Want to plan a ski vacation this winter but don’t know where to go? Look no further than the ski-town obsessed staff here at Curbed Ski, where we live and breathe all things snow. After traveling extensively to ski towns big and small, we’ve carefully curated the definitive list of the top 10 ski towns you should visit this winter. All of the spots on this list have more than just amazing skiing. You can also expect awesome food, a laid-back vibe, and pedestrian-friendly downtowns. These are our favorite spots in ski country, right now.
- Park City, Utah: We debated putting Park City on this list at all, what with the ongoing legal battle between Park City Mountain Resort and Talisker Land Holdings. And while PCMR’s future is definitely still up in the air, we can’t deny that Park City is one of our most favorite ski towns. You have a walkable downtown, delicious whiskey, tons of dining options (just check out our list), and three world-class ski areas all within a few minutes drive. Get your shit together, PCMR, and you just might top this list next year.
- Stowe, Vermont: As the most picturesque ski town in the northeast, we love Stowe for its old world charm and modern-day amenities. There are also gorgeous ski lodges that will cater to your any need, just check out Top Notch Resort & Spa or Stowe Mountain Lodge.
- Taos, New Mexico: Although 18 miles from its namesake town, Taos Ski Valley makes this year’s list because of the brand new lift up Kachina Peak, set to debut this season. New owner and billionaire Louis Bacon is pumping loads of money into the ski area, starting with a new triple chair that will eliminate the grueling hike to the top of Kachina Peak. Plus, Taos Ski Valley can get pounded with storms when the rest of the west is dry.
- Bozeman/Big Sky, Montana: The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport just might be the easiest (and cutest!) mountain airport in the country, with fireplaces galore. But we also love Bozeman for its laid-back, walkable town, its breweries, and for a restaurant scene that’s on the up-and-up. You can’t beat the skiing at nearby Bridger Bowl, but its still worth the 50 minute trip to Big Sky Resort. Catch a powder day on the Lone Peak Tram and we guarantee you’ll never want to leave.
- Crested Butte, Colorado: Despite the fact that the town may soon betransformed into a Bud Light fantasy town, we just can’t get enough of this Colorado ski town. Crested Butte is a real town with everything you could ask for: kickass food (try Django’s, the Secret Stash, or Teocalli Tamale), awesome drinks (don’t miss Montanya Rum), and some of the best skiing around. It’s also one of the most reasonable ski towns you could stay in, with lodging costs less than many other resorts.
- Aspen, Colorado: No best-of list would be complete without Aspen, the crème de la crème of ski towns everywhere. Yes, it can be pricey, but it also has one of the best downtowns in the high country, with delicious eats (see our full list here) and lots of fun bars. Don’t miss après ski at Ajax Tavern, a hike up the notorious (and amazing!) Highlands Bowl, and family-friendly skiing just down the road at Snowmass. This year or next, Aspen just doesn’t get old.
- Sun Valley, Idaho: We have to be honest, Sun Valley was a revelation to us last winter. Even with a below-average snow pack, we caught a great powder day on Bald Mountain and couldn’t get over how much fun the mountain is to ski or snowboard. In town, Ketchum charms with a thriving local art scene, loads of activities and some of the best ski town food we’ve tried. Don’t miss Rickshaw, an insider hot-spot serving top-notch Asian street food. The well-appointed Knob Hill Inn is your best bet for lodging.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming: In the summer, hoards of people visit Jackson on their way to the nearby National Parks. But come winter, if you’re in Jackson Hole you are probably there to ski. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has some of the best vertical in North America; you can expect long, sustained, steep runs that will have you grinning ear to ear. If you’re looking for ski-in/ski-out lodging, you can’t do better than the Four Seasons located just steps from the Bridger Gondola. In town, don’t forget to make a few black runs at Snow King Mountain before grabbing a beers at Snake River Brewing. This past winter Jackson Hole got hammered with snow, so here’s hoping you can score some epic powder days this year too.
- Whistler, British Columbia: Anyone who has had a good day skiing Whistler Blackcomb knows that it doesn’t get much better than this. You can ski for miles down sustained vertical and some of the longest runs on the planet. Sure, this past season was a bit rough in terms of snow, but when Whistler has snow you won’t want to be anywhere else. After skiing, head to Araxi Restaurant + Bar or try your hand at champagne sabering at the Bearfoot Bistro. We love the Four Seasons or the Fairmont Chateau for luxurious lodging not far from the slopes.
- Telluride, Colorado: How do we pick our favorite ski town? First, we look for a place where we can park the car and never look back. Second, there needs to be a legit town with locals, restaurants, and jaw-dropping scenery doesn’t hurt. And of course there’s the skiing. Telluride fulfills all these requirements and more. It takes a bit longer to get to this spot in the San Juan Mountains, but once you’re there you’ll be hooked. Telluride’s free gondolas allow visitors to easily navigate between town and mountain, the skiing is great for families and for adrenaline-addicted powder junkies, and did we mention it’s beautiful? Check out the Inn at Lost Creek, the Lumiere, or the New Sheridan Hotel for lodging, and don’t miss drinks at There or a dinner at Siam, easily one of the best restaurants in town.