us ski destinations — A Regal Affair

If you love skiing, the changing leaves and cool air signal that ski season is almost here. Now is the perfect time to start planning a ski trip in the U.S. Whether you prefer skiing on the East Coast or in the open powder out West, these destinations are our top-booked ski resorts year after year.

Discover these favorite resorts that are conveniently located, but also offer great ski amenities to make your trip memorable. From ski concierges to the après-ski scene, reach out to me to find out which hotels are perfect for your ski trip goals.

Here are a few things to consider: - Many ski resorts are within an hour or two of major airports, and some have smaller airports that are great for regional connecting flights or private jets (like Aspen-Pitkin County Airport). - Plan to buy tickets and sign up for lessons (group or private) in advance, especially during peak holidays. Also, remember to dress in layers! The top of the mountain can be much windier and colder than the base.

Best time to visit: In the western states, ski season is longer, running between November and March, with weather-dependent spring skiing possible in April. Northeastern skiing’s prime months are December through March.
Ideal length of stay: 4–6 days is a good range to experience most mountain resorts.
What to wear: Layers are key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget warm gloves, helmets, and goggles. Sunscreen is essential due to the high UV reflection off the snow.
Ski School: Most major ski resorts in the U.S. offer excellent ski schools with options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Popular resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Stowe provide private and group lessons for children and adults.
Parking: Resorts usually have a mix of paid and free parking. Paid parking is typically closer to the lifts, while free lots may require a short shuttle ride. Parking lots can fill up quickly during the busy season, so arriving early is recommended.
Lift Tickets and Passes: Purchasing lift tickets ahead of time online saves time and money. Many resorts offer significant discounts for pre-purchased multi-day tickets. Consider buying the Ikon or Epic Pass if you're skiing multiple times per season.
Transportation: Renting a car is preferable in some ski destinations. In-town ski resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Park City are walkable, and many hotels provide shuttles to the mountains if needed.

Western Airports

Denver International Airport (DEN): 4 hours to Aspen, 2 hours to Vail. It offers flexibility but requires a longer drive. Keep in mind that bad weather can close some roads.
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE): Only 10 minutes from Aspen, but flights often face weather delays.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): 1.5 hours from Aspen, and closer to Vail and Beaver Creek.
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): 1.5 hours from Telluride.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Located 40 minutes away by car.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): About an hour away.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): Only a 15-minute from the town and resort area.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): A major hub for travelers to Lake Tahoe. It's a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from SFO to Tahoe.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO): The closest airport to Lake Tahoe, located about 1–1.5 hours away by car, with direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Northeastern Airports
Burlington International Airport (BTV) is a 45-minute drive from Stowe.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is a key hub for travelers to Stowe, Vermont. The drive from BOS to Stowe is around 3 hours by car.
New York City airports (JFK & LGA) are an option, but the drive will be longer, taking 5.5–6 hours.

Colorado

Aspen

Inspired by glamorous European ski towns, Aspen combines world-class skiing with a sophisticated social scene. Skiing here is intertwined with style and luxury, as people come to see and be seen, while still enjoying the incredible terrain.

Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is for advanced skiers, offering steep and challenging runs. The après-ski scene is luxurious, with opportunities for sipping champagne and fine dining, making it a favorite for high-profile guests seeking elite skiing. In contrast, Aspen Highlands has a more local feel, with the famous Highland Bowl attracting experts with its extreme terrain.

For families and beginners, Buttermilk offers gentle slopes and a welcoming vibe. Buttermilk also hosts the X Games, making it a favorite with the younger crowd. Lastly, Snowmass rounds out the offerings with ski runs for all skill levels, as well as a variety of ski-in/out resorts, making it a convenient choice.

Vail

Vail boasts a pedestrian-only town center and chalet-style architecture, giving it the feel of a charming Alpine village. Unlike ski-in/ski-out resorts, Vail encourages visitors to drop their gear and explore its two main areas: Vail Village, with a lively après-ski scene, and Lionshead, a more family-friendly and relaxed area. The Front Side of Vail features wide, groomed trails for beginners and intermediates, with runs that lead directly to both Vail Village and Lionshead — ideal for families. For more advanced skiers, the Back Bowls offer vast, open powder, providing a rugged, off-piste experience with stunning views. Blue Sky Basin is designed for expert skiers seeking adventure, untouched snow, and tree skiing. This area has a remote, backcountry feel while still being lift-accessible, with steep runs and challenging glades. The diversity of these ski areas makes Vail a popular choice for groups and families with different ski levels.

Telluride

Telluride is a beautiful mountain destination that appeals to skiers seeking a relaxed and unpretentious ski-in/ski-out experience. The mountain offers a variety of terrain suitable for all ski levels. The front side features long, groomed runs ideal for beginners and intermediates, while Gold Hill and Palmyra Peak provide steep runs with stunning views for a more challenging experience. Advanced skiers can explore the high-alpine terrain in Revelation Bowl, accessible via lift. Telluride's après-ski scene is laid-back, with intimate boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining options, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter, upscale experience.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is great for families and those seeking a relaxed ski experience. It's popular for its low-key vibe. Beginners usually head to Bachelor Gulch to learn how to ski, as it offers well-groomed, easy slopes that are not intimidating.

While Beaver Creek is known for being family-friendly, advanced skiers can still find a challenge on the Birds of Prey course, which is used for World Cup races. Arrowhead Mountain boasts wide, scenic runs, allowing skiers to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The laid-back atmosphere extends to Beaver Creek Village, which features boutique shops and casual après-ski spots. Choosing to stay here provides a more intimate and friendly experience compared to larger, busier resorts.

Come back tomorrow! We will have recommendations on where to stay and more information about Utah and Wyoming.

Pack your bags, adventure awaits!

xoxo Jennifer