Our favorite US ski towns to check out this winter

With so many great ski towns sprinkled around the U.S., it can sometimes be a challenge to settle on where you want to zoom down black-diamond slopes or conquer the bunny hill for the first time. Here, we’re highlighting some of the most charming, serene, and welcoming U.S. ski towns so you can plan your best winter vacation ever.

Vail is one of North America’s most popular ski resorts for good reason. The picturesque village features alpine architecture that makes you feel like you’ve landed in the Swiss Alps, there’s ski runs a plenty at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, and there are countless spots for boutique shopping and world-class dining. Don’t skip town without a relaxing massage at one of Vail’s many spas like The RockResorts Spa at The Lodge at Vail or Aria Spa & Club. Recently opened, The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail, is a stellar spot to rest your weary legs.

Park City boasts one of the biggest ski resorts in the U.S., and skiers and snowboarders have the opportunity to try long, smooth runs over 7,300 acres. Beyond winter sports, the city itself has a lot to offer. Founded in 1869, the town of Park City has a quaint Main Street that’s packed with shops and restaurants. And with 17 snow-capped mountain peaks, the scenery here is truly incredible. The chic yet unstuffy Washington School House Hotel is exactly the place to post up and take a dip in the hot tub after your adventures on the mountains.

The Grand Tetons of Wyoming offer the perfect conditions and backdrop for skiing, and the town of Jackson isn’t to be missed. This Old West village packs in a lot of fun, with opportunities to view wildlife as you explore the downtown areas. After you’ve conquered the numerous beginner and immediate ski slopes in Jackson Hole valley, you can relax and be entertained at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. Book your stay at the Travelers' Choice Award–winning Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole, which has one of the largest collections of photos from celebrated wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen, and is just minutes away from downtown.

Situated on Mount Mansfield—the highest peak in New England—Stowe is a true gem among U.S. ski towns. Not only does Stowe make it easy for Easterners to access powdery ski slopes, but it’s also home to The Village at Spruce Peak, which offers farm-fresh dining, excellent entertainment, lush spas, and lots of shopping. For superb accommodations, make a reservation at budget-friendly Trapp Family Lodge or for something a bit more upscale, try Topnotch Resort—both are Travelers' Choice Award winners.

California may be best known for its sprawling beaches and non-stop sun, but it’s also home to the fantastic ski resort town of Big Bear. Just a couple short hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is nestled in the Sierra Nevadas and is a go-to for skiers and snowboarders along the West Coast. Big Bear Village is family-friendly, but there’s a happening bar and nightlife scene for adults-only fun, too. For handsome guest rooms or private cabins with Western-inspired decor, stay at Big Bear Frontier.

Sun Valley is the perfect ski town to visit if you want to enjoy great skiing, unmatched scenery, and fun things to do without things being too congested. This mid-size resort community has tons of fabulous restaurants, relaxing spas, golf, shopping, and more. Hotel Ketchum in neighboring Ketchum, is the place to be, which Tripadvisor travelers call a “sweet basecamp.”

Tucked in the heart of the Rockies, Steamboat Springs attracts skiers and snowboarders all winter long. Once you’re done skiing for the day, you can immerse yourself in the town’s legendary hot springs for the ultimate in relaxation. As for where to stay? These are the best ski-in/ski-out hotels and condos to catch some shuteye between powder sessions.