The Rocky Mountains in the USA have a fantastic choice of ski destinations, all with their own charm and benefits. Ski resorts in the Rockies spread over several US states bringing different atmospheres and influences to each ski town. We have created a guide for where to ski in the Rockies. Our experts have picked the best ski resorts in the Rockies.
Alta
Alta has some of the best skiing in the Rockies because of its excellent snow record and unique terrain. Located in the state of Utah, Alta has 112km of slopes to explore that are most suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. It is one of America’s oldest resorts after being open since 1939 and has made lots of developments ever since. The high altitude of 2,600m-3,216m makes the snow more reliable and also creates a lot more powder days.
Off the slopes, the après are a bit more low-key than other ski resorts. It focuses more on great restaurants to eat out in, relaxed bars and spa days. The town itself is only 50 minutes away from Salt Lake City airport making it one of the best ski resorts in the Rockies to access with a short transfer.
Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass is arguably the most well-known Rockies ski resort. It has a great reputation for top-class experiences on and off the slopes. It has an impressive 461km of slopes to explore with a full lift pass. The ski terrain in the area has something for all levels of skier. If you’re on or off the slopes the views are truly breathtaking with Maroon Bells as part of its backdrop. They are the most photographed mountains in the US.
The town itself prides itself on a stylish luxurious experience with first-class service. Aspen’s restaurant scene is fantastic with chefs all over the country coming to the ski town to produce excellent cuisine. If you’re a foodie you are truly spoilt for choice. The luxury ski accommodation options are superb too. Its nightlife is lively too with a great range of bars and clubs with different atmospheres.
Stay At:
In the heart of Aspen, the Hotel Little Nell is one of the premier hotels in this stylish resort.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek has some of the best skiing in the Rockies because it takes luxury to another level on and off the slopes. There is 54km of slopes in the area to enjoy, which are suited mainly to intermediate and advanced skiers. However, there are great beginner slopes and 10km of blue runs to progress on. Due to its high altitude of 2,740m – 3,485m, the snow quality throughout the ski season is fantastic.
When you’re off the mountain, you will be immersed in a top-class winter experience. There are beautiful hotels and properties to book with state-of-the-art facilities. It has the glam of Vail and Aspen but is more of an intimate experience due to its size. The nightlife is mainly for brilliant fine-dining restaurants and classy bars.
Stay At:
Brilliantly situated at the base of the lifts in Beaver Creek, the Hotel Beaver Creek Lodge is one of the best hotels in town.
Breckenridge
Located in the state of Colorado, Breckenridge is the highest Rockies ski resort at an altitude of 2,925m-3,915m. It is the highest ski resort in North America. This makes the snow conditions superb throughout its long ski season. There is 139km of slopes in the area which has something for everyone. Most of the ski accommodations are in a ski-in ski-out location, maximising your time on the slopes.
There are over 140 bars and restaurants to explore in the area, all of which serve different cuisines and have different atmospheres. The nightlife is a bit more lively than other US ski resorts with lots of happy hours and live music in the local bars. If you want a bit of retail therapy there are many shops to browse through too.
Stay At:
Located at the base of Peak 8 and with direct access to four chairlifts, One Ski Hill Place boasts the ultimate location.
Jackson Hole
Situated in the state of Wyoming, Jackson Hole has some of the best skiing in the Rockies for advanced skiers. It has some of the most challenging and steep terrain in the world. There is 116km of slopes to enjoy, with superb off-piste opportunities too. One of the most famous off-piste runs is the famous Corbet’s Couloir, which has a jaw-dropping four-metre drop-in. Like many US ski resorts, it has great high altitude which means there’s great snow reliability throughout the ski season.
The restaurant scene in Jackson Hole is next level, with delightful first-class fine-dining experiences. It has also been previously voted in the top 5 US foodie cities. Most restaurants in the area take pride in their ‘farm to table’ approach only bringing the best ingredients to you. You can stay at the height of luxury in some superb ski hotels in the area too.
Stay At:
Hotel Amangani in Jackson Hole has a unique location with stunning panoramic views of the mountains.
Park City
Another Rockies ski resort that is based in Utah is Park City. It has an impressive 250km of slopes to enjoy in the area, which has something for any level of skier. Since being the home of some winter sports events for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, it has become a thriving ski resort. There’s an impressive system of 38 lifts that can get you around the piste map in no time. If you’re an advanced skier looking for great back-country there are 14 back-bowls to drop into with excellent snow conditions during the season.
The main high street of Park City is full of great bars and restaurants to visit. Whether you want excellent fresh seafood or a classic American burger it has something for different tastes. The nightlife is pretty lively for a US ski resort with fantastic bars to enjoy and a great live music scene. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the Alpine Coaster and the zipline during their stay.
Stay At:
Located alongside world-renowned ski slopes, Hotel Park City has been rated “top ski hotel” by Condé Nast Traveller.
Snowbird
Snowbird is located in the heart of the beautiful Wasatch National Forest. It also shares a lift pass with Alta as it’s only a short drive away. The snow conditions are some of the best in the US with over 12-metre snowfalls each year. If you love powder skiing you’re in for a treat with its perfect combination of deep snow and excellent freeride opportunities. There is also 103km of pistes to enjoy which have runs suitable for any level of skier.
There are over 15 eateries in the area which serve diverse cuisine options. Whether you want fine dining or a casual restaurant there’s something for different tastes. For a small ski town, Snowbird has a great selection of bars, each with its own great drinks and atmosphere.
Steamboat
Steamboat is one of the best ski resorts in the Rockies because the terrain is suitable for any level of skier. It also has a great reputation for family skiing due to its vast amount of gentle slopes plus its childcare and activity options. It has 119km of slopes to enjoy in the area. The snow conditions are excellent too because of its high altitude location.
Despite being suitable for families, Steamboat also has a thriving nightlife scene. A permanent stage is up during the season in the main town with different music acts appearing. In addition, there are many great bars to pick from to enjoy a drink after a day on the slopes. There are also over 100 restaurants with different cuisine options in the area.
Stay At:
The luxury hotel The Steamboat Grand enjoys a prime location at the base of Steamboat ski resort.
Vail
Vail is one of the most famous Rockies ski resorts because of its top luxury reputation. Located in the state of Colorado it has an impressive 234km of slopes to enjoy. If you get an Epic Ski Pass you can also explore neighbouring ski resorts Heavenly and Northstar. It has some of the best skiing in the Rockies because there’s something for any level of skier.
The choice of luxury ski accommodation is unrivalled in Vail, with some of the best places to stay in the world. The town itself has top-class restaurants, modern bars and fantastic designer shops to visit. In addition, there are relaxing spas, cute cafes and galleries to enjoy. The outdoor ice rink during the festive period is a must-visit for families.
Stay At:
Hotel Lodge at Vail in Colorado is located slopeside and is one of the top hotels in the resort.
Winter Park
Winter Park is one of the best ski resorts in the Rockies for snow reliability and fantastic skiing. It has 143km of slopes which are mainly uncrowded throughout the ski season. This means basically no lift queuing and a peaceful ski experience. The terrain is diverse enough too to keep any level of skier happy during their visit. It has some of the best skiing in the Rockies.
Off the slopes, there are great non-ski activities to enjoy. You can catch a film at the cinema or head to the Grand Park Recreation Centre that has a hot tub, swimming pool, gym and climbing wall. There are plenty of activities you can do after a day on the slopes. There are also great restaurants to visit, with many different menus to try.
Stay At:
The Zephyr Mountain Lodge offers a convenient ski-in ski-out location at the base of Winter Park.
To find out more about where to ski in the Rockies, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
