November 7, 2024 – For many, there's nothing quite like a ski vacation. The thrill of cutting through fresh powder on a beautiful mountain morning is hard to beat. And if you're looking for the ultimate luxury ski experience, the United States has some of the best resorts in the world. From East to West, these resorts offer everything you could possibly want in a ski vacation, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to luxurious accommodations and five-star dining. Here are five of my top recommendations.

Amangani (Jackson, Wyoming)

Amangani (which means “peaceful home”) is Amanresorts' first North American resort. Nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, the resort overlooks meadows and grazing land. Across the valley is Teton Pass, which divides the Snake River Range from the snow-capped Tetons. The Teton Range, dominated by the 4,200m summit of Grand Teton, is the youngest of the Rocky Mountains. The snow-fed waters of the Snake River gather in the Yellowstone Plateau and wind south through Jackson Hole.

Introducing exceptional sophistication and luxury to the rugged environs of Jackson Hole, Amangani is a favorite of skiers and all lovers of the outdoors. Fitting seamlessly into its Wild West surroundings, the resort is a vision in sandstone columns and floor-to-ceiling windows, with views of the Teton Mountains. Comfort comes first, as you'll see in your opulent suite adorned with a king-size bed, window-side daybed, all manner of entertainment systems, and a spacious deck. Of course, this being Wyoming, you'll want to play a bit; spring and summer bring hiking and fly-fishing, while winter offers ample skiing opportunities.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak (Stowe, Vermont)

The Lodge at Spruce Peak is New England’s only luxury slopeside lodging destination, located in the heart of the Spruce Peak community. At the heart of the Green Mountains, guests have easy access to outdoor activities and adventures all year, from ice-skating and snowshoeing in the winter, to mountain biking and championship golf. The Lodge also offers farm-fresh dining, world-class events, and The Spa at Spruce Peak, part of the Green Spa Network. Most accommodations feature private balconies with stunning views, gas fireplaces and elevated in-room amenities. Suites and Penthouses also include in-room laundry and private kitchens.

Distant from the crowds, yet close to nature, Spruce Peak is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of preserved wilderness and countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From iconic day hikes and unique orienteering seminars, to mountain bike runs and river tubing trips, their adventure concierge, Spruce Peak Outfitters, partners with local experts to provide a safe and exciting adventure tailored to your skill level.

The St. Regis Deer Valley (Park City, Utah)

Luxury and adventure meet on the slopes of the majestic Wastach Mountains at The St. Regis Deer Valley. With the feel of an old-world resort and born of the Astor family’s traditions and hospitality, it combines understated elegance with mountain ambience. Surround yourself in absolute luxury with ski-in, ski-out access to Deer Valley’s impeccably groomed slopes, a private ski beach, split-level infinity swimming pool with adjacent hot tubs, a 14,000-square-foot spa, and family traditions and recreational activities at every turn. 

Enjoy elevated cuisine at newly-opened RIME Seafood & Steak, offering a fresh take on land and sea classics sourcing fresh, sustainably caught seafood and the best local meats prepared by world-class chefs. Guests are surrounded in plush, residential-style comfort with expansive mountain views from 168 luxurious guest rooms, including 64 spacious suites. As the only resort in North America with a funicular and offering true slopeside ski access, The St. Regis Deer Valley experience is incomparable.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (Truckee, California)

Experience The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, and discover the pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. From its crystal-clear lake to its legendary skiing, hiking, and golfing – this luxury hotel near Lake Tahoe provides endless possibilities for travelers of all ages and interests. Featuring the only luxury ski-in, ski-out access in Lake Tahoe with mountain concierge services, a stunning slopeside spa, exceptional dining, and impeccable service, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is the region's premier mountain retreat and lakefront hotel in California.

Winter enthusiasts will not only enjoy ski-in/ski-out access, but also snowshoeing and an ice-skating rink in the Village at Northstar, with après-ski cocktails and home-style dishes available at the Backyard Bar & BBQ.

Viceroy Snowmass (Snowmass Village, Colorado)

If you’ve felt the mountains calling you, this is your answer. Viceroy Snowmass is your luxurious connection to the rugged outdoors. A place where you can wake up in 400-thread-count sheets and then tear down a black diamond run. Or take a hydrotherapy shower and then jump in an ATV. Let the opportunity for adventure inspire you, from the pool deck to the spa to the restaurant scene to your guestroom where you can wake up and follow your whims.

With ski-in/ski-out convenience, Viceroy Snowmass is the centerpiece of Snowmass Base Village and just minutes from downtown Aspen. Relax in The Spa's waterfall-fed soaking pool before your holistic, Ute-influenced treatment. Dining choices include TORO for breakfast, lunch, après-ski, and dinner; Café V, serving specialty coffees, house-made pastries, and sandwiches; and Nest, with a new slope-side heated bar and two spa pools, serving lunch and après-ski; plus indoor dining.

I have many more recommendations where these came from, so if you need more advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you’d like to book any of these, I’ll make sure you have the perfect ski getaway.