In the American West, legendary terrain meets a new era of luxury lodges and enhanced backcountry access. Canada’s interior delivers vast landscapes, tranquility, and some of North America’s most sought-after vertical drops. Across Europe, iconic resorts fuse heritage with contemporary design, upgraded lift systems, and elevated wellness offerings from thermal spas to five-star chalets perched high above the trees. Meanwhile, Japan continues to entice travelers with its world-famous powder, traditional onsens, and a culinary scene that alone justifies the journey.
Curated with insights from Condé Nast Traveler specialists Livia Angelini and Meg Austin, this guide highlights nine ski destinations worth prioritizing for your 2026 travel plans. From all access resort passes to secluded alpine retreats, ski-in/ski-out suites to slope-side ryokans, discover where to go, where to stay, and what not to miss during the 2025–2026 ski season.
Where to Ski
North America
Europe
Asia
Big Sky, Montana
How to get there: Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, approximately 50 miles from Big Sky, followed by a scenic one-hour drive through Gallatin Canyon. Rental cars and shuttle services are widely available.
Best time to go: February delivers peak conditions not peak crowds. By this time, Big Sky’s average 400 inches of snowfall blankets the mountain, opening all elevations and ensuring excellent powder days.
Blending rugged wilderness with refined luxury—and set near Yellowstone—Big Sky offers one of North America’s most expansive and uncrowded ski experiences. With nearly 6,000 acres of terrain and minimal lift lines, it remains quietly epic. Lone Peak rises to 11,166 feet, offering steep, iconic descents with sweeping views of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Experts gravitate toward tram-accessed chutes, intermediates enjoy nearly six-mile groomers, and beginners benefit from generous learning areas. The resort also boasts North America’s most advanced lift system, including the Madison 8—the longest high-speed eight-seater with heated seats and weatherproof bubbles. For the 2025–26 season, the Lone Peak Tram is now included with lift tickets, making summit access easier than ever. Nordic skiers can explore 85 kilometers of groomed trails at Lone Mountain Ranch and the Big Sky Nordic Center.
Pass access: Big Sky is part of the Ikon Pass. Reservations are required, and access varies by pass type. While the Lone Peak Tram is included with lift tickets, it is not automatically included with Ikon days—planning ahead is essential.
Where to stay:
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One&Only Moonlight Basin – A stylish, ski-forward retreat with gondola access and one of 2025’s most anticipated openings.
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Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort – Ideal for village-center convenience, ski-in/ski-out access, and spacious family-friendly suites.
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Lone Mountain Ranch – A charming, cabin-style escape featuring sleigh rides, Nordic skiing, and a full winter activity program.
Sun Valley, Idaho
How to get there: Fly into Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, Idaho—just 14 miles from the resort—with nonstop flights from major US cities. A 20-minute drive or shuttle brings you to the mountain.
Best time to go: January through early March offers reliable snowfall and prime conditions on Bald Mountain. Late season brings sunny skies, long groomer runs, and a strong snow base thanks to advanced snowmaking.
America’s original ski resort is enjoying a quiet revival, and 2026 sits squarely within this renewed momentum. Sun Valley combines historic charm with modern upgrades. Bald Mountain delivers 3,400 vertical feet of uninterrupted fall-line skiing, while Dollar Mountain caters to beginners and families with wide, forgiving slopes. Major lift improvements are on the horizon for 2026–27, but the energy is already building. The upcoming opening of Viceroy Sun Valley (summer 2026) introduces a new level of slope-side sophistication, complementing a town known for galleries, cafés, and extensive Nordic trails. Families appreciate the walkable layout, while experts are drawn to Baldy’s consistent pitch and side-country terrain.
Pass access: Sun Valley offers its own lift tickets, including flexible multi-day options and discounted Value and Challenger season passes. Guests staying at Sun Valley Lodge or Cottages in December can receive two complimentary lift tickets per night.
Where to stay:
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Sun Valley Lodge A classic favorite with direct lift access and a full-service spa.
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Limelight Ketchum Family-friendly and centrally located near downtown.
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Knob Hill Inn A European-inspired lodge close to dining, shops, and après spots.
Deer Valley (and Park City), Utah
How to get there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, approximately 45 minutes away. Private transfers, rental cars, and luxury shuttles are readily available.
Best time to go: Late January through early March offers peak snow quality and full access to newly expanded terrain. Early season is quieter, while spring delivers sunny days with excellent coverage thanks to high-altitude snowmaking.
Long celebrated for impeccable service and pristine grooming, Deer Valley enters a bold new chapter in 2026. The resort has more than doubled in size, now spanning 4,300 acres with 202 named runs and 31 lifts. Seven new chairlifts debut this season, including the 10-passenger East Village Gondola connecting East Village to Park Peak. A cutting-edge snowmaking system ensures consistent conditions, while expanded parking improves arrival flow. Despite its growth, Deer Valley maintains its skier-only policy and capped daily lift tickets, preserving space, comfort, and crowd control. It’s ideal for luxury-minded skiers, multigenerational families, and intermediate to advanced travelers who value refined terrain and seamless experiences.
Pass access: Deer Valley is accessible via the Ikon Pass, with reservations required and capacity strictly limited. Daily lift tickets are capped, so early booking is strongly recommended for peak 2026 dates.
Where to stay:
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The St. Regis Deer Valley The pinnacle of ski-in/ski-out luxury.
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Montage Deer Valley Direct mountain access with a polished après-ski scene.
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Goldener Hirsch Residences Spacious, design-forward accommodations with Austrian-inspired charm.
Banff, Alberta
How to get there: Fly into Calgary International Airport, then drive or shuttle just under two hours to Banff. Private transfers are also available.
Best time to go: January through March brings cold temperatures but delivers the lightest, driest powder and quieter slopes. Lake Louise’s high elevation extends the season into May, making spring skiing both reliable and scenic.
Home to three major resorts—Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise—Banff’s SkiBig3 offers one of Canada’s most compelling alpine experiences. For 2026, significant upgrades elevate its global standing. Mount Norquay marks its 100th anniversary with a new two-stage gondola, expanded expert glades, and a Cliff House Heritage Centre. Lake Louise introduces Richardson’s Ridge, adding 200 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain accessed by a new high-speed quad. Off the slopes, wellness takes center stage: the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise debuts the BASIN Glacial Waters Spa in late 2025, while The Kenrick and Banff Park Lodge unveil refreshed interiors and luxury spa experiences. The result is a perfect balance for families, powder seekers, and travelers craving both adventure and restoration.
Pass access: All three resorts are part of the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective, with advance reservations recommended during peak periods. Multi-day and Tri-Area Lift Tickets offer flexible access. SkiBig3 is also offering up to 35% off ski-and-stay packages for the 2025–26 season (available until November 3, 2025).
Where to stay:
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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Iconic ski-in/ski-out luxury with a new alpine spa and postcard views.
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The Kenrick Hotel – A modern downtown base with mineral pools and full wellness facilities.
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Banff Park Lodge – Known for its restored Mountain Whisper Spa and easy access to Mount Norquay.