in no time. Approximately twenty major population centers in the United States have daily direct flights into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport during the winter.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0

Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, United States

Phone: +1 800-548-4486

Website: bigskyresort.com

Snowbird ranks 5 on the list of the best ski vacations in the USA. Snowbird and Alta are located in the Wasatch Valley, which is one of the best places in the US for consistent light, dry snow. Moist air is funneled up this valley, and more than 41 feet of snow falls here on average each year. Snowbird's jagged peaks and alpine scenery make it the most scenic resort in Utah.

Snowbird provides exceptional terrain and excellent conditions, and is the only option for groups or families looking to accommodate both skiers and snowboarders. Snowboarding is not permitted in Alta. Snowbird also has North America's only ski tunnel, allowing you to ski through the mountain and emerge on the other side. Although Snowbird and Alta are separate resorts, it is simple to ski from one to the other. If you plan on skiing for several days or are visiting in the spring, a combined ticket is a good idea. In the spring, you can usually find good conditions at either resort at any time of day.

Snowbird is also only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. Many people choose to stay in the city, where the nightlife is more vibrant and there are more things to do when they are not skiing. Snowbird is an IKON and Mountain Collective Pass program participant.

Several of Utah's best ski resorts are within an hour's drive of Salt Lake City. And if you want to extend it by another 30 minutes, you can do so. Given the amount of snow that falls in this area, none of these are out of the question. If you have time and want to visit other resorts, consider Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Solitude.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: 9202 Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092, United States
Phone: (801) 933-2222
Website: skiutah.com/members/snowbird

Vail has long been regarded as one of the best ski resorts in the country, and it is what most skiers envision when they think of skiing in America. Vail is the place to go if you want bowls, glades, groomed runs, fresh powder, and expansive terrain. Vail is a must-see ski resort with 5,317 acres and nearly 30 feet of snow per year.

The ski area stretches across several mountains and offers a variety of challenges. Wide-open groomers, never-ending moguls, and seven large bowls where you can make your own tracks tempt you to try something new. Vail is perfectly situated to catch snow on a regular basis, resulting in a deep base. When Pacific storms pass through, the snow falls quickly and furiously, creating stunning powder days.

At the bottom is the thriving and lively town of Vail, which is packed with restaurants, shops, and a variety of entertainment options ranging from an ice rink to live music. Vail is known for its posh hotels and high-end boutiques, but it's more than just a ski and snowboard destination for the wealthy. This is an excellent destination for families, groups, couples, and solo skiers and boarders.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0

Location: Vail, CO 81657, USA

Phone: +1 970-754-8245

Website: vail.com

This iconic Lake Tahoe ski resort (then known as Squaw Valley) hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and is one of California's top ski resorts. A ticket here also grants you access to the nearby Alpine Meadows ski resort. The sun is one of the best parts about skiing at Palisades. The view from the slopes is spectacular, with over 267 days of clear blue skies. But don't be fooled by that. Every year, the resort receives over 37 feet of snow, and if you time it right, you can expect some incredible powder days.

Palisades is an excellent family resort, with 70% of the terrain designated as beginner or intermediate, and some areas designated as beginner only. Regardless, experts will have no trouble having a good time on the chutes, couloirs, and bowls. The resort is about a three-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport and is accessible via Interstate 80.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: 1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, United States
Phone: +1 800-403-0206
Website: palisadestahoe.com

Steamboat is about a 3.5-hour drive from Denver and is located north of most of Colorado's major ski resorts. As a result, it falls under the radar of many skiers who prefer to visit nearby resorts such as Breckenridge, Vail, or Beaver Creek. This means fewer crowds and more time spent skiing or boarding.

Each year, approximately 26 feet of snow falls, resulting in excellent conditions on the 165 trails. With 18 lifts, including an eight-passenger gondola, uphill capacity is comparable to other major resorts. The resort recently added 355 acres of new terrain to its Pioneer Ridge area. The well-known Hazie's restaurant has been completely renovated, with new infrastructure and seating.

The town of Steamboat Springs is what makes a trip here so special. This small town's authentic cowboy culture and friendly locals make you feel right at home. Strawberry Hot Springs are not far from town. These natural outdoor pools are ideal for days when you want to rest your legs.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 2305 Mt. Werner CircleSteamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States
Phone: 970-879-7300
Website: steamboat.com

Every morning at Beaver Creek, you'll find miles of groomed corduroy. This opulent ski resort takes grooming to new heights. Every night, a massive team of snowcats takes to the mountain and transforms it into a cruiser's paradise. After hours of skiing beautiful corduroy, you might begin to wonder if chasing powder is only for fools.

Beaver Creek isn't just about perfectly manicured runs. The moguls and steeps on Grouse Mountain will test any skier to their limits. This is a mountain that the whole family will enjoy. Beaver Creek is installing two brand new quad chairs in 2022. These new lifts will serve the McCoy area of the mountain, providing intermediate and beginner skiers with faster access to high altitude terrain. Beaver Creek prioritizes customer service, which includes having resort personnel ready to carry your skis to the base when you finish the day's last run and providing free fresh-baked cookies every day at 3 p.m.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 26 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620, United States

Phone: 970-476-1000

Website: colorado.com

Jackson Hole is a skier's paradise. The mountain is heavily skewed toward intermediate and advanced skiers, with very little beginner terrain, and the most difficult terrain will put even expert skiers to the test. You'll feel a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement as you ride the tram to the top with 100 of your new friends, looking out at the runs beneath your feet. On the way up, keep an eye out for Corbet's Couloir. This extreme double black diamond run is a must-do for advanced skiers.

In recent years, Jackson Hole has received an average of 38 feet of snow per year. The resort has 2,500 acres of terrain, 133 named runs, and several terrain parks. Among the recent infrastructure improvements is the impressive Solitude Station mid-mountain facility, which houses two new restaurants and the Mountain Sports School. The ski resort is about 20 minutes from Jackson, a Western-themed town. There are flights from all over the country and excellent lodging options here.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 3395 Cody LnTeton Village, WY 83025, United States

Phone: 307-733-2292

Website: jacksonhole.com

Park City Mountain, the largest resort in the United States, is located in the heart of Park City, Utah, only a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport and steps from historic Main Street in charming Park City. Experience alpine adventure at Park City Mountain this summer. View the slopes from a new perspective on the Alpine Slide and Mountain Coaster. Explore miles of hiking and biking trails across both the Park City and Canyons sides.

The town of Park City is an added bonus to skiing in this area. A real town, founded in 1884, with a historic main street packed with restaurants and shops, offers a plethora of après ski activities. If you want to do something other than ski, there are plenty of options in Park City. Park City is only about an hour's drive from Salt Lake City. If you're on a tight budget, consider staying in Salt Lake City, where lodging is plentiful and inexpensive, and commuting to the ski resort.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 1345 Lowell Ave, Park City, UT 84060, United States
Phone: +1 435-649-8111
Website: parkcitymountain.com