Top 10 Resorts in the West for Nightlife (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
You come to ski, but since the lifts grind to a halt by 4 p.m., that leaves plenty of hours in the day to fill. Maybe you’re looking for a bar scene, or a place to jam to a DJ or live music. Or maybe you just like the hustle and bustle of a lively ski town after dark. After all, it’s definitely not something you’ll find at all ski resorts.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
If an after-hours scene is something that’s important to you, the resorts on this list, voted to have the best nightlife in SKI’s 2024 Reader Resort Survey, will keep you busy long after you rack your skis.
Top 10 Resorts in the West for Nightlife
No. 10: Telluride Ski Resort, Colo.
Score: 7.10
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Value, Access
What Readers Say
“Love the town of Telluride, everything is top-notch.”
“Off the beaten track, less day-tripper crowds. Great ‘authentic’ feel to town--mountain is well developed without making the town feel like a resort. Newer developments in Mountain Village are separate and let the town retain its Wild West character.”
No. 9: Steamboat Resort, Colo.
Score: 7.31
Other Strengths: Overall Satisfaction, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Access, Challenge
What Readers Say
“No huge lift lines. Great restaurants on and off the mountain. Town is close and there are great shopping and restaurants.”
“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. 8: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyo.
Score: 7.34
Other Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Access, Value
What Readers Say
“Definitely great for extreme skiers. Nightlife people will like for country western and bluegrass, plus live music and dancing. Good restaurants for steak and elk.”
“Jackson Hole is the whole package. Best large resort in North America.”
No. 7: Sun Valley, Idaho
Score: 7.52
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Challenge, Access
What Readers Say
“Awesome terrain. Great low-density snow. Authentic town. Excellent ski infrastructure.”
“I love the town of Ketchum and it’s very easy to access the mountain.”
No. 6: Park City Resort, Utah
Score: 7.70
Other Strengths: Lodging, Access
Weaknesses: Guest Service, Parking
What Readers Say
“I liked the big resort experience, and the town lift.”
“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. Fun town!”
No. 5: Vail Mountain, Colo.
Score: 7.73
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Value, Guest Service
What Readers Say
“Love the quaintness of the village and walkability to the mountain.”
“Vail is Vail for a reason. The legendary Back Bowls, the size and variety of terrain. A great village with tons to do. There is so much to explore.”
No. 4: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif.
Score: 7.76
Other Strengths: Apres, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Lifts
What Readers Say
“Skied during the week, so no lines whatsoever. Fresh snow each day. Stayed on the Nevada side, and really liked the local vibe in the parking lot and the tailgating going on. Mountain had all the different skiing we needed.”
“Heavenly has everything you need for all levels and ages. California side has more bars and restaurants, but the Nevada side was quieter.”
No. 3: Breckenridge Resort, Colo.
Score: 7.80
Other Strengths: Lodging, Apres
Weaknesses: Value, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Nice ski town with great dining and nightlife options.”
“Great ski town with a good mountain to back it up.”
No. 2: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Score: 8.24
Other Strengths: Lifts, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Value, Access
What Readers Say
“Best ski town in North America.”
“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. 1: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
Score: 8.56
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Apres
Weaknesses: Access, Family Friendly
What Readers Say
“Vibrant village with a range of restaurant/bar options. 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.”
“Great nightlife and partying, incredible food, vibrant scene.”
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