If the groom is into winter sports, a ski trip bachelor party might be the best idea. If you live in a state that snows and has mountains, the planning should be easier and you may already have ideas on where to go. However, if you do not live in a state with the right conditions for skiing, you will need to plan further in advance and traveling will be required.
Ski Trip Bachelor Party Packing Tips
Some things to keep in mind if you do not live in a state that experiences winter.
- You will need winter gear (ie. a good snow jacket and pants, gloves, a winter hat).
- You can rent the sports gear. Especially if you may not ski or snowboard again, you can rent the gear (usually) at the resort.
- Does anyone have experience driving in snow? This could determine whether or not you want to rent a car or find alternative transportation to your final destination. Most snow destinations have the infrastructure to keep their roads clear, however, it can always snow at any moment and it takes time to have the roads clear again if the snow is heavy. Check if the resort has a shuttle to the mountains, or if it’s walkable from your hotel. Some resorts are located right at the base of the ski hills.
- Layers! You may feel cold just standing outside, but remember skiing and snowboarding is a sport. Once you get going you could start to warm up. Layers are the way to go to help regulate your body temperature.
If you’ve been tasked with the planning, here are some of the top ski resorts in the United States to help you get started.
Popular Ski Resorts in the USA
Vail, Colorado
The most popular or well known resort in America. The ski area covers several mountains giving you many different types of trails and runs for all levels. Vail also is located in a region that receives snow regularly so there should be a good base between the snow and the mountain. And if a storm rolls through, you could have great ski days full of powder! Closest airport is in Denver airport (less than 2 hour drive).
Website: https://www.vail.com/
Breckenridge, Colorado
They receive 30 feet of annual snowfall but keeps a lot of snow late into the season due to its high elevation. That’s why this resort has the highest chairlift in the USA at 12,840 ft. They have lots of runs that are perfect for beginners near the bottom half of the mountain and the higher terrain are great for advanced skiers. Nearest airport is in Denver (under 2 hours drive).
Website: https://www.breckenridge.com/
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen has 4 ski areas: Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountains and Aspen Highlands. These 4 areas cover a large terrain for people to ski from and the area gets 25 feet of annual snowfall. There is a regional airport in the area and many hotels provide shuttles to and from the airport.
Website: https://www.aspensnowmass.com/
Snowbird, Utah
Located in one of the best places in the US for consistent snow, on average they receive 41 feet. Snowbird and Alta are the two mountains for skiing, while Snowbird is the only one that allows snowboarding. Closest airport is in Salt Lake City Airport, about 45 minutes away.
Website: https://www.snowbird.com/
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is one of the top resorts for the most diverse terrain. They receive 23 feet of snow each year and is a great place for families. Approximately 60% of their terrain is for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. They do have a regional airport in Telluride, there is also a regional airport in Montrose (it’s neighbor) that’s about 1 hour 30 minutes away.
Website: https://tellurideskiresort.com/
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This mountain is geared more towards intermediate and advanced skiers. The most challenging runs will even give an expert skier a test. However, if you’ve got an experienced group this could be a great choice. They receive an annual snowfall of 38 feet and they have a regional airport.
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.jacksonhole.com/
Palisades Tahoe, California
This is an iconic resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. They receive 37 feet of annual snowfall, but also have amazing clear blue skies so you are skiing in perfect weather. It’s a great family and beginner resort with about 70% of the runs geared for beginner or intermediate level. There are also other mountains you can ski and snowboard at in the Tahoe area. The nearest airport is in San Francisco (about 3 Hours drive).
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.palisadestahoe.com/
Holiday Valley, New york
One of the top skiing destinations on the East Coast. There are runs for every level from beginners to experts for skiers and snowboarders. This would be a good pick if you want to stay on the East Coast. This ski area is located near Buffalo (under 1 hour).
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.holidayvalley.com/
Deer Valley, Utah
This is a place to consider if you want luxury skiing (to note: this mountain does not allow snowboarding). It is a high end resort with the top of the line amenities. There are also shorter lines because of the higher price tag. Deer Valley covers 6 mountains, so there are options for different levels and runs. Just outside of Salt Lake City (about 45 minutes).
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.deervalley.com/
Sun Valley, Idaho
This is a midsize resort that receives 18 feet of snow annually. They have more runs that are beginner and intermediate friendly. They have 121 runs across the two mountains, Bald and Dollar. If you’re looking for a more simple but fun getaway, this may be the choice. There is a regional airport (Friedman Memorial Airport).
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.sunvalley.com/
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what to pack and have some ideas on where to go, all you have to do is put the trip together. Remember, this day is about celebrating the groom. As long as you keep that in mind for the forefront of the planning, your trip will be great!
