USA Ski Guide

Skiing in the USA

Ski resorts can be found all over the US. There are the Eastern resorts of Vermont and New York State and the resorts in the North and West such as Vail and Aspen in Colorado and the Sierra-Nevada in California. Compared to the European ski resorts, the USA resorts are quieter, making them a great alternative if you want to get away from the busy resorts in Europe.

The ski resorts in the USA have impressive terrain and are surrounded by spectacular scenery. They also play a major part in the summer tourism as most of the resorts double up as good areas for hiking and other outdoor activities.

There are resorts in California, New Hampshire and Colorado where you can enjoy good skiing. The main resorts include Lake Tahoe in California, The White Mountains in New Hampshire, Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail and Winter Park in Colorado.

Lake Tahoe - California

Lake Tahoe in California is set high in the Sierra Nevada 320km east of San Francisco. Lake Tahoe’s surrounding scenery is stunning and the resort offers skiing to suit all ability levels and types of holidaymaker. There are seven resorts; Mount Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe. The Squaw Valley has long and gentle beginner slopes; the Heavenly resort is a particular favourite for intermediates and some good off-piste skiing and snowboarding can be found in Squaw Valley and Kirkwood.

The après ski scene is lively in South Lake Tahoe and is laid-back and low-key on the North side. Lake Tahoe is also a great family ski destination. The Heavenly resort has a range of nursery and green pistes and some good childcare facilities.

The ski season at Lake Tahoe runs from mid-November to mid-May and the nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is between 50 and 60 miles away.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

There are five ski resorts in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains; Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park. Vail and Aspen are the main resorts. Vail is considered the best for terrain and Aspen has the liveliest après ski scene and is popular amongst the rich and famous.

The nearest airports are Eagle (20km) and Denver (190km) airports.

Aspen

Aspen is one of the most famous ski resorts. It attracts many celebrities but you don’t need to be famous to enjoy the skiing here.

Vail

Vail has over 5,000 skiable acres and is the largest ski resort in the US. It reminds many of its visitors of a classic Swiss Alpine village.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is quite a small resort. It is popular not just for the range of skiing on offer but also because of its authentic old Western atmosphere.

Winter Park

Winter Park is an unpretentious laid-back resort. There are opportunities to go dog sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and to visit the hot springs to ease aching muscles.

Vermont - Killington

The Killington resort in Vermont is located in the centre of the Green Mountains. It is the biggest ski area in New England. There is plenty of terrain for everybody across its seven peaks and 200 trails. The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April.

The nearest airports are Boston (257km) and Montreal (319km).

New York State

There are three main ski resorts in the New York State; Whiteface/Lake Placid, Belleayre Mountain and Gore. Lake Placid has twice been the venue for the Olympic Winter Games.