The Rocky Mountains stretch from Canada, all the way down to New Mexico, creating a vast range of mountain ranges and therefore ski resorts across Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. These ski resorts will not disappoint offering big mountains, large areas of varied terrain, and dry snow conditions. For international skiers and snowboarders looking for a well-rounded snow experience, this area is a ski dream.


The Sierra Nevada range crossing California and Nevada houses peaks soaring high from the desert and sea level cities below. The Sierras are home to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America with a depth of over 500m, this spectacular freshwater lake provides an incredible view from the slopes of the surrounding resorts.


While 37 of the 50 States have ski resorts, it is the Midwest, Pacific Northwest and California that delivers the goods for international visitors. The resorts on the East Coast resorts are mostly enjoyed by locals on day trips or small vacations, whereas the resorts of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, California & Nevada boast the highest altitude, and snowfall conditions worth travelling the world for. Most of all, these destinations offer a commercially developed resort base, with on snow accommodation, lift ticket and ski school services, retail and dining, all of which is essential to us long haul travellers from the Southern Hemisphere. California is the most accessible state from Australia with direct flights into LA and San Fran which make ski resorts like Mammoth, Heavenly and Squaw Valley easiest to get too. found buried under meters of snow.


Colorado offers a wide variety of ski resorts, all with their own individual charm and character. Ski resorts closest to Denver such as Winter Park and Breckenridge will see the highest number of day trip visitors and can therefore be busy over the weekends all winter long. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, get as far from Denver as you can, like Telluride or Crested Butte. No matter where you choose, each Colorado’s ski resorts high altitude results in dry snow, steep terrain and big mountain riding. Perhaps the most internationally recognised resort town in Colorado would be Aspen, this vibrant town is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to ski Aspen Mountain also known as Ajax, Snowmass, Buttermilk or Aspen Highlands. Aspen is known internationally for its amazing food, shopping, celebrity spotting and pumping après scene.

Utah’s famous Greatest Snow on Earth delivers light dry powder snow to the peaks and canyons of this vast and varied terrain. The typical red soil and rock of Utah often peek through the snow-covered peaks. Salt Lake City Airport makes accessing the ski resorts convenient and easy – only taking an hour or two to get to most of the resorts in Utah. Utah is home to the last few resorts in the US that do not allow snowboarding such as Deer Valley and Alta – so make sure you let us know if you’re a skier or snowboarder before you book! Some of Utah’s other popular ski resorts include, Park City, Snowbird, Solitude& Brighton.


Head north to Wyoming and experience expert terrain at Jackson Hole. Famous for its steep shuts, fluffy powder and expert runs like infamous Corbet’s Couloir, Jackson Hole is not for the faint hearted!


 

‘Merica is known for doing everything bigger and better, it would be impossible to list everything to do, so we have curated a list by for two of the most popular states for Aussie skiers and snowboards, Colorado and Utah.


Top 10 things to do in Colorado in Winter:

1. Take a horse and sleigh ride at Steamboat
2. Ice Skate at Beaver Creek
3. Visit one of Colorado’s 30 natural hot springs
4. Pop bottles during après at Cloud Nine, Aspen Highlands
5. Snowshoe for Free at Copper Mountain
6. Go dog sledding at Winter Park
7. Visit the ice castles near Keystone
8. Try Bison, one of Colorado’s famous food options
9. Take a ghost tour in Aspen
10. Snowmobile at Beaver Creek

 

There are numerous small airports within Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, California & Nevada which are close to each of the respective ski resorts, minimising transfer times, and maximising your time on the slopes. Ask our ski specialists which airport will be best for your preferred ski holiday.


 

Snowfall usually starts around late November, with most resorts opening sometime throughout December. By late December, villages and accommodations will be in peak Christmas decoration mode and operating at full capacity, in their own winter wonderland. Cold weather, high altitude and good snowfall will keep resorts operating until March or early April. Specific events and peak period vary per ski resort, however generally the cheapest time to ski in is pre-Christmas and March to April and the busiest time to ski is around Christmas & the New Year.


 

The ski season in America runs from Late November until Early March across most ski resorts, while winter is from December to March.


Average Snowfall:
Each resort varies based on altitude, weather, location and which way the mountain is facing, but most resorts in America get at least 6 metres per year. While Utah Resorts like Alta & Brighton average 13 metres every year.

Average Temperature:
The temperature does vary per ski resort; average temperatures range from 0°C to -15°C depending on your location and altitude. The key to packing for a US ski holiday is layers, make sure to have lots of options to add or take off depending on the day!