Americans are gearing up for snow season in a big way. Searches for “ski vacations” are up more than 200% this month, signaling that travelers are officially ready to swap beaches for black diamonds. But where exactly should you plan your next winter adventure?
According to new research from Wander, a luxury vacation home rental service, the title of best state for a ski vacation goes to none other than Colorado. The Centennial State has long been the crown jewel of American skiing, boasting 41 ski resorts, 17 Dark Sky Places, and nearly 500 snowshoeing trails. It’s also home to over a third of the country’s top-rated ski resorts.
Coming in second is California, where skiers can hit the slopes in the morning and sip Cabernet in Napa by afternoon. While the Golden State averages just 3.8 inches of natural snowfall, its top-tier snowmaking technology ensures ideal conditions from Mammoth Mountain to Lake Tahoe. Add in luxury retreats from Big Sur to Palm Springs, and you’ve got a winter playground that offers both adventure and indulgence.
Utah rounds out the top three, where resorts like Deer Valley and Park City are redefining exclusivity by limiting ticket sales and focusing on quality over quantity. The state also leads the nation with 29 certified Dark Sky Places, making it the perfect place for stargazers after the lifts close.
Other findings? New York has the most ski resorts in the U.S. (50!) and over 1,300 snowshoeing trails, while Colorado still dominates cross-country skiing.
The top 10 states for a ski vacation
- Colorado
- California
- Utah
- Vermont
- Maine
- Michigan
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- New York
- Montana
