Plan Your Next Winter Trip to One of the Best States for Skiing

Visit the Top Places to Ski in the U.S.

For many outdoor enthusiasts, the winter means one thing: time to hit the slopes! Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, you probably have a favorite mountain. But, if you’re looking to try a new destination, check out our list of the best states for skiing. While this topic is often hotly debated, everyone agrees that the country has tons of great places to experience world-class skiing. Each of our five favorite states for skiing offers unique experiences as the mountain terrain in every region varies.

Follow our guide to the best states for skiing, and you’ll undoubtedly experience a memorable winter adventure. If you’re looking for intriguing places to take a different nature-focused vacation,  check out these Select Registry outdoor adventures.

Vermont

For anyone looking to ski on the East Coast, Vermont is hands down one of the best states for skiing. With tons of mountains in the area, Vermont offers outstanding skiing for all. Some of the most popular places include Killington, Mad River Glen, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Sugarbush, among others. While visiting the state on a ski trip, you can stay in a quaint, countryside inn to get the full scope of Vermont living.

Where to Stay

West Hill House Bed & Breakfast: Though this charming bed and breakfast is a wonderful place to stay year round, it’s ideal for the winter months. Just two minutes away from Sugarbush Ski Resort, this 1850s home-turned-lodge is a great choice for a ski getaway.  Their amazing three-course breakfast will fuel you for your day on the slopes.

Deerhill Inn: Located on a hillside in the heart of the Green Mountains, Deerhill Inn looks out across the wooded Deerfield Valley.  Five minutes from the Inn is Mount Snow, a world-class winter sports resort offering downhill skiing and snowboarding, tubing and snowmobile adventures.  Nearby are sleigh rides, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and spectacular dog-sledding.

The Jackson House Inn: The Jackson House Inn provides luxurious lodgings just outside of the picturesque village of Woodstock, Vermont.  Filled with artwork from some of the most famous Vermont artisans, this beautiful property is nearly equidistant from both Killington and Okemo ski resorts.

Check out our other outstanding properties in Vermont!

New Hampshire

Home to the White Mountains, New Hampshire offers some of the most rugged, scenic skiing in the eastern US.  With 48 peaks over 4000 feet in elevation, you will find no shortage of challenging beautiful hills to ski. From Cannon Mountain, with an incredible 2,180-foot drop to Bretton Woods' awesome freestyle terrain parks, each ski resort in the Granite State has its own unique offerings. Other favorite ski spots include Loon Mountain, Attitash Mountain Resort, and Crotched Mountain.

Where to Stay

Adair Country Inn: Located just a short drive to Bretton Woods ski resort, this country estate offers cozy fireside relaxation with great views of the White Mountains.  In addition to skiing, you'll find sleigh rides, snowshoeing and dog sled adventure packages at Adair.

The Notchland Inn: Built in 1862, on a 100-acre estate within the White Mountain National Forest, this inn is a great choice for skiers.  Every room at the Notchland offers a wood burning fireplace and a getaway-from-it-all atmosphere just a quick 10-minute drive from Attitash Mountain.

Sugar Hill Inn: Surround yourself with amazing views, beautiful art, stylish rooms, and some of the best dining in the White Mountains. This adults-only inn is only a 10-minute drive from Cannon Mountain and offers great ski and stay packages.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a hot spot for some of the best skiing in the Northeast. Favorite ski destinations include Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Ski Butternut, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Ski Bradford and Bousquet Ski Area to name a few. While visiting the mountains, travelers can skip the resort and enjoy a luxurious, one-of-a-kind stay in a Select Registry property.

Where to Stay

Gateways Inn: Harley Procter, of Procter & Gamble, built the Gateways Inn, originally named Orleton, in 1912.  The inn's eleven luxurious guest rooms seamlessly join the charm of the past with the conveniences of modern amenities.  This Berkshires inn also offers an upscale on-site restaurant.

Select Registry has many members across the state. Check out our other charming Massachusetts properties.

New York

Having hosted two winter Olympic Games, New York's High Peaks region inarguably offers world-class skiing. Whiteface Mountain offers the highest lift-serviced vertical in the Northeast and is the most famous of the state's ski areas. Gore Mountain, Oak Mountain, and Titus are great for families and skiers of all levels.

Where to Stay

Saratoga Arms: Not far from the New York ski resorts, Saratoga Arms is also close to some of western Vermont's great skiing.  This recently restored 31-room boutique hotel is also close to spas, shopping and the famous Saratoga Race Track. A perfect inn for those who want to play the tourist when they aren't out on the slopes.

Colorado

With so many famous ski areas and resorts, Colorado always makes the top of the list for best states for skiing. From Aspen and Vail to Breckenridge and Telluride, the state is full of amazing ski resorts. The beautiful scenery and well-groomed trails of the Rocky Mountains will provide skiers of all skill sets with hours of fun. Offering easy, smooth runs and tree-dotted glades with rougher terrain, Colorado ski trails are undoubtedly among the nation’s best.

Where to Stay

Taharaa Mountain Lodge: A haven of natural beauty and tranquility, Taharaa Mountain Lodge puts guests close to world-class skiing at Breckenridge, near the charm of Estes Park, and within reach of a wealth of outdoor adventures including hiking and wildlife-viewing. This enchanting lodge offers a luxurious mountain retreat with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Each room is elegantly appointed, blending rustic charm with modern amenities to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere to return to after a day of exploration and hitting the ski resorts in Colorado.

Utah

Utah is known for its challenging mountain terrain and some of the best snow in the world, making it a hub for serious skiers. With 10 of the state's 15 ski resorts located within an hour of the airport, Utah's ski resorts are also some of the easiest to access. If you're looking for a skier-only resort, check out Deer Valley or Alta. Powder Mountain and Solitude Ski Resorts are the best bets for uncrowded slopes.  If terrain parks are your thing, check out Park City or Brighton.

Stay Select

Are you looking for more places to stay near alfresco attractions? Check out our catalog of Select Registry properties near or focused on outdoor adventures!