No matter where you live in the United States, you are likely only a short drive, road trip or flight from some of the best ski resorts. Whether you want to have fun in the snow on the East Coast, Midwest, in the snow sports paradise of the Rocky Mountains, or on the West Coast, we have options for you. Find out where to find the best ski resorts in the US, the best times to visit them and how much you can expect to pay, so you know how much money you have left for après ski.
- Colorado Ski Resorts
- California Ski Resorts
- Minnesota Ski Resorts
- Washington Ski Resorts
- Indiana Ski Resorts
- Pennsylvania Ski Resorts
- Washington, D.C. Ski Resorts
- Las Vegas Ski Resorts
- Utah Ski Resorts
Colorado Ski Resorts
Aspen
Aspen is home to several world-class ski resorts, so it’s a great destination if you want to hit the slopes in Colorado. People also choose Aspen because of the variety of snow sports you can take part in here including downhill skiing, terrain parks and snowboarding options fit for the X Games. The town in the Rocky Mountains is just under a 4-hour drive from Denver, or you can fly into Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.
- Top ski resorts: Viceroy Snowmass, Aspen Snowmass, Buttermilk Ski Resort, Aspen Highlands
- Ski season: Late November to mid-April
- Cost: The price of a lift ticket at one of Aspen’s ski resorts is not cheap. Depending on when you go, a one-day lift ticket for Aspen Snowmass costs between $164 and $204. This does, however, give you access to 4 mountains in Aspen, and you may be able to get discounts if you buy online in advance.
Denver
There is a range of ski resorts within a 2-hour drive of Denver, including Arapahoe Basin, one of the highest ski areas in North America. Using Denver as your base for skiing or snowboarding is also ideal, because of easy access via Denver International Airport. You can fly in and be on the slopes on the same day!
- Top ski resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Winter Park, Keystone, Echo Mountain, Copper Mountain, Eldora Mountain
- Ski season: October to early June at Arapahoe Basin; others are open from November to April.
- Cost: $69 to $219 for a one-day adult lift ticket. Pricing depends on the resort, month, and how the lift ticket is purchased (buying online in advance is usually cheaper).
California Ski Resorts
Lake Tahoe
The image of crystal clear blue water surrounded by mountains is reason enough to visit Lake Tahoe. But you can also find a range of top-notch ski resorts, whether you’re looking for something luxurious or a family-friendly place to hit the slopes. If you want to ski in Lake Tahoe but live too far away to drive, you can also fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
- Top ski resorts: Squaw Valley, Diamond Peak, Heavenly Mountain, Northstar, Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mount Rose
- Ski season: Most resorts around Lake Tahoe are open from mid-November through April.
- Cost: $115 to $209 for an adult one-day lift ticket at the top ski resorts; lift tickets for more basic ski areas can be found for as little as $40.
Minnesota Ski Resorts
Minneapolis
It may not seem obvious, but there are actually several places for skiing and other snow sports that are reachable in as little as a 1-hour drive from Minneapolis. With an annual snowfall of between 35 and 70 inches, you’re sure to get some great powder close to home. While the resorts are easily accessible to those who live in the Upper Midwest, you can also fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and be on the slopes in no time.
- Top ski resorts: Wild Mountain, Lutsen Mountains, Como Park, Hyland, Buck Hill
- Ski season: Generally late November to March, depending on snowfall
- Cost: $31 to $97 for a one-day lift ticket depending on the resort and month. Most resorts offer online discounts for advance lift ticket purchases.
Washington Ski Resorts
Seattle
With its proximity to fantastic ski areas like the Cascade Mountains, Seattle is a worthy destination for snow sports. There are several ski resorts just a few hours from the city, so you can hit the slopes for a day, a weekend or longer. And all the ski resorts within driving distance of Seattle are also easily accessible by flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- Top ski resorts: Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain, White Pass, Stevens Pass, Mount Baker
- Ski season: November through April, depending on snowfall and temperatures.
- Cost: The cost for an adult one-day lift ticket is between $75 and $89 depending on the resort, month and how you purchase. Most resorts offer discounts for online lift ticket purchases.
Indiana Ski Resorts
Indianapolis
While there are only 2 ski resorts within the state of Indiana, there are more that are easily accessible in neighboring states. You can find Alpine experiences and affordable family ski areas as little as 1.5 hours and up to 3 hours away from Indianapolis.
- Top ski resorts: Perfect North Slopes, Paoli Peaks Resort, Swiss Valley Ski Area, Mad River Mountain
- Ski season: Because of the lower elevation, ski season in the Midwest is generally from December to March. This can vary depending on temperatures and snowfall.
- Cost: One-day lift tickets for adults range from $37 to $65 depending on the resort and month. Get a discount by buying a lift ticket online before going.
Pennsylvania Ski Resorts
Philadelphia
Did you know you can drive just 1 hour from Philadelphia and find a ski resort? In fact, there are several options, including the highest skiable mountain in Pennslyvania, that are reachable in less than 4 hours from Philadelphia. You can gather a group of friends or family and plan a long weekend of skiing, or fly into Philadelphia International Airport and have a skiing vacation.
- Top ski resorts: Blue Knob, Bear Creek, Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Camelback
- Ski season: You can generally ski from late November or early December until the end of March.
- Cost: A 1-day lift ticket costs between $40 and $80, depending on the day of the week and month.
Washington, D.C. Ski Resorts
Citizens of the Washington, D.C. metro area, can shed the stress of city life by driving as little as 1.5 hours to a ski resort. You can hit the slopes at a large Alpine-style resort or visit a smaller resort with family-friendly activities and amenities. Even if you’re only flying into Washington Dulles International Airport for vacation, why not hit the slopes while you’re in town?
- Top ski resorts: Massanutten Resort, Bryce Resort, Liberty Mountain, Roundtop Mountain
- Ski season: The resorts near D.C. are generally open from early December until late March.
- Cost: You will pay between $75 and $90 for a one-day adult lift ticket at the resorts near D.C. These prices are for online lift tickets, and you may find discounts for advance purchase.
Las Vegas Ski Resorts
If you’re willing to drive a few hours from Las Vegas, you’ll be spoiled for a choice of ski resorts. Drive just an hour northwest to Lee Canyon, a couple more hours to Utah, or even further to California for some great skiing. You can fly into McCarran International Airport, enjoy the winter wonderland, and then return to the desert landscape and glitz and glamor of Las Vegas.
- Top ski resorts: Lee Canyon, Eagle Point Resort, Brian Head Resort, Mammoth Mountain, Park City Mountain Resort
- Ski season: While some of the resorts on our list at higher altitudes are open longer, all are open from December to March.
- Cost: The price of a 1-day adult lift ticket purchased online ranges from $29 to $164. This depends on the resort, month and day of the week. Some resorts give discounts if you purchase several days in advance.
Utah Ski Resorts
While Colorado gets all the glory, neighboring Utah is also a fantastic destination for snow sports. The 2002 Winter Olympics were even held here! With well-known destinations like Park City and more accessible Brian Head, there is a range of ski resorts for every ability level. Most of the most popular ski resorts in Utah are reachable by car in as little as 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, and it’s easy for those from out of town to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport
- Top ski resorts: Park City, Alta Ski Area, Solitude Mountain Resort, Snowbasin Resort, Deer Valley Resort
- Ski season: Generally you can ski from mid-November through April, depending on snow conditions.
- Cost: One-day adult lift tickets purchased online in advance range in price from $115 to $249, depending on the resort, day of the week and month.
