Skiing is one of the best workouts! Luckily, Western ski resorts are defined by ideal snow conditions, a variety of terrain, and bluebird skies. It's no wonder skiers and snowboarders flock to Western resorts to swoosh through powder and on groomed trails in tranquil forests and eagerly swap stories at après-ski venues.
Winter carnivals and concerts enhance the fun and are part of the enticing ski culture.
No matter your ski level, you’ll find terrain and an après-ski scene that fits your style at these top resorts.
01 Steamboat Springs, CO
Boasting fluffy Champagne Powder snow, Steamboat—Ski Town USA—has 182 named trails on six peaks. Steamboat, which produced 98 Winter Olympians, has scenic trails through aspens and views of the Yampa Valley. Night skiing/riding is available weekends through mid-March. Steamboat celebrates its Western heritage with Cowboy Downhill (January) and Winter Carnival (February). Take a shuttle to Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a soak.
02 Park City, UT
This 19th-century mining town has two ski resorts. Deer Valley, a ski-only 5-star resort, offers ski valets and Ski Butlers (who deliver your gear). Expanded terrain features three new lifts, including the 6-person Keetley Express bubble chairlift. Spanning 7,000 acres, Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the US. Access slopes via two main base lodges and the Town Lift on Historic Main Street, an après-ski hub.
03 Big Sky Resort, MO
Sporting 5,850 skiable acres and 320 named runs, Big Sky is North America's third-largest ski resort but never feels crowded. On average, Big Sky offers more than an acre per skier. Heated bubble D-Line chairlifts (there’s a new 8-seater) provide comfort up the mountain. The new Explorer Gondola accesses Lone Pine Summit. For après-ski entertainment, catch live music at Montana Jack and Mountain Village.
04 Mammoth Mountain, CA
While Mammoth (open through June) has four base lodges and spans over 3,500 acres with 175 named trails, they’re sprawled out, so even on busy days, you can escape crowds. Ski to the mountain’s backside to whisper-quiet trails under pines. This year, the new Doppelmayr D-Line 6 seat replaces Broadway Express. Join the après-ski scene at the slope-side Yodler or in the lively Village.