LET THE CALENDAR INSPIRE YOU

When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

16 ski resorts

Destination
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The experiences

  • USA

Alta / Snowbird

Day pass
$149-185 USD
Season
Nov - May
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Greatest Snow on Earth (seriously)
  • Alta: ski-only (no snowboards)
  • Snowbird: aerial tram to summit
  • USA

Aspen Snowmass

Day pass
$189-279 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • 4 mountains in 1 resort
  • Highland Bowl expert terrain
  • Victorian town and cultural scene
  • Canada

Banff Sunshine Village

Day pass
$119-159 CAD
Season
Nov - May
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Located inside Banff National Park (UNESCO)
  • Continental Divide skiing
  • Longest season in Canadian Rockies
  • USA

Big Sky

Day pass
$159-219 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Biggest skiing in America (by acreage)
  • Lone Mountain summit
  • No lift lines
  • USA

Breckenridge

Day pass
$169-239 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Highest chairlift in North America
  • Historic mining town
  • Vibrant Main Street
  • France

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Day pass
65-75 EUR
Season
Dec - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar
  • Vallee Blanche (20 km off-piste)
  • Mont Blanc views
  • Aiguille du Midi cable car
  • USA

Deer Valley

Day pass
$199-265 USD
Season
Dec - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Ski-only resort (no snowboards)
  • Limited daily tickets for uncrowded slopes
  • Luxury experience with impeccable grooming
  • USA

Jackson Hole

Day pass
$179-249 USD
Season
Dec - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar
  • Corbet's Couloir — most famous inbounds run
  • Grand Teton backdrop
  • 50% expert terrain
  • USA

Mammoth Mountain

Day pass
$159-229 USD
Season
Nov - Jun
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · Dec
  • Longest season in the West (often into June)
  • Great snow quality
  • Sierra Nevada scenery
  • USA

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley)

Day pass
$159-229 USD
Season
Nov - May
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • 1960 Winter Olympics site
  • Lake Tahoe views
  • Two mountains connected by gondola
  • USA

Park City Mountain

Day pass
$169-239 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Largest ski resort in the USA
  • Sundance Film Festival
  • Utah's Greatest Snow on Earth
  • USA

Steamboat

Day pass
$159-229 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Famous Champagne Powder
  • Natural hot springs
  • Authentic Western town
  • USA

Sun Valley

Day pass
$139-199 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • First destination ski resort in the US (since 1936)
  • World-class groomed runs
  • Ketchum village charm
  • USA

Telluride

Day pass
$169-249 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Stunning box canyon setting
  • Free gondola connecting town and mountain
  • Victorian mining town charm
  • USA

Vail

Day pass
$199-289 USD
Season
Nov - Apr
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Legendary Back Bowls
  • Largest ski resort in Colorado
  • Bavarian-inspired village
  • Canada

Whistler Blackcomb

Day pass
$99-229 CAD
Season
Nov - May
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec
  • Largest ski area in North America
  • Peak 2 Peak Gondola
  • Pedestrian village

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A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

Ski in America: World-Class Resorts at Your Doorstep

The United States is home to some of the finest ski resorts on the planet. From the legendary powder of Utah's Wasatch Range to the steep chutes of Jackson Hole, the vast terrain of Vail, and the sunny slopes of Lake Tahoe, American skiing offers an unmatched diversity of experiences. Whether you're chasing deep powder, groomed cruisers, or vibrant apres-ski, there's a resort perfectly suited to your style.

The Rocky Mountains: America's Ski Heartland

Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana form the backbone of American skiing. Resorts like Vail, Aspen, Park City, and Big Sky boast thousands of acres of skiable terrain, consistent snowfall, and modern lift infrastructure. The Ikon Pass and Epic Pass make multi-resort access affordable, letting you ski dozens of mountains on a single season pass. Flights from major hubs like JFK, LAX, and ORD to Denver (DEN) or Salt Lake City (SLC) are plentiful and often available using Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points.

Beyond the Rockies: Hidden Gems

New England offers a distinctly different ski experience with resorts like Stowe, Killington, and Sugarloaf providing excellent terrain in a charming East Coast setting. The Pacific Northwest's Mt. Baker and Crystal Mountain receive some of the heaviest snowfall in North America. For a truly unique adventure, Alaska's Alyeska Resort combines massive vertical with ocean views.

Maximizing Your Ski Trip with Points and Cards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a ski traveler's best friend, offering 3x points on travel and dining, trip delay insurance during winter storms, and primary car rental coverage for your mountain shuttle. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access at airports like DEN and SLC, plus a $200 airline fee credit that can offset baggage fees for your ski gear. Transfer points to partners like Hyatt for premium ski-in/ski-out properties at resorts like Park City and Beaver Creek.

Tips for Planning Your American Ski Vacation

Book lift tickets online in advance for 10-20% savings at most resorts. Midweek skiing (Tuesday through Thursday) means shorter lift lines and lower lodging rates. Consider purchasing an Ikon or Epic Pass if you plan to ski more than 5 days across the season. And always carry a credit card with strong travel insurance: a ski injury without coverage can result in enormous medical and evacuation bills.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing

A few answers before you book.

When is the best time to ski in the United States?

The US ski season typically runs from late November through mid-April. Peak conditions are January through March in the Rockies. For fewer crowds, target early January (after holidays) or mid-March weekdays. Late-season skiing in April can offer great deals and spring snow conditions.

Is the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass a better value?

It depends on which resorts you prefer. The Epic Pass covers Vail, Whistler, Park City, and Stowe. The Ikon Pass includes Aspen, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, and Alta/Snowbird. Both offer significant savings over daily lift tickets if you ski 5+ days. Compare the resort lists against your travel plans.

Which credit card is best for ski trips?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is ideal for ski travel, offering 3x points on travel and dining, trip delay insurance (crucial during winter storms), and strong travel protections. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access at ski-hub airports and the Fine Hotels + Resorts program for luxury mountain lodging.

Can I use points to book ski resort hotels?

Yes. Many ski resorts have Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or World of Hyatt properties nearby. Park City has the Grand Hyatt (bookable with Hyatt points), Vail has multiple Marriott properties, and Whistler offers Hilton options. Transfer Chase UR to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio for excellent value.

What are the most affordable ski destinations in the US?

For budget-friendly skiing, consider smaller resorts like Monarch Mountain (CO), Schweitzer (ID), or Smugglers' Notch (VT). These offer quality terrain at lower lift ticket prices and more affordable lodging than marquee resorts like Aspen or Vail. Midweek visits and advance ticket purchases provide additional savings.

Do I need travel insurance for a ski trip?

Strongly recommended. Ski injuries can lead to expensive medical bills and helicopter evacuations that cost $10,000+. Check if your credit card (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve) includes trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage. If not, purchase a standalone policy that covers winter sports activities.

WHERE TO NEXT?

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