Top 8 Premier Ski Resorts for an Unforgettable Winter Vacation
As ski season begins, unearthing your gear is the essential first step to hitting the slopes. Selecting the ideal destination elevates your experience. Drawing from extensive expertise in alpine travel, we've curated eight standout resorts across the Rockies and Alps, offering diverse terrain, record-breaking lifts, and world-class après-ski options.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
British Columbia's Whistler Blackcomb reigns as North America's largest ski resort, with 8,171 skiable acres and a 5,280-foot vertical rise. Open for six months annually, it features terrain for every skill level and snow condition. The new Blackcomb Gondola introduces the world's longest continuous lift system and first three-gondola connection, providing enclosed access to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, high-altitude dining, and breathtaking vistas. For convenient après-ski, ski directly to Whistler Village's Garibaldi Lift Co.
The Dolomites, Italy
UNESCO World Heritage Site status highlights the Dolomites' dramatic vertical walls, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys. Renowned trails draw European skiers, but ski safaris—hut-to-hut adventures with gourmet Italian cuisine and English-speaking guides—have gained popularity among Americans, as noted by New York Times, Vogue, and USA Today. Visit soon. Don't miss après at Piz Seteur in Selva Gardena, at the slope's base.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, U.S.
In California's Sierra Nevada, Mammoth receives 400 inches of snow annually, supporting one of North America's longest seasons (closing July 28 last year). From January 6, fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport via San Francisco or Denver for free skiing on arrival day, across 3,500 acres and 3,100 vertical feet. Off-slope, enjoy hot springs or pond skating. Reserve at Restaurant Skadi (10 tables only) for Chef Ian Algerøen's Norwegian-inspired cuisine.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Awarded Best Ski Resort 2019 at the World Ski Awards, Kitzbühel is famed for the challenging Hahnenkamm downhill. This picturesque Tyrolean gem, including neighboring Kirchberg, offers 57 lifts and 185 km (115 miles) of groomed slopes for all levels. Intermediates and experts can tackle Streif and Ganslerhang pistes outside late-January races. Après starts at Hahnenkamm Pavilion, then Londoner pub in the historic center.
Heavenly Ski Resort, U.S.
Straddling California and Nevada with Lake Tahoe views, Heavenly's 4,800 acres feature groomed runs, steep terrain, and top off-piste skiing. New for 2019, Lakeland Village Resort provides on-site lift tickets and shuttles. Join the Unbuckle party at Tamarack Lodge (California side) for happy hour and live music before descending.
Aspen, U.S.
Aspen's four mountains—Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands—offer groomed trails, minimal lift lines, and free inter-mountain transport. Enhancements include Snowmass Base Village's Limelight Hotel Snowmass (with ice rink), The Collective (restaurant, bar, lounge), and the new W Aspen, the first luxury hotel in 25 years. Classic après at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro (Aspen Highlands) and Ajax Tavern (Aspen Mountain base).
Alpe d’Huez, France
In France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alps, Alpe d’Huez rises from 4,101 to 10,925 feet, delivering sunny, south-facing runs above the treeline. Family-friendly with terrain for all levels and abundant mountain restaurants, it boasts stunning views. Indulge post-ski at Chamois d’Or, featuring house-made dishes from local Alpine ingredients.
Telluride Ski Resort, U.S.
Nestled in a box canyon amid granite cliffs and peaks, Telluride blends historic charm with epic, uncrowded skiing. Over half the terrain suits beginners and intermediates, with expert runs available. Stellar dining shines; reserve at The National. Improved flights to Montrose-Telluride and Telluride airports ease access.
