The Best Ski Resorts in the USA

Wherever you ski and stay, you can expect copious amounts of snow and vast and varied terrain, catering to everyone from complete beginners up to seasoned freestylers, and there’s plenty to do off the slopes too. Authentic Wild West towns, stunning national parks and world-famous cities, there are few better destinations for ‘more than a ski holiday’.

I've seen them all and hope you can use this blog as a compass to navigate your way through the extensive choice of American resorts and land on the one that sounds just right for you.

For personal advice or a tailor-made price, enquire online or call us Monday to Friday on 01273 224060.

Whenever I talk to a customer who's new to skiing, I’ll always point them towards Breckenridge because it's the full package. Bursting with ski-in ski-out accommodation, you'll never have the feeling of being overwhelmed by hauling all your equipment to the slopes from your hotel or condo. Instead, your first experience will be convenient and stress-free.

On the mountain, the beginner runs are as gentle and welcoming as the locals around the resort, and the fun doesn't stop when the skiing does. The historic gold mining town has a warm, authentic feel and comes to life in the evening for après. If you've forgotten (or prefer not to use) your dancing shoes, there are more than 180 shops and 80 restaurants to explore during your visit. It's no wonder this is a favourite resort for UK skiers and is a great choice for first-time skiers.

Families and couples searching for a hotel offering the ultimate convenience will be sure to find it at 3*+ Beaver Run Resort. The popular ski-in ski-out condos are based at the bottom of Peak 9, just minutes from Main Street. It's fantastic unwinding at the end of the day in the pools, hot tubs or spa.

"Never fails to live up to expectations - something for everyone on the vast slopes. Genuine old town atmosphere with a wide range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. Excellent transportation system. No one will be disappointed on the slopes." - Frances Jones

The last thing you'll want after a 10 hour flight with children is to then face a long, gruelling transfer from the airport to your ski resort. This is one of the reasons Park City is renowned as a fantastic choice for families. Only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City Airport, Park City Mountain Resort is home to 7,300 acres of varied terrain, ensuring there'll be plenty of runs to suit every member of the family.

The kids will be well entertained off the slopes as well. A must whilst you're in Park City is grabbing a tube at Woodward Park City and taking a rip-roaring ride down the mountain. If you're looking for more of a chilled-out evening with the family, you can go ice skating or walk down to Jupiter Bowl-Ultra, a modern bowling lounge.

The friendly atmosphere of the 4* Park City Peaks Hotel is just one of the reasons for being a favourite amongst the Ski Safari team and customers. Before clicking into your skis, start your morning with a full hot breakfast which is included in your stay. In the afternoon there are cookies and hot cocoa to keep you fuelled for the remainder of the day! Biscuits and fry-ups aside, it's an excellent accommodation for families and great value.

"Amazing ski resort, excellent grooming and overall mountain conditions. Plenty of terrain for all levels of skier." - Jack Smedley

A top tip for any confident skier looking to improve is to sample a diverse selection of runs. With four magnificent ski areas, Aspen Snowmass is a world-class destination that supplies the perfect remedy for those who quickly get bored of bombing down the same runs over and over again.

All covered on the same pass, you'll have access to easy-going slopes on Buttermilk, groomers perfect for intermediates in Snowmass and finally, thigh-burning alpine bowls and steeps in Aspen Mountain and Highlands.

Five minutes from both the town and the lifts in Aspen town is 4* The Gant. The comfortable and spacious condos boast all the facilities anyone would need to enjoy their time staying in the mountains and are an excellent option for groups and families.

"Vast and almost empty slopes with a wide range of terrain, no lift queues, and the friendliest people ever." - Lucy Taylor

Deer by name, dear by nature. However, you get what you pay for and then some at Deer Valley. If you're looking for exceptionally high levels of service, manicured cruisers and one of the world's most luxurious ski-only resorts... look no further.

Voted the United States' Best Ski Resort consecutively from 2013-2022, Deer Valley's slopes never get overcrowded and the powder stays fresher for longer, which only adds to the already exclusive feeling.

To continue the 'upscale' feel to your holiday, take a short bus journey to Park City where you'll find a superb selection of classy restaurants and bars dotted around the town. Don't let the opulency fool you, it's not snobby in the slightest and I always find this particular destination to be very welcoming to all groups and families.

The 4* Lodges at Deer Valley sticks to the resort's impeccable standards with its rustic exterior and warm cosy interior. Complete with heated underground parking, concierge services, a 24-hour fitness centre and a pool, you're in for a more than comfortable stay in these classy lodges.

"The skiing at Deer Valley is superb. Service and facilities are better than I have experienced anywhere in the last 30 years of skiing." - Sara Linney

Those confident and brave enough to take on Snowbird are rewarded with what many consider to be the 'Greatest Snow on Earth'. What's all the light, fluffy powder covering? Inbounds steeps, bowls and long lines of trees begging for you to ski between. Prepare for your thighs to be burning, your skiing ability to be challenged and your mountain ego to be humbled!

With its high elevation and a long season starting mid-November, Snowbird is also perfect for eager skiers who just want to be out on the mountain and the snow as soon as possible.

The 4* Hyatt Place Cottonwood gives you the best of both worlds. You're 20 minutes away from vibrant bars and local restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City, which tend to be cheaper than drinking and dining in the mountains. We highly recommend hiring a car to give maximum flexibility when accessing the four resorts of Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton and skier-only Alta. Save yourself some money by staying off the mountain and experience an all-American city!

"Most fantastic ski mountain, incredible terrain, steep, deep, trees, gullies. Get a guide to really open the area up." - Jane Hughes

If you're the type of skier who's addicted to checking their top speed to then try and beat it on the next lap, Snowbasin is the resort for you. A trip here would tick many boxes for an intermediate skier due to its impressive combination of long, speedy groomers, which will be relatively empty during weekdays, and a modern lift infrastructure. For more of a technical challenge, there are powder bowls and hairy chutes to explore.

The reason for Snowbasin's deserted slopes is there's no on-mountain lodging. Most visitors will base themselves 30 minutes away in the laidback town of Ogden. Getting to the resort is a pleasure as Utah offers a beautiful backdrop for the drive which I'll never get tired of.

If you like the sound of a quality hotel in the heart of an American town, the 4* The Hilton Garden Inn is a smart choice. Based in downtown Ogden, just 20 minutes from Snowbasin and within walking distance from a number of local attractions, you'll find plenty to do whilst exploring the town after a rewarding day carving down steep downhill runs.

"Fantastic resort and would be happy spending much more time there - no queues worth speaking of even after a decent dump, great variety of terrain, easy parking and great facilities." - Robert Smith

A household name when it comes to skiing in North America, Vail is legendary. The 5,317 acres of expansive terrain with unrivalled back bowls and lappable glade runs are huge reasons this powerhouse resort is well-known amongst advanced skiers. For established snowboarders aiming to nail their freestyle tricks, Golden Peak Terrain Park and its super-pipe will provide days of fun.

The sizeable town is teeming with boutique shops, restaurants and bars spread as far as the eye can see. There's no shortage of classic après bars where you can let your hair down either. Vail is worthy of hosting any assured skier or snowboarder aiming to get a taste of a mega-resort.

Separated from the liveliness of Vail and nestled in the White River National Forest is the 3*+ Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort. Perfect for skiers keen on dipping into the buzzing town of Vail, but having a tranquil accommodation to retreat to. While the Racquet Club is out of town, it's only 5 miles from the ski slopes and is on the main shuttle route. It's a wonderful self-catering option, with the Bighorn Bistro and Bar serving dinner for 6 nights a week if you fancy a night off from cooking.

"Vail was absolutely perfect for the intermediate skier and above. Fantastic choice of runs, little to no queues for the lifts/gondalas. A very well designed resort which was well worth the journey!" - Shelley Osborne

Although some might argue that goggle tan lines aren't a great look, no one can deny the sensational feeling of skiing wearing minimal layers and taking a break at a mid-mountain bar to relax in the sun. California's largest resort (if you count the ski area spilling into Nevada), Heavenly receives over 300 days of glorious sunshine each year without compromising the snow due to the resort sitting at over 6,000 ft.

The resort's high elevation brings spectacular and contrasting views of shimmering blue Lake Tahoe and Nevada's orange desert. After a day exploring Heavenly's extensive terrain, head down to South Lake Tahoe and across the state line, which cuts right through the resort, into Nevada to cap off your trip by winning big at one of the town's three casinos.

The 3*+ Lakeland Village is an unbeatable option for families and larger groups visiting Heavenly. Situated in its own wooded grounds on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, Lakeland Village offers a wide range of condo sizes and even has its own private beach, as well as other useful services such as a private shuttle whisking you to the nearby gondola and casinos.

"Great evening entertainment, lovely ski views, copious amount of blue bird days." - Junior Lamont

Whether you're a novice learning the slopes or a seasoned shredder, a trip across the pond will provide an unforgettable ski holiday.

For an idea of prices, see our USA ski offers or get in touch. Enquire online or call us on 01273 224060, we’re always on hand with plenty of personal advice. I’ve skied all our USA resorts and a few of our team of experts have lived and worked out there too.

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