5 Best Places to Ski in the American West — From Luxury Peaks to Rugged Mountains

The snow is calling your name.

It’s been a quiet winter for the American West — until now. After what felt like a never-ending dry spell in November and December, Mother Nature is delivering a wallop of a storm to mountains stretching from the California coast to Colorado. That includes spots like Mammoth Mountain, which is reporting up to 15 inches of new snow, and Aspen, which received just over a foot of fresh power.

If you’ve been eyeing a trip out West, now’s your time, because you’re absolutely spoiled with choice. Powder days and miles of terrain abound in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and beyond. It’s just a question of which mountain suits your needs.

Maybe you want to shred, sleep, repeat, or you’re jonesing for a swanky aprés-ski scene. Perhaps all you need is a direct flight or children’s programming directly outside your hotel so you can drop off, pick up, and rip all day in between. Whatever you're seeking, we’ve got you covered. Below, find a few time-honored American West ski destinations, what’s new this season, and a few other details to help you decide which peak is right for you.

Big Sky, Montana

What: With 5,850 acres ranging from open groomers to 4,350 vertical feet off Lone Mountain, this alpine behemoth offers plenty of elbow room from summit to base.

Where: Southwest Montana, halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone.

How to get there: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport welcomes 35 nonstop flights connecting 24 destinations. From there, it’s a 60-minute drive up the Gallatin River Canyon.

Who's going: Thrill-seekers, families wanting convenience and low-key vibes, and ski purists who’d sooner be found sipping a Montana pale ale than Champagne at the aprés-ski bar.

Why now: In honor of its 50th anniversary, Big Sky unveiled the Lone Peak Tram, a feat of engineering that will help you quickly access high-alpine terrain. Visitors can step out to the highest scenic overlook in Montana for views of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

What you’ll be wearing: No frills brands like Obermeyer and Patagonia. Craving a fashion scene? Head to the newish Montage Big Sky or wait for an invitation to the Yellowstone Club.

Don't miss: The sleigh-ride dinner at nearby Lone Mountain Ranch, where a horse-drawn sleigh transports guests to an oil-lantern-lit cabin for a family-style dinner, complete with singers and storytellers.

Telluride, Colorado

What: Tucked in a canyon in the San Juan Mountains, this lowkey luxe resort offers uncrowded slopes, varied runs, and thrilling terrain parks. Hop a gondola into the town of Telluride and enjoy restaurants, art galleries, and a heaping dose of Old West charm.

Where: Southwest Colorado, in the famed Four Corners region.

How to get there: Come winter, 10 U.S. hubs offer direct flights into Montrose Regional Airport, 66 miles from the mountain, or a 90-minute shuttle.

Who’s going: Colorado families who’d rather leave larger mountain’s mile-long lift lines to out-of-staters.

Why now: Telluride long remained a local secret until recently. Auberge Resorts Collection acquired and later renovated the Madeline Hotel in 2021, planting Telluride on the global map for the luxury ski set.

What you’ll be wearing: A Perfect Moment ski suit by day, shearling coats, and a Crossbow hat by night. It’s quiet luxury, winterized.

Don’t miss: A treatment at The Spa at the Peaks Resort, the largest spa in Colorado. Follow it up with the new 12-course omakase experience at the Japanese eatery, Kazahana. 

Sun Valley, Idaho

What: This ski resort features two mountains totaling 3,400 vertical feet and 2,400 acres of terrain. Dollar Mountain has beginner-friendly slopes and is great for families, while Bald Mountain attracts more advanced skiers and riders.

Where: Central Idaho, encompassing the neighboring city of Ketchum and the Wood River Valley area of Hailey and Bellevue.

How to get there: Hailey's Friedman Memorial Airport is 14 miles from the resort and easily accessed from Midwest and Western hubs. For the rest of us, it’s two flights.

Who’s going: Beginners to experts will find common ground here — so will competitors. Sun Valley supports the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) and hosts a variety of racing events, from weekly competitions to the U.S. Alpine National Championships.

Why now: Call it a renaissance, but this longtime favorite of Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates is elevating its game. The 2024 season kicked off with the first two of a number of new chairlifts and other infrastructure upgrades.

What you’ll be wearing: On mountain, it’s tech-forward brands like Nobis and Aztech Mountain with Boho-inspired ponchos by Lindsey Thornburg and Pendleton for strolling Ketchum at night.

Don’t miss: Pioneer Saloon, the old-school eatery and former casino. Sip a margarita and feast on steak and — what else — Idaho potatoes.

Park City, Utah

What: Few states can compete with Utah’s epic snow accumulations. Park City boasts over 7,300 acres of skiable and rideable terrain with over 330 trails, six terrain parks, and restaurants, shops, and museums.

Where: Northern Utah, 32 miles east of Salt Lake City and nestled in the Wasatch Mountains.

How to get there: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is 35 miles from Park City and offers a wealth of direct domestic and international flights.

Who’s going: Skiers of all skill levels, as well as adaptive skiers. Park City Mountain is the winter home of the National Ability Center (NAC), which provides adaptive programs for competitive athletes, senior citizens, and children with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.

Why now: Park City is upping its on-mountain game, from new cabins on the Red Pine Gondola to new menu offerings at its restaurants.

What you’ll be wearing: Old-school brands like Helly Hanson with a mix of Burton and some Bogner here and there.

Don’t miss: An aprés-ski hang and dinner at the newly renovated Montage Deer Valley just down the block from Park City, which commissioned interior design firms BraytonHughes Design Studios and Denton House Design Studio to transform its 154 rooms and restaurants. Enjoy s’mores on the patio or take the family bowling at Daly’s Pub & Rec.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

What: Jackson Hole, the home of Corbet’s Couloir and other hairbending runs, boasts some of the most challenging skiing in the U.S. Despite its hard-core reputation, the mountain offers intermediate runs and a new base area lift that whisks beginners to its mid-mountain learning center.

Where: Northwest Wyoming near the Idaho border, in the valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges.

How to get there: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is served by several major airlines and is 13 miles northwest of Teton Village, the home of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Who’s going: Serious skiers and newbies, alike. The mountain’s new adaptive ski camp also offers a high level of instruction for adaptive skiers.

Why now: Jackson Hole offers a variety of camp experiences for those looking to up their ski and snowboard game, including the Mindful Ski and Snowboard Camp for those seeking to center themselves on the mountain, as well as the Lady Shred Ski and Snowboard Camp exclusively for women. The mountain will also offer private tours with Olympic skiing gold medalist Tommy Moe.

What you’ll be wearing: It’s Aspen light, with ski wear by Goldbergh and Moncler with fringed looks for the evening by Aulani and Golden Goose.

Don’t miss: Caldera House, the luxury eight-suite hotel at the base of the resort, which unveiled two restaurants in 2023. Corsa showcases bold Italian fare, while Shin Shin is serving up traditional Japanese cuisine in sleek, modern digs.

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