Top Ski Towns in America

Park City, Utah

Each year, hundreds of thousands flock to this historic mining town, drawn by its world-class skiing. Park City offers easy access to both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain ski areas, while also hosting the renowned Sundance Film Festival and becoming a culinary hotspot. Main Street retains much of its rustic 19th-century character, and nearby, the ski-in High West Saloon serves whiskey flights paired with dishes crafted using its own spirits. Luxury accommodations include the Waldorf Astoria Park City, Stein Eriksen Lodge, and Montage Deer Valley.

Taos, New Mexico

In 1898, artists Bert Phillips and Ernest Blumenschein paused to fix a broken wagon wheel in Taos and chose to stay. Later, socialite Mabel Dodge Luhan attracted renowned writers and artists such as Willa Cather, Ansel Adams, and Georgia O'Keeffe, who were captivated by the striking beauty of this desert town framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The spirit of the art colony thrives in Taos, where the walkable downtown brims with galleries and adobe inns. After a day on the slopes, unwind at the beautifully appointed El Monte Sagrado, offering cozy lodgings and spa treatments ranging from massages to tarot readings.

Truckee, California

Lake Tahoe attracts ski enthusiasts from all over, but Tahoe North remains a bit more tranquil compared to the lively south side of the lake. From Truckee, you can reach any of seven ski resorts in under an hour, with the closest being Northstar California Resort. This ski area boasts over 100 trails across 3,170 acres. While in this mountain town, follow local custom and enjoy a rich cup of coffee from Dark Horse Coffee Roasters before hitting the slopes, then unwind at Moody's Bistro Bar and Beats to wrap up your day.

Bend, Oregon

In this town, beer and snow go hand in hand, with more than two dozen breweries along the Bend Ale Trail. The historic and compact downtown is filled with a remarkable array of bars, restaurants, and shops. Mt. Bachelor, located about 20 miles from Bend, receives over 400 inches of snow annually and features 121 runs spread across 4,300 skiable acres.

Telluride, Colorado

Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded on three sides by 14,000-foot peaks, this former mining town offers unparalleled natural beauty and seclusion. With only a couple of thousand residents, the town maintains a charming atmosphere. A complimentary scenic gondola connects Telluride to the adjacent Mountain Village. Telluride Ski Resort features 149 trails, several terrain parks, and an impressive average annual snowfall of 280 inches.

Ketchum, Idaho

The artistic town of Ketchum is located near Sun Valley Resort, which boasts over 100 runs spread across approximately 2,000 skiable acres. The resort features both indoor and outdoor rinks for year-round ice skating. After a day on the slopes, immerse yourself in the rich culture of this Idaho mountain town by exploring its numerous art galleries or catching a show at one of its several theaters. Once night falls, enjoy some hot cocoa and gaze at the sky — Ketchum and Sun Valley are part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, providing spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Stowe, Vermont

A church steeple towers over this charming colonial town, established in 1763. Stowe lies at the foot of Vermont's tallest peak, Mount Mansfield, nestled in the stunning Green Mountains. The ski resort features both challenging double black diamond trails and numerous beginner runs across several unique areas. Beyond skiing, indulge in the simple joys of browsing at the nostalgic Shaw's General Store and sampling treats at the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory in nearby Waterbury. For a touch of luxury, consider a stay at Topnotch Resort, where a CBD massage awaits to soothe you after a day on the slopes.

Big Bear Lake, California

Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is a true ski town located less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. Unlike the consistently warm weather of Southern California, this ski resort enjoys a cool climate at an elevation of 6,752 feet. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from 88 runs and multiple terrain parks, including North America's first. With 700 acres and three peaks to discover, there’s plenty to enjoy. Beyond skiing, winter enthusiasts can also try bobsledding on the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, tubing, and snowshoeing.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Founded during the 1859 Gold Rush, Breckenridge still resembles a scene from a Western film. Its ski resort, which now ranks among the best ski resorts in the U.S., opened in the 1960s. Thanks to the free Summit Stage bus service to Copper Mountain and Keystone, you can easily ski multiple areas during your visit. For snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, check out the Breckenridge Nordic Center. "Breck" boasts its own brewery and distillery, along with the historic Gold Pan Saloon, home to the longest continuous liquor license west of the Mississippi.

Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson Hole’s namesake ski resort in Teton Village offers a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, alongside numerous other winter activities and upscale accommodations like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Despite its luxurious options, Jackson maintains its charm as a Wild West town, complete with old-fashioned saloons surrounding a public square adorned with elk antler arches. Here, 'dressed up' usually means jeans. Located just about 12 miles from Teton Village and nine miles from Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson is also a short drive from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Nestled in the White Mountain National Forest, North Conway stands out with its charming pastel-hued Victorian buildings. It’s just a short drive to various ski resorts, including Cranmore, Attitash, and Wildcat, along with numerous cross-country skiing trails. For stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, take a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Vail, Colorado

Renowned as one of the top ski destinations in the country, Vail features luxurious five-star hotels, a vibrant bar and dining scene, and exceptional skiing at its namesake mountain resort. The heart of the resort is home to two main ski villages—Vail Village and Lionshead Village—both offering stunning backdrops at the base of the expansive resort, which boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is such a ski-focused haven that it has trademarked the phrase "Champagne powder" to capture the light, fluffy texture of its snow. This Colorado town boasts two ski areas: Steamboat Resort, featuring 182 trails spread across 3,741 acres, and Howelsen Hill, a quaint slope in town known as North America's oldest operating ski area. Steamboat Springs retains its vintage charm while offering a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, eateries, and museums.

Whitefish, Montana

Located just a short drive from Glacier National Park in Montana's Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Whitefish Mountain Resort, situated only seven miles north of the town, provides skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling over its expansive 3,000-plus acres of skiable land. The S.N.O.W. bus offers complimentary transport between Whitefish and the mountain resort, making it easy to enjoy the slopes during the day and relax at a local brewery at night.