If you’re someone who looks forward to chilly weather and can’t wait to trade swimwear for winter gear, there’s much to anticipate this season with new ski events happening nationwide.
To highlight the best options, we’ve gathered insights from our team of travel experts who are passionate about skiing, curating a selective look at the latest news across the country. We also highlighted some top spots conveniently located near New York City.
Big news: Utah
Deer Valley is gearing up for a remarkable transformation. It’s hard to believe how much it has changed by the end of the season. The area’s skiable terrain is set to nearly double, adding over 80 new slopes, seven new chairlifts, and the first-ever 10-passenger East Village Express gondola that will connect the new Deer Valley East Village to Park Peak.
Right now, the total skiable area is an impressive 4,300 acres.
According to ski expert Josh Geller from Embark Beyond, this expansion was necessary and is a “game changer.” It means visitors can enjoy more runs without needing to go to Park City or Canyon. While new accommodations are being constructed, they might not be enough to keep the slopes bustling, he pointed out.
The Montage, with its bowling alley and ski access, remains a standout option. However, the new Grand Hyatt is also a solid choice for accommodations.
Kevin Jackson from EXP Journeys noted that the service here is family-friendly and the terrain is welcoming for beginners, which is a nice change from more demanding mountains.
If you’d rather skip the buzz around the new Deer Valley, Park City is still a great alternative. This season, they’re introducing a 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola to replace an older chairlift, enhancing capacity at Canyons Village. And then there’s Elevation at Canyons Village, oddly named, but a convenient five-bedroom townhome right at the base of the gondola, which you can book through the nearby Hyatt Centric Park City.
Candidate: New Mexico
If you’re seeking a break from the après-ski trend of many resorts, Taos might be just the place for you. Geller shared, “The powder is fantastic for serious skiers who aren’t worried about style.”
In recent years, over $300 million has been invested in improvements at the facility, which has undergone significant renovations. This season features a new fixed-grip triple chairlift replacing the older Lift 7, a Kids Store, and enhancements to the terrain park trails.
Another plus: Contour Airlines has added nonstop flights from Denver, adding capacity and frequency from several cities including Austin and Los Angeles, through semi-private JSX.
Consider staying at the newly opened Hotel Huila, a 51-room property that has transformed a 1960s adobe motor lodge in downtown El Pueblo. If you arrive before December 17 or plan to join one of the three Women’s Ski Weeks this season, you could snag a $70 lift ticket — a significant discount to mark the resort’s anniversary.
Luxury option: Wyoming
The founders of Jackson Hole, who saw the potential of the Tetons back in 1965, aimed to create a European-style ski hub in this isolated area. Their vision has borne fruit, as reflected by the ongoing activity and excitement there. On December 19, they’ll host a celebration featuring $60 lift tickets and a retro costume contest.
The excitement continues with the opening of the Hoback Club, a $250 million ski-in, ski-out residence club situated conveniently between the tram and gondola in Teton Village, which is set to draw a lot of attention.
Geller explains that while it offers a cowboy-chic vibe, it still attracts professional athletes. Interestingly, notable names, like Jimmy Chin, who directed the film “Free Solo,” call this place home. And with an airport right amid stunning nature, it’s easy to feel connected to the surroundings. The small airport also provides excellent access with over a dozen direct flights throughout the season.
Nearby: New England
If you prefer to stay closer to New York City, there are exciting skiing options within just a few hours’ drive.
In the Adirondacks, check out North Creek Ski Bowl, featuring a new year-round lodge on Gore Mountain. This comes as part of a $40 million revitalization project for Old Gore, which also includes a new high-speed chairlift for quicker slope access.
At Bellaire Mountain in the Catskills, Discovery and Overlook Lodges have been extensively renovated, with a whopping 20,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe installed.
Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid has also made strides with improvements, adding 15 high-efficiency snow guns and replacing outdated lifts with a modern fixed-grip double chairlift.
For a luxurious experience, consider Vermont’s Suscadena Six, a nearly century-old family-friendly ski area located near Woodstock. It now provides mountain rentals for groups of up to 150, including ski passes and guided skiing activities.
If weather is a concern, you might want to look into Top Notch in Stowe. They’ve recently partnered with Sensible Weather, a forecasting service that offers insurance against poor conditions. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you automatically receive a refund.
Other things you need to know
Until Eleven Experience launches its exclusive Winter Lake Lodge in Alaska next winter, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge will be the premier destination for winter fun in the state. This February, they’re hosting the first-ever women’s heli-skiing camp, open to all skill levels, led by local athletes. After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind in the new 2,400 square foot wellness center featuring a traditional Terusugi design.
Christian Chamblee from Gray & Company highlighted Tahoe’s Mount Rose as an “underrated gem.” He noted it has a big-mountain feel with quieter trails and family-friendly slopes. This winter, they’re introducing a new 20-lane tubing park and expanding snowmaking capacity. “It’s not fancy, just plain fun,” he remarked.
For those considering Aspen, the new White Elephant lodge offers 51 rooms and has transformed from the former Hotel Aspen. This Nantucket chain is famous for its stylish reimaginings. Pair your stay with a meal at Chef Lude Lefebvre’s new spot, Petit Trois, which has become a celebrity favorite, attracting regulars like Jimmy Kimmel and Justin Timberlake.
