Slope Style
Considering Member access to top U.S. ski resorts, decision fatigue on where to schuss next is a good problem to have. Here’s our take on how favorite resorts stack up.
DEER VALLEY
Known For: History in the making. An Olympic training grounds (located minutes from downtown Park City, the Utah Olympic Park will inspire skiers of any level). Deer Valley was a venue site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, hosting the freestyle moguls, aerial, and alpine slalom events. It also regularly hosts competitions for the International Ski Federation.
What’s New: Deer Valley announced a major expansion of Snow Park Lodge — the renovated base area will include many new restaurant and lodging options (to be completed by 2026), making it one of the top exclusive resorts.
For the Non-Skier: Sample favorites from the European alps while fireside dining at Empire Canyon Grill. It’s most known for the raclette cheese starter — half wheels of raclette melted in front of two roaring fires and a unique Deer Valley experience. Arrive to dinner via a snowshoe trek or horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Aprés Ski Scene: Channeling Park City’s wild west heritage, the No Name Saloon is a must for a post-slope celebration for all riders aged 21+. With motorcycles hanging from the ceiling and local lore posted just about everywhere you turn, this is an only-in-Deer-Valley experience.
Top Table: You’ll want to try game dishes such as elk while in the area, but if you’re a sushi fan, have your Concierge arrange for an evening at Yama at Montage Deer Valley. Order the Wasatch roll — named after the famous mountain range surrounding Deer Valley.
BEAVER CREEK
Known For: Being one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the U.S. — ideal for a luxury family getaway for beginner or multi-level skiers. Beaver Creek also has many tasty, on-mountain restaurants — easily accessible stops to recharge before tackling the slopes again.
What’s New: McCoy Park is Beaver Creek's newest family-friendly learning terrain, debuting for the 2021-22 season. Expect 250 new acres of lift-served terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. As the resort’s newest family-friendly zone, McCoy Park allows for a relaxed family experience.
For the Non-Skier: The aforementioned McCoy Park will also offer 12+ miles of gladed cross-country and snowshoe trails, so while the kiddos take ski lessons, the adults can discover a winter wonderland of remote yet easily accessible non-skier trails.
Aprés Ski Scene: Located at the top of Haymeadow Express Gondola, the Ice Cream Parlor is the perfect high-altitude, family reward after punishing those hamstrings on the slopes. And if after something a bit stronger, sip a marg at the famous Coyote Café, known for some of the best après bites in town.
Top Table: Ask most any local for a fine-dining recommendation, and Splendido at the Chateau will top the list. Open since 1992, it’s known for Idaho Trout, a piano bar, and dance-inspired espresso martinis.
TELLURIDE
Known For: Steep terrain and the most indelible views in all of Colorado. Tucked away in a dare-to-look-away box canyon, Bridal Veil Falls is reason enough to visit Telluride. Add to that impressive glade and tree skiing, plus a vibrant downtown, and this little mountain town may quickly become your favorite for a luxury nature vacation.
What’s New: Petite Maison specializes in contemporary french haute cuisine and located in the heart of Telluride. Additionally, the new Telluride Brewing Company Brew Pub & Taqueria is new to the mountain village and serves artisan beer and Los Buenos Tacos.
For the Non-Skier: The ultimate indulgence is taking an overnight (or two or three!) trip to nearby Dunton Hot Springs. This romantic 1800s ghost town has been converted to a present day western enclave — with miles of cross country trails surrounding the grounds.
Aprés Ski Scene: A must while visiting Telluride? A toast at the Last Dollar Saloon (aka “The Buck”) rooftop bar.
Top Table: The Chop House Restaurant at the New Sheridan Hotel is always hopping, lassoing a see-and-be-seen crowd with mouthwatering steaks and a lively bar scene.
STEAMBOAT
Known For: Epic powder days and unforgettable tree skiing. Add the laid-back vibe of downtown Steamboat Springs, and this relaxing alpine enclave is oh-so-charming.
What’s New: Expect exciting changes for the upcoming ski season. The Steamboat Resort Base Area is getting a facelift, with renovations including a Gondola Square development and an on-mountain improvement plan. The $135 million dollar project will eventually feature an après ski plaza, new restaurants and bars, new lodging, a ski beach, and an ice rink. When complete, new lifts and terrain will position Steamboat as the second-largest resort in Colorado.
For the Non-Skier: If you’re after an adrenaline boost yet aren’t into downhill skiing, spend a day with Steamboat Snowmobile Tours. Take a stunning sunset ride up Rabbits Ear Pass, or take a snowmobile trip with Lucky 8 Ranch and you’ll wind through fields of bison.
Aprés Ski Scene: Located in an old ski patrol hut, T Bar is the unexpected dive bar gem you never knew you were missing. Featuring an impressive menu, it boasts a mix of creative and classic drinks, along with a selection of draft and canned beers perfectly complemented by a variety of American and European-inspired eats.
Top Table: All-natural steaks from local favorite E3 Chophouse are sourced from a family farm in Kansas. Located on bustling Yampa Street, this high-end outpost has been a Steamboat mainstay for nearly a decade.
SUN VALLEY
Known For: Luring Hollywood elite and its famous black-diamond bump skiing. Sun Valley is also one of the few U.S. resorts to offer heli-skiing, while the charming town of Ketchum is a former 1800s mining outpost that maintains its small-town, old-west feel.
What’s New: Don’t miss the Sun Valley Music Festival. Presented in the throes of winter (February 24-26) at Ketchum’s Argyros Performing Arts Center, this three-day extravaganza celebrates the finest in classical music.
For the Non-Skier: Throw some strikes at the Sun Valley Resort bowling alley. One of the Northwest’s oldest bowling alleys, expect a 1950s vibe that includes video games, a full bar, and tasty pub food. After bowling, take a spin at the year-round ice skating rink, located on the main level of the resort.
Aprés Ski Scene: Skip the fancy ski outfit scene and head to Grumpy’s, considered one of the greatest après dive bars in the country. No fuss. No frills. Yet plenty of festive attitude and tried-and-trending brews. If feeling especially brave, opt for the 32-ounce Schooner of beer. Cheers!
Top Table: The new-ish Cookbook Ketchum opened in 2019 and has received nothing but applause. Tucked away in a cozy, cabin-esque building, it was originally built in 1932 as a church and then later was an architect’s office, daycare, butcher shop, BBQ restaurant, and bakery. Today it’s gaining ground as a favorite resto fusing a love of books and culinary-inspired living.