Archives April 2024

There’s plenty to keep you busy in the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yet most visitors use the valley as a home base to explore the staggeringly wild and beautiful wider area, too.

Two of America’s most famous national parks are within 60 miles (97km) of Jackson Hole, and the history of the American West feels omnipresent in the region. These four day trips show you just how.

1. Follow the bison to Mormon Row and Lower Slide Lake

Travel time: 20 minutes by car (15 miles)

Follow the Gros Ventre River northeast from Jackson through the lush Antelope Flats to reach Lower Slide Lake in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. A short detour north takes you to Mormon Row, a historic site within the bounds of Grand Teton National Park that was once the settlement of Grovont. Today, all that remains are a handful of homesteads featuring picturesque barns whose rugged loneliness against the backdrop of the mountains makes them sought-after by photographers. A herd of more than 700 bison calls this valley home, so your chances of a good photograph of the beasts are high.

Another 30 minutes in the car takes you to Lower Slide Lake, where a boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and row boats. Stocked with trout for those eager to fish, the lake is stunning in the fall when the cottonwoods and aspens ring the shore with gold. A short interpretive trail explains local geology, in particular the massive landslide that formed the lake. Continue along and past the lake to find several pretty campgrounds and numerous trailheads providing access to the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest.

2. Get close to nature at its wildest at Yellowstone National Park

Travel time: 75 minutes by car to South Entrance (57 miles)

Rainbow-hued mineral springs, boiling mud pots, spouting geysers and spitting fumaroles: these geothermal mysteries lured 19th-century explorers to document a mysterious and dramatic landscape they described as a “hell.” These naturalists subsequently urged the government to preserve the area as Yellowstone National Park, establishing the national park system in the process.

Also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yellowstone preserves 10,000 hydrothermal features – more than half of all the geysers in the world. Among these is the world’s most famous: Old Faithful, which erupts every one to two hours and sends water as high as 180ft (55m) into the air. Underneath all of this, the geothermal forces that created Yellowstone continue to exert their power: scientists now believe Yellowstone sits atop one of the largest supervolcanoes in the world – and one that might be more active than previously thought.

While mud pots and geysers like Grand Prismatic Spring and Artist Paint Pots may provide you with your most spectacular photographs, there’s much more to the 2.2-million-acre park than these water features. See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its Upper and Lower Falls; marvel over the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs; and leave plenty of time to spot wolves in the meadows, admire moose in the forests and stop your car to yield to bison slowly crossing the road. 

3. Explore the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park

Travel time: 7 minutes by car (5 miles)

Almost contiguous with Yellowstone to the south, Grand Teton National Park is all about the Teton peaks and the best places to view and explore their jagged, snow-capped splendor. With most of the park’s must-see attractions strung along the north-south artery of Teton Park Rd (open May through October only), many visitors make the mistake of stopping at a few viewpoints, then checking the park off the list. While you’ll certainly want to pull over at Albright View, Glacier View, Snake River Overlook and Willow Flats Overlook – all of which provide a different silhouette of white-capped Teton spires against the sky – the park has much more to offer.

Take a pause to picnic at Colter Bay on Jackson Lake and watch the fly fishers throw in a line along Oxbow Bend, but save your longest stop for Jenny Lake, where a ferry waits to whisk you across the water for the one-mile trail to Hidden Lake and Inspiration Point. If you’ve got enough time, skip the ferry trip back and return via the trail around the lake. Detour very slightly to Moose Pond and you just might catch the marshy waterway’s namesake foraging along the shore or even watching over a baby among the reeds.

A hike to a pristine mountain lake is among Grand Teton’s National Park’s great pleasures. An easy one for all ages is the 1.8-mile round trip to String and Leigh Lakes, which are peacefully off the radar of most park visitors. You’ll see more crowds on the five-mile trek to Bradley and Taggart Lakes, both popular with photographers thanks to their mirror reflections of Grand and Middle Teton.

4. Visit the Wild West town of Cody

Travel time: 4 hours by car (177 miles)

Founded in 1896 by William F Cody – better known to millions of 19th-century Americans as “Buffalo Bill” of the popular traveling Wild West show – this eponymous town is essentially a Western film set come to life. Cody is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges – the Absarokas, the Bighorns and the Owl Creeks – and lies just 53 miles (85km) east of Yellowstone (practically next door in this part of the world). The town was developed to salute the lives of cowboys and mountain men; today, that Wild West fantasy feel still prevails.

Featuring five museums in one, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West introduces visitors to the life and times of the larger-than-life showman and offers an overview of life on the frontier. One of the most enlightening and enlivening museums within the complex is the Plains Indian Museum, which houses a nationally recognized collection of art and objects created by the Crow, Blackfeet, Cree and other peoples whose land this region belonged to prior to colonization. 

A livelier introduction to life on the frontier comes with a visit to Old Trail Town and the Museum of the Old West, a collection of 26 log buildings brought together from various settlements, including blacksmith and woodworking shops; the cabin hideouts used by Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and their outlaw Hole-in-the-Wall Gang; and a barn full of pioneer wagons.

Cody Calls itself the Rodeo Capital of the World, and the culture of bull riding and calf roping is still alive and kicking here. The Cody Nite Rodeo, celebrating more than 80 years of operation, runs every night from June 1 through Labor Day weekend. Sheridan Ave, Cody’s main street, continues the cowboy vibe with old-timey saloons and restaurants, along with shops selling handmade saddles, cowboy boots, and silver jewelry.

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe shimmers like a cobalt moon.

The gorgeous 190-square-mile lake, protected by peaks soaring up to 10,000 feet, is perhaps best on display when viewed from its southern shore, where tapestries of wildflowers fling across meadows, sandy beaches glimmer with gold, and mountains send their reflection tumbling into sapphire waters.

The lake’s color isn’t an accident. Lake Tahoe owes its beguiling blue hue to clean, fresh air and water – gifts not taken for granted. Sustainability and conservation initiatives like South Lake Tahoe’s 2020 Climate Action Plan and Visit Lake Tahoe’s ‘Rules to Lake By’ ensure the lake remains as clean, pure, and blue as ever, preserving Lake Tahoe’s magic for future generations.

Proof that these kinds of initiatives are working is already here. In 2023 a research team determined that Lake Tahoe was the clearest it has been in more than 40 years – that’s clear enough to peer up to 75 feet below the surface. And these efforts don’t just lock down the region; they also empower visitors to take part while participating in the activities that drew them to Lake Tahoe in the first place. Here’s how you can enjoy all the lake has to offer, while supporting the sustainability initiatives keeping it beautiful.

A kingdom of sustainable outdoor adventure

The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is more than a body of water – it’s a region of lakes, creeks, meadows, mountains, and forests. In other words, there’s a lot to explore. Meander through jaw-dropping scenescapes on Lake Tahoe trails; there’s something here for every ability. Paved, wheelchair-accessible trails include the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path which winds through the timber past historic buildings near the lakeshore, and the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, which offers access to El Dorado Beach. At Taylor Creek Visitor Center the Rainbow Trail, the Stream Profile Chamber, and the amphitheater are wheelchair-accessible, and the audio tours are available to assist visually impaired visitors.

If backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding are more your speed, head to the nearly 64,000 pristine acres in Desolation Wilderness. The ten-mile climb to Mount Tallac, the park’s highest point, rises 9,740 feet into the clouds to seize panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the world unspooling below. Stay on dedicated trails and pack out what you pack in. Bring plenty of water in a reusable water bottle to remain safely hydrated while ensuring this spellbinding natural playground remains as captivating and litter-free each time you return.

Although Lake Tahoe trails are seductive all year round, recreational activities are the most peaceful in spring, fall, and midweek when the lake receives fewer visitors. Late spring and fall also bring ideal conditions for mountain biking in Van Sickle Bi-State Park or the adrenaline-pounding drops and curves carved into the granite of the Flume Trail.

In winter, the snow provides a postcard-perfect contrast with the blue of the lake, when the trail system transforms into a playground for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe, Kirkwood, and other ski areas provide thousands of skiable acres saturated with views of the lake. Hansen’s Resort and Tubing Hill is a favorite for families who come to the lake for tubing and sledding.

It’s one thing to look out at Lake Tahoe’s legendary clarity while you’re standing on shore. It’s quite another to gaze into a watery universe as you glide across the lake in a SUP or kayak. Whether you pull into a quiet cove or paddle to Fannette Island in Emerald Bay, watersports are rewarding day and night. Clearly Tahoe plays host to guided tours and rentals, including nocturnal LED-lit experiences under the stars. If you brought your kayak, protect the ecosystem by checking the bottom for plants or invasive species that could harm the lake’s delicate balance.

Savor locally grown food

Days of outdoor recreation lead to healthy appetites. Fortunately, dining in Lake Tahoe is a tantalizing adventure of its own. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is brimming with restaurants that support local farmers and serve the freshest food while minimizing their environmental imprint.

Sprouts Natural Cafe focuses on healthy, organic ingredients. Smoothies, salads, burritos, and tall sandwiches piled with veggies or tuna are perfect grab-and-go lunches for a day of hiking or mountain biking. If you prefer to travel lighter, stop by when you get off the trail – it’s open until 8 pm.

Freshies Ohana Restaurant and Bar offers a wide choice, with gluten-free, vegan, and seafood options on the menu. Ahi poke, chilled gazpacho, and homemade soups make this eatery a local favorite. Ohana means family, and it’s a fitting way to describe the restaurant’s friendly, casual atmosphere.

Waterfront dining options include Riva Grill, where the food is as appealing as the views. The Lobster deviled eggs, zucchini sticks, and Miso Terriyaki Salmon Salad are excellent. Still, the restaurant is especially known for the Wet Woody, a colorful, boozy frozen drink practically made for days on the lake.

If a cold beer is calling after a day of skiing or kayaking, head to Cold Water Brewery and Grill. Order a flight to sample this craft brewery’s take on sours, IPAs, ales, and seltzers. They have a full cocktail menu, too. The beverages are best enjoyed with menu items like grilled steak, Miso ramen, and artichoke chips.

Green transportation options in Lake Tahoe

It’s easy to get around without a car in South Lake Tahoe. South Shore Bikes rents electric and person-powered bikes for exploring Lake Tahoe’s trails, bike paths, and sidewalks. Lime scooters are also available.

Lake Link Microtransit Shuttle offers personalized, on demand, point to point transit service. It’s like a free, community Uber or Lyft service. The service is available from 9am to 7pm during the week and extends to 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights during peak tourist season. ADA-accessible vans, and ski and bike racks make it easy to get around Lake Tahoe without a car 365 days a year. The service is easy to use – just download the free app so you can explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

From our partners: Head the official tourism website of Visit Lake Tahoe to start planning your trip today, and learn about sustainable places to stay.

Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answer a lot of travel questions, providing tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. We thought this question would be perfect for LP author Kerry Walker, who’s long been obsessed with cold, remote places, snow and the northern lights.

Question: We are planning a winter break to the Arctic, but are undecided whether to go for Finland, Norway or Sweden. Where would you recommend? Also, we know that there is no guarantee of seeing the northern lights. What else is there to do?

Kerry Walker: Observing the northern lights flash away in night skies is a moment you’ll treasure forever. But you can’t buy tickets, and the aurora borealis doesn’t perform at the click of a finger (or the click of a booking button). While the unpredictability of the lights is an intrinsic part of their beauty, it can be incredibly frustrating if you’ve pinned your hopes on seeing them and have invested time and money in journeying all the way to the Arctic, and they are a no-show. 

But before you brace yourself for disappointment, know that there are several ways you can increase the odds, and plenty of other things to do if the lights don’t materialize during your visit.

The long dark winter nights are the best times to see the northern lights 

The northern lights shine at polar latitudes from September to April – but your best chance is to visit during the dark days and long nights of the Polar Night (late November to mid-January), when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. Where you go matters: pick a base positioned right under the aurora oval, which forms a ring around the earth’s geomagnetic North Pole. The remoter and darker, the better. After that, it’s down to luck: how clear the skies are, and how strong solar activity is.

Narrow down your choices of places to go in the Arctic

The choice of where to go is boundless. Finland tends to be a bit more competitive price-wise (especially if you can land a deal outside of peak Santa season in December) and easier to access (with direct flights to Rovaniemi). Norway wins when it comes to big, in-your-face mountains, while Sweden charms with its remote, little-visited wilds.

Plan your Arctic experiences

It’s important that you don’t make seeing the northern lights the be-all and end-all of a trip to the Arctic. They are a bonus, not a given. Plan a trip that you would happily take regardless of whether or not the lights shine. Trust me – it’s magical up there either way. Envisage the Arctic, and you might picture a bleak white wilderness. But it’s actually insanely beautiful: the pastel light of would-be sunrises and sunsets; the pristine snow and ice formations; the frozen forests, fells and mountains.

And there are many ways to harness this beauty. Winter in the Arctic doesn’t mean hibernating and huddling under reindeer hides. It means bundling up in thermals, snowsuits and boots and diving into the snow – whether you go for Lapland in Finland, Arctic Sweden or Norway.

Even villages that are little more than specks on the map often have a blizzard of activities on offer, from snowmobiling and dogsledding to reindeer-driven sleigh rides, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing (downhill and cross-country), sea kayaking and ice floating (yep, it’s a thing). These activities aren’t just aimed at tourists; locals embrace them too.

Planning tip: The temptation is to do it all. But before you overcram your itinerary, keep in mind the harsh elements and extreme cold. Go for a less-is-more approach, with one big activity a day, and you’ll have time to appreciate the place, watch wildlife, and absorb the silence and majesty of the Arctic.

Traveling with a tour group can help manage the budget

If you don’t mind traveling in a small group, guided holidays abound and some can save you a fortune, especially if you’re planning lots of activities. Arctic-savvy companies include Intrepid, Exodus, Much Better Adventures and Responsible Travel, the Aurora Zone and Discover the World. The advantage of booking a package is that you know what you’re paying up front, as most cover flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities.

Going it alone gives greater flexibility

If you’re planning an individual trip, the Arctic is your oyster. You might not have considered Finnish Lapland for skiing, with fells topping out at a modest 1000m (3281ft) – but you really should. Crowds are few and properly cold polar winters deliver dreamy powder for cross-country, downhill and off-piste skiing in resorts like Levi and Ylläs. For more peace, stray further north to the likes of Saariselkä, the gateway to the Narnia-like wilds of Urho Kekkonen National Park, or Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park rubbing up against the Swedish border, for a gulp of the world’s cleanest air and every adventurous pursuit you can shake a snowball at.

The harder-to-reach Arctic is wild and wonderful

Swedish Lapland is less well known and a bit trickier to reach (a flight to Stockholm, then a connection to Kiruna). But my, is it lovely – particularly if you base yourself somewhere like Abisko, which borders a phenomenally wild national park and has carved out a reputation for some of the world’s best northern lights with its Aurora Sky Station. In Jukkasjärvi, the original Icehotel, carved afresh each year, is a destination in itself, and a wonderland of Arctic activities, from dogsledding to Sámi reindeer encounters, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, moose safaris and northern lights photography workshops.

Norway is just as bewitching, and throws whopping great mountains into the equation. The islands have the scenic edge – try Lofoten or Senja, or head to Rebbenesøya, just north of easily reached Tromsø, for Arctic camping and winter kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing at Elements Arctic Camp. Midway between Norway and the North Pole and home to more polar bears than people, Svalbard still feels the way it must have to those early intrepid explorers, especially when you head out into the snowy wilds on a multiday dogsledding or snowmobiling expedition.

There’s another way to increase your chances…

Are you determined to see the lights no matter what? Hop on a Hurtigruten Cruise. During the auroral season, the company offers a Northern Lights Promise on voyages of over 11 nights – which means that if the northern lights fail to appear, you get a free week-long northbound voyage or 6-day southbound trip to give it another shot.

Ski resorts are a lot like snowflakes – no two are the same. Skiers in Canada and the USA have seemingly endless choices for schussing, carving, gliding or French-frying down the slopes. And that’s just the skiing –there’s also the apres ski scene, the lodgings, the restaurants, the shopping and the overall vibe to consider. Choices, choices…

As you start making plans for winter, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the dizzying array of options out there. To help you decide where to spend your winter vacation, we’ve put together this guide to some of the best ski destinations in North America. Here’s where to go.

1. Schweitzer, Idaho, USA

Best for tree skiing and epic views

Idaho may be best known for its potatoes, but the Gem State also has great skiing, with more than a dozen uncrowded, laid-back resorts to choose from. One of our favorites is Schweitzer, a 2900-acre winter playground located in the Idaho Panhandle, roughly 60 miles south of the Canadian border.

Schweitzer is the largest ski area in all of Idaho. Its spaciousness, coupled with the fact that the closest major airport is just 90 minutes away in Spokane, Washington, means you never have to worry about waiting in a long lift line. The drive from Spokane is also easy and beautiful.

Schweitzer has more than 1200 trees dotting its slopes, so if you love carving in and out of snow-dusted forests, this is your place. Perhaps the best part? On a bluebird day, you’ll have a clear view of the sparkling waters of Lake Pend Oreille from the top. Framed by snow-dusted evergreens and rolling hills, the scene could have been plucked straight off a picture postcard. And, according to legend, the lake is home to the notorious “Pend Oreille Paddler,” similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness monster.

Planning tip: Book a room at Humbird, a new boutique hotel that opened in Schweitzer’s base area in 2022. All 31 of Humbird’s contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired rooms face southeast and they have massive picture windows, so you can continue admiring Lake Pend Oreille long after you’ve hung up your skis for the day. Staying at Humbird, you can easily head into Sandpoint, Idaho, for après-ski drinks or dinner, and you won’t have to worry about schlepping your gear back up the hill the next morning.

2. Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada

Best for northern lights and tasty Canadian treats

More people visit Banff in the summer, but powder-hounds choose winter for their trips to this Alberta mountain town. Aside from ice skating on Lake Louise and soaking in the geothermal waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs, you can also hop between three different ski areas located inside Banff National Park.

Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay each have their own vibe. If you have to pick just one, make it Banff Sunshine Village – this 3300-acre swath of ski country is perched atop the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies, on the border between Alberta and British Columbia. If you ride the Great Divide chairlift, you’ll be able to say you visited both provinces!

Because it has so little light pollution, Banff Sunshine Village is also an ideal place to stay up late and watch for the northern lights. The aurora borealis dances across the night sky here so frequently that the resort even has a dedicated “aurora cam” broadcasting the show. For the best chances of spotting the aurora, book a room at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the resort’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. 

Planning tip: If you get hungry on the slopes, glide down the Banff Avenue run until you spot the small, bright red BeaverTails shack. Here, you can treat yourself to a quintessentially Canadian pastry dusted with cinnamon and sugar (The Classic) or smothered in decadent toppings, like chocolate hazelnut spread or apple pie filling.

3. Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado, USA

Best for mellow skiing and top-notch culinary adventures

Beaver Creek Resort often gets overshadowed by its larger, more famous sister, Vail, but while both are fun, if you’re looking for a slightly more mellow vibe and you appreciate good food and drink, make Beaver Creek your home base. You can easily buzz between the two, and both are included on the Epic Pass.

After shredding Beaver Creek’s 2082 acres of snowy terrain by day, head down to the base area around 3pm, otherwise known as “Cookie Time.” Every afternoon, chefs come around holding platters of warm, ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies that are totally free. It’s the perfect pre-après-ski snack.

Afterward, ditch your ski boots but leave your coat on for dinner at Beano’s, a rustic, fine-dining cabin located right on Beaver Creek’s slopes. To get here, you’ll need to climb aboard a sleigh attached to a snowcat, but don’t worry about being too chilly – the ride is just 20 minutes long, and there are blankets in the sleigh. Plus, on clear nights, you’ll be too busy stargazing to notice the chill. On arrival at Beano’s, warm up by the massive stone fireplace, then tuck into decadent, seasonal dishes inspired by the surrounding peaks. 

Planning tip: If you’re skiing with little ones, be sure to drop by the Candy Cabin, which has bins, barrels and dispensers full of sweet treats. Visiting this magical, on-mountain spot will probably be the highlight of their entire week.

4. Snowbasin Resort, Utah, USA

Best for unleashing your inner Olympian and stargazing

Still buzzing from the Paris Olympics and thinking about the winter version in 2026? Get a taste of Olympic snow at Snowbasin Resort, located in Huntsville, Utah, roughly an hour north of Salt Lake City.

When Salt Lake hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, the men’s and women’s downhill, super-G and combined races were held at Snowbasin. So when you visit, you can ski the same slopes as Olympians did, even if you don’t go quite as fast! Salt Lake City has been selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, so Snowbasin will be back in the spotlight as an official Olympic skiing venue before too long.

When your legs need a break, relax in one of Snowbasin’s luxuriously over-the-top lodges, which feature tall ceilings, stone fireplaces, massive windows, chandeliers and rustic-chic decor. Check out the bathrooms – posh granite floors, Italian light fixtures, wood paneling, plush furniture and ultra-private stalls make these the poshest restrooms you’ll find in any ski area, anywhere. 

Planning tip: Snowbasin doesn’t have any on-mountain lodging, but the slopes are just a 10-minute drive from downtown Huntsville. Check into the Compass Rose Lodge, an intimate boutique hotel with its own observatory and powerful telescopes. As soon as you decide the dates of your trip, book a “star walk” tour at the hotel so you can admire galaxies, nebulae, constellations and planets before falling into bed. 

5. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, USA

Best for wildlife sightings 

If your Netflix history is nonstop wildlife documentaries, start planning a trip to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ASAP. Located in far western Wyoming, this 2500-acre ski area is known for its gnarly, ruggedly steep slopes and huge powder dumps. Its bright red aerial tram is also iconic, whisking skiers up 4139 vertical feet in less than 10 minutes.

But there’s so much more to do and see here besides skiing. Just outside of downtown Jackson, you’ll find the National Elk Refuge, a federal site that protects more than 24,000 acres of wildlife-filled wilderness. As the name suggests, elk are abundant on the refuge, and so are wolves, coyotes, bighorn sheep, ermine, trumpeter swans, birds of prey and waterfowl. During the winter, you can admire these animals from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh as it glides across the snow. 

For even more wildlife viewing opportunities, head to Grand Teton National Park, which is even more magical and serene in the winter. For a dash of arts and culture, check out the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, which has more than 5000 pieces of animal art in its collection.

Planning tip: If skiing is your top priority, book slope-side accommodations in Teton Village (we rate Hotel Terra and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa). If you plan on exploring beyond the slopes, check into a more centrally located hotel in downtown Jackson, like the Alpine House, Anvil Hotel or Cache House. For a splurge, treat yourself to a few nights at Amangani, an ultra-luxury property where you might rub elbows with a celebrity or two.

6. Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado, USA

Best for Wild West vibes and adrenaline-pumping events

The snow at Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado is so light, so fluffy, so perfect in fact that the ski area dubbed it “Champagne Powder” and got the name trademarked (no joke). White stuff aside, Steamboat Springs should also be high on your winter bucket list because of its something-for-everyone skiing and Wild West vibes.

The resort has more than 3741 acres of terrain that ranges from accessible and beginner-friendly slopes to hardcore, expert-only stuff. And if you really want to challenge yourself, Steamboat added 650 additional acres of advanced and expert slopes that were previously out of bounds in 2023.

Pack a cowboy hat and boots, if you’ve got them, because Steamboat is also brimming with Western charm. Watch professional rodeo cowboys zoom down the slopes during the annual Cowboy Downhill, then retreat to Vista Verde Guest Ranch for an authentic (and luxurious) dude ranch experience. If you need to freshen up your wardrobe while you’re here, head to FM Light & Sons, a historic, fifth-generation Western apparel shop that’s been open since 1905. 

Planning tip: Don’t miss the Steamboat Winter Carnival, which has been going strong since 1914. The schedule is jam-packed with fun activities, but one of the highlights is the skijoring race down Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat’s main downtown street. Watch skiers get pulled by horses at top speed while trying to navigate jumps, gates, turns, cones and other obstacles.

Honorable mentions

There’s plenty more snow in them thar hills. Here are more of our favorites.

• Mammoth Mountain: Lots of powder and towering lodgepole pines in California’s Eastern Sierra.

• Stowe Resort: A glitzy, New England ski area with tons of history.

• Aspen Snowmass: Four Colorado ski resorts that cater to a high-end clientele.

• Park City Mountain Resort: A humongous Utah ski area with more than 7300 acres of diverse terrain.

• Club Med Charlevoix: A rare all-inclusive ski resort in Québec, Canada, where you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs once you arrive.

• Palisades Tahoe: An iconic Lake Tahoe spot that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and recently changed its name from Squaw Valley.

• Whistler Blackcomb: A sprawling British Columbia resort with more than 8000 acres of snow.