Let’s Talk Skiing
It’s time to book your holiday vacation and first up is the always classic mountain holiday. This is a great option this year as not only can you drive if you prefer but you are also spending a lot of your time in the outdoors. Skiing is inherently a social distanced sport. Strapped to your feet are sticks keeping people more than 6 feet away from you, you’re most likely already covered up in a gator to keep your mouth and nose warm & you’re wearing gloves to cover those hands. Feeling more comfortable yet? Not to mention, you’re outdoors with wind blowing (hopefully not too hard). The mountains are already testing out new procedures which include only riding the chairlift with your own party, sanitizing equipment, as well as limiting capacity on the mountain. Lastly a doctor was quoted saying you’re more likely to end up in the hospital from crashing into another person or a tree on the mountain than from contracting COVID-19 on your ski vacation. How uplifting is that! So without further ado, here are my top choices of ski resorts in the US:
Vail & Beaver Creek
Everyone knows Vail as it’s the quintessential winter wonderland. Vail has something for everyone with a good mix of green, blue & black runs. The quaint village makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to Europe. If you choose to stay in town, you won’t need your car for your entire stay as the whole village is walkable with amazing restaurants to boot.
Check out my Vail hotel picks!
Park City & Deer Valley
Spanning 7,300 acres, Park City Mountain is the largest single ski resort in the US. Another benefit? It’s only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City airport or a 9 hour drive from Southern California. This is where you’ll find me this winter… join me? Perhaps a Park City based, socially distant MLT holiday party in our future? By the way, if you hate snowboards (sorry to my bro-in-law) Deer Valley is your spot. Deer Valley already limits the number of lift tickets each day so expect to have plenty of space to yourself this winter.
Check out my Park City hotel picks!
Telluride
This is one of the best mountains if you’d consider yourself a beginner or intermediate skier with 60% of the runs being greens & blues. There is also an incredibly charming and historic downtown that has plenty of après-ski options & restaurants.
Check out my Telluride hotel picks!
Aspen/Snowmass
“Some place warm, a place where the beer flows like wine, where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little place called Aspen.” This is probably the most “glam” option of the bunch with top notch après-ski which starts as an innocent stop for hot chocolate and ends with you stumbling back to your hotel after a mountainside party to rival Vegas. You also get access to 4 mountains- Buttermilk for beginners, Snowmass for beginners and intermediate as well as some great snowboards parks & half pipes, proceed with caution to Aspen Mountain and Highlands as these are for the experienced.
Check out my Aspen & Snowmass hotel picks!
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is chock-full of expert terrain with moguls, chutes and steep runs but don’t be intimidated, they have worked hard to make their mountain friendly for all levels. It is also well-know for it’s ultra adorable town with a vibrant food & shopping scene.
Check out my Jackson Hole hotel picks!
Tahoe
If you’re looking for nightlife look no further as Tahoe is well known for its casinos, dive bars and nightclubs. On mountain the resort hosts a weekend dance party with a DJ on a snowcat.
Check out my Tahoe hotel picks!
Wild Card: Crested Butte
Located not far from Apsen but a world of difference in personality, Crested Butte is a small Victorian town and mountain where the buildings look like you’re on an old movie set. It’s also known as the last real ski town with a lack of crowds. I have the ultimate experience here for you: A beautiful chalet with 6 rooms that can be booked by room or a buyout with a private & custom snowcat waiting for you each morning to whisk you to 1,000+ acres of exclusive ski terrain. Two private on mountain cabins outfitted with fireplaces, dining and comfy seating to allow you to recharge before heading back on the mountain.