Winter sports enthusiasts have much to anticipate this season with exciting updates at top ski destinations across the United States. Ski experts share their picks for the latest must-visit slopes and amenities.
Utah’s Dramatic Transformation
Deer Valley Resort is undergoing its largest expansion, nearly doubling its skiable terrain to 4,300 acres. The upgrades include 80+ new runs, seven additional chairlifts, and a 10-passenger East Village Express Gondola linking Deer Valley East Village to Park Peak. Travel advisors praise the redevelopment as a “game changer,” eliminating the need to travel to neighboring resorts like Park City for varied terrain. Accommodation options include the ski-in/ski-out Montage and the new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. Nearby, Park City also debuts a 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola and luxury townhomes at Elevation in Canyons Village.
New Mexico’s Authentic Escape
Taos Ski Valley offers a refreshing alternative to glam-focused resorts, appealing to dedicated skiers with its exceptional powder and laid-back vibe. Recent investments exceeding $300 million include a new triple chairlift (replacing a 40-year-old fixture), upgraded kids’ facilities, and terrain park enhancements. Improved flight access via Contour Airlines and JSX routes makes visits easier. Guests can stay at the recently opened Hotel Willa—a redesigned 51-room property downtown. Early-season visitors (before December 17) or participants in women’s ski weeks can snag discounted $70 lift tickets.
Wyoming’s Luxe Upgrade
Jackson Hole celebrates its 60th anniversary with festivities on December 19, featuring $60 lift tickets and retro-themed events. The resort continues evolving with a sixth new lift in a decade—the faster Sublette Quad—cutting ride times by half. For high-end stays, the Hoback Club arrives as a $250 million ski-in/ski-out residence club boasting enormous rental homes. Industry insiders tout its exclusivity and prime location between the tram and gondola in Teton Village.
Northeastern Convenience
Several upgrades make skiing near NYC more appealing:
- New York’s Gore Mountain opens the North Creek Ski Bowl lodge and a speedier chairlift as part of a $40 million revitalization.
- Belleayre Mountain (Catskills) renovates two lodges and expands snowmaking capabilities.
- Vermont’s Saskadena Six now offers full mountain rentals (up to 150 people), including guided activities.
- At Stowe’s Topnotch resort, travelers can opt into weather insurance via Sensible Weather for reimbursement on poor ski days.
Additional Highlights
- Alaska: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge debuts a women’s heli-ski camp (February 28–March 7) and a sprawling wellness center.
- Tahoe: Mt. Rose adds snowmaking and a 20-lane tubing park, praised for its family-friendly, unpretentious vibe.
- Aspen: The newly opened White Elephant hotel brings coastal boutique charm, complemented by Petit Trois—celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre’s first outpost outside LA.