If you’re looking for a place in the winter to escape from grey skies and lousy weather, then you’ll be happy to know that there are some pretty awesome ski destinations in the USA. Skiing in the northern states of the USA doesn’t just extend as far south as Utah or Colorado. There are also a lot of places further north, which means there’s plenty of variety when it comes to skiing in these regions. Some have more resorts than others, but they range from small family-run operations all the way up to large purpose-built resorts with hundreds of kilometers of piste. The smaller properties can be hit and miss but the bigger resorts will have something for everyone. Here’s our rundown on some of the best ski destinations in America in winter.
New York City
New York City is a great place to go skiing for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s located in what is arguably the best skiing area in the entire country. The Northeast region is home to some of the best skiing in the world, with some of the most legendary skiing resorts in the world. In New York City, you can experience this incredible skiing, without having to go too far away. The city is home to a handful of slopes, including the iconic T-Bar at Catskill Mountain Resort and the somewhat less famous Whiteface Mountain at the Hunter Mountain Ski Area. You can also take advantage of the incredible New York City winter. You’ll find it warm, but not too hot and with no humidity, it makes for a great winter getaway. And of course, you can’t go to New York without also seeing some of the city’s other highlights such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square.
Colorado
Colorado is already a great option for a summer holiday, but what about a winter getaway? The Rockies are perhaps the most iconic ski area in the whole of America, with some of the world’s best and most famous slopes. There are plenty of options in this region, from the well known slopes of Aspen and Snowmass, to the backcountry skiing of Telluride and Crested Butte. Colorado also has great weather for winter, with very mild temperatures that are rarely too hot. And of course, the Rockies also have some of the best skiing in the world. You’ll find the most famous resorts such as Vail and Aspen, but you’ll also find some hidden gems that are perfect for those that want something a little more low key.
Vermont
If you like to ski with a little more character, then Vermont is a great place to visit in winter. Vermont is known as the “Green Mountain State” thanks to its lush forests and rivers, so it’s a great place to explore in both summer and winter. However, some of the best skiing in the whole of America is also found here, just an hour’s drive from Montreal. You’ll find the classic Vermont resorts of Stowe and Killington, but there’s also more niche options. The Green Mountain Boys Nordic Ski Center is a kayaking-skiing hybrid, while the Mad River Valley has a mountain biking slopestyle course. Vermont is also a great place in the summer as it’s also a great place to explore. It’s a small state so you can easily visit a number of nearby cities for culture and architecture.
Nevada
If you’re looking for a winter getaway that has some great skiing but also some great weather too, then Nevada is a great place to visit. It’s a little bit further than the other states on this list, but it’s also a little bit cheaper and you can visit a whole host of iconic American cities. The skiing in Nevada is great, with plenty of options in the northern part of the state, as well as some in the south. The state is home to some of the most iconic resorts in the whole of America. You’ll find the big resorts of Lake Tahoe, as well as the New York-based ski areas of ski-in-the-snow and Whiteface Mountain. You’ll also find some great smaller resorts. The state’s southern part is a little bit more tropical, but it’s also home to some great ski areas. With great weather and a lot to explore, Nevada is a great winter getaway.
Utah
Utah has long been a popular winter retreat for skiers and snowboarders, and it’s now one of the best winter ski destinations in the USA. There are plenty of great ski resorts in this part of the country, with iconic resorts like Park City Mountain, Snowbird and Deer Valley. You’ll also find plenty of interesting backcountry terrain in this part of the country. Utah is definitely different than many of the other states on this list, as it’s a desert state with some cold winters. However, there’s something to be said for skiing in a place that’s both beautiful and unusual.
North Carolina
North Carolina has long been known as one of the best winter destinations in the southern states. It’s home to some of the most iconic resorts in the whole of America, including Mount Mitchell, Balsam Mountain and Sugar Mountain, with others like Smuggler’s Notch and Snowshoe. The state also has some of the best winter weather in America, making it a great all-round winter vacation destination. North Carolina is also a great place to explore during the summer months. There are many great cities nearby, including Atlanta and Charlotte, so you can experience both winter and summer fun.
Arizona
Arizona is perhaps one of the best winter getaways in the USA, with a stunning variety of skiing and also some great weather. The state is home to some of the most iconic resorts in the country, including those in the popular Phoenix area. You’ll also find plenty of great backcountry terrain in this part of the country. The ski resorts are spread out across a large area, making it easy to visit multiple resorts. And of course, Arizona is also a great place to explore during the summer. There are a large number of great cities nearby, including Las Vegas, Tucson and Phoenix.
Conclusion
Finding a great winter getaway can be difficult, but if you follow our advice above, you should be able to find the perfect place to escape from grey skies and cold temperatures. The best winter getaways are often those that have something that makes them stand out from the crowd, whether that’s skiing or something else. While we can’t recommend every single skiing destination in America, hopefully, this guide will help you find the right place for you.
