Let’s dispense with the superlatives right here and admit that best means something different to everyone depending on priorities and preferences. What wows an extreme skier looking for bragging rights isn’t necessarily going to provide the most pleasant experience for families or those looking to learn the sport.
And there are other criteria as well – some of the best ski resorts win accolades for luxurious accommodations and white-glove service while others thrill with wild scenery or an exciting apres-ski scene.
Then there’s geography – most of America’s world-class ski resorts are found in the west, simply because that’s where the highest mountains are. But those on the eastern seaboard have some classics among them as well. Here is general guide to some of America’s top ski resorts and the reasons each might be the best choice for you.
Aspen Snowmass Resort
From the expert runs of Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands to the expansive and family-friendly terrain of far larger Snowmass, this 5500-acre complex encompassing four ski and snowboarding areas lives up to its reputation as the definitive all-in-one ski destination and among the best Colorado ski resorts.
Despite its tony image, there’s plenty of rowdy fun to be had here, like tubing and snow biking under the stars at Elk Kam or ice-karting around a frozen lake in nearby Roaring Fork Valley.
What to know
Each of the four Aspen Snowmass ski resorts has its own personality. Aspen Mountain is known for its challenging terrain and easy access to town and its nightlife. Aspen Highlands for its expert runs. Families and beginners can’t do better than the gentle slopes of Buttermilk, especially tot-friendly Panda Peak and the teenager fave X-Games Park. Snowmass offers equally easy access while still pleasing thrill-seekers with its 4,400-foot rise. Speaking of thrills, no other resort offers an experience like the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which whizzes through the forest on an elevated track.
Where to stay
Where you stay will depend on mountain resort you want to spend time in as well as your budget, but there are plenty of choices.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who like luxury and want to be close to town. This is not a true ski-in, ski-out hotel but is an easy walk to Aspen Mountain.
Why stay here: This resort gives off modern mountain vibes with a great outdoor heated pool and three hot tubs to soak in at the end of your ski day.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
Rates start at $1,300 per night during ski season, $600 per night off-peak, or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. There’s no resort fee.
Cross a Gilded Age mansion and a historic national park lodge and you’d get something like the St. Regis Aspen, where guests gather around the lobby’s massive stone fireplace then head out to stroll the streets, taking advantage of the central location.
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W Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Those who want to be steps from the lift at Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, and within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in downtown Aspen.
Why stay here: This 88-room hotel is right on the slopes and blends a mountain vibe with the standard W touches, like a DJ in the lobby and even rooms with bunk beds. For larger groups who are looking to splurge, check out the Sky Residences.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, or directly with Marriott to redeem points.
Rates start at $800 per night during ski season and $600 per night off-peak, or from 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, all plus a $50-per-night resort fee.
It’s location, location, location at W Aspen, which boasts stunning 360-degree views from its mountaintop perch, especially those from the rooftop pool wet deck complete with fire pits. Also bookable with points, the W’s rooms and suites range from high-luxe to the over-the-top glamour of the Wow Extreme suite.
The Little Nell
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Skiers who want top-notch luxury accommodations steps from the slopes and right in the heart of town. This hotel has been a luxury mainstay since its 1989 opening. Since then, this has been the place to stay and eat for those wanting an over-the-top experience.
Why stay here: Skiing can be exhausting. Why not come back at the end of the day to the best service and pampering money can buy? Everything about this hotel, including its location, makes it easy to ski and relax. And as a Relais & Chateaux property, you know the food is going to be as heavenly as the skiing.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Rates start at $2,000 per night during ski season; $600 night off peak.
One of the toniest hotels in town, the Little Nell wows with one of the area’s best gourmet restaurants, bespoke ski service, including fittings and chauffeured rides to nearby slopes, plus some of the plushest rooms around.
Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want something steps from the slopes at an affordable price.
Why stay here: Formerly The Westin Snowmass, this Autograph Collection property built into the side of the ski slopes recently went through a renovation and a rebranding. It isn’t as glamorous as other Aspen properties, but it offers good value.
Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott to earn and redeem points and enjoy elite status benefits.
Rates start at $550 per night during ski season, $250 off-peak, or 55,000 points per night during ski season plus a $50 daily resort fee.
Affordable stays in a slopeside luxury hotel? You can’t do much better thant his family-friendly hotel right in the heart of beginner-friendly Snowmass.
Where to eat
Hit up Aspen Public House for burgers and truffle potatoes or the Spring Cafe for soups, salads and creative breakfast scrambles. For something more celebratory, try the creative French bistro cuisine at Betula or the prime rib at newcomer Catchsteak.
Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort
Park City, Utah
With the recent addition of the Canyons ski resort raising its acreage to 7,300, Park City became the largest ski resort in America, and second only to Whistler Blackcomb in North America. Deer Valley Resort, just three miles away, provides a premium experience, with high-touch service and snowboarders still banned from the impeccably maintained slopes.
What to know
A new eight-person gondola now connects Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons from peak to peak, making access easy. Snowboarders are out of luck at Deer Valley, which is one of the last American resorts open only to skiers. Luckily, Park City and Canyons are snowboard faves.
Where to stay
There are plenty of fabulous lodges to park your skis at the end of a day out on the slopes.
The St. Regis Deer Valley
Deer Valley, Utah, USA
Best for: Those seeking a deluxe on-mountain stay at a world-class resort.
Why stay here: The St. Regis Deer Valley has it all. It’s located right on the mountain (though on an actual run and not at the ski school base), has an Elemis spa, restaurants, a ski shop and a valet, not to mention free nightly Champagne sabering, s’mores and hot chocolate to warm you up and celebrate another great day on the slopes.
Best way to book: Book the St. Regis Deer Valley through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, using your Marriott Bonvoy points, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection.
Winter rates at the St. Regis Deer Valley start at $1,200 or 96,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Ski in from the slopes or ride up the Swiss-style funicular to this bastion of Old-World style, where rooms feature deep leather sofas, marble bathrooms, and in-room fireplaces. Make sure to leave time for one of the signature 80-minute massages at the 14,000-square-foot spa.
Montage Deer Valley
Park City, Utah, USA
Best for: Vacations where you’re after a traditional take on mountain luxury with unique on-property family amenities.
Why stay here: Montage Deer Valley is perfect for a classic luxury vacation, as it has heated bathroom floors, soaking tubs and more in its spacious 600-square-foot rooms.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.
Winter rates at the Montage Deer Valley are available for $1,500 per night.
Thanks to the Montage Deer Valley’s X-shaped layout, almost every room has its own deck, and with an average of 600 square feet there’s plenty of room to spread out in the accommodations. New additions at the resort include the Empire Club, which features an exclusive lounge with daily gourmet breakfast and lunch service and unlimited snacks, drinks and desserts. And the 35,000-square-foot spa is replete with indulgences.
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Park City, Utah, USA
Best for: A luxury ski-town stay with easy access to both snow and the city.
Why stay here: The Waldorf Astoria Park City is equidistant from Park City Mountain Resort and Main Street, making it the perfect jumping-off point for your snowy adventures.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or directly with Hilton to redeem Hilton Honors points.
Rates start at $365 per night in low season, or around $1,400 in high season, or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.
The pairing of imposing beam-and-stone architecture with plush velvet and crystal chandeliers lends the Waldorf Astoria Park City a distinctive outdoorsy elegance. Book with Hilton points and choose one of the one to four-bedroom suites with a full gourmet kitchen if extra independence appeals.
Where to eat
The lively mountain town of Park City, which is one of the best ski towns in the U.S., lures a younger, hipper crowd to watering holes like Butchers Chophouse
and High West Saloon and purveyors of fresh, healthy fare like Five5eeds.
The Swiss Alps come to Utah at the Deer Valley Resort’s Fireside Dining, where you can feast on warm raclette cheese and classic fondue after arriving by horse-drawn sleigh.
Breckenridge Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado
A western chic vibe still pervades this historic 19th-century mining town, where the resort’s Five Peaks frame a bustling main street lined with gingerbread-bedecked clapboard buildings. An all-season destination known almost as well for mountain biking and hiking as it is for skiing, “Breck” hosts a year-round roster of festivals and events including the International Snow Sculpture Championships, which turn the town into a magical fantasyland of ice during the last week of January every year. The fun vibe continues from town to slopes with plentiful connections including the free BreckConnect Gondola and trails directly from the slopes into town.
What to know
At 9,600 feet above sea level, Breck is among the highest-altitude towns in the U.S. and as such has become known for early fall color and snowfall and late snowmelt, with good snow conditions typical into late spring.
Where to stay
More casual than some of Colorado’s tonier ski destinations, Breckenridge still has some wonderful places to stay.
Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want to be right on Main Street or travel with their pets.
Why stay here: The rooms are larger than typical hotel rooms, there’s a free breakfast and a short walk to the shopping and restaurants downtown. A year-round outdoor pool and hot tub make this Residence Inn stand out from others in the chain.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott to earn or redeem points.
Rates from $400 per night during ski season, or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
You’ll eat well at this all-suite property designed for extended stays, where every unit from studio to two-bedroom comes with a fully equipped kitchen that can be stocked prior to arrival. Rates also include a full breakfast buffet served in the spacious Base Camp lobby.
Gravity Haus Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Best for: Those looking for a trendy, boutique experience steps from both the chairlift and town.
Why stay here: Part of the quickly growing Gravity Haus chain, this might feel like more of a club than a hotel. Come to work, stay, ski or just mingle. It’s a pet-friendly hotel where you are meant to interact with other guests.
Best way to book: Directly with the hotel.
Rates from $300 per night during ski season.
Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge at Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Best for: This Marriott Vacation Club property is great for timeshare owners or those who want a little space to spread out. It’s steps from the slopes and from town, making it ideal for everybody in your group.
Why stay here: The extra space and great location make this a great spot for your ski adventure. Don’t expect to be pampered at this resort, but the location makes it an ideal ski spot, especially for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott to earn or redeem points.
Rates from $350 per night during ski season, or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (though it can be a challenge finding them).
Where to eat
Dine on elk and buffalo while listening to jazz and blues at Blue River Bistro, known for its three-hour happy hour, or class it up at Legends Steak & Seafood, where the butcher’s cut of the day is reliably excellent. The restaurant at Breckenridge Distillery is almost as beloved for its celebratory atmosphere and eclectic menu of small plates as it is for its world-class whisky.
Tip: Take a distillery tour if you have time.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Yes, Jackson Hole is a checkmark for expert skiers looking to prove themselves on its craggy slopes and famously tight chutes like the infamous Corbet’s Couloir. That said, beginning and intermediate skiers will also find some gentler trails as well as recently expanded intermediate terrain.
What to know
It’s only a 15-minute ride up the mountain on the aerial tram affectionately dubbed Big Red, but get there early during peak times to avoid lines. Families and beginners will love the recently opened Solitude Station ski school and learning hub offering lessons, rentals, and fire pits to make waiting more pleasant.
Where to stay
Rustic-chic is the name of the game when it comes to luxurious lodges in this former frontier town.
Snake River Lodge & Spa
Teton Village, Wyoming
Best for: High-concept coziness that will make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie thanks to snow-covered roofs and twinkling lights.
Why stay here: One of towns more affordable options, it’s also among the most convenient since it’s connected to the tram and gondola via a series of heated walkways and buildings. Come for the skiing, stay for the fabulous hot tubs.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at $329 per night
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Teton Village, Wyoming
Best for: A luxurious family vacation at any time of the year.
Why stay here: A year-round heated pool in an aspen grove, an expansive library, and a four-season naturalist ready to advise are just a few of the features distinguishing the Four Seasons Resort and Residences. With the Bridger and Sweetwater gondolas just steps away, you’ll be happy staff are on hand for ski tuning and boot warming.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.
Rates start at around $2,400 per night in high eason.
Caldera House Jackson Hole
Teton Village, Wyoming
Best for: Design lovers who want a luxurious stay in one of America’s best mountain towns.
Why stay here: With just eight rooms, Caldera House is exclusive even for Jackson Hole, but the $100-million chalet earns its place on TPG’s list of coolest new hotels for its eye-popping design and perks like a cedar sauna and extensive menu of educational programs.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.
Rate start at around $1,600 per night in high season.
Where to eat
There’s no lunch spot like Piste Mountain Bistro at the top of the Bridger Gondola, where a wall of glass showcases mountaintop views. Local favorite Gather serves up modern American comfort fare in an unusual round dining room surrounded by a spacious patio. The top-of-the-world waffles at Corbet’s Cabin are a must.
Palisades Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe, California
As you’d expect from a resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and trained 1998 gold medalist Jonny Mosely, Palisades Tahoe is the resort of choice for expert skiers drawn to its extra-steep runs, including several newly designated as double-black diamonds. But it might come as a surprise to learn that the terrain at today’s resort is almost evenly divided between beginner, intermediate, and expert.
What to know
Two base areas, the Village and Alpine (the former Alpine Meadows, now part of Palisades), are linked by the brand-new base-to-base gondola, making it possible to ski both in one day. Unlike most resorts, Palisades has beginner areas at the top of the mountain in 8,200-foot High Camp, accessed by an aerial tram.
Where to stay
More casual and laidback than some other ski resorts, Palisades Tahoe has plenty of accommodation options for travelers of various inclinations.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Olympic Valley, California
Best for: Large groups who like doing their own thing.
Why stay here: The expansive collection of rooms, suites, and condos at the Village of Palisades Tahoe encompasses offers pretty much any size or configuration including Premier Plus suites that can sleep up to 11 people.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $529 per night.
PlumpJack Inn
Olympic Valley, California
Best for: Skiers who want a boutique experience in the heart of the action.
Why stay here: Originally built to house high-end guests attending the 1960 Winter Olympics, Plumpjack Inn maintains an exclusive boutique ambiance with ski-in/ski-out privileges within strolling distance of the cafes and shops of the Village.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $250 per night.
Where to eat
Take a lunch break with 8,200-foot views at High Camp’s Granite Bistro, which overlooks the pool and hot tub or savor kebabs and other middle eastern and mediterranean fare at Mogrog Cafe in Alpine base camp. Off-resort on the banks of the Truckee River, the River Ranch Lodge serves elk ribs, bison chops, and seafood like scallops, calamari and ahi poke alongside more conventional pub-style fare.
Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley, Idaho
Hemingway finished “For Whom the Bell Tolls” there; Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, and Jamie Lee Curtis own homes there; and so many Hollywood celebrities vacation there that it’s known as the New Hollywood North. Yet Sun Valley, Idaho, has plenty to offer the rest of us, from the beginner terrain on Dollar to the pristine and well-groomed trails on Bald Mountain, plus up to 120 days of sunshine
What to know
Dollar Mountain lures beginners with easy-to-navigate trails, while experts head for Bald Mountain or “Baldy” for black diamond runs. Sunrise, a new 380-acre terrain park that opened in 2020, expands the resort’s skiable acres by 20 percent.
Where to stay
Sun Valley Lodge
Sun Valley, Idaho
Best for: Skiers who want an affordable yet upscale home base to explore the area’s excellent terrain. A huge spa and fitness complex doesn’t hurt, either.
Why stay here: With its mid-century modern decor and criss-cross layout, Sun Valley Lodge maintains the retro glamor of 1950s Sun Valley, while keeping current with offerings like an onsite yoga studio, glass-enclosed pool and poolside cafe, and nearby skating rink.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $471 per night.
Limelight Hotel
Ketchum, Idaho
Best for: A budget-friendly, car-free ski vacation.
Why stay here: At the Limelight Hotel you’ll stay in the heart of Ketchum without losing out on spectacular mountain views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows framing Bald Mountain. The Limelight Hotel gives you a hefty dose of nature from the heart of downtown. Mountain and airport shuttles make it possible to have a car-free vacation.
Best way to book: Book direct to take advantage of offers and savings.
Rates start at around $260 per night.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hailey Sun Valley
Hailey, Idaho
Best for: Skiers who want a boutique experience in the heart of the action.
Why stay here: Presenting an alternative to upscale Ketchum, 15 minutes away, Hailey offers a relaxed family-friendly vibe epitomized by the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which opened in 2021. Apply Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of the complimentary breakfast, onsite fitness center and convenience store, and indoor pool.
Best way to book: Book through Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite-status benefits.
Rates start at around $400 or from 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Where to eat
Pub-style food and a convivial atmosphere makes The Warfield Distillery & Brewery a good place to chat with locals and catch the occasional live band.
Telluride Resort
Telluride, Colorado
Tucked into a box canyon between 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, Telluride is the picture-perfect mountain town. Its gold rush history is evident in the 19th-century buildings along the compact eight-block main street. No need for a car thanks to the Galloping Goose, or “G” to locals, a free, pet-friendly and ski-, snowboard-, bike-, stroller- and disabled-accessible shuttle that loops through town every 10 minutes.
What to know
A free gondola connects town with the resort’s mountain village. If the 44 new acres of advanced runs accessed by Lift 9 aren’t enough, you can go heli-skiiing to take advantage of even higher alpine skinning.
Where to stay
Fabulous luxury hotels and lower-key lodges abound in this quintessential mountain village.
Fairmont Heritage Place – Franz Klammer Lodge
Telluride, Colorado
Best for: A European-style ski experience with all the luxury amenities you could wish for.
Why stay here: You’ll experience classic Fairmont luxury at the Franz Klammer in Telluride’s Mountain Village, where high-end services includes ski valets who will pre-heat your boots, hand you sunscreen and glove warmers, and keep you updated on snow and weather conditions.
Best way to book: Direct through Accor to earn or redeem points and enjoy any elite-status benefits.
Rates start at $1,599 per night in high season.
Dunton Town House
Telluride, Colorado, USA
Best for: A nest in the heart of downtown. The hotel is a block away from the free gondola and two blocks away from the ski town’s main thoroughfare, Colorado Avenue.
Why stay here: This cute place only has five rooms and gives out vibes of an upscale bed-and-breakfast from another era – but with all the contemporary amenities one would want. Rates include not only a filling breakfast but also all the beverages (alcohol included) you may want to grab from the stocked refrigerator. The hotel is part of Mr & Mrs Smith, which has a partnership with IHG One Rewards. However, finding points availability can be a challenge.
Best way to book: Directly with IHG to earn and redeem points.
Rates start at $550 per night.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Telluride, Colorado, USA
Best for: Skiers who want top-shelf luxury accommodations steps from the slopes in Mountain Village. This over-the-top hotel personifies the luxury that Auberge Resorts are known for, blending a mountain lodge feel with cushy amenities.
Why stay here: If you can afford it, this is the place to stay to be pampered on a ski vacation, and gives you a good shot at being the first ones on the slopes. After a long day of skiing, relax at the incredible pool complex, have afternoon s’mores, or treat yourself to some time at the spa.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or through IHG for a rare crossover between Auberge and Mr & Mrs Smith hotels.
Rates start at $1,300 per night during ski season.
Where to eat
No place says Telluride like a flight of local craft beers at Stronghouse Brewpub, located in one of the town’s oldest stone buildings, or at Smuggler Union Restaurant, where the menu ranges from chili and wings to empanadas and veggie-centered soups like cauliflower & leek. You won’t get a better breakfast in town than at The Butcher and the Baker, also known for its soups, salads, and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread.
Big Sky Resort
Big Sky, Montana
Halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone in Montana’s Madison range, Big Sky is the out-of-the-way destination every skier dreams of. The resort recently became another contender for largest ski resort in the U.S. with the addition of Moonlight Basin, now encompassing 5,850 acres with lifts and runs connecting it to the privately owned 2,200-acre Yellowstone Club, open only to those owning property or staying there.
What to know
Four connected mountains and seven terrain parks give Big Sky a huge variety of runs and conditions. It also boasts the second-longest vertical drop in the U.S., an adrenaline-surging 4,350 feet from the top of Lone Peak.
Where to stay
Thanks to cozy town hotels and new over-the-top luxury lodges, Big Sky is quickly becoming one of the country’s premier ski resorts to visit.
Montage Big Sky
Big Sky, Montana
Best for: The chance to visit one of the country’s most exclusive new ski hotels before it’s discovered by the international jet set.
Why stay here: There’s no skimping on style (or glass) at the Montage Big Sky, where windows seem to frame the towering peaks from every angle. Residences are available with as many as six bedrooms, making the Montage a prime choice for large groups.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.
Rates start at around $650 per night.
Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort
Big Sky, Montana
Best for: Skiers who prefer their luxury to be slopeside.
Why stay here: Two presidents have spent their vacations at The Summit, not surprising given the hotel’s impeccable service and extensive amenities and dining options, all within a few minutes of two high-speed lifts.
Best way to book: Book direct to find the best rates and packages.
Rate start at around $380 per night.
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
Big Sky, Montana
Best for: A casual town stay that’s still convenient to the slopes.
Why stay here: As TPG’s review explains, Marriott dubbed this Residence Inn The Wilson to highlight its old-school style, which includes a piano in the lobby, wide-horizon views from all sides, and a plethora of on-site extras like a market featuring healthy snacks and to-go items.
Best way to book: Book through Marriott to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite-status benefits.
Rates start at around $324 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Where to eat
Fuel up for the day at Blue Moon Bakery, which also serves up a mean pizza. Celebrate a special occasion – or just a successful day on the slopes – at Alpenglow, the Montage’s swanky brasserie.
Killington Resort
Killington, Vermont
Living up to its nickname of The Beast of the East, Killington boasts the most trails and terrain parks of any resort in New England. The 3,000-acre resort in the Green Mountains also prides itself on being the first to open and last to close, keeping the snow guns running as late as June.
What to know
The Snowshed base area is the perfect starting point for beginners while Ramshead Mountain is Killington’s playground, making it one of the best family ski resorts. Serious skiers head for Killington Peak, known as K-1, which has the park’s most challenging terrain including the second-largest vertical drop on the eastern seaboard.
Where to stay
Even in a little ski destination like this, your hotel points could come in handy.
Killington Grand Resort
Killington, Vermont
Best for: Skiers seeking a little pampering without breaking the bank.
Why stay here: Spacious rooms and ski-bridge access to the slopes are two of the calling cards of the Killington Grand Resort Hotel, as is the relaxing spa and outdoor heated pool.
Best way to book: Book direct to find the best rates and packages.
Rates start around $505 per night.
Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Killington, Vermont
Best for: Families who want to mix a few non-ski activities with into their stay.
Why stay here: Killington Mountain Lodge lives up to the goals of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection with the brand’s noted combination of luxury amenities and family-friendly ambiance, not to mention a huge hot tub for up to 20.
Best way to book: Book through Hilton to earn and redeem points and enjoy any elite-status perks.
Rates start at around $150 or 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Where to eat
Pizza and calzone from Domenic will fill up the family while The Foundry is the local hotspot for a festive meal. The Lookout Tavern is a lively spot for beer and the family basics, including a large, well-priced kids menu.
