8 Epic Ski Destinations in the US: Beginner and Adaptive Friendly!
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There aren’t a lot of things I like about winter. Truly, I hate the cold. But one bright light in an otherwise dark and dreary season is the aspect of winter sports. One of my closest friends is an AVID skier, and has gotten me into the world over the past few years. While I turned out to be more inclined to snowboarding, it is still a time I look forward to every year. Even to the point where I’m thinking about…TRAVELING for it?? Yeah. I’m that pumped. So if you’re like me and want to change your snowy scenery a bit, I’ve rounded up a few of the best ski destinations in the US for you!
I tried to keep this list on the more low-key and underrated side. I mean, off the top of our heads we can think of Aspen and Tahoe on our own, so I decided to include a few suggestions that you might not have considered. I mean, that’s half the fun of traveling, right?
I’ve also made note if the listed ski destinations in the US are beginner friendly and if they have adaptive ski options! For those who may not know, adaptive skiing uses special equipment adapted to accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities so they are also able experience the freedom of snow sports in the least restrictive manner possible.
It isn’t just limited to skiing either! There is also adaptive snowboarding, biking, and more! If you are traveling while deaf or traveling while blind, resorts can also offer guides with no extra charge so that you feel safe and accounted for on the slopes.
So without further ado – here are eight of the most epic ski destinations in the US! Let’s hit the snow.
Table of Contents
Big Sky, Montana
by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
Beginner Friendly
Adaptive Skiing Options
Big Sky, Montana is one of the best snowboarding and ski destinations in the US. Although best known for its steep shoots, Big Sky is a great ski resort for beginners as well. This family-friendly ski mountain boasts a variety of terrain for all levels. Located about an hour and a half from Bozeman, Montana, Big Sky is one of the largest and highest ski resorts in the United States.
With 300 named runs, 5,850 acres of skiable terrain and a whopping 4,350 vertical feet from the top of Lone Peak, there is enough variety for both advanced and beginner skiers to have a blast. One of the best things about Big Sky is that you rarely have long lift lines or huge crowds. With four connected mountains, 7 terrain parks, and 36 lifts it is easy to escape the crowds and find untouched powder or freshly groomed runs. Expert skiers will enjoy any of the runs of Lone Peak while beginners will have a great time playing off the Explorer lift.
While the base at Big Sky isn’t as developed as many of the other major mountain resorts in the United States, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you entertained after your day on the mountain.
Loon, New Hampshire
By Alex from Why Not Walk
Of the many places to ski in New Hampshire, Loon Mountain stands out for its excellent variety of trails that are perfectly groomed for maximizing downhill ski enjoyment. With 60 different trails that range from challenging double black diamonds to relaxing bunny hills, you will be sure to find your ideal run here at Loon.
The landing area of each gondola offers several options for routes so you can mix and match crisscrossing down the slopes to find the ideal run. Loon’s South Peak feels a bit like backcountry skiing and has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Loon will be sure to please veteran skiers and newcomers alike with its variety of trails catering to all levels. If you are looking for a spot on the East Coast for your winter retreat, Loon Mountain is definitely one of the best ski destinations in the US!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
by Christina from Travel 2 Next
Beginner Friendly
Adaptive Skiing Options
Any seasoned winter sports enthusiast will tell you that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a fantastic destination to choose for skiing and snowboarding. What makes Jackson Hole one of the best ski destinations in the US is it has scenery that will take your breath away.
The soaring mountains covered in snow are amazing to see, and fortunately, it’s not necessary to ski black diamond slopes to enjoy the mountain views. Around 50% of terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is suitable for intermediates and beginners, and accessing this terrain is easy. The ski and snowboarding schools have classes for all levels, and there are plenty of family-friendly options for the kids too. Skiing in Wyoming is an exceptional experience because there’s lots of snow, and Jackson Hole is famous for its “cowboy powder.”
The village has a relaxed mountain atmosphere, and if you’re traveling with family members who are not keen on skiing or snowboarding, there are lots of other activities to enjoy too. Things to do in Jackson Hole in winter include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, wilderness safaris, and sleigh rides through the national elk reserve. Ride the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for fabulous views and reach Rendezvous Peak (10,450 feet) in 12 minutes. The tram offers access to backcountry terrain easier and whizzes over Corbet’s Couloir, which is one of the most challenging ski runs at Jackson Hole.
Telluride, Colorado
By Daria from The Discovery Nut
Tucked away in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride is often called one of the best ski destinations in the US. But what exactly makes Telluride great? There are a couple of things: First, Telluride is pretty remote and since it takes time (and money) to get to, it’s been spared from mass tourism unlike some bigger skiing destinations along Colorado’s I-70 corridor such as Breckinridge, Vail, or Aspen.
Second, Telluride offers relatively uncrowded ski slopes that descend right into town after starting in Mountain Village! And third, this small town offers a unique combination of stunning scenery and fascinating history.
Downtown Telluride is lined with old, charming buildings from the era when it was just a small mining town, and that were built well before the town got its second life as one of North America’s premiere skiing destinations. Winter is a busy time in Telluride as visitors from all over the United States come here to enjoy the serene atmosphere of this scenic destination.
During this time, accommodations can cost up to a few hundred dollars a night in Telluride, it’s recommended to make your reservation ahead of time. However, you don’t have to break your bank to be able to afford a getaway in Telluride – check out the Victorian Inn near downtown that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the medieval times! Or, swing by on a Southwest Colorado roadtrip!
Crystal Mountain, Washington
By Seeking Our Someday
Beginner Friendly
Crystal Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in the US. Not only does Crystal have incredible technical terrain, it also has some of the best views of any ski resort in the United States. Crystal Mountain is located 2 hours and 45 minutes Southeast of Seattle at the base of Mt. Rainier. With a total of 2,600 acres and over 80 named runs, Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington State.
It’s absolutely incredible to ski under the towering, 14,411ft tall Mt. Rainier. Crystal’s Mt. Rainier Gondola connects the village to the tallest peak in the park which offers the best views and several of the longest intermediate and expert level runs in the resort. On powder days, Chair 6 gives access to huge open bowls including Campbell Basin A-Basin.
After a long day on the slopes, be sure to check out the Sun Deck for a beautiful outdoor patio with great food and drinks. Easily accessible for a day trip, or long weekend, Crystal Mountain is one of the best day trip destinations from Seattle.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
by Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Beginner Friendly
Wisconsin Dells is one of the smart city’s which is near to state capital Madison, making it one of the most easily accessible ski destinations in the US via car. The distance between the two cities is 60 miles and can be easily covered in 1 hour. If you are someone living in Madison’s neighborhood, you should check out skiing in Wisconsin Dells in the winter season. It is one of the most affordable places where you can ski without actually spending tons of money on your stay, gear, and equipment.
On the other hand, children below age 12 are allowed to ski for free. The whole area around the city of Wisconsin Dells is famous for its recreational sports purposes. It contains three water parks, from which two of them are outdoor waterparks, and the other one is America’s largest indoor water park. There are several resorts and hotels where you can stay, making it one of the best ski destinations in the US for any travel style – luxury to budget.
You can book your lodgings in Christmas Village and Devi’s head for the best experience from these three. Lastly, when you are in there, make sure you check out some of the city’s bars after the sun goes down.
Mt. Hood, Oregon
By Kay from The Awkward Traveller
Beginner Friendly
Adaptive Skiing Options
Mt. Hood is one of Oregon’s most iconic mountains, and one of the most accessible ski destinations in the US, especially the West Coast! About only an hour and a half for Portland and it’s international airport, Mt. Hood is fairly easy to get to – there’s even bus shuttles leaving multiple times a day from the Portland metro area. If you’re staying the weekend, the small town of Government Camp at the base of the mountain has a variety of cabins and villas perfect for a group getaway with friends or family. You can also stay on the mountain at the Timberline Lodge, the hotel from the movie “The Shining.”
Another perk to staying at Timberline Lodge, aside from easy access to the slopes, is all the additional activities you can do to really round out your stay. Timberline Lodge even offers tours that take you to the mountain summit on a snowmobile! Compared to other ski locations in Oregon, Mt. Hood has the most variety of lifts and slopes, especially for younger children and beginners.
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t really your thing, there are also snowshoe and sled rentals. Once you’re all done on the slopes, head to the base of the mountain for a warm and hearty meal. Some of the best restaurants are The Rendezvous Grill and Koya Kitchen, or if you’re more in the mood for drinks, cozy up at Skyway Bar & Grill. After all, can it really be one of the greatest ski destinations in the US if it doesn’t have good food to back it up?? That’s half the trip!
Mt. Hood can easily be a day trip, especially if you are roadtripping in Oregon, but there is plenty to do around town for a full weekend getaway.
Park City, Utah
By Cabin Critic
Beginner Friendly
Park City provides easy access to world-class skiing, located only 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City International airport. The Park City Ski Resort is the largest ski and snowboarding resort in the United States with 348 trails and 41 lifts giving any experience level plenty of options to ski. With that many options, it’s no wonder it is consistently ranked for one of the best ski destinations in the US. For beginners, the lifts at the Park City Mountain Village have access to several easier runs to help you learn and improve.
More difficult runs can be found throughout. When looking at accommodations there are plenty of great options available. For a mid-range budget, the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is located a short walk from the lifts, or for slightly more the recently renovated Grand Summit Hotel is an excellent option.
When you are not enjoying the slopes you can make your way to Main Street where there are unique shops and restaurants or visit the Utah Olympic Park and see the bobsled track from the 2002 Olympics and other items. It’s one of the few ski destinations in the US with connections to the Olympics!
Conclusion: Ski Destinations in the US
Well now, that was a darn good list if I do say so myself! Did your favorite ski destination in the US make the cut? If not, let me know your suggestions in the comments below – or even if you now want to visit any of these places! Since I am based in Portland, Oregon, my next slope adventure will probably be to Crystal Mountain up in Washington!
That said, I still am very much a beginner haha. Hopefully I will at least advance beyond the bunny hill this year hahah.
Y’all stay warm out there on the lifts and thank you so much for reading my list of the best (underrated) ski destinations in the US! Ciao ~
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Great list! I’d add Schweitzer near Sandpoint, Idaho. It’s great for beginners and has adaptive ski options, too!
Oo yes! I heard that was a good one as well! Thank you!
I am on the east coast and would love to learn skiing. I am familiar with a couple of ski resorts on east coast but Loon seems to be the perfect choice. Very informative post!
Yes! Tell me how you like it!
I am so excited for ski season! I live in Minnesota so I’ll have to check out the mountain you mentioned in Wisconsin.
YESSSS! I hope you have a great time! Stay warm out there!
I would love to ski in these amazing destinations. I haven’t skied many times, but it would definitely be so much fun.
Yeah! And it’s not too hard to social distance as well! Well…I guess everyone still uses the same ski lift…so actually idk what skiing will look like this season….