Itâs that time of year again to get your skis and snowboards waxed, edges sharpened, and plan some amazing trips for the season to come. These are some of our favorite mountains where you can find the best amenities luxury ski resorts that boast some of the best skiing the world has to offer.
10. BRECKENRIDGE
Breckenridge, Colorado
image courtesy of Vail Resorts
Breckenridge Ski Resort colloquially referred to as âBreck,â is one of West Coast skiingâs best. Boasting five huge summits, 2,908 acres, four terrain parks, 11 bowls, North Americaâs highest chairlift and a summit around 13,000 feet, Breck is a no-brainer when picking your next skiing destination of ski resorts.
Situated above the lively Colorado mountain town of Breckenridge and a quaint Main Street that hosts year-round activities and events, the area sees an average of 353 inches of snow annually, meaning there will be plenty of fresh powder slopeside. And if youâre a powder-hound who likes to go off the beaten path, Breck has some of the countryâs best above tree-line terrain with plenty of fun gladed trails. A premium destination, itâs no surprise Breck is a go-to host for prime events like the 2017 Dew Tour, which itâs hosting for its 10th year, December 14-17, 2017 as an Olympic qualifying event for the 2018 Winter Games.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: One Ski Hill Place
Season Pass: Epic Pass
Season Opening: November 10, 2017
Season Closing: April 22, 2018
9. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN
Mammoth Lakes, California
Image courtesy of The Village Lodge Mammoth
Coming off a record winter that broke multiple snowfall records ÂÂâ a 270-day-long season, which only just ended in August â Mammoth Mountain is once again at its prime to greet visitors for Winter â17/18. Situated in the Sierras, not too far from the world-famous Yosemite National Park, Mammoth lives up to its namesake with over 3,500 acres of skiing and snowboarding, broken up into a well-balanced terrain mix for snow enthusiasts of all levels. Plus, with some of the best on-hill and off-hill dining, foodies and craft beer enthusiasts will find it hard to be bored of the townâs options. Situated a short gondola ride away from Canyon Lodge, The Village at Mammoth is a particularly ideal spot for luxury stays and delicious eats. And after a long day on the hill, some of Californiaâs best hot springs are only a short drive away.
As is the case every four years, Mammoth Mountain will also be a prime hotspot for people watching in the run-up to the winter Olympics with names like Shaun White, Chloe Kim and Kelly Clark whoâve made Mammoth their home base. If you want a front seat to the action, the 2018 US Olympic Snowboarding and Freeski teams will be named at Mammoth Mountain, following the 2018 Mammoth Grand Prix, Jan. 17-21.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: The Village Lodge Mammoth
Season Pass: Cali4nia Pass, Mountain Collective
Season Opening: November 9, 2017
Image courtesy of Mammoth Mountain
8. WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Image courtesy of Whistler.com
For nearly half the year, Whistler Blackcomb is open to skiers and snowboarders and spans more than 8,100 acres across two enormous mountains connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola â Whistler and Blackcomb. Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is about an hour and a half drive north of Vancouver â however, you take the Sea-to-Sky Highway the whole way, which runs along the coast from Vancouver to Whistler and itâs one of the most beautiful drives you will ever experience.
In addition to its premier skiing, Whistler Village is also famous for being one of the best après-ski scenes in the world. The entire town has a tangible ski-chic atmosphere, also being home to charming shops, restaurants, and the Olympic Plaza.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler
Season Pass: Epic Pass
Season Opening: November 23, 2017
Season Closing: May 21, 2018
Image courtesy of Whistler.com
7. LAKE LOUISE / BANFF SUNSHINE
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Image courtesy of Lake Louise
With more than 4,200 acres of winter adventure terrain spread across four mountain faces, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and the great escape has something for everyone. Beginners can enjoy gentle slopes and long cruisers, while more advanced enthusiasts can take advantage of some of the Canadian Rockies best glades, chutes and bowls. And for guests coming from the United States, thereâs never been a better time to visit with exchange rates leading to savings of more than 30%.
Lake Louise is also one of the most photogenic locales. A short drive away from the cozy mountain town of Banff, youâre surrounded by beautiful views and fun activities in the heart of Banff National Park. Another great ski resort, Banff Sunshine, is also close by and a localsâ favorite. And after long days of skiing, donât forget to hit the mineral hot springs
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Season Pass: Big3 Season Pass
Season Opening: November 7, 2017
Season Closing: Early May 2018
Image courtesy of Lake Louise
6. JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Teton Village, Wyoming
Image courtesy of Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole has become a household name for a good reason â consistently delivering legendary powder snow with 4,139 of continuous vertical and 2,500 acres of some of the best beginner, intermediate and expert skiing. With Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as its neighbors, Jackson Hole is set in an idyllic setting unparalleled to most other destination ski resorts.
Famous for its âLast of the Old Westâ atmosphere, itâs an escape every snow enthusiast should experience at least once. Plus with a newly expanded airport that flies nonstop to 13 cities, Jackson Hole is extremely accessible.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
Season Pass: The Grand Pass, Mountain Collective
Season Opening: November 25, 2017
Season Closing: April 8, 2018
5. SUN VALLEY
Sun Valley, Idaho
Image courtesy of Sun Valley
Sun Valley was Americaâs first destination ski resort and has developed its legendary reputation ever since. With beautiful surroundings and a lack of lift lines, you can enjoy a 3,400 foot vertical at Bald Mountain and youâll keep coming back for more. It provides best facilities in comparison with other ski resorts like Off-mountain amenities include a new 20,000 square foot luxury spa and heated outdoor pools.
As picturesque as Sun Valley is, itâs not without nightlife â downtown Ketchum has some great and lively spots. Sun Valley also has a surprisingly amazing literary and art scene, being home to some of the worldâs most interesting people ever since being popularized by Ernest Hemingway.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: Sun Valley Lodge
Season Pass: Challenger Season Pass, Mountain Collective
Season Opening: November 23, 2017
4. BEAVER CREEK A TOP SKI RESORTS IN THE WORLD
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Image courtesy of Jonathan Resnick /Vail Resorts
Known as the number one luxury family resort in the world, Beaver Creek is a resort built on traditions that keep families coming back year-after-year â including the long-standing tradition of serving warm chocolate chip cookies at 3 pm. Beaver Creek has a summit elevation of 11,440 feet of a great mix of trail classifications across its 1,832 skiable acres. Though it typically gets between 300-400 inches of snowfall, guests will love the fact that Beaver Creek sees more than 275 days of sunshine annually. The resort also boasts the âIvy League of Ski Schoolsâ for anyone wanting to learn or refresh their mountain skills with some of the best ski resorts in the world.
After a day on the slopes, all you have to do is go to the base of the mountain to find Beaver Creekâs intimate alpine village, the perfect place to warm up by the fire and enjoy all the culinary and luxury amenities the village has to offer. And if you like chocolate chip cookies, be sure to attend opening day on November 22, 2017, when Beaver Creek will host their 14th Annual Worldâs Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: The Osprey at Beaver Creek
Season Pass: Epic Pass
Season Opening: November 22, 2017
Season Closing: April 15, 2018
3. SNOWBIRD/ALTA
Snowbird, Utah
Image courtesy of Chris Segal & Snowbird
Boasting one of Utahâs longest ski seasons and known as one of the most challenging mountains out there, Snowbird is a favorite destination for serious skiers and snowboarders. With the longest season in Utah, Snowbird gets 500 inches of average annual snowfall that you get to enjoy across 2,500 skiable acres and 3,240 vertical feet of spectacular terrain and views. To get on the slopes, youâll ride the Snowbird Tram, one of the most iconic lifts in the world, holding 125 passengers.
Snowbird is also an extremely accessible destination of the West, located only 29 miles away from Salt Lake City International Airport â same-day skiing and flying is indeed a thing in Snowbird, Utah. Added bonus if you drive a Subaru there, you actually get premium parking.
If youâre a skier, your Snowbird pass is also good at its sister mountain, Alta. However, no snowboarders allowed â as itâs one of the only mountains left in the world that still upholds the ban, which originated in the early 1980s when snowboarding first became popular.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: The Cliff Lodge and Spa
Season Pass: Summit Pass, Mountain Collective
Season Opening: November 22, 2017
Season Closing: June 10, 2018
2. PARK CITY
Park City, Utah
Image courtesy of Park City Mountain
Blanketed with 300-400 inches of snowfall each year, Park City is known for its top ski conditions and is home to not one but two great ski resorts â Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. Like Alta, Deer Valley also has a snowboard ban in place, so snowboarders will have to spend their time at Park City Mountain. Not to fret though, Park City is known as one of the best ski resorts. Despite the name, Park City is much more than just terrain parks â itâs loved by many for its diverse trails, exceptional accommodations and a reputation for being a holy grail for some of the best snow in the country with its light, dry champagne powder.
Only 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is easily accessible for visitors near and far. While there, sightseers can also explore Park Cityâs Main Historic District as well as the Utah Olympic Park, which remains the main training facility for U.S. winter athletes including the Olympic Ski Team.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: St. Regis Deer Valley
Season Pass: Epic Pass
Season Opening: November 17, 2017
Season Closing: April 8, 2018
1. STOWE MOUNTAIN
Stowe, Vermont
If youâre going to #SkiTheEast, Stowe Mountain should be at the top of your list of ski resorts. Though smaller than its west coast counterparts of ski resorts on this list, Stowe is not one to disappoint. Known for some of the best and most accessible tree skiing, sustained steepness of the Front Four and the usually reliable Mansfield snowpack, Stowe has earned its title of being the Ski Capital of the East.
Stowe also has some of the on- and off-mountain dining, drinking, and lodging the east coast has to offer. Before you end your day on the mountain, be sure to grab a warm, legendary Belgium waffle with Vermont maple syrup from the Waffle Cabin at the top of the gondola. Craft beer enthusiasts flock to The Trapp Lodge, après-skiers love the hotspot Stowe Cork, and Stowe has some of the most luxurious slopeside lodging East of the Mississippi. Youâll feel like a local while enjoying the accommodations and amenities of a tourist when you explore the charming Stowe Village along Mountain Road, which also offers a wealth of excellent dining, drinking and lodging establishments.
Luxury Lodging Suggestion: Spruce Peak at Stowe
Season Pass: Epic Pass
Season Opening: November 17, 2017
Season Closing: April 15, 2018