When planning your ski trip, no two overnight accommodations are equal. Between balancing cost and convenience, selecting a type of lodging experience, and securing availability near the slopes during peak season, it can be challenging picking the right rental. Whether you’re comparing Vail lodging, Beaver Creek lodging, or accommodations at other ski destinations across North America, choosing the right place to stay can make a significant difference in your overall experience.
Yet, it matters to pick an appropriate overnight option. This way, you can create an unforgettable ski vacation.
Our following guide will help you find a place to stay for your next US or Canada ski trip.
What Types of Ski Lodges Are Available in the US and Canada?
Condos
A condo is a private unit within a larger building. They typically include a full kitchen, laundry space, and a spacious living area.
Best For: Families, small groups, medium length stays
Hotels
A hotel room, while also a private unit within a larger building, is less spacious than a condo. It usually lacks a full kitchen and private laundry space. The latter is typically offered in a common area or provided by hotel staff.
Best For: Solo travelers, couples, short stays
Town Homes
A town home often offers less square footage and yard space than a home but more privacy than a condo, with only one or two walls shared with another unit(s).
Best For: Families, groups, longer stays
Chalets
A chalet is a wooden, detached home with a sloped roof. It offers a traditional ski lodging experience and a mountain-y aesthetic.
Best For: Families, larger groups, longer stays
Lodging Tips for First-Timers
Tip #1: Choose a Property Near the Mountain You Want
Many ski resort properties are advertised as “near the slopes.” This can be misleading for first-timers, as the property can still be miles away from the mountain. That’s why many people prefer working with a mountain travel expert who knows the property and the mountain and can provide the unbiased information needed to make an informed decision.
Throw heavy traffic and winter weather into the mix, and a “few-mile drive” can create an inconvenient transportation experience to and from the mountain.
If a property is truly close to the slopes, it will be advertised as ski-in/ski-out or have walking distance to a nearby lift. There may also be free shuttle service available at your rental that runs frequently throughout the day, helping you avoid long drives.
Tip #2: Decide What Type of Lodging Experience You Want
Everyone has a different idea of what the ideal lodging experience consists of.
Determine if you want a traditional ski experience, like staying in a rustic chalet or alpine-lined town home. Others may not mind staying in a hotel or condo to trade privacy and space for greater affordability.
Tip #3: Pay Attention to Available Amenities
What types of amenities are a must? Which ones do you consider “extra” or unnecessary?
Popular amenities among ski vacationers include ski-in/ski-out access, on-site fireplaces, a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, full kitchens, shuttle service, proximity to ski lifts, and boot dryers.
Paying more to get the amenities you want can often make a big difference in the quality of your stay.
Tip #4: Don’t Let Price Be the Final Determining Factor
The cost of your ski accommodation matters. However, it’s not the only consideration. Even when staying at a “cheap” lodge, the costs may add up more than anticipated.
Don’t equate higher lodging costs with a more premium experience. Likewise, don’t assume a lower-priced accommodation will result in a low-quality stay.
Consider transportation expenses, your comfort and space needs, and what’s most convenient for your group.
Tip #5: Planning Your Trip Around Peak Season? Book Ahead
Peak ski season takes place around mid-December to mid-March in both the US and Canada. Have plans on vacationing during this time? We recommend booking your lodge three to six months in advance.
Waiting too long to book your stay can result in fewer lodging options and higher prices.
Top Ski Resorts in the US and Canada
Want to learn about some of the best resorts in the US or Canada for your ski vacation? Here are some top-rated options.
Popular US Ski Resort Options
1. Vail (Colorado)
Enjoy Vail Mountain’s 5,317 acres of skiable terrain. This Eagle County–based ski resort is known for its diverse terrain for all skill levels, walkable villages, famous back bowls, and car-free zones. Guests can find an array of hotels, condos, and town homes when vacationing in the area.
2. Beaver Creek (Colorado)
Also located in Eagle County, Colorado, Beaver Creek offers a higher-end experience for skiers. Those wanting to stay in a ski-in, ski-out style resort or multi-room rental in a quiet, secluded area will have plenty of relevant lodging options to choose from.
3. Park City (Utah)
It’s the largest resort in the U.S., with so much terrain that no two ski days have to be the same. The terrain park is also a huge draw for both locals and visitors. With several open bowls, travelers can expect better visibility and fewer gusts of wind during peak season. In terms of lodging, Park City is known for offering a blend of slope-side condos and luxury hotels.
4. Keystone (Colorado)
Find Keystone in the White River National Forest of Summit County. Guests have access to three different mountains when vacationing at this resort. From lake-side lodges to high-end chalets, there’s a variety of peaceful rentals to pick from.
5. Northstar (California)
Stay at a slope-side hotel or upscale condominium when visiting Northstar in Placer County. Northstar offers lower elevation, making it suitable for those prone to altitude sickness or who want to avoid heavy winter conditions. The resort is also conveniently located six miles from Truckee and four miles from Lake Tahoe’s north shore.
Popular Canadian Ski Resort Options
1. Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia)
As the biggest ski resort in North America spanning two mountains, Whistler Blackcomb offers 8,171 acres of skiable land. This resort offers a healthy mix of learning zones and steep drops to accommodate all skiers. Consider spending the night in a forest-surrounded chalet or village-based condo within walking distance to nightlife.
2. Fernie (British Columbia)
Find Fernie Alpine Resort within the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can indulge in a simple, rugged ski vacation in Fernie, away from major cities and flashy commercialism. Common accommodations at this resort include ski-in/skit-out condos, standalone chalets, and rustic hotels.
3. Sun Peaks (British Columbia)
Visit Canada’s second-largest ski resort, Sun Peaks, for an intimate ski trip. The resort’s three mountains offer a wide range of terrain for beginning through advanced skiers. Common types of rentals in the area range from full-service hotels near the slopes to spacious chalets.
Start Planning Your Ski Vacation
Now you know what to consider when choosing lodging, but there are still various challenges involved in picking the right accommodation for a ski vacation, so it’s never too early to start planning.
Whether you want to hit the Vail slopes or are eager to ski in Canada this winter, there’s a suitable accommodation for you. The Lodging Company helps make picking vacation rentals easy with convenient rental booking and travel guidance at your fingertips.
Don’t wait to plan until the last minute. Reserving your stay sooner rather than later can give you the opportunity to snag the best rentals at a lower rate.
