Best Ski Resorts for Couples – Most Romantic

Looking for a romantic getaway in North America that might just be one of the Best Ski Resorts for Couples?  Then you have come to the perfect place.  Robin and I prefer Park City, which we feel is one of the best ski resorts for couples. But, there are plenty of other ski resorts in North America that might also qualify.  When we mention Park City, we must also include Deer Valley which is also a very romantic ski resort.  However, let’s examine all the great places in North America that you will find romantic and fun, starting with our friends up north in Canada.

If you happen to be more interested in our favorite places to ski, which is primarily Park City, please see our post: Our Favorite Places to Ski.

Best Ski Resorts for Couples in Canada 

When we are talking about skiing in Canada, we must mention Banff National Park – Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies and of course Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia.  We also want to recognize Mt. Tremblant.  All three are some of the best places to ski in North America. Additionally, they are an easy ski trip from the United States. If you are intersted in non-skiing trips in Canada, please see oiur post Planning a Trip to Canada.

1. Banff National Park – Lake Louise

Certainly, given the mountainous terrain, Banff National Park is home to some fabulous downhill skiing. Home to not one but three world-class resorts, the snowboarding and skiing in Banff National Park is second to none. Known as the Big 3, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine, and Mount Norquay offer world-class skiing. The unique combination of friendly locals, a long ski season, and the scenic backdrops of the Canadian Rockies make this place a beloved destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Endless turns and diverse terrain await at Mt. Norquay, the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine Village – all of which are at your fingertips with one SkiBig3 lift ticket. Skiers and snowboarders worldwide hold the Lake Louise Ski Resort high on the list of top ski destinations. The 4,200 acres of skiable terrain at Lake Louise beckon to novices and experienced enthusiasts alike.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Emerging from the gondola on the wide ridge of Whitehorn Mountain, skiers and boarders are greeted by the invigorating mountain air of the high alpine and expansive views across the valley to snow-covered Lake Louise. Ski runs lead down the front side of the mountain past the towering presence of Mount Temple or over the back to the Rockies’ renowned powder bowls. In addition to being an intimate setting, Lake Louise is an ideal place to spend a  romantic ski holiday.

Mt. Norquay

 Look up from the town of Banff beneath the night sky and you’re likely to see lights blinking and winking from high on the mountain face across the valley. Come morning, the alpenglow illuminates the slopes of Mt. Norquay – Banff’s longtime local ski resort. It’s a place that draws in skiers and snowboarders looking for well-groomed racing runs and secret powder-filled ravines just minutes outside of town. From the top of the resort’s North American chairlift, the wide-open vistas extend over the community of Banff and the encircling mountains.

Sunshine Village Ski Resort

Banff Sunshine is home to enchanting ski runs winding through the forest, treed glades, and wide-open tracks that bring out the inner skier in all who visit. With 12 different lifts (the heated bubble quad chair is a local favorite) spread across three mountains, there are new routes and pockets of powder to be found on every run. Each ride up offers a chance to scope out new lines before carving down the slopes to après ski at the legendary on-mountain Mad Trappers bar.

2. Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler is a town north of Vancouver, British Columbia, that’s home to Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Besides skiing and snowboarding, the area offers snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ski jumping at the Olympic Park, a venue for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The hub of Whistler is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in Canada and North America. It boasts 8,171 skiable acres, over 200 runs, and 35 lifts that can carry close to 69,939 skiers per hour. Not to mention Whistler Blackcomb is also considered the best ski resort in North America, according to Condé Nast Traveler‘s annual reader choice awards. Whistler scored the highest in the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine’s reader rankings, beating out well-known ski resorts like Snowmass and Aspen Mountain, Colo. On an international scale, Whistler’s ranking put it third worldwide, behind only St. Moritz and Zermatt both in the Swiss Alps.

In addition to Whistler being named the best ski resort in North America, local hotels also did fantastic in the rankings, winning four of the 10 Canadian resort ranking spots. Nita Lake Lodge was named the best resort in Canada, followed by Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre came in fourth and Fairmont Chateau Whistler came seventh. Whistler also has a number of timeshares. For more information about timeshares, please see our post Best Timeshares for Families.

In addition to Whistler’s spectacular natural scenery, majestic ski mountains, and charming village of shops and restaurants, what makes Whistler stand out is how all sectors of our resort community work together to share a unique mountain culture with residents and visitors alike. 

3. Mt. Tremblant 

Mont Tremblant is located in Quebec, Canada.  It is a family-friendly resort with a European ski town feel. It has 102 trails suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, but almost half are for the advanced to expert. Mont Tremblant caters well to families, offering a great ski school, play centers, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It is also one of the only ski resorts in the East that has nightlife worth writing home about. It is a short trip from Montreal or Quebec City.

Best Ski Resorts for Couples in California – Lake Tahoe

California has several quality ski areas.  We will focus on Lake Tahoe, where we have visited and Cos’s Daughter got married there in 2011. There are six ski areas, all great choices for a romantic ski break.

1. Heavenly

The largest and highest ski area in Lake Tahoe, Heavenly has great skiing and an even better après scene! The resort has four base areas, the main one being Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. This is where you’ll find a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, pubs, casinos, and nightclubs. The Heavenly Gondola connects the base village to the slopes. On the mountain, you can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Tahoe while skiing down wide-open groomers or through peaceful pine forests. Here is a picture of the Tamarack chair on a powder day. Although, this picture is probably misleading. Since Heavenly is the most popular resort in the area, crowds can be a problem here. 

2. Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley)

Palisades Tahoe combines two ski areas, Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, to be the largest ski resort in California. There’s something for everyone. But, the advanced and expert terrain is special, with big open bowls, classic moguls, cliff drops, gullies … the list goes on. You will get great views of Lake Tahoe from Olympic Valley. The base village in Olympic Valley has a vibrant après-ski atmosphere with many restaurants and lodgings to choose from, but with such a reputation comes crowds. However, Alpine Meadows is often overlooked. Consequently, you’ll find quieter slopes.

3. Kirkwood 

Local-vibe mountain with arguably Lake Tahoe’s most challenging terrain. Kirkwood is known for its peaceful, unspoiled scenery and is best suited for the experienced skier.. The terrain is spread across five peaks and two main base areas, Mountain Village and Timber Creek. More than half of the resort’s runs are rated advanced to expert and their legendary black diamond runs are not to be missed. There are some downfalls; you won’t find much in the way of dining, shopping, or entertainment, and it’s not located near any big towns. But if you’re happy to spend your day just skiing or snowboarding, you’ll enjoy this relatively uncrowded mountain.

4. Northstar California

 Northstar is one of the more family-friendly mountains and offers an upscale ski experience. Specifically, it has the best base village out of all the Tahoe resorts, with a charming European feel, and is lined with dining, shopping, and spas. Also, there are plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, including ice skating, tubing, a cinema, and a children’s ski school program. That being said, it’s a relatively expensive resort. Northstar’s slopes are geared more towards intermediate skiers, while there are award-winning terrain parks that cater to all levels.

5. Sugar Bowl Resort

Sugar Bowl is the most accessible resort from both the Bay Area and Reno-Tahoe International Airport. It is one of the closest resorts to the San Francisco Bay Area, while also being easily accessible from Reno Airport. It’s a relatively small mountain, but there’s a variety of terrain across four mountain peaks and two main base areas. You won’t find many shops or nightlife spots in the Village and Judah base areas, but rather a classic ski atmosphere with a few dining options in each. For those who enjoy Nordic skiing, the resort is connected to the Royal Gorge Cross Country ski area. There are some crowds here but they tend to be fewer than at neighboring resorts. Be prepared to be buried in powder at Sugar Bowl.

6. Sierra at Tahoe

Local favorite with great tree-skiing. Because of the incredible grooming, side-country, and inbounds tree skiing keep skiers coming back every time. Additionally, the mountain caters well to beginners and intermediates and is a good choice for families. Blizzard Mountain is where you’ll find kid-friendly tubing, sledding, and a snow play area. In addition, the base areas at Sierra offer great dining options, and the outdoor plaza is the spot to be for après ski, with fire pits to warm up and rest up. Here is a picture of the powder-filled tree runs off the Game Creek gate in Huckleberry Canyon

Best Ski Resorts for Couples in Colorado

Colorado has the most popular and best ski resorts in North America.  We have been to a few: Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Breckinridge, and Steamboat Springs to throw out a few names.  We haven’t been to Telluride or Crested Butte, but they are on our bucket list as they are well-known for great alpine skiing. Aspen and Vail are particularly easy to get to as there are direct flights right into the nearby cities. 

Here are some of the best ski resorts in Colorado:

1. Breckenridge Ski Resort

Known for its world-renowned ski town, Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado. Furthermore, it offers a diverse range of resort lodgings from affordable to lavishly high-end. Breckenridge has tons of activities besides skiing such as dog sledding and snowmobiling. It has 187 trails spread across 2,908 acres of skiable terrain, some of the best ski slopes in Colorado. It is also home to North America’s highest chairlift, the Imperial Express Super Chair, soaring to a height of 12,840 feet!

2. Vail Ski Resort

Vail is world-famous for its extensive terrain, legendary back bowls, and top-notch guest experience. Comparatively, it boasts the largest ski area in Colorado giving skiers generous terrain choice. Vail’s charming ski town offers endless dining and shopping options. Vail uses the Epic Ski Pass which also serves many other mountains, including our favorite, the Park City Mountain Resort.

3. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is a world-class resort with four mountains and over 5,500 acres of terrain. It has a wide range of skiing options for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Cos skied Ajax Mountain back in his more aggressive skiing days before they let snowboarders on the mountains. The four ski mountains at Aspen are:

• Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is the oldest and most iconic of the four mountains. It offers challenging terrain, stunning views, and a vibrant town at its base.
• Aspen Highlands, which is the favorite of the locals and the experts. Specifically, it features steep slopes, gladed runs, and the legendary Highland Bowl.
• Buttermilk, which is the best place for beginners and families. It has gentle trails, terrain parks, and a ski school.
• Snowmass, which is the largest and most diverse of the four mountains. It has over 3,000 acres of terrain for all levels, from groomers and bowls to pipes and parks.

You can ski and snowboard on any of these four mountains with a single lift ticket or an Ikon Pass. You can also use the free bus service or the app to get around the resort.

4. Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek Resort is a luxury resort with over 1,800 acres of skiable terrain and 150 trails. It has a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including beginner-friendly areas and challenging expert runs.

5. Crested Butte

Crested Butte is known for its affordability, genuine feel, and easy access to the mountain. It has a similar feel to Telluride in terms of skiing, but much of its terrain is double-black and accessible from lifts. Crested Butte has fewer on-mountain dining options than Telluride, but it is the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado with few places like the Crested Butte Nordic trails to take in the views of the Elk Mountains.

6. Telluride

Telluride is known for its ritzy brand-new mountain village and expensive restaurants. It has more on-mountain dining options than Crested Butte and a larger array of beginner skiing. The shining jewel of each ski area is the steep terrain. The big difference in Telluride, however, is that you have to hike to it.

Best Ski Resorts for Couples in Utah​

Here are some of the best ski resorts for couples in Utah. All are easily reached from the Salt Lake City Airport. 

Park City Mountain Resort

Surprisingly, Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. It has a wide range of skiing options for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Its Old West mining town has heaps of winter sports attractions and endless entertainment and restaurants.

There is plenty of fine dining on Main Street.  The only problem can be reservations as you are also competing with skiers from Deer Valley.  You’ll find activities including a horse-drawn sleigh ride and the Alpine coaster in town, or tubing and bobsledding at Utah Olympic Park just a short drive away.  In particular, we find Park City to be one of the most romantic ski resorts in all of North America.  

We have ski-out access from our timeshare in the Canyons area and enjoy the resort’s outdoor hot tub. The Park City Mountain Resort is part of Vail’s Epic program.  Epic is a season pass program that lets you ski multiple mountains across the world. 

Other Utah Ski Resorts

1. Snowbasin Resort: Snowbasin Resort is located in Weber County, Utah, 33 miles northeast of Salt Lake City, on the back side of the Wasatch Range. It has 3,000 skiable acres and 3,000 vertical feet of skiing. Snowbasin is known for its luxurious amenities and world-class skiing.
2. Alta Ski Area: Alta Ski Area is a skiers-only mountain with access to Snowbird on the Alta Bird pass. It has over 2,200 acres of skiable terrain and an average annual snowfall of 547 inches.
3. Deer Valley Resort: Deer Valley Resort is a luxury resort located in Park City, Utah. It has six mountains with over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Deer Valley is known for its impeccable grooming and excellent customer service. Deer Valley offers luxury accommodations including a St. Regis Hotel with live music. we love to visit the restaurants and hotels in Deer Valley. Specifically, the Stein Erickson Lodge has a great Sunday Bruch Buffet.
4. Solitude Mountain Resort: Solitude Mountain Resort is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. It has over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain and an average annual snowfall of 500 inches. Explicitly, Solitude is known for its uncrowded slopes and family-friendly atmosphere.

Best Ski Resort for Couples in Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a world-renowned ski resort located in Wyoming, USA. It is in the same class as places in the French Alps or Italian Alps. Here are some reasons why you should consider skiing at Jackson Hole:

1. Aerial Tram: The Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort can carry 100 people to the top of Rendezvous Peak (10,450 feet) in just 12 minutes! It offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range and is a must-do experience for any skier or snowboarder visiting Jackson Hole.
2. Terrain: Jackson Hole is known for its challenging terrain, with over 50% of its trails rated as expert. It has some of the steepest runs in North America, including Corbet’s Couloir, which is considered one of the most challenging ski runs in the world.
3. Snow: Jackson Hole receives an average of more than 500 inches of snowfall each year, making it one of the snowiest ski resorts in North America.
4. Culture: Jackson Hole has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its ski town. It has a laid-back vibe and friendly locals that make it a welcoming place for visitors.
5. Off-the-slope activities: Jackson Hole offers plenty of off-the-slope activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice skating. It also has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Certainly, Jackson Hole is possibly the best place to go for a romantic ski vacation.  Undoubtedly, it is one of the best romantic ski resorts for couples. But be careful, it is expensive.  

Best Ski Resorts for Couples in Montana

Big Sky is a ski resort located in southwest Montana, about 50 miles south of Bozeman and an hour north of West Yellowstone. It is the second-largest ski resort in the United States by acreage, with more than 5,800 acres of terrain and a vertical drop of 4,350 feet. It has 24 chair lifts and 12 surface lifts and offers a variety of trails for different skill levels.

Whether you should go there to ski depends on your personal preferences and budget. Some possible reasons to go are:

• You want to experience the biggest and best skiing in North America, with stunning views of Lone Peak mountain and the surrounding landscape.
• You want to enjoy a daily hot breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, two hot tubs, a spa, a fitness center, and a tennis court at the Huntley Lodge, which is located in the center of Big Sky Resort Mountain Village and adjacent to the ski lifts.
• You want to explore the nearby Yellowstone National Park, which is only an hour’s drive away and offers amazing wildlife and geothermal features.

Some possible reasons not to go are:

• You are looking for a more affordable or accessible ski destination, as Big Sky Resort is relatively expensive and remote compared to other options.
• You are not comfortable with the high altitude or the cold weather of Montana, which can affect your health and performance.
• You prefer a more diverse or lively nightlife scene, as Big Sky Resort is mainly focused on outdoor activities and has a limited selection of bars and restaurants.

Best Ski Resorts for Couples on the East Coast

Robin and Cos grew up skiing in the east.  While the conditions are rarely, if ever, as good as out west, here a few advantages of skiing on the East Coast.  

1. If you are one of the 57 million people who live in the Northeast, getting to the mountain can be a regular weekend trip.
2. You can visit the mountains for just a single day of skiing.
3. There are a number of high quality ski resorts:

Killington Resort

Killington is the biggest ski area in the East with diverse terrain across seven mountain areas. You’ll find everything from mellow groomers to scary steeps, while off-the-slope activities include tubing and snowmobiling. Killington is also one of the best ski resorts in the East for nightlife, with excellent places to eat and drink after a long day on the mountain.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe Mountain Resort is located in Vermont and offers 116 trails spread across 485 skiable acres. It has a wide range of skiing options for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Stowe Mountain Resort is also known for its luxurious accommodations and dining options.

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf is located in Maine and offers 162 trails spread across 1,240 skiable acres. It has a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including beginner-friendly areas and challenging expert runs. Sugarloaf also offers plenty of off-the-slope activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Sunday River

Sunday River is located in Maine and offers 135 trails spread across eight interconnected mountain peaks. It has a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including beginner-friendly areas and challenging expert runs. Sunday River also offers plenty of off-the-slope activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

If you are interested in Restaurants in Maine, please see our post Best Restaurants in Mid-Coast Maine.

Can You Find Michelin Star Restaurants at Ski Mountains?

​Unfortunately, there aren’t very many Michelin-star-rated restaurants at ski resorts.  Although, we know some places that made our best restaurants list.  If you want to learn about them, please visit our Bib Gourmand vs Michelin Stars Post.

However, we did find one ski resort restaurant that earned a Michelin star.  It is Bosq in Aspen.  Why is this?  Not sure, perhaps the Michelin Judges don’t like to ski?  We know they like the cold because there are plenty in Switzerland and Austria.  So what is the problem?  Does anyone know?