As warm weather slips away from us, vacations no longer consist of heading to the water park. But that doesn't mean that the best trips won't come with Santa! There's nothing like sipping yummy hot chocolate in a swanky resort tucked in the mountains or grabbing some ski rentals to coast through the powdery, white trails around those same peaks. Depending on what you're looking for, the best winter resorts offer something specific for everyone you may be traveling with.
Whether it's with the whole family or a romantic getaway for two, it won't be hard to find an amazing place that fits what you're interested in getting into this winter. If you need a little help in finding the perfect resort, check out our list below!
The Best Winter Resorts in America
The Best Ski Resort
Sun Valley Resort was named North America's top ski resort for two-straight years by SKI Magazine's 2021-2022 Annual Ski Resort Awards and Reader's Poll. Located in Sun Valley, Idaho, the resort expands over 380 acres of expert terrain and boasts a new high-speed chairlift, high-class dining, and renowned lodging. The city is home to Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, and the resort village, where skiers of all levels have a plethora of slopes to choose from. There are also other activities to participate in including relaxing in the world-class spa, snowshoeing, ice skating, and dining at the resort's many distinct restaurants.
Best Winter Resort for Non-Skiers
Although Park City, Utah, is also a prime ski destination, there's so much more that its resident Montage Deer Valley Resort has to offer for those who aren't interested in that particular winter activity. Take a back seat and enjoy flying down the mountain on the Alpine Coaster, where the track loops and curves up to 30 miles per hour. Book a luxurious service at the largest spa in Utah, where the power of the mountains helps you reach new heights of relaxation and wellness. Stay in one of the resort's lavish suites and dine at one of the many fine restaurants the Montage Deer Valley has to offer. So if skiing is not what you're interested in, you can still count on this mountain resort to have plenty for you to enjoy.
Best Snowboarding Resort
We've talked a lot about skiing, but what about those who favor snowboarding more? If you're looking for those same slopes to shred, then head on over to Mammoth Mountain in California where the highest lift-served summit in the state sits at a whopping 11,053 feet. With 300 days of sunshine and at least 400 inches of snowfall every year, you can always count on snowboarding here even after winter months. This winter wonderland may be known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the U.S., but it also provides other outdoor adventure activities for everyone. There's high-speed tubing, snowmobiling, scenic cross-country skiing, snowcat tours, gondola rides, and more!
Best Winter Resort for the Whole Family
Looking to nail the best winter vacation for the whole family? Head to Vail, Colorado, and stay at the extravagant Arrabelle. As a member of the well-renowned RockResort family, this classy resort creates quite the cabin getaway with cozy blankets and fireplaces in each room, along with private balconies that present magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There's also plenty to do for every member of your family. If you and the kids aren't in the ski area, you can take them to a tree-lighting ceremony, an ice skating rink, the kid's snowmobile track, snow tubing lanes, and much more. If the kids have run off somewhere, enjoy a cocktail on the apres-ski deck while looking over Vail Square.
Best Winter Resort for a Romantic Getaway
If you're trying to plan a romantic winter getaway for you and your partner, then run towards the north to Jackson, Wyoming. At the base of the gorgeous Teton mountains, this town is perfect to visit during Christmas, and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has everything for you and your special other to enjoy. The resort lies near protected lands which include the National Elk Refuge, Bridger Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Ease into one of the resort spa's hot tubs or go on a fun sleigh ride across town for a winter vacation you and your loved one will never forget.
Best Winter Resort for Hot Springs
Looking for a sauna-like area to warm up in this cold weather? Check in to Dunton Hot Springs, a small and exclusive resort in Colorado that rests in the San Juan Mountains of the Rockies. This old mining town has been restored by turning its log cabins into fully furnished guest rooms with Wi-Fi for visitors. The place historically traces back to when the Ute Indians would roam the region that was once their summer hunting grounds and relax in the restoring waters that make up the hot springs. The quiet ghost town presents tranquility with the only sound coming from a nearby waterfall, and the entire town can actually be rented exclusively for corporate retreats, family reunions, and weddings.
The Best All-Inclusive Winter Resort
If you don't want to have to manage all the different expenses you might accrue at a resort from all the different activities, then check out this all-inclusive resort in New York. About a two-hour drive from New York City, the Mohonk Mountain House is a popular Victoria spar resort that holds an award-winning ice skating rink. Your stay includes three meals a day, unlimited activities, plentiful outdoor adventures, a rejuvenating spa, nightly entertainment, and kids' activities. The food has been sourced locally from the Hudson Valley's finest farms, and your activities can include sports, board games, hiking, swimming, kayaking, yoga, pilates, live music, performances, and much more.
Have you ever been to an amazing winter resort in the US? Share your experience with us on our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
