Thanks to one of the snowiest years in history in the West, there’s extra time for die-hard skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes with soft snow into spring and even early summer. Here’s where to ride, ski, stay, and aprés now.
Palisades Tahoe, California
Originally opened in 1949 as Squaw Valley, Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort (the name changed in 2021), was host to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Now connected by two mountains (Palisades Tahoe has 117 runs, and Alpine has more than 100 trails), the resort boasts 29 lifts and 3,600 skiable acres. At Everline Resort & Spa, pick up boots, helmets, skis, and boards at the shop and take the chairlift from the hotel directly to the mountain. (Beginners can access beginner trails via a complimentary shuttle to the Village.) For cross-country skiing, explore more than six miles of nordic trails right outside the property.
Where to Aprés: Poised at 8,200 feet at the mountain’s High Camp, try the Local’s Lemonade made with vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, and soda water at The Terrace Restaurant & Bar, or warm up with a “peanut butter and hot coco” at Rocker with peanut butter syrup and hot cocoa drizzled with whipped cream and Reese’s peanut butter pieces.
Bear Mountain Ski Resort, California
This 53-year-old resort, formerly known as Goldmine Mountain, is the go-to destination for Southern Californians for its massive snowmaking capabilities and warm weather. Check-in to the new 48-room Marina Riviera, first opened in 1968 as a Viking-inspired lodge, and located just a 5-minute ride to the village. Later this year, the property will debut a bar and restaurant, a sauna, and a swimming pool and private beach.
Where to Aprés: At Laybacks Bar, take in views of the Half Pipes by an outdoor heater on the recently expanded 26,000-square-foot sun deck outside the Main Lodge.
Telluride, Colorado
With 149 trails and more than 2,000 skiable acres, Telluride Ski Resort features 19 total lifts, two on-site restaurants above 11,000 feet, a nordic and snowshoeing center, and Palmyra Peak soaring 13,150 feet high. For direct access to the mountain, stay at The Madeline Hotel & Residences, a 110-room property situated in Telluride’s Mountain Village. At the spa, book the Spirit of the Mountains treatment, a 90-minute massage with a warm herbal poultice comprised of lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet basil to help alleviate inflammation.
Where to Aprés: Head to the top of the gondola at 10,551 feet to Allred’s for a Paper Plane comprised of Buffalo trace, amaro nonino, aperol, and carpano antica, or snag a seat on the outdoor patio and order the Bear Trap Bloody Mary with housemade bloody mix, bacon, shrimp, dill pickle, celery, olives, and pepperoncini at Tomboy Tavern.
Park City, Utah
Home to the largest ski resort in the country, Park City Mountain is situated a mere 35 miles from airport and boasts 7,300 skiable acres and more than 300 lifts. With more than 600 inches of snow (the longest season in three decades), the mountain is now open until April 23rd. At Montage Deer Valley, situated mountainside at Deer Valley Resort less than five minutes from the city’s beloved thoroughfare, Main Street, choose from five dining options or recharge at the 35,000-square-foot Alpine-inspired spa.
Where to Aprés: After a long day on the slopes, ski or snowboard directly to the saloon at High West Distillery. Sample whiskey made at the on-site distillery, or try a housemade cocktail such as The Cozy with Double Rye, apple brandy, cinnamon, Oloroso, and heavy cream. Palisades Granite in Tahoe. Photo by Jeff Engerbretson.
