Summer may be top of mind right now, but it’s never too early to start planning your ski vacation – especially when so many resorts and destinations fill up months in advance.
The US is home to dozens of epic ski resorts – from small-town Vermont to Big Sky Montana – that welcome international globetrotters and local snow bunnies alike. Choosing a destination can be a challenge in itself, and when you account for the extra logistics (season passes, transportation, accommodations, oh my…), planning can be a lot.
As a Fora Advisor, I can support you with the logistical legwork to help you choose the destination, resort and ski pass that perfectly jives with your style. Plus, you’ll get top-notch hotel perks like spa credits at many of the world's best ski properties (après-ski massage, anyone?).
Read on for my top picks for the five best ski resorts in the US.
Ready to hit the slopes? Connect with me today to customize & book your ski trip today.
Montage Big Sky in Montana
Image courtesy of Montage Big Sky
Between Kevin Costner in Yellowstone and the opening of its first high-end resort, Big Sky Montana is officially having its Main Character Moment. Previously popular with outdoorsy purists, the region got a serious upgrade with the opening of Montage Big Sky in December 2021. In addition to ski-in-ski-out access to the surrounding mountain resort, the Montage offers an 18-hole golf course and the expansive Spa Montage. Don’t miss a meal at the handsome pub, complete with a bowling alley and arcade games.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in Cortina restaurant.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out, based upon availability.
Madeline Hotel in Telluride, Colorado
Image courtesy of Madeline Hotel & Residences
Think of Telluride, Colorado as the charming little sister to heavy-hitters Vail and Aspen. The Victorian mining town may be small (a square of only a dozen blocks), but packs a punch with a historic museum, opera house and epic Rocky Mountain surroundings. In the center of town, the Madeline Hotel is Telluride’s undisputed best, with plush, Alpine-chic rooms and a wellness sanctuary. Plus, the ski-in-ski-out resort was recently revamped. Additions include a cozy après-ski bar, which welcomes visitors and locals alike, and a Recovery Ski Lounge, where guests can unwind with post-ski therapies developed by Olympian Gus Kenworthy. (Looking to extend your trip to Colorado? Check out more unique places to stay in Colorado.)
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico
Image courtesy of Taos Ski Valley
Simply put, Taos is where all your coolest friends go to ski. This funky New Mexico town flies under the radar next to its popular Rocky Mountain neighbors, but its ski offerings are top-notch (it’s only a few dozen miles south of the Colorado border, after all). When not skiing fresh powder, visitors can explore the region’s cultural riches, including Native American adobe buildings, sacred rock formations and numerous galleries and artists’ studios. A visit to Taos can also be combined with one to Santa Fe, as the city is a 90-minute drive away. In Taos, stay at the Blake, a collection of swanky suites next to Lift 1. In addition to art installations and a cozy restaurant, there’s a wellness center with an Oxygen Bar to relieve elevation woes.
Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont
Image courtesy of Spruce Peak
This Vermont village has the ‘ski town’ concept down to a science. Start with world-class skiing, add a few luxe offerings (like restaurants and spas) and sprinkle in a generous portion of small-town charm. Next, add convenient driving distance to Boston, NYC and Montreal, and it’s no surprise that Stowe has been a tried-and-true favorite for generations. In fact, this enclave is so popular with East Coasters that season passes and lodging gets snapped up early-on – so make arrangements now. Stay at Spruce Peak, a resort-within-a-resort with plenty to do for non-snowbunnies, including shopping and entertainment. And did we mention that Spruce Peak is Stowe’s only ski-in-ski-out destination?
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in Solstice Restaurant.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado
Image courtesy of Sonnenalp
One of the largest ski resorts in the country, Vail is nothing short of a wintertime playground. The destination enjoys more than five thousand acres of ski terrain, with postcard-worthy mountain landscapes as far as the eye can see. The town itself, a charming Swiss-inspired village, offers an impressive menu of activities, events and eateries – keeping both families and couples entertained. The place to stay in Vail is Sonnenalp, a family-owned oasis with a sister resort of the same name in Germany. Skiers get the royal treatment staying here, between an exclusive ski concierge and private lounge near one of Vail’s gondolas (complete with boot warmers, gear storage and on-site repairs). Don’t mind if we do!
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in Ludwigs Restaurant.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out, based upon availability.
