Why visit the same old ski resorts again this winter? Try one of these breathtaking destinations instead.
Andermatt, Switzerland
Why: Few areas in the world compare to skiing in the Swiss Alps. And now it’s even more accessible for U.S. travelers to discover since Andermatt Ski Mountain is available on Vail Resort’s Epic Pass for the ski season. (A season pass covers a variety of ski destinations around the world.)
Where to stay: In winter, The Chedi Andermatt transforms its courtyard into a traditional mountain winter village. You’ll find yourself surrounded by tall fir trees lining snow-covered paths with traditional Swiss and Scandinavian cabins. You can dine on Swiss specialties such as cheese fondue in The Chalet’s heated lounge or relax with traditional Finnish rituals in the sauna and hot tub.
Don’t miss: Market stalls in the village serve festive treats such as mulled wine and crêpes, alongside handicrafts from local craftsmen and artisans selling their wares.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Why: A popular spot, Jackson Hole has a variety of skiing and snowboarding experiences including backcountry, cross country and Nordic skiing. They even have heli-skiing for the uber adventurous.
Where to stay: Located at the gateway to the Grand Teton National Park and one hour south of Yellowstone National Park, is The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection Hotel—the only hotel located in Jackson Hole’s Town Square.
Don’t miss: Cloudveil’s partnership with Black Tie Ski Rentals lets you place an order for skis, poles, snowboards, boots or helmets before you arrive and your personal ski concierge will meet you at The Cloudveil with your order for a seamless ski experience. As an added benefit for guests, Black Tie will also transport your gear to the hotel’s exclusive Ski Chalet located at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Telluride, Colorado
Why: With 1,700 acres and 84 trails, there’s something for skiers of every level here—from the Galloping Goose, a beginner’s trail, to the Plunge, with its steep runs. There’s also Nordic and backcountry skiing as well as cat-skiing and heli-skiing.
Where to stay: Framed by 14,000-foot peaks and the wide blue skies of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Telluride’s Madeline Hotel & Residences is a five-star resort bringing a new tier of luxury to the destination.
Don’t miss: Using the services of an Adventure Guide from Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, who can help with planning, booking and customizing your stay in Telluride to ensure you begin your trip on the right boot.
Mt. Shasta, California
Why: With a vertical drop of 2,036 feet, Mt. Shasta has one of the highest peaks in California. This significant vertical provides many opportunities for long, steep runs.
Where to stay: Mt. Shasta Ski Park offers a unique California ski experience. With only four chair lifts and two surface lifts, it has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to bigger, busier resorts. This means less crowds and shorter lines, which makes it ideal for families
Don’t miss: Exploring Redding, the closest major city to Mt. Shasta Ski Park, located just an hour away. Redding has plenty of great dining choices—from family restaurants to brew pubs—and plenty of activities including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and year-round mountain biking.
Santa Fe, Mexico
Why: New Mexico may not be the first destination that comes to mind for skiing, but Ski Santa Fe offers a base elevation of 10,350 feet in front of the picturesque Sangre de Christo Mountains.
Where to stay: The historic and restored Bishop’s Lodge offers custom ski packages, including heli-trips.
Don’t miss: After a day on the slopes, skiers can retreat back to Bishop’s Lodge, which offers a variety of activities—including a chocolate immersion experience with local chocolate house Kakawa.
McCall, Idaho
Why: McCall is a true hidden-gem. Sitting at an elevation of 5,000 feet, the town’s rugged mountains receive more than 200 inches of snow per year—which is part of the reason Brundage Mountain is known for having some of the best powder in the state. If you’re looking for backcountry skiing, the mountain offers thousands of acres to do just that.
Where to stay: Shore Lodge has 2,800 feet of vertical slopes on 1,020 lift-accessed acres for skiers and snowboarders, along the with Nordic and snowshoe trails. The property also has a plethora of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy, including snowbiking, ice fishing, sightseeing by snowcat, snow tubing at McCall’s Activity Barn, and ice skating.
Don’t miss: After hitting the slopes, relax in the nearby natural hot springs for an après ski soak, embracing the full winter experience. Idaho is home to more than 150 hot springs, with dozens a short drive away.
Woodstock, Vermont
Why: The Saskadena Six downhill ski area has 25 trails serviced by three lifts in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. What makes this area so appealing for families is that 30 percent of the trails are designated for beginners, so it’s ideal for little ones or those just starting out.
Where to stay: Woodstock Inn & Resort is not only located near the Saskadena Six downhill ski area, but the resort also has a 42,000-square-foot athletic club and a 10,000-square-foot spa.
Don’t miss: The Vermont maple cake and housemade ice cream served up at the property.
Park City, Utah
Why: If you’re looking for great skiing, Park City is no secret—and travelers head to the world-class resort town from across the globe to hit the slopes here.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, the ski-in/lift-out Pendry Park City resort and residences offer a modernist take on a traditional alpine lodge. You can book your ski and snowboard rentals from the in-house outfitter.
Don’t miss: After hitting the slopes, head to Après Pendry to unwind with indoor-outdoor seating, warm fireplaces and specialty cocktails.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
Why: Ski Big Bear has 18 groomed trails, three ski lifts, a “magic carpet” conveyor belt and terrain park with jumps rails, as well as rental gear and lessons available. It’s an ideal spot for families—especially those at a beginner level or just learning to ski. As you ski the mountain, you look out on sprawling views of the Pocono Mountains and the Delaware Highlands region.
Where to stay: The Lodge at Woodloch is an all-inclusive, luxury spa resort located on 400 wooded acres. The 40,000-square-foot spa area includes co-ed soaking pools with waterfalls, an indoor pool and an outdoor whirlpool for year-round use, as well as a Himalayan salt sauna, and a snow room and Tyrolean Bucket Shower.
Don’t Miss: The farm-to-table cuisine and the outdoor nature hikes.
