Top 5 Ski Destinations in the American West — From Luxurious Slopes to Rugged Terrain

Big Sky, Montana

What: Spanning 5,850 acres, this massive alpine area features everything from smooth groomed runs to an impressive 4,350 vertical feet off Lone Mountain, providing ample space from summit to base. 

Where: Located in Southwest Montana, midway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone.

How to get there: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport offers 35 nonstop flights to 24 destinations. From the airport, it’s a scenic 60-minute drive along the Gallatin River Canyon.

Who’s in attendance: Adventure enthusiasts, families seeking convenience and a relaxed atmosphere, and ski aficionados who prefer a Montana pale ale over Champagne at the après-ski bar.

Why visit now: To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Big Sky has introduced the Lone Peak Tram, an engineering marvel that provides quick access to high-alpine terrain. Guests can step out onto Montana's highest scenic overlook for breathtaking views of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

What to wear: Practical brands like Obermeyer and Patagonia are the go-to choices. If you're in the mood for a fashion scene, check out the new Montage Big Sky or hope for an invitation to the exclusive Yellowstone Club.

Must experience: Don't miss the sleigh-ride dinner at nearby Lone Mountain Ranch, where a horse-drawn sleigh takes guests to an oil-lantern-lit cabin for a family-style feast, featuring singers and storytellers.

Telluride, Colorado

What: Nestled within a canyon of the San Juan Mountains, this understated luxury resort boasts uncrowded slopes, diverse runs, and exciting terrain parks. Take a gondola ride into the town of Telluride to explore its restaurants, art galleries, and a generous sprinkle of Old West charm.

Where: Located in Southwest Colorado, within the renowned Four Corners region.

How to reach it: During winter, 10 major U.S. cities provide direct flights to Montrose Regional Airport, which is 66 miles from the mountain, or you can take a 90-minute shuttle.

Who’s heading there: Colorado families who prefer to avoid the long lift lines at bigger mountains and leave them to out-of-state visitors.

Why now: Telluride was a well-kept secret until recently. In 2021, Auberge Resorts Collection took over and renovated the Madeline Hotel, placing Telluride on the luxury ski map.

What to wear: A Perfect Moment ski suit for daytime, paired with shearling coats and a Crossbow hat for the evening. It’s all about understated winter luxury.

Don’t miss: A visit to The Spa at the Peaks Resort, the largest spa in Colorado, followed by a 12-course omakase experience at the Japanese restaurant Kazahana.

Sun Valley, Idaho

What: This ski resort boasts two mountains with a combined vertical drop of 3,400 feet and 2,400 acres of skiable terrain. Dollar Mountain is perfect for families with its gentle slopes, while Bald Mountain is ideal for advanced skiers and riders.

Where: Located in Central Idaho, including the nearby city of Ketchum and the Wood River Valley, which encompasses Hailey and Bellevue.

How to get there: Hailey's Friedman Memorial Airport is just 14 miles from the resort, easily accessible from Midwest and Western hubs. For others, it may require two connecting flights.

Who’s going: From novices to seasoned pros, everyone finds their place here, including competitive athletes. Sun Valley is home to the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) and hosts various racing events, ranging from weekly competitions to the U.S. Alpine National Championships.

Why now: It's a renaissance of sorts; this long-standing favorite of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates is raising the bar. The 2024 season has begun with the introduction of two new chairlifts and various infrastructure enhancements.

What you’ll be wearing: On the slopes, look for innovative brands like Nobis and Aztech Mountain, complemented by Boho-inspired ponchos from Lindsey Thornburg and Pendleton for evening strolls in Ketchum.

Don’t miss: Visit Pioneer Saloon, a nostalgic restaurant that once served as a casino. Enjoy a margarita while savoring steak and, of course, Idaho potatoes.

Park City, Utah

What: Few places can rival Utah's incredible snowfall. Park City features over 7,300 acres of skiable and rideable terrain, with more than 330 trails, six terrain parks, and a vibrant selection of restaurants, shops, and museums.

Where: Located in Northern Utah, 32 miles east of Salt Lake City, nestled within the Wasatch Mountains. 

How to get there: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is just 35 miles from Park City, offering numerous direct flights both domestically and internationally.

Who’s going: Skiers of all abilities, including adaptive athletes. Park City Mountain serves as the winter base for the National Ability Center (NAC), offering adaptive programs for competitive sports, seniors, and children with various disabilities. 

Why now: Park City is enhancing its mountain experience, featuring new cabins on the Red Pine Gondola and exciting new menu items at its eateries.

What you’ll be wearing: Classic brands like Helly Hansen paired with a touch of Burton and occasional Bogner flair.

Don’t miss: Enjoy aprés-ski drinks and dinner at the newly revamped Montage Deer Valley, just a short distance from Park City, where interior design firms BraytonHughes and Denton House have refreshed its 154 rooms and dining areas. Savor s’mores on the patio or enjoy family bowling at Daly’s Pub & Rec.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

What: Jackson Hole, renowned for Corbet’s Couloir and other exhilarating runs, offers some of the most challenging skiing in the U.S. While it’s known for its tough terrain, the mountain also features intermediate trails and a new lift at the base that conveniently takes beginners to its mid-mountain learning center. 

Where: Located in northwest Wyoming, close to the Idaho border, nestled between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. 

How to get there: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is accessible via several major airlines and lies 13 miles northwest of Teton Village, home to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 

Who’s going: Both dedicated skiers and beginners. The mountain's new adaptive ski camp provides exceptional instruction tailored for adaptive skiers.

Why now: Jackson Hole is rolling out diverse camp experiences for those eager to enhance their skiing and snowboarding skills, featuring the Mindful Ski and Snowboard Camp for those wanting to find their center on the slopes, as well as the exclusive Lady Shred Ski and Snowboard Camp for women. Additionally, private tours will be available with Olympic gold medalist Tommy Moe.

What you’ll be wearing: Think Aspen chic, with ski apparel from Goldbergh and Moncler paired with fringed evening wear by Aulani and Golden Goose.

Don’t miss: Caldera House, the opulent eight-suite hotel located at the base of the resort, which introduced two new restaurants in 2023. Corsa offers vibrant Italian cuisine, while Shin Shin serves traditional Japanese dishes in a stylish, contemporary setting.