With mountain ranges dominating landscapes coast to coast, the United States is filled with great skiing. Here are seven ski and snowboard destinations (and one bonus location!) in seven different states that you should be eyeing as winter approaches.

Alyeska (Alaska)

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for travelers, so why not cross it off with a one-of-a-kind ski vacation? The Chugach Mountains on Alaska’s south-central coast host the Alyeska Resort, which features 76 named trails, including the longest continuous double-black diamond run in the country. More adventurous skiers and snowboarders can also get a helicopter escort to the backcountry. Alyeska’s unique geography makes it stand out, with breathtaking mountain and ocean views and plentiful snowfall: More than 660 inches annually. As if that isn’t enough, the Northern Lights put on a spectacular show on cold winter nights.

Jackson Hole (Wyoming)

Jackson Hole routinely pops up as the best skiing destination in America, and the experience starts with the travel. Fly into Jackson Hole Airport at the edge of the Grand Tetons or make the picturesque, 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City with the mountains and winding streams of southern Idaho and northwest Wyoming as a lovely backdrop. Oh, and the skiing is pretty good, too. Stay at the base of the mountain in ski-in, ski-out lodges, or in the western town of Jackson. Jackson Hole is a haven for expert skiers: Challenge “The Big One” or explore the backcountry trails that are skiable through May.

Lutsen Mountains (Minnesota)

Bob Dylan, born in nearby Duluth and raised in Hibbing on the Iron Range, made Highway 61 famous, but Lutsen helps keep it famous. This is a gem of a resort on the north shore of Lake Superior, with the highest drops in the Midwest, four mountains, and 95 runs. Lutsen is family-friendly, while featuring the kind of terrain that intermediate and advanced skiers love. The red gondolas provide stunning views of the big lake they call Gitchi Gummi. The nightlife isn’t bad either—Papa Charlie’s tavern features live music throughout the ski season.

Powder Mountain (Utah)

You can’t go wrong in Utah, with plenty of parks to choose from near Salt Lake City. Powder Mountain is growing in reputation for its high-quality skiing and lack of crowds. It’s north of the bigger resorts in the Salt Lake City/Park City cluster and limits daily ticket sales to 1,500—which is nothing for a park with more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. Powder Mountain puts the skiing, often on fresh powder (hence the name), at the forefront. Don’t sleep through the Salt Lake City nightlife, either, should you get a chance to spend an evening in Utah’s capital.

Squaw Valley (California)

It’s almost a shame that “Tahoe” has become shorthand for the great skiing in Northern California. Squaw Valley, ranked the number one ski resort in the country by USA Today readers in 2017, deserves to be singled out. The 1960 Winter Olympic host city (well, city is a strong word) boasts all the amenities of a world-class resort, with a gold-medal history behind it. You’ll find slopes appropriate for all levels and a vibrant nightlife, which could include night-skiing.

Steamboat (Colorado)

Of all the Colorado ski destinations—Aspen, Telluride, Vail to name a few—none balance small-town feel with big-time slopes like Steamboat. There are nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain here, with plenty of space for a wide range of expertise, not to mention ski-in/ski-out lodging at the base of the mountain. If the slopes get the best of you, you can always slide into one of the geothermal hot springs that surround the town.

Stowe Mountain Resort (Vermont)

Want to ski the East? Stowe should be your destination. This family-friendly resort has a good balance of difficulty in its 116 trails across two mountains. And it continues to grow in amenities. For example, a gondola that fits 10 people transfers skiers from Mount Mansfield (the tallest mountain in Vermont) and Spruce Peak, so they can easily explore all the park has to offer. Then there’s the luxurious Stowe Mountain Lodge—part hotel, part spa—that offers travelers some ideal mountainside relaxation before and after they hit the slopes.

Bonus: Las Vegas Skiing

It may sound outlandish, but hear us out: Las Vegas is a shortish (snow-free!) drive from the best resorts southern Utah has to offer. Brian Head and Eagle Point stand out in particular. Combined with the inexpensive airfare—more major airlines fly direct to Vegas than to, say, Jackson—and winter travel without winter conditions, a Vegas ski trip could be in the cards for you.

Other great ski/snowboard destinations: Mt. Hood Meadows (Oregon), Big Sky Ski Resort (Montana), Mt. Bohemia (Michigan), Lake Placid (New York)

Contact us when you are ready to plan an amazing trip xpresstraveldesk@gmail.com

Our Travel Smart Picks

Gash Hao Mens Snow Ski Waterproof Softshell Snowboard Pants Outdoor Hiking Fleece Lined Zipper Bottom Leg

Warm, waterproof, windproof

The soft fleece lining is very warm. The surface coated fabric is suitable for windy and foggy weather. Stretch your knees on 4 sides and zip at the bottom of your pants to cover your ski boots.

Suitable for everyday wear and outdoor activities such as snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, travel, skating.

Wildhorn Dover Premium Mens Ski Jacket - Designed in USA - Insulated Waterproof & Windproof Snow Jacket

EXTREME WEATHER PROTECTION: 12k waterproof rating with Dupont DWR coating our 2-way stretch performance mechanical shell has fully taped critical seams for an extra layer of protection against slushy snow. Bluebird skies or white out ski days the Dover winter coat for men offers just the right amount of waterproofing no matter the weather.

UNOBSTRUCTED VISION: Wild winds are inevitable at the peak. Our Dover men's ski jacket offers a horizontal and vertical fully insulated 2-way adjustable hood to add an extra layer between you and Mother Nature. Oh, did we mention it’s helmet-compatible? The ergonomic design offers a full range of motion and vision in and out of bounds.

MUSAN Wool Ski Socks, Extra Warm Knee High Performance Snow Skiing/Snowboard Socks in Outdoor, Fit for Men and Women

No more cold feet. -MUSAN ski socks made of a thick 55% wool, 10% cotton, 14% acrylic, 15% polyester, 6% spandex. -For ultimate softness and extra warmth, with a gentle stretch fit welt for all-day comfort, fully cushioned fibers to give a super soft feeling,extra comfort and protection at all times.

-MUSAN uses elastic layers to stimulate blood flows improving oxygen perfusion in your muscles, reducing foot and leg swelling, lactic acid production and cramping.

PISIQI

Thermal Underwear Women Ultra-Soft Long Johns Set Base Layer Skiing Winter Warm Top & Bottom

MATERIAL: Thermal underwear set is made of ultra-soft polyester that feels cozily soft, is completely non-irritating, and keeps you comfortably warm to beat the chilly weather. BREATHABILITY: Breathable fabric is perfect to keep sweat away. At the same time, the lightweight thermal clothing maintains your body heat at a cool temperature by wicking moisture away from your skin. STRETCHABLE: Four-way stretch and gives you the needed warmth without thick or heavy layers. The suit can be repeatedly washed without shrinking. Machine wash. FEATURE: This women long underwear to keep you toasty without being too bulky. You can easily slip your daytime clothes or pajamas over the thermal base layer, . Tights or shirt can be used as base layer or worn alone. APPLICATION: Ladies extreme ultralight warmest top and tights Sets makes your favorite cold weather activities more pleasant. Whether you are hiking, biking, hunting, snowboard, ski and camping or other outdoor.

Contact Xpress Traveldesk to create a perfect holiday package.