10 Resorts in the West with the Best Lodging (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
Hands down, lodging is one of the most expensive line items on your overall ski vacation tab. Whether it’s a motel room 30 minutes from the slopes or a four-bedroom suite with a private hot tub just off the trails, a lot of decision making goes into where you hang your helmet each night.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
That said, good lodging doesn’t always mean the most expensive lodging. For our purposes, a good lodging scene is filled with all different types of accommodations suited to varied budgets and preferences. The 10 ski resorts on this list have just that, so start here when having a wide lodging menu is on your list of vacation priorities.
Top 10 Resorts in the West for Lodging
No. 10: Keystone Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.07
Other Strengths: Family Friendly, Parking
Weaknesses: Challenge, Local Flavor
What Readers Say
“I have stayed at the Keystone area in many different condos and have always had a nice stay in clean and reasonably priced units. I feel that they have a quality bus system to get people to and from the slopes. Most of the lodging has access to pools and hot tubs, which is always nice after a day of skiing.”
“Keystone is a nice ski vacation for families who want to stay close to the slopes. There are lots of lodging options at different price point, and if it’s not slopeside, there’s a free shuttle to get back and forth.”
No. 9: Beaver Creek Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.10
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Value, Challenge
What Readers Say
“There’s a lot of lodging close to the lifts, even as close as 50 feet to the lift. Most of time not too crowded on the slopes. Very friendly lift operators.”
“I enjoyed the vibe at Beaver Creek, the mountain hosts were great, the accommodations were nice and I loved the free cookies!”
No. 8: Park City Resort, Utah
Score: 8.11
Other Strengths: Apres, Access
Weaknesses: Value, Guest Service
What Readers Say
“Park City offers great accessibility from town, and the off-mountain accommodations were great with tons of options from hotel rooms to huge homes. I also loved the varied terrain and the logical layout, which made getting around the mountain easy.”
“Huge with great variety of terrain. Great snow and grooming. Easy access from airport and the best ski town, with lots of hotels and condos to choose from.”
No. 7: Steamboat Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.24
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Access, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Steamboat has something for everyone. A wide variety of terrain; hard for anyone to ski it all in one day. The town has a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and resorts, and more activities than skiing. And don’t forget the hot springs!”
“I like the local yet big resort feel of Steamboat. The apres scene is great and the resort and town have a unique western feel. There’s something for everyone and the shuttle systems in town are great.”
No. 6: Vail Mountain, Colo.
Score: 8.25
Other Strengths: Lodging, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Parking
What Readers Say
“The resort has everything you want. Great skiing on a huge amount of varied terrain. Like the easily accessible village with varied lodging, dining, and shopping options. The free bus transportation makes it easy to get around.”
“The resort is huge--no crowds. The terrain is vast and varied – you never get bored. The base areas are full of good restaurants, convenient lodging, and ski shops. The public transportation is excellent. You don’t need a car. The vibe is both friendly and upscale. It’s a pleasure to visit.”
No. 5: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif.
Score: 8.26
Other Strengths: Lodging, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Guest Service, Lifts
What Readers Say
“Extensive snowmaking system for dry years, lots of groomed runs, good terrain, lots of amenities in South Lake Tahoe, including hotels and casinos.”
“Easy, two-block walk from the hotel to the base gondola. Great high-speed lifts. Varied terrain and of course the awesome views!”
No. 4: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Score: 8.33
Other Strengths: Lifts, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Access, Parking
What Readers Say
“Plenty of options for intermediate skiers. Easy to get around without a car. Lots of lodging options, from historic hotels in downtown Aspen to slopeside condos at Snowmass.”
“Snowmass is the best ski mountain I have ever visited, with its amazing base village, so many new dining and lodging options. Aspen is only 20 minutes away and very easy to get to has all the dining and nightlife you can imagine. The best ski experience I have ever had.”
No. 3: Sun Valley, Idaho
Score: 8.59
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Snow, Value
What Readers Say
“Sun Valley should be on everyone’s bucket list. Nothing specific, the whole package is the amazing. We love staying in Ketchum, there’s everything from cute B&Bs to chic hotels. There’s also lodging by the mountain for those who want to slopeside experience.”
“Sun Valley had been on my family’s radar but we didn’t know what to expect once we arrived (versus what we had seen in photos or read). It didn’t disappoint! Our stay at the Sun Valley Lodge was beyond impeccable, too, and with beautiful fireplace suite, relaxing heated pool and hot tub, delicious food, and just the right amount of pampering. We can’t wait to return to Sun Valley soon!”
No. 2: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
Score: 8.60
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Grooming
Weaknesses: Value, Snow
What Readers Say
“Wonderful terrain variety, many lodging choices close to the slopes, lots of good restaurants, great walking village.”
“Vast terrain. Spectacular vistas of Canadian Rockies. Very scenic ride from Vancouver. Peak to Peak lift is amazing. You can always find fresh powder. Vibrant village with a range of restaurant/bar options and so many comfortable places to stay. U.S. vs Canadian dollar exchange makes it an excellent value. Our group travels annually to different resorts in North America. For us Whistler is the mecca.”
No. 1: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Score: 8.87
Other Strengths: Grooming, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Value
What Readers Say
“First class amenities. Some of the nicest lodges and so many are just right off of the trails. Great place to ski.”
“This is a great family resort. World class ski school that knows how to keep the little ones having fun and learning to sk. Beginners and hard chargers both would have fun. Daly shoots, Empire, and May flower are challenging and fun. The groomers are best in the business. So many great hotels, especially for families with full kitchens, pools, and even some with game rooms.”
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