Olympics Top 10 Resorts in the West for Weekend Getaways (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
There are many reasons to choose a more accessible ski resort. Maybe you’re storm-chasing and need to maximize your time on the slopes. Or perhaps you’re traveling with young kids and don’t want the hassle of a long drive from the airport or to risk sitting in traffic during bad weather. Maybe you just don’t align yourself with the old “getting there is half the fun” mentality.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
The good news, is you don’t have to. If you’re planning a ski trip in the West this winter, these 10 resorts offer your best chance of for quick and easy travel, according to SKI’s readers.
Top 10 Easiest Resorts to Travel to in the West
No. 10: Copper Mountain, Colo.
Score: 7.43
Other Strengths: Lifts, Parking
Weaknesses: Snow, Local Flavor
What Readers Say
“I grew up skiing Copper and have loved it for over two decades now. Even as it’s gone corporate (sniff) the mountain still retains its local feel, great terrain with easy access and fabulous weather.”
“Close to Denver. A good day trip option.”
No. 9: Winter Park Resort, Colo.
Score: 7.57
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Family
Weaknesses: Lifts, Grooming
What Readers Say
“Love that it is so close to Denver. Skied the latest we have ever skied and the weather was awesome.”
“Great terrain, from groomers on Winter Park, to more challenging terrain on Mary Jane. Take the ski train and relax; or if you drive you are off the I-70 congested corridor to the other resorts.”
No. 8: Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Score: 7.57
Other Strengths: Challenge, Apres
Weaknesses: Value, Family Friendly
What Readers Say
“I love the challenge of the mountain and the ease of accessibility coming from the Midwest.”
“JH is one of my favorites--a good combination of big-mountain feel, accessibility, terrain, and snow.”
No. 7: Keystone Resort, Colo.
Score: 7.80
Other Strengths: Parking, Lodging
Weaknesses: Local Flavor, Guest Service
What Readers Say
“It’s a resort for all due to its proximity to Denver.”
“I only skiied Keystone twice prior to this trip and both times were at night so I only got to see a small portion of the mountain. This time I skied for three days. I loved skiing Keystone because the mountain had such a great variety of terrain and the conditions were great. Also loved the views of Breck.”
No. 6: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
Score: 7.81
Other Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Best resort near the Front Range of Colorado. Great vibe.”
“A-Basin has a great party vibe and excellent advanced terrain. I love that you can approach a backcountry experience inbounds. Some of my favorite zones are East Wall, Zuma Cornice, and the Steep Gullies.”
No. 5: Park City Resort, Utah
Score: 8.38
Other Strengths: Parking, Snow
Weaknesses: Challenge, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“This resort is conveniently located to the airport and it is very easy getting to SLC. The resort is family friendly and has varied terrain for every level of snow enthusiast.”
“The experience at PCMR has vastly improved this year. Yes, there was tons of snow, and everything was open, but the paid and reservation parking made it much easier to get to the resort.”
No. 4: Powder Mountain, Utah
Score: 8.40
Other Strengths: Snow, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lifts
What Readers Say
“Good snow, wonderful off-piste skiing, no crowds, easy access road, easy parking, can bring stuff in the lodge, cat skiing, hiking, bus service for off piste fun pub. Nice people.”
“I love Pow Mow and have skied it my entire life. I also love that by the time my kids hit high school, they were able to race at pow mow. I love the volume cap of skiers/riders!”
No. 3: Snowbasin Resort, Utah
Score: 8.73
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Snow
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Easy to get to compared the Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts. Mid-week crowds are absorbed completely. There are cubicles to store a backpack with extra gloves or sunscreen. Extra-nice base lodge with bathrooms that are unreasonably luxurious.”
“We like how big the mountain is and how easy it is to get around. The maps and signage are easy to follow. Snowbasin is very family friendly in winter and summer. The grooming is spectacular! The employees are work horses and did an amazing job during this historic winter. They may of seem tired but they were always very friendly to us and helpful. We love Snowbasin. No other ski resort compares to the experience you get at Snowbasin.”
No. 2: Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Score: 8.88
Other Strengths: Value, Parking
Weaknesses: Lodging, Apres
What Readers Say
“Loveland is one of the closest resorts to Denver, and usually one of the first to open and last to close. I go weekdays so there is never lines and the trails are wide open.”
“It’s easy to get to. Usually not stuck in too much traffic. More locals, less tourists.”
No. 1: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Score: 8.97
Other Strengths: Dining, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Challenge, Value
What Readers Say
“Deer Valley is perfect for families and people looking for shorter travel times and resorts that are easier to get to.”
“I appreciate the close proximity to SLC, great service, and grooming.”
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