Get the homework (or marking) out of the way on the flight over the pond – when you touch down in one of the USA’s awesome ski resorts, you won’t want to waste a second. From state-of-the-art family offerings to the steepest terrain you’ve skied - our American cousins sure know what makes a cracking ski holiday.
Best American ski resorts at Half Term for:
While the USA isn’t renowned for its chalets, there are still some all-star options for a true American welcome to some of the best ski resorts in the world. Chalet catering includes breakfast, tea and supper, 6 days a week, so you can give your undivided attention to friends, family and the mountains.
If you’re a family or group of 8, Vail’s Chalet Huckleberry is a lovely lodging to book for sole occupancy. With your host taking care of the housework, there’s more time to ski an incredible 5269 acres, enjoy Adventure Ridge with the kids or make the most of Garfinkel’s famous Happy Hour.
Similar sized groups can book out Chalet Victoria in Breckenridge. It’s just blocks from the hub of shops and eateries “on Main” – perfect for non-skiers – and a short walk from the lifts for any daredevils raring to get up on Peak 9.
Our best USA hotels are sure to go the “whole 9 yards” to make half term exceed your expectations. Take the sting out of the long haul flight with a hotel that delivers you right onto the slopes every morning. It’s all about the doorstop skiing at the Ptarmigan Inn in Steamboat and the Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge.
Take to the wintery Wild West from the Ranch Inn in cowboy town, Jackson, for easy access to the town square and some of the most challenging terrain in the world.
Half-term’s a time for doing away with everyday stresses, so opt for a luxury hotel like Park City’s Zermatt Resort & Spa – a secluded Swiss-style resort with first class facilities. We love the top-notch offerings at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa – especially the red carpet treatment of their private chair lift…
Ski apartments in the USA usually come in the form of condos which tend to feel less like a rabbit hutch and more like a half-term home from home…
Cooking your own suppers lets you control the menu for the week and also saves some dollar. You’ll find lodgings within easy reach of the local store - the Park Avenue Condos are only a few blocks from Park City’s centre and the local Fresh Market.
Ski-out condos are terrific for keen skiers and kiddies alike. We like the ones at Winter Park’s Zephyr Mountain Lodge, where intermediates can use an unpisted track.
Breckenridge’s Pine Ridge Condos have the best of both worlds: a few blocks from Main Street, near tonnes of restaurants and rubbing shoulders with the sweeping green Four O’Clock run, so even beginners can ski back to the door.