America didn't invent ski resorts, but it's pretty much perfected them.
This Colorado beacon offers almost 600 hectares of groomed trails, 35 lifts and 187 separate trails. So the skiing/boarding is obvs awesome. There is also a good range of accomm options ranging from seriously communal to personal ski butlers but after dark, its historic Main Street lurches into life with over 200 shops, restaurants and bars. Start the day at Unravel coffee and end it The Absinthe Bar.
Two words: heated sidewalks. Yup. You read that right. Designer stores (like Moncler) are everywhere and European style lodges abound. Up on the slopes, you get 2,152 ha of skiable terrain - the largest in Colorado - but it’s split into several distinct areas so it feels less crowded.
Yes, the more keen eyed among you will spot a celebrity or three in town and if ski-in, ski out accomm is your jam, this is ace but for sheer choice of snow fun, it’s hard to beat. There are four separate parks - Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands - which can all be accessed via a single ticket and a network of shuttles. You will be hungry though, so we’d recommended hitting up the Alpin Room for lunch. It specialises in Alsatian fare so think French onion soup and caramelised fondues.
If the phrase “the most continuous vertical in the US” sets your heart racing that little bit faster, this is probably the resort for you. There are 1012 hectares of skiable terrain and not a lot of it is geared for beginners. But that’s kinda the point. Teton Village is your best bet if you want to ski in ski out but for more affordable the town of Jackson is a 20-minute drive away. Check out the craft brews at Snake River Brewing Co.
It’s relatively small (but big enough to hold its own film festival), a big chunk of Hollywood powder hounds (the skiable powder) have bought in the area and the historic town itself is picture perfect. Whether you want the most gentle of groomed slopes or have made it a mission to go off piste, this smartly laid out mountain will deliver. Naturally, you can come home piste too thanks to The Last Dollar Saloon and Smuggler Union bars - try the Defibrillator, made with cold brew coffee, Italian chocolate liqueur, Irish cream, and Ketel One vodka. Be prepared to run into the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Cruise and Oprah on the slopes.
Easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay area and easily the largest ski resort in California, the area previously known as Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows areas have merged to create a monster with almost 2500 hectares of skiable terrain. The former is the more vibey area with a hub of nightlife, restaurants and hotels and a 2020 name change which recognised the s-word as being derogatory and offensive. Alpine Meadows, is a little quieter and while it doesn’t have the same extreme terrain, it is less crowded and boasts better powder.
Often known as the “little sister of Vail”, this is the kind of little sister that dropped out of uni in first year, set up her own luxe-oriented business then dominated the market henceforth. The mountain is excellently equipped with new areas for beginners, a dedicated family friendly zone called McCoy Park and the intermediate Red Buffalo Park. You can explore the village on ice bikes, the hotels vie to outdo each other with luxe touches and stores like Patagonia, The North Face and Burton all have stores there.
To answer the first question many Australians ask, yes you can get a drink in Utah. It’s just that many of its Mormon residents choose to abstain. Now that’s sorted, it should be pointed out that in addition to almost 3000 hectares of skiable terrain, you try cross country skiing, dog sledding, snow biking, snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling and even indoor skateboarding, BMS, scooter and parkour at Woodward Park City.
This Montana destination lives up to its name with over 930 hectares of beginner and intermediate terrain. It also teems with activities like horse-drawn sleigh ride dinners and Yellowstone National Park is a day trip away. Big points for the carbon calculator on the website and option to offset your trip through the Tradewater partner. After all, you want future generations to be able to enjoy skiing too. Be sure to do the illuminated Enchanted Forest walk and watch their eyes sparkle.
According to travelandco.com.au, "Most resorts in the U.S open in November, with some as late as mid-December. You'll find a wide variance in closing dates with the earliest in March, all the way through to July."
Hard no. Passes like Ikon and Epic give you access to Australian, North American and European ski fields for one price. And since you're heading all that way, we're assuming you're fairly keen on the white stuff.
See also:
5 tips to save on a snow holiday this winter
Ultimate guide to Australia’s ski and snow season in 2023
5 tips for taking kids to the snow for the first time
There’s powder and there’s Champagne Powder. It’s a term that has been trademarked by Steamboat and refers to snow that has a miserly water content of just 6 per cent as opposed to the 15 per cent found at many other resorts. The result is lighter and fluffier. Almost $350 million has been spent on the resort recently with the new Wild Blue Gondola the longest and fastest 10-seater in North America. Add a new Apres Ski plaza, pumping main street and a choice of 90 lodging options and this is an excellent all round option for Aussie visitors.
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