The 18 Best Luxury Ski Resorts for Winter Vacation 2024

Given all of the travel restrictions related to the coronavirus, what are the best hotels and resorts for a safe and relaxing luxury ski vacation in 2024? We’ve rounded up the 18 best luxury ski resorts in the U.S. where you’ve got good odds for a safe family ski resort vacation, romantic holiday, or girls’ trip this winter 2024.

where are the best luxury ski resorts for winter 2024?

So much snow, so little time. For those who truly who love winter, and believe in #neversummer, there’s sadly only a few precious months to revel in the joys of snow sports.  That makes finding the perfect ski destination all the more important.

What makes for a great ski resort right now?

The best resorts have more than just endless inches of fresh powder, difficult runs and acres upon acres of mountain to explore. They also offer a variety of terrain for each skill level and excellent accommodations. There is plenty to do off the mountain – everything from great food and drink alternatives to other activities like ice skating or dog sledding. There are also top 5-star spas and shops and galleries to visit.

After drawing on our own well versed team’s experiences and also consulting the likes of Ski Magazine, Powder Hounds and other top annual ski rankings, we are happy to report there are plenty of winter resorts around the U.S. that meet all of these criteria perfectly.  The toughest call you’ll have to make?  Selecting which ones to visit.

Want to relax at the spa?  Hit the town to show off your latest après ski look or just get away from it all completely?  We’ve got you covered.  No matter your pleasure, be it a romantic weekend getaway sans kiddos or an epic hunt for untouched powder terrain, there’s a luxury winter ski resort that is perfect for you.

our picks for the best luxury ski resorts

With world-famous runs, top-notch facilities and all the après ski options you could ever ask for, these are 14 U.S. luxury ski hotels and resorts that should be on your must visit list for a safe stay during the winter of 2021.

best romantic getaways

1. twin farms, vermont

If you are in the mood to hit the slopes without wee ones whizzing by, head to Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont. The all-inclusive, adults-only 300 acre property is the former country estate of author Sinclair Lewis and his journalist wife Dorothy Thompson.

It features six private downhill ski trails as well as private groomed trails for cross country skiing, ensuring you hours of ski time.  And after you can enjoy an in-room massage or a dip in the Japanese-style soaking tub.

2. beaver creek, colorado

Set on 1,800 acres in Beaver Creek, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is home to fantastic fresh powder, pristine mountain air and lots of opportunity for romance.

After an active day on the slopes, couples can cozy up by the fire, soak in the grand two-person Copper Tub at the restorative spa, strap on snowshoes for a nighttime hike under the stars or reserve the historic Anderson’s Cabin for an intimate dinner for two.

best for spa seekers

3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Home to not one but three ski areas (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort), Jackson Hole is a terrific destination for winter enthusiasts who love to indulge in a little pampering.

Whether you want to relax after a morning spent going up and down the mountain, or you just want to get a massage while friends and family take to the slopes, the spa at the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole is hard to beat.  Among the most popular services is the reflexology treatment. It focuses on the hands and feet – ideal once you’ve slipped out of your clunky ski boots.

4. lake placid, new york

While Lake Placid may not boast as many acres as some of the bigger resorts on our roundup, it does feature some diverse runs that are perfect for all skill levels, including the highest vertical drop on the East Coast at Whiteface Mountain.  But it’s not all skiing, all the time, as there are ample opportunities for skating, bobsledding and ice fishing, not to mention a full-service spa.

Named one of the top 100 spas in North America by Conde Nast Traveler, the Spa at Whiteface Lodge suggests the natural beauty and bounty of the Adirondacks with signature treatments that range from a Lodge Mud Wrap and an Apple Cider Masque and Massage to an Outdoorsman Facial.

amazing afterski action

5. park city, utah

After a long day on the mountains once home to the 2002 Olympic games, there’s nothing better than a little après-ski action, and few resort towns do it better than Park City.

From delicious food and drinks, including the only ski-in/ski-out whiskey distillery in North Americ, to live music, history and shopping, Park City’s Main Street will keep you entertained.  Sitting at the center of Main Street and only about 100 yards away from the Town Lift is the luxury boutique hotel Main & Sky blending the best of the town’s on and off the slope offerings.

6. killington, vermont

In a state widely known for its charming villages and quiet ski towns, Killington aka “The Beast” stands out.  A variety of bars line Killington’s five-mile access road. It offers everything from fine dining to a party that may have you taking a rain-check for the following day of skiing.

Recover from the fun at the nearby Woodstock Inn & Resort which blends historic details with modern luxuries.  Guest rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces and handcrafted bed frames. While outdoors the resort consists of over 2,000 acres with over 30 activities for guests to enjoy.

most family friendly

7. stowe, vermont

The ski resort at Stowe has invested heavily in recent years to become the ideal East Coast destination for families in search of the perfect snow vacation.

Now under the ownership of Vail Resorts, the family focus should become even better, as with the Epic Pass, families can buy a season pass and use it at any of the group’s other resorts (which include some of the best in North America). The Lodge at Spruce is ski-in ski-out, and includes an outdoor ice skating rink and lots of dining options, perfect for those with youngsters.

8. telluride, colorado

With nearly 60% of its runs dedicated to beginners and intermediates, Telluride is one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. if you’re learning to ski.  And yet the mountain still offers extremely difficult terrain for the advanced among your group.  Example?

Real thrill seekers can try out heli-skiing. They’ll be dropped from a helicopter to explore more than 200 square miles of high alpine basins, cirques and summits.  Families will love The Inn at Lost Creek for its central location situated at the top of one lift and the bottom of another, making it easy for even the littlest skiers to hit the slopes.

most glamorous

9. aspen, colorado

Just the name Aspen conjures up images of fur-clad celebrities, designer boutiques and all-out winter luxury.  But there’s fantastic skiing along with all the glamour, with four different mountains from which to choose.  Need more to do?

How about a two-hour dog sled ride, pulled by huskies through the scenic wilderness?  Or a snowmobile adventure to the base of Maroon Bells?  Or outdoor skating on the rink in town?  As far as accommodations, you can’t go wrong with The Little Nell, which is the only 5-star 5-Diamond hotel in Aspen, and is ski-in, ski-out.

10. vail, colorado

Vail is the second-largest ski area in the United States, and among the ritziest, too. Nestled in the foothills of the Gore Valley in the Colorado Rockies, Vail Valley is home to more than 5,500 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain.

Couple that with Vail Village, where fine dining spots with serious culinary cred sit side-by-side with lively après-ski bars, and you have the perfect winter hot spot.  In addition to being mere steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, The Arrabelle at Vail Square oozes old-world European charm and features 10,000 square-foot full-service spa and rooftop hot tubs to take in the stunning views.

most thrilling

11. crested butte, colorado

Looking for a little privacy while you ski some the world’s deepest powder runs and wide open alpine bowls?  The six-room Scarp Ridge Lodge ($15,700 per night, full buyouts only), in Crested Butte, Colorado, has access to 1,000 virtually untouched acres, including U.S. Forest Service lands reachable via Sno-Cat.

Meanwhile, the lodge is situated in  former Croatian saloon. It has been transformed inside with reclaimed iron from the old mills. It has generous amenities, like an indoor saltwater pool and oxygen-enriched air system.

12. lamoille, nevada

If it takes more than a black diamond run to get your adrenaline flowing, why not try heli-skiing and snowboarding at the Ruby Mountain Range. It is located just east of Elko, Nevada?  Ruby Mountain Helicopter Skiing in Lamoille gives new meaning to the phrase “fresh tracks.”

Thrill-seeking skiers are transported via helicopter to the Ruby Mountains’ powdery slopes and dropped off at peaks approaching 11,000 feet. After your heartstopping experience, kick back at the 360 Lodge and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail and dinner while you meet your guide and talk about ski conditions in anticipation of the next day’s adventure.

all around favorites

13. deer valley, utah

Located about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountain range is the ski haven, Deer Valley.

The storied ski-only resort can only be described as a Disney World for skiers thanks to its premium snow conditions, precision grooming, limited lift tickets and surreal natural beauty.    The Montage, nestled in a slope-side location in Empire Canyon at the base of two lifts, is the perfect home base for it all.

14. squaw alpine, california

Home to the 1960 Olympic Games, Squaw Alpine in North Lake Tahoe is the combination of the Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows resorts and spans 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains.

Perfect for skiers and riders of all ability levels. Over 65% of the trails are beginner and intermediate terrain. The legendary steeps, towering cliffs and heart-pumping chutes continue to be ground zero for boundary-breaking skiing and riding.  The Resort at Squaw Creek offers ski-in/ski-out access in addition to breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains views.

Four Seasons

You really can’t get better than the Four Seasons when it comes to luxury ski resorts. With locations in Whistler, Santa Fe, Vail, Baku, Geneva, and Megève, Four Seasons Ski Collection knows how to curate the best global ski experiences for their guests. Within this collection, these resorts have curated exclusive experiences focused on all things winter sports, skiing, après, spa and more.

14. Les Chalets Du Mont D’Arbois, Megeve

Located in the heart of the French Alps and the only hotel with its own in-house ski concierge and valet, you can stay in Suite Idéal for first access to the mountain in the morning, dramatic views of the Mont Blanc and Aravis mountain ranges, and a gourmet dinner. Guests can even schedule a helicopter ski safari to explore the surrounding mountains.

16. Four Seasons Resorts and Residences Vail

Here guests can conquer Vail’s seven legendary back bowls with a ski expert and then have a picnic.

17. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler 

When you aren’t on the slopes have daily complimentary wine tastings featuring sommelier-selected BC varietals to roasted s’mores next to the Vintage Camper alongside warm or refreshing beverages to be sipped next to a classic Canadian bonfire at this hotel. 

18. Ski Santa Fe Package at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe 

Have an amazing day of skiing at Santa Fe Ski Basin and a stay in a lovely casitas. After your day on the slopes, enjoy a crackling fire prepared for you by our fireplace butler.

What are the Best Luxury Ski Resorts to VacationThis Winter?

That’s it, our 18 picks for the best luxury ski vacation destinations in the U.S.

Before you plan your trip, take note. This season’s lift tickets and offerings at each of these resorts may be limited due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And rules can change quickly, so check before you go. As always, be safe, dear reader – and think snow!