Ah, fall. The time of year when the days are dramatically shortened, the air clears, the leaves change color, and Farmer’s Almanac offers an annual weather outlook for winter. If you’re a skier or skater, these reminders also mean it’s time to start booking trips to the slopes.
While you can take your turn at any of the resorts, each mountain has its own charm and distinct offerings that run the gamut from food-focused to family-oriented. Knowing the type of trip you want to take and certain resorts that are popular will help you choose the best exhilarating paradise for you.
Best for luxury: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Often rated as one of the best ski resorts in North America, Whistler Blackcomb has more than 8,100 acres of skiable terrain and is renowned for its quality and luxury. There are a variety of luxury hoteldining venues and nightlife options, as well as spa and other conspiracies.
Stay on the Gold floor of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for next-level luxury. Fairmont Gold may not be a secret, but few visitors know of its existence Exclusive lifestyle hotel in a hotel. This private floor has its own reception, concierge, lounge and many amenities. This ski-in, ski-out resort also offers ski service and professional private guides who can show you around the mountains.
The best way to experience the ski scene here is to book ahead of time at the nearby Scandinave Spa Whistler. This luxurious hydrotherapy spa features a massage, Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge pool and hot tub to help you unwind after long days on the ski hills .
Related: 7 ski resorts we can’t wait to visit again
Best for powder skiing: Alta and Snowbird Ski Areas, Utah
Located in the Wasatch Mountains 30 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City, the adjoining resorts of Alta and Snowbird consistently rank as the snowiest in North America, with an average annual snowfall of between 500 to 550 inches and about 18 days – or more than 12 inches within 24 hours – each winter.
As any powder hound will tell you, it’s not just the amount of snow that matters. Quality is equally important. The reason this region is considered the powder capital of the world is that the snow that falls on its slopes has a low moisture density of 8.5%, which translates into light, fluffy snow – the kind of snow you can drift through.
Between the two resorts, there are 4,700 skiable acres serviced by 15 forklifts and a new aerial tramway. An Alta-Bird Pass can be purchased for access to both resorts, although Snowbird is the only one that allows skiers.
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Related: How to plan your ski trip with points and miles
Best for Terrain Park: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California
There’s a reason why Mammoth Mountain is where many of the pros come to train. It has one of the best and largest terrain parks in North America. The Unbound Terrain Park features two halves of tubes, 50 jumps, and over 100 jibs (rails, benches, and other park features) spread across more than 100 acres of terrain.
Main Park, ideal for advanced shredders, features large, jumpers, technical rails and 22-foot half-pipes. Meanwhile, the South Park and Forest Trail have long, flexible jumps and obliques that are more accessible to intermediate crossers.
There’s also the Transition Park, which has bowls, banks, spines, volcanoes, and other fun features to practice skills. Plus, skiers and snowboarders can visit the Disco, Wonderland and Eagle playgrounds, beginner-friendly parks for those who love learning how to ski or ride a gentle roller , small snow spikes, small boxes and continuous jumps.
Related: 6 trips to California for every type of traveler
Best for eco-friendly activities: Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Anchored by the town Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley in central Colorado, Aspen Snowmass is an industry leader when it comes to implementing sustainability initiatives and engaging in political action to combat the effects of climate change.
The resort’s parent company, Aspen Ski Company, has put in place green building principles, created a carbon negative electricity generation system, added solar arrays, and implemented composting and scavenging. local food source at its mountain restaurants. It even built a micro-hydroelectric plant that uses water from a frozen pond to generate electricity throughout the resort.
Overnight at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen and you can see the steps the property has taken reduce its carbon footprint, such as offering guests free transportation in town and the option not to change sheets and towels daily. The refillable pump is also used for toiletries instead single use plastic bottlesand recycling bins can be found in every room and throughout public spaces.
Related: 8 sustainable travel tips from green travel experts
Best to be near a major city: Le Massif de Charlevoix, Quebec
Le Massif de Charlevoix is located about an hour northeast of Quebec City and its international airport. It’s an easy option for skiers and riders who don’t want to venture too far from a big city and want to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate from US dollars to Canadians.
At this Canadian resort, you’ll find top-notch skiing, sweeping views of the St. Lawrence and the long steep roads. It has the highest vertical slope east of the Canadian Mountains (measured 2,256 feet) and an average annual snowfall of 212 to 250 inches. Plus, there are 53 trails spanning more than 406 skiable acres offering everything from mogul fields and coasters to dough bowls and small grocery stores.
If you’re a more experienced skier, chances are Le Massif de Charlevoix is already on your radar, as it’s home to the triple black diamond run known as La Charlevoix. It’s considered one of the hardest ski runs in the world, in part because it’s 64% high, never groomed, and almost icy when they arrive.
Related: The best credit cards to use on ski trips
Best to escape the crowds: Big Sky Resort, Montana
Big Sky Resort is located in the southwest corner of Montana. Despite being located in one of the most rural states of the United States, it is easily accessible by more than 30 daily non-stop flights that land in nearby Bozeman.
If you are looking for ample space and plenty of room to spare, this is the resort to visit. The property receives more than 400 inches of snow annually and has 300 runs across 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, or 2 acres of room for each skier.
The resort hosts about half a million skiers and snowboarders each season, much lower than other ski spots like Resorts in Vail (1.6 million) and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (715,000). In fact, Big Sky takes its space very seriously, limiting day passes on popular days to ensure the slides are not overcrowded. Elevator line wait times are also typically minimal, as the resort offers 36 options, including the country’s only high-speed 8-seat Ramcharger, an elevator that can carry up to 3,600 passengers. to the top of the Andesite every hour.
Related: I’m on a luxury ranch in Montana – and I don’t want to go home
Best for Families: Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
You’ll find Smugglers’ Notch 5 miles north of Stowe Mountain Resort in beautiful New England Vermont. It is often praised as most family friendly as it has private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons for beginners divided by age group and learning ability. In addition, families can take advantage of childcare from 6 weeks to 3 years old, ski equipment rental for the little ones, and free lift tickets for children under 5 when they are not. Interact with the mascot characters that roam the slopes.
The impressive child care center is surrounded by a 4,000 square meter outdoor playground with staff trained in child development, first aid and CPR. Several other kid-friendly amenities are also offered, including a swimming pool, activity center, outdoor skating rink, and video games.
When it’s time to hit the slopes, families can rest easy knowing that 19% of the trail is green and 50% is blue, so there are plenty of options out there for the perfect beginner. for those who are studying. Several challenging options for teens and parents – including black diamond and double black ramps, which make up 31% of the resort’s runs – are also available, as families master the track easier.
Related: How your kids can ski for free this winter
Best for mountain dining: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Come for the skiing, stay for the food. Deer Valley is known for its award-winning delicacies, and its turkey chili has grown into a fan-favorite. There are more than a dozen restaurants at the resort, ranging from takeout stops to sumptuous eight-course feasts. Under the direction of chef Peter Menteer, the dining scene is constantly evolving, with a strong focus on sustainability.
While there are plenty of specials worth trying, the new upscale steak and seafood restaurant Cast & Cut promises to please the crowd. It will debut at Snow Park Lodge for the 2022-23 season.
While visiting, don’t forget to check out the Taste of Luxury Series, a December event featuring a six-course Italian dinner and wine pairing with chef Massimo Bottura. Head to the Fireside Dining venue at Empire Canyon Lodge for a sumptuous culinary feast.
Related: A dough terrier: 4 tips for making your first ski trip as an adult
