While some people are content to enjoy the Canadian winters, there are those who crave the warmth of an American summer. If you’re one of these people, then you’d best get ready to celebrate because the season of summer is almost upon us!
The USA is home to some of the greatest ski resorts the world has ever seen, with breathtaking views, acres of pristine powder, and very friendly locals. Whether you’re an old hand or you’ve just been dreaming of trying your luck on the slopes, here’s a handy guide to help you make the most of the last hurrah of summer in the USA.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Ski Resorts In America
If you’re an avid skier or a diehard summer holiday-maker, then you already know where to look for the best ski deals this season. But for those who are less experienced, it’s worth bearing in mind that the best vacation for beginners is usually some where sunny and hot. As such, here’s a list of the top 10 ski resorts in America based on 4 key aspects; location, snowfall, nightlife, and value for money. The list is in no particular order, but the resorts are ranked according to the number of points that they earn. The calculation is rather simple; we’ll give each aspect a value between 1 and 5, where 1 is poor and 5 is excellent. The higher the number, the better the resort’s performance in that regard.
1. Aspen, Colorado
The magnificent Aspen offers the absolute quintessential American summer experience. You’d expect nothing less from the city that gave the world the invention of the snowflake, which is widely accepted as the quintessential American symbol. Aspen is the most famous American ski resort, attracting visitors from all over the world. What’s more, this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Aspen Skiing Company (whose original name was the Winter Carnival), which today still owns and operates the resort. Located in the Rocky Mountains, over 100 miles from the nearest large city, Aspen offers a touch of the luxury of a bygone era, with luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. The average daily snowfall is around 16in, and the longest skiing run is named after the town’s most famous son, Arnold Palmer. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, and the valley actually celebrates the start of summer around the spring equinox with the Aspen Summer Music Festival. In addition to skiing, you can hike, ride a horse, or visit the nearby Ghost Town, which was founded in 1902 and now features over 150 buildings from its golden era.
2. Jackson, Wyoming
Located in the Greater Yellowstone area, just a short drive from the Wyoming state line, Jackson is the only US-based resort in this category. It features America’s first chairlift, which originally started life in 1927 and still operates today. Today, Jackson is a modern resort with a mix of traditional and modern designs, featuring shops, bars, and restaurants. The resorts biggest claim to fame is its annual rodeo, which features bareback and bull riding as well as other traditional rodeo events, attracting visitors from near and far. Jackson is situated in a stunning wilderness area, featuring panoramic views of the mountains and the legendary Roosevelt Elk Mountain. If you choose to visit during the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the warmth of the great American west, with bright sunshine, warm air, and incredible scenery. Day passes at Jackson cost around ยฃ59, and the resort officially opened for the season on May 17th this year. This makes it the latest resort to open its doors in the USA.
3. Copper Mountain, Pennsylvania
Another Pennsylvania resort, this time located in the magnificent state of the same name, Copper Mountain offers the ultimate in Midwest luxury. It features the region’s only five-star hotel, with 74 rooms, 14 of which have balconies that offer beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lakes. In addition to the hotel, which houses a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop, there’s also a dedicated โvillage’ within the resort. The village features a grocery store, hair salon, pizza parlor, ice cream parlor, and even a travel agent, all within a walking distance of each other. What’s more, the village boasts an opera house, which hosts local and visiting artists. In terms of skiing, Copper Mountain is most famous for its gondola, which was first installed in 1961 and still operates to this day. One of the premier American ski instructors, Bob Burnquist, runs the resort. Lessons for beginners are around ยฃ40 a day, and day passes for experienced skiers are ยฃ57. Copper Mountain officially opened for the 2018-19 ski season on June 22nd.
4. Big Bear Lake, California
California is home to some truly magnificent ski resorts, with the largest one located in the San Bernardino Mountains. One of the premier destinations is Big Bear Lake, which also features the Bear Country Club and Cogburn Hotel, a 4-star resort with 82 rooms and a spa, along with a 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pools. This year, Big Bear Lake will host the American Mountain Soccer Championship. Day passes for the general public are ยฃ48, with discounts for students and under-26s, and cost ยฃ67 at weekends. This makes it the most expensive resort on our list, and one of the most luxurious as well.
5. Steamboat, Colorado
Another Colorado resort, Steamboat is located right next to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Steamboat Ski and Steamboat Summer Resort Company, and to celebrate, the entire resort will be opened for the 2018-19 ski season, with around 300 new tickets made available to the public. The new tickets will be valid for the whole season, and include the iconic Diamond Couloir, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of sports. Day passes at Steamboat are on sale now for ยฃ57, and include lunch and two skiers for the day. The resort will be expanding its beginner’s program this season, with the introduction of a kids’ ski school and kid’s camps throughout the summer.
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is the oldest and most established resort in the United States, dating back to 1914. Located in the magnificent Rocky Mountain region of Colorado, it attracts enthusiasts from all over the world who want to tackle the steep slopes and indulge in the aprรจs-ski lifestyle. One of the major attractions is the Peak 6 Summit Hut, which is located at the top of the mountain and features skiers and snowboarders offering unique vistas and photo-ops. In addition to its stunning setting, Breckenridge offers incredible terrain, with expertly groomed skiing and riding for beginners and experts alike. Lessons and equipment for beginners are ยฃ40 for half a day, and range between ยฃ60 and ยฃ100 for full days. This makes it the second most expensive resort on our list, after Steamboat.
7. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is often touted as the โgrandaddy’ of America’s ski resorts, given its iconic status. It features Hunter Mountain, the first ski resort built in the US, which opened in 1937. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Hunter Mountain, and to celebrate, they’ll be opening the slopes of the famous mountain to the public. Lessons for beginners at Hunter Mountain are ยฃ40 for half a day, and range between ยฃ50 and ยฃ100 for full days. This makes it the most expensive resort on our list, after Steamboat. But at least you can take consolation in the fact that you’re not the only one paying through the nose.
8. Port Angeles, Washington
Located in the Pacific Northwest, just 90 minutes from Seattle, Port Angeles offers the quintessential American adventure to those looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big city. The biggest draw here is undoubtedly Huckleberry Mountain, whose terrain is widely regarded as some of the best outside of Canada. It originally opened as a ski resort in 1938, and was the first one in the U.S. to be fully operational. As well as offering skiing, Huckleberry Mountain is also home to the famous Tom Sawyer Island, featuring a 700-acre wilderness area where visitors can walk, picnic, or enjoy a romantic sunset. Other facilities include a snow park and a tubing park.