Whether you like to make the most of every minute you have on the slopes or you simply enjoy the finer things in life and the convenience of being a 30-second walk to the chair lift, a ski-in and ski-out resort may be worth the splurge for your next winter vacation.
“Ski-in ski-out resorts may be more expensive, but the premium cost is often justified by the benefits they offer, including the convenience, location and overall experience. You pay for the unique access to the slopes and the added amenities and services that come with these resorts,” Andrew Satkowiak, Executive Vice President at The Luxury Travel Agency, told the New York Post.
Let’s be real, no matter how much you like to ski or snowboard, no one enjoys the inconveniently long lines that come with spending time on the mountains. Renting gear, buying lift tickets and even the bumper-to-bumper traffic you’re almost always likely to endure in the parking lot. So it really comes down to how much you value your time!
When you stay at a ski-in and ski-out resort, you not only beat the crowds, but you’re almost guaranteed a stress-free experience with a complimentary ski concierge and the shortest commute to the mountain. Think complimentary boot warmers, a concierge that purchases your lift tickets for you, a ski valet (so you don’t need to carry your equipment!), a team that comes directly to your hotel room to properly fit your rental gear and more. Most resorts also offer on-site restaurants, bars, spas and other activities like snow tubing, horseback riding in the mountains, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more for the complete experience.
Plus, if you’re skiing with kids, the convenience of a ski-in and ski-out resort is pretty hard to beat. “If someone gets tired or cold, a family member can take them back to the hotel room, and the rest of the family can continue skiing,” said Steve Evans, travel advisor at Protravel International, part of Global Travel Collection.
These resorts are often located near a ski school, making it super easy to drop your little ones off for the day before heading out on the slopes. The extra assistance with your family’s gear is not a bad perk, too.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the top expert-backed ski-in and ski-out resorts on the West Coast of the US to book in 2024 and beyond for a high-altitude escape.
Located in the heart of Deer Valley village, the Auberge Goldener Hirsch Resort is a fantastic option for skiers (as no snowboarders are allowed on the mountain). This 66-room hotel offers a luxurious home base that features a rooftop heated pool and a connected infinity hot tub, two restaurants and more.
“Located mid-mountain and a few steps away from the Silver Lake lift, this stunning, newly renovated property offers all the family and ski amenities including lockers and ski concierge,” said Jolie Goldring luxury travel advisor and founder of Journeys by Jolie. “Guests are guaranteed immediate access to some of the best runs on the mountain. Deer Valley is notorious for its excellent grooming, ease and accessibility for beginner or intermediate skiers.”
“Also located on the prestigious well-manicured Deer Valley resort, this is one of my favorites because of its location at the bottom of the mountain, allowing for a short walk to ski school and access to the buzzing town of Park City in 15 minutes or less,” Goldring said of the 181-room St. Regis Deer Valley property.
Tucked within the picturesque Wasatch Mountains, this resort offers a private ski valet, an exclusive day spa, various on-site dining establishments and pet-friendly hotel rooms and suites with plush bedding, beautiful marble bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the ski slopes.
“The Four Seasons Jackson Hole is a top pick [in Wyoming], known for its luxury and direct access to the slopes. The resort offers stunning views of the Teton Mountains and a range of outdoor and après-ski activities,” said Satkowiak.
Guests have access to a full-service concierge, spa and several dining options on the property, including the Westbank Grill, which has panoramic views of Teton Village and Rendezvous Peak. The hotel boasts 156 generously sized rooms (including 18 suites) and easily captures the spirit of a mountain escape, with natural wood and stone finishes and chic but comfy furnishings.
Located in the heart of Aspen town and directly on the base of Aspen Mountain, you really do get the best of both worlds at The Little Nell, which was recommended by three experts we interviewed.
Enjoy stylish, contemporary rooms and suites (92 to be exact) that come with fireplaces, marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and balconies with city or mountain views. Select suites include jacuzzis or steam showers, and in-room snacks and soft drinks are complimentary.
“You can’t beat the luxurious, chic and cozy vibe of the Little Nell and its proximity to the Ajax Gondola is not to be beaten,” Goldring told The Post. “Their ski concierge opens directly to a path that brings you right to the gondola and the famous Ajax Tavern [bar and restaurant] is right there once you come back down [the mountain]. Perfect for one of the best après-ski scenes in the world and of course the luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife scene which surround the hotel.”
Luxury travel advisor Josefine Loewenberg, with Protravel International, part of Global Travel Collection is also a fan of The Little Nell. “[It’s] the perfect place to stay in Aspen right at the bottom of the ski slopes. A Relais and Chateaux [owned property], great dining and customer service. A home away from home!”
The Waldorf Astoria in Park City, Utah is another luxury property that is highly regarded by Goldring.
“[Just] steps to the Frostwood Gondola, the lift takes you to the base of the Canyons Village with access to over 300 trails. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle into town to access the fun dining, shops and nightlife of the legendary mining ski town of Park City,” she said.
Choose from 160 rooms, spacious suites or even bi-level residences. Rooms and suites offer stunning pool and mountain views, working gas fireplaces and more. You can also enjoy world-class restaurants, spa treatments and other fun winter activities at your fingertips.
“Located in the quaint village of Beaver Creek [and] complete with its own ice skating rink, a large full-service spa and plenty of family-friendly accommodations,” the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Vail Valley is one of Goldring’s favorite ski-in and ski-out properties in the US. “The location is super convenient as it is located next to ski school, offers a ski valet and is just steps from the gondolas that will bring you to all the mountain has to offer,” she added.
The property has 193 rooms (including 23 suites) and features an on-site ski rental, a mountainside restaurant, pet-friendly rooms and the option to participate in other fun winter activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing and of course, skiing.
Loewenberg, who has booked many stays at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe for her clients, can’t recommend this property enough, and as someone (yes me, the writer here!) who has stayed at this property myself, I can agree it’s definitely worth the hype.
The heated pool and hot tubs, convenient “backyard bar” and incredibly accommodating staff who warmed our ski boots every morning before we hit the slopes, were all highlights of my family trip to Lake Tahoe back in 2021.
The property offers 170 rooms with identical amenities including gas fireplaces, bathtubs and balconies. You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art spa and on-sight dining, or take the trip into the town of Truckee, just a short 20-minute drive.
Last but not least is the famous Montage Deer Valley resort, recommended by three travel experts.
“A playground for the rich and famous!” said Loewenberg.
“Montage Deer Valley is a luxury option, with highly groomed runs right on the property. They also have a ski concierge which can fit and size all of your ski equipment,” Evans told the New York Post.
An authentic yet elegant mountain getaway, Montage Deer Valley provides unrivaled ski-in and ski-out access to one of America’s premier ski resorts. Equipped with 220 rooms and suites, the property also has a variety of eateries on site, a luxurious spa, a large fitness center, 24-hour room service, an indoor and outdoor pool with incredible views and more.
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