The majority of Americans would concur that donning a pair of skis and hitting the slopes is the best way to enjoy winter. The United States is a beautiful place to ski because there are many possibilities and a variety of rugged terrain from coast to coast. There is a resort that is ideal for every kind of traveler, from steep vertical drops in Colorado to powdery slopes in Oregon and family-friendly retreats in New England. Finding a place that meets your needs is crucial because the amenities at a particular ski resort may make or break your trip.
Beginners might want to opt for a resort that offers personalized lessons and simple to intermediate-level tracks. While doing so, professionals should look for difficult runs, terrain parks, and ideal snow conditions.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll probably want to find a hotel with additional entertaining features like ice skating rinks, indoor swimming pools, or tubing parks to keep the whole family occupied even when you’re not on the slopes. The ideal ski holiday might be difficult to choose because there are so many variables at play. Read on to see which ski resorts are the greatest in the nation since U.S. News did the research for you.
Northeast
Stowe Mountain Resort: Stowe, Vermont
Beginners might want to opt for a resort that offers personalized lessons and simple to intermediate-level tracks. While doing so, professionals should look for difficult runs, terrain parks, and ideal snow conditions.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll probably want to find a hotel with additional entertaining features like ice skating rinks, indoor swimming pools, or tubing parks to keep the whole family occupied even when you’re not on the slopes. The ideal ski holiday might be difficult to choose because there are so many variables at play. Read on to see which ski resorts are the greatest in the nation since U.S. News did the research for you.
Killington Ski Resort: Killington, Vermont
At the Killington Ski Resort in central Vermont, there are more than 200 trails spread across seven peaks, so you could ski there for days without getting tired. There are trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels since there are so many of them. The mountain, however, offers more services for intermediate and experienced skiers than for beginners.
You’ll be out of breath after tackling steep runs like Devil’s Fiddle, Outer Limits, and Cascade. Not to mention, the resort’s terrain park has ample of space for practicing stunts and freestyle moves. Because it offers convenient ski-in, and ski-out access to the mountain through a snow-covered bridge, the Killington Grand Resort Hotel is a great place to stay. The hotel’s heated pool, hot tubs, restaurants, game room, and health club were well-liked by previous guests.
Bretton Woods: Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The largest ski area in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods, is loaded with features that will make your ski trip enjoyable. The resort has 10 lifts that serve 98 trails and glades and receives more than 200 inches of snow each year. Off the slopes, there is also a ton of entertainment.
Try Nordic skiing or snowshoeing if you want a more sedate winter pastime. Other family-friendly activities include winter bike rides, a kids’ snowmobile park, and a tubing area. You have a few options for when it’s time to relax. In contrast to the historic Omni Bretton Arms Inn, which has just 34 rooms and suites. However, it is a magnificent mountain hideaway with all the bells and whistles (including a 25,000-square-foot spa.) The Omni Mount Washington Resort is a mountain retreat with all the bells and whistles. Rentals for cottages and houses are also widely available nearby.
Sugarloaf: Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Sugarloaf is one of New England’s top ski resorts thanks to its enormous 1,240 skiable acres and 2,820-foot vertical drop. Skiers of all skill levels can use the 162 trails and glades, which range from beginner-friendly to expert-only routes. Furthermore, with 13 ski lifts, you may spend more time skiing and less time standing in line for lifts.
But the adventurous pursuits don’t end there. In Sugarloaf, visitors can do cross-country skiing, go dog sledding, try to ride a fat bike in the snow, or go ice skating for the afternoon. You may find a variety of eateries and retail establishments at the mountain’s base. Before retiring for the evening at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, which features a sizable outdoor hot tub, on-site restaurants, a resort shuttle to the ski area, and stunning mountain views. Previous guests advise getting a snack at 45 North.
South
Wintergreen Resort: Nellysford, Virginia
Skiing is possible in the South during the winter, and Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort has some of the best slopes in the region. Visitors have access to 26 routes, ranging in complexity, through the resort’s two lifts. Along with steep expert tracks that take skiers directly to the mountain’s base, there are gentle intermediate slopes where you can take in the mountain vistas.
The mountain’s attractions are completed with a terrain park where skiers may practice tricks. There is also a specific children’s area named Ridgely’s Fun Park. At Wintergreen, guests can choose to enroll in either group or private ski lessons. Compared to resorts in the west, this one is smaller, but it makes up for it with activities.
Timberline Four Seasons Resort: Davis, West Virginia
Beginner-friendly pathways to double black diamond runs may be found on the trails at the Timberline Four Seasons Resort. Skiers can practice their spins on the challenging Twister course, while beginners can descend the mountain’s peak on the simple Upper Salamander trail.
Additionally, two terrain parks provide skiers and snowboarders plenty of room to practice stunts and tricks. The Snow Squall Terrain Park’s modest jumps and mini-boxes are a good place to start for those who wish to get into freestyle stunts and the like. Move on to the Thunder Snow Terrain Park for bigger features and rails when you’re feeling confident.
You can sign up to work one-on-one with an experienced teacher or choose a group session depending on whether this is your first time on the slopes or if you simply want some extra pointers to improve your runs. After a day of skiing, there are plenty of food and drink options available at the main lodge. However, guests also want to check out the eateries at the mountain’s foot. There are several motels and bed-and-breakfasts in the vicinity that are handy to the mountain. But the Timberline Hotel provides convenient ski-in, and ski-out access to the resort.
Beech Mountain Resort: Beech Mountain, North Carolina
The Beech Mountain Resort is the ideal location to experience why the Blue Ridge Mountains offer some of the South’s best skiing. There is something for skiers and boarders of all skill levels on the resort’s 17 routes spread across 95 skiable acres. Skiers appreciate having the option of more challenging slopes like White Lightning which originate at the mountain peak. As well as intermediate runs like Upper Shawneehaw. The larger area it offers for skill practice makes the easier freestyle path near the mountain’s base popular as well. Advanced skiers can test their skills on rails, boxes, and tubes in a terrain park, which is calling to them. Not to mention, the mountain claims to be the highest ski resort in the eastern United States.
When it comes to dining, guests love the resort’s 5506′ Skybar (named for its top elevation of 5,506 feet.) From the resort’s summit, you can have a snack or a beverage while taking in views of the neighboring peaks. Beech Mountain Resort is a popular destination for families with young children who may quickly get weary of skiing thanks to a nearby tubing park with tracks up to 700 feet long and a sizable ice skating rink in the resort village. In addition, the community has a brewery, other dining options, and shops. Additionally, a variety of hotels, cabins, bed and breakfast establishments, and condos are available nearby for guests to unwind after a hard day.
