Slope season is here: Vacasa’s best places to ski this winter

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Slope season is here: Vacasa’s best places to ski this winter

As winter approaches, avid skiers and snow enthusiasts eagerly anticipate hitting the slopes in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. Whether you're a seasoned skier seeking challenging runs or a beginner looking for picturesque bunny hills, this winter promises an array of unforgettable skiing experiences.

Join us as we explore some of the top destinations for skiing this season, where snow-capped mountains and cozy chalets await your arrival.

For travelers looking to splurge...

whistler cascade lodge pool and hot tub at winter time

1. Whistler, British Columbia

Located on the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just two hours north of Vancouver, this legendary destination is an international mountain sports mecca and a luxe mountain town. Two side-by-side mountains, connected by the world-record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, offers full access to Whistler Blackcomb’s renowned alpine terrain. Not to mention, the town hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics—so visitors can shred the same runs as the pros.

Where to stay: Cascade Lodge

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luxury lodge in big sky with snow-covered mountains in the background

2. Big Sky, Montana

Situated in the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana, Big Sky is known for its top-notch skiing and downhill mountain bike trails. The Biggest Skiing in America® means one lift ticket gives visitors access to Big Sky’s 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and 4,350 feet of vertical spanning four mountains.

Where to stay: Mountain Top Luxury

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3. Park City, Utah

Park City Mountain stakes its claim as the largest U.S. ski resort, with more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. The destination has hosted many major ski and snowboard events, including the 2002 Winter Olympics. Travelers can take their pick between Park City Mountain or Deer Valley Resort, which caters to a luxe, skier-only crowd. That’s right—no snowboarders allowed.

Where to stay: Mountain Hillside Manor

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For a more budget-friendly ski getaway...

family of 6 rides the ski life in the breckenridge mountains

4. Breckenridge, Colorado

This small mountain town sits in the heart of the Rockies and currently boasts five peaks, 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, four terrain parks, and the tallest chairlift in North America. Recognized as one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, Breckenridge offers winters with great powder days, bluebird skies, and a quaint Main Street to cruise after a long day on the slopes—at a lower price point than its neighboring ski towns.

Where to stay: Main Street Station

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sugar mountain vacation home living area

5. Sugar Mountain, North Carolina

Sugar Mountain is a go-to spot for great skiing at a more affordable price, offering the most skiable terrain and the largest vertical drop (at an impressive 1,200 feet) in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Sugar Mountain Resort features 125 acres across 21 slopes, with eight lifts for rapid transport. Ski slopes typically open by Thanksgiving even if serious snowfall is delayed, thanks to an extensive snow-making system.

Where to stay: Slopesider 11

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6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Located in northwest Colorado, Steamboat Springs is home to 18 lifts and 169 trails across six mountain peaks. It’s home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort, featuring six peaks, including Mount Werner. The destination prides itself on being one of the more affordable yet premier destinations in the country and recently announced a $135 million plan to enhance the Steamboat experience on and around the mountains.

Where to stay: The Lodge at Steamboat

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And for those looking to shred in the upper right corner of the U.S., check out our ski-accessible vacation rentals from the Adirondack Mountains to the base of Killington, aka "the beast of the east.”