15 Great Snowy Getaways

Find snow, solitude, and shopping on a fun winter getaway.


Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming


Winter wildlife safari
In winter, there's nothing like hitting the slopes in Jackson, Wyoming. However, there's more to this snowy valley than skiing. Mingle with the thousands of elk on the nearby National Elk Refuge by two-horse open sleigh. Then head back into town and discover its Western ranching roots.
One perfect day in Jackson Hole


Mammoth, CA
Mammoth, CA


Low-key ski scene in Mammoth, CA
New flights to an Eastern Sierra mountain will revolutionize your ski weekend. No chains required.

The mountain is king at Mammoth, and pulling into Mammoth Lakes, 8 miles from the airport, is the proof. Since there's no central downtown, it's easy to have an "are we there yet?" feeling, but gems can be found if you look around. Download a map at visitmammoth.com.


Hood River, OR
Hood River, OR


Ski on the cheap in Hood River

Just an hour from Portland, Hood River offers a buzzing restaurant scene and proximity to Mt. Hood, all at an affordable price.
More on Hood River


Durango, CO
Durango, CO


Soak up the sun in Durango, CO
Find great weather and loads of snowy activities in this outdoors-loving town near the San Juan Mountains.


Bear Valley, CA
Bear Valley, CA


Skiing in Bear Valley

California's Bear Valley is not the biggest ski resort and certainly not the flashiest, but with 1,280 acres of downhill skiing, there's room to roam. And the runs have unbroken views across a beautiful mountainscape.


Royal Gorge, CA
Royal Gorge, CA


World-class nordic in Royal Gorge, CA

Veer away from Tahoe traffic and head towards neighboring Royal Gorge, where you'll find North America's largest cross-country ski spot and an inexpensive vacation destination, to boot.


Park City, UT
Park City, UT


Relive the Olympics in Park City, Utah

Can't make it to Sochi? Have your own Olympic moment in Utah's posh mountain town, host of the 2002 Winter Games.
More on winter in Park City


Big Sky, MT
Big Sky, MT


Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky may not share the glamour of big resort towns in Colorado and Utah, but what it lacks in glitz it more than makes up for in rustic, western charm.


Alta, UT
Alta, UT


Ski waist-deep powder in Alta, Utah

No glitz, no glam. Just five cozy lodges, heart-pumping hikes, and hands down, the best (and most) snow in the West.


Interior B.C.
Interior B.C.


Schuss in peace in B.C.'s rugged interior

If you want to avoid the crowds in Whistler this season--but still want a British Columbia ski experience--try these smaller, but often equally snowy, resorts.


Hailey, ID
Hailey, ID


Go nordic in Hailey, Idaho

Trade in ritzy Sun Valley for its budget-friendly neighbor to the south, which takes the bronze in number of kilometers of cross-country skiing in the States.



Bend, OR
Bend, OR


Ski, snowshoe, and soak in Bend, Oregon

Mountains. Sun. Small-town fun. Outdoorsy types can't get enough of this central Oregon town, where you can run along the river in the morning, hit the slopes in the afternoon, then put back a pint at one of several local breweries.
Finding the best of Bend


Evergreen, CO
Evergreen, CO


Lace up your skates in Evergreen, CO

Have an indulgent winter day just outside of Denver. Skate the lake, snowshoe in the trees then reward yourself with massage and a cup of cocoa.


Caldera, NM
Caldera, NM


Find peace in Valles Caldera, NM

Skip the scene in Taos for quiet serenity in this national preserve. After a day of cross-country skiing, head to nearby Jemez Springs for a soothing soak in their hot springs.
More on New Mexico's Valles Caldera National Preserve



Grand Lake, CO
Grand Lake, CO


Go back in time in Grand Lake, CO
Celebrate an old school Colorado winter with sleigh rides, ice skating, and hot chocolate surrounded by snow-covered peaks.