Here is a list of the most upscale ski resorts in the United States to visit this winter as the ski season approaches.

It’s time to start planning for that ideal ski getaway with pristine snow, low lift lines, and empty routes as the winter months approach.

There are many world-class slopes in the United States to pick from, and they are all close to most of the country’s main airports. We advise downloading the NYBC Luxury app to simplify airport transfers if you want to kick off your vacation appropriately.

See our list of upscale ski resorts in the United States.

Vail, Colorado

Despite its diminutive size and location at the foot of Vail Mountain, Vail is renowned worldwide for its superb alpine skiing.

Vail Mountain has a diverse terrain, with steeps, glades, and bumps along several more challenging runs. Vail is a fantastic family ski resort in Colorado due to these factors.

The resort is spread across two sides of the mountain; the front side is made up of smooth, well-groomed slopes, while the famed Back Bowls provide 3,017 acres of powder fields.

Three main areas make up the resort village: Golden Peak, Vail Village, and Lionshead.

Ski stats

• The 2021/2022 season starts November 12
• 5,317 skiable acres
• 195 runs
• 31 lifts
• Average annual snowfall: 354 inches / 899 cm

Where to stay

For private retreats with a residence concierge, gas-burning stone fireplaces, and personal ski services, check out the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Vail.

For its excellent position in the center of Lionshead Village, rooftop hot tubs, and slopeside ski valet, choose The Arrabelle at Vail Square.

For quick access to Gondola One, balcony views, and roomy accommodations ranging from studios to four-bedroom + den premium homes, choose Elevation Resort Residences at Solaris.

Getting There

• 45 minutes to the Eagle County Regional Airport by automobile
• Travel time to Denver International Airport is two hours.

Aspen, Colorado

Snowmass ski area at Aspen, Colorado. Image credit: Joshua Sukoff/Unsplash

 

Let’s start with a powerhouse. Skiers worldwide go to Aspen because of its fantastic, fluffy snow and countless trail options, which provide limitless opportunities.

The town is surrounded by four major ski resorts: Aspen Mountain for intermediate and advanced skiers, Aspen Highlands for those who prefer to avoid crowds, Snowmass for families, and Buttermilk for freestyle skiers and riders.

Aspen is undoubtedly one of the best places to ski in Colorado, with decades of skiing history and routes that have held World Cup competitions.

Ski stats

• The 2021/2022 season starts November 25
• 5,527 skiable acres
• 362 runs
• 41 chairlifts
• Annual average snowfall: 300 inches / 762 cm

Where to stay

For its lengthy history stretching back to 1889, meticulous attention to detail, and unrestricted snowmobile access to the majestic Maroon Bells, guests favor the Hotel Jerome, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.

The Little Nell offers ski-in/ski-out access, the chance to ski Aspen Mountain before it is open to the general public, and entry to the hotel’s discreet speakeasy.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort is known for its highly regarded concierge service, award-winning Remède Spa, and setting at the foot of Aspen Mountain.

Getting There

• Ten minutes by automobile to the Aspen Pitkin County Airport.
• Travel time to Denver International Airport is two hours.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Despite being smaller than the ski resorts in the area, Beaver Creek benefits from having fewer visitors since there are fewer lines for the lifts and fewer people on the picturesque routes, giving you the impression that you have the slopes to yourself.

Beaver Creek, a hangout for celebrities and former presidents, offers several abundant amenities, such as an escalator connecting the commercial area to the ski trails and freshly baked cookies distributed every afternoon during the ski season.

Ski stats

• The 2021/2022 season starts November 24
• 1,832 skiable acres
• 167 runs
• 24 lifts
• average annual snowfall: 325 inches / 826 cm

Where to stay

For ski-in/ski-out access, views of the mountains or valleys, and an on-site ski and snowboard school, stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.

For a log cabin tucked away among aspen and pine trees, a Cabin Keeper who can handle requests for everything from massage therapists to equipment rentals, and a sense of privacy, consider Trappers Cabin.

The Osprey offers a ski concierge, an outdoor hot tub, and panoramic views.

Getting There

• The drive to Eagle County Regional Airport is thirty minutes.
• The drive to Denver International Airport takes two hours.

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky offers an average of over an acre of skiable terrain per skier, making those long rides in the Northern Rockies more enjoyable.

The central mountain in this area is Lone Mountain, which professional skiers may ascend using a tram after first taking in the breathtaking 360-degree vistas.

You won’t get bored here because there are numerous tracks for beginners and experienced skiers to enjoy over seven terrain parks.

Ski stats

• The 2021/2022 season starts November 25
• 5,800 skiable acres
• 300 runs
• 38 lifts
• Average annual snowfall: 400 inches / 1016 cm.

Where to stay

Spanish Peaks Mountain Club offers members-only access to 5,700 acres of land in the area, complete with a ski club in the winter and fly fishing and golfing in the summer.

Moonlight Basin offers one-of-a-kind real estate and rentals north of Big Sky Mountain Village, as well as access to the Private Moonlight Lodge and breathtaking views.

Montage Big Sky for the honor of visiting one of the most anticipated new luxury ski resorts in the United States (scheduled to open in mid-December), a 10,000-square-foot spa, and ski-in/ski-out access.

Getting There

• Yellowstone National Park is one hour away from Bozeman.