Stowe Mountain Resort

Best For: New Englanders seeking a local holiday getaway; family-centered holiday events.

Picture-perfect Stowe reigns as Vermont's go-to destination for the ideal ski getaway, and Christmas week is, in our opinion, the best time to experience this world-class resort and quaint town in all its holiday-lighted grandeur. From horse-drawn sleigh rides to meandering walks through covered bridges, laid-back pastimes abound. A major draw is the actual town of Stowe, which boasts historic inns, unique shops, and family-owned restaurants that revolutionized the farm-to-table culinary trend. There's a certain authenticity to this resort that draws in a grounded crowd. Yes, there will be crowds this week, but there will also be plenty of free events, holiday activities, and snow to go around.

Terrain 

Stowe is the closest taste an east coast skier gets when it comes to challenging terrain that mimics that of the Rockies. Advanced skiers will find 2,360 ft of vertical drop, and 30% of skiable terrain contains bumps, trees, and steeps. Like other Vermont resorts, over half of the skiable terrain is rated intermediate, and beginners have the most trail options off the Toll House Double lift.

Lodging 

Stowe offers modern comforts in quintessential New England settings; many of the inns and resorts are situated on expansive pieces of land and historic sites that offer the most charm during the holiday season.

• Luxury: For the five-star experience, stay at the Spruce Peak (Stowe Mountain Lodge); located at the resort base, it boasts the best slopeside location in Stowe, as well as spa services, lounge, and Solstice restaurant.
• Mid-Range: We love The Stoweflake for its extensive holiday event offerings, which include cookie decorating and a Christmas Eve visit from Santa; there's also an on-site spa for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
• Value: Stylish mountain lodge, Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, located in Stowe Village, the downtown location is ideal for shopping and dinners out on the town.

Dining

Vermont loves fresh farm-to-table food, and Stowe area chefs pride themselves on selecting high-quality ingredients to craft innovative New England comfort foods.

• Book in advance for a fireside table in the homey dining room at Edson Hill; specialties include modern twists on classic favorites, like the seared duck breast with sweet rowen cheese curd in mushroom cognac sauce.
• For the ultimate experience in rustic elegance, book a table at the Bistro at Ten Acres Lodge; sip a fresh-pressed cocktail in the fireside lounge, then move to one of the 3 distinct dining areas for a menu of roast meats and delectable seafood.

Shopping

You'll likely find holiday sales in downtown Stowe – especially just after New Year's; outdoor gear stores and local artisan goods abound. 

• Stowe Mercantile: Located on Main Street, Stowe Mercantile is a beloved general store offering a wide range of Vermont-made products, including gourmet foods, artisanal crafts, clothing, and home decor.
• Shaw's General Store: Another historic general store on Mountain Road, Shaw's has been a fixture in Stowe since 1895. It offers a mix of clothing, outdoor gear, gifts, and Vermont-made products.
• Stowe Craft Gallery (Remarkable Things at Stowe Craft): This gallery showcases the work of local and regional artisans, featuring a diverse collection of handmade jewelry, pottery, glassware, woodwork, and fine art.
• Green Envy: Known for its contemporary fashion and unique accessories, Green Envy offers a curated selection of clothing, shoes, and jewelry for men and women.
• Laughing Moon Chocolates: A must-visit for chocolate lovers, Laughing Moon Chocolates is a local chocolatier creating delicious handmade truffles, fudge, and other confections. 

Holiday Events 

Between Christmas and New Year's, the ski resort offers daily festive events and activities; they're mostly kid-centered, but couples can enjoy the artsy influence as well.

• Fire on Ice by Ice Dance International: Celebrate New Year with the unique ice dance and live music that will surely light up the night.
• Complementary Family Photos on select days between Christmas and New Year's Eve at the Toy & Candy Co.
• Skate with Santa at Stowe Arena: Santa is on the move! Spot him around the ice! 
• Torchlight Parade and Fireworks: Countdown party with fireworks and annual torchlight parade with Stowe. Experience the magic as Stowe Mountain Resort comes alive with a spectacle of light. 

Activities

Stowe is the outdoor playground for laid-back winter activities; be sure to explore surrounding areas on a day off from the slopes

• Venture out on your own or take a snowshoe tour to explore the extensive trail systems around the Stowe area – and learn a bit of Vermont history while you're at it.
• Venture through covered bridges and wooded trails with a horse-drawn sleigh ride; family and couples bookings are both available.
• For an excursion outside Stowe, visit the Ben and Jerry's Factory in neighboring Waterbury, which offers several daily tours of the world-famous ice cream production headquarters.

Whistler Blackcomb

Best For: Families and couples seeking the big resort holiday experience and tons of free entertainment.

Whistler Blackcomb has consistently been ranked as one of the top ski resorts in the world by various publications, including SKI Magazine. The resort pulls out all the stops at Christmas – including fantastic last-minute package deals. The village boasts over 200 shops, big-name luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and the Westin offer fantastic spas, and the nightlife is unparalleled when it comes to North American mountain towns. There's a certain ease in the air, even amongst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We highly recommend booking restaurant reservations early – the best restaurants fill quickly. (And you must check them out).

Terrain

Whistler wins top ranks for most terrain in North America at a whopping 8,171 skiable acres. The Peak-2-Peak gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, which each boast their own base villages. Whistler's extensive lift system and top-notch infrastructure enable them to keep lift lines low, even during peak periods. Terrain split is 18% beginner, 55% intermediate, 22% advanced and 5% expert, with extensive backcountry options available beyond resort boundaries.

 Lodging 

Whistler is not short of luxury accommodation, but there are also value options that include boutique hotels, condominium rentals, and private homes; here are a few of our top holiday picks.

• Luxury: Something about the holidays makes for an extra special stay at the Four Seasons; expect gorgeously decorated lounges, phenomenal customer service, and the okay from management to have an in-room Christmas tree.
• Mid-Range: Fan favorite Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel boasts spacious rooms, a tapas bar, a spa, and a concierge in the know of all the best Whistler events.
• Value: The Listel Hotel gets points for its superb location in the heart of Whistler Village; rooms are clean and simple, staff friendly, and the continental breakfast complimentary.

Dining 

Whistler chefs specialize in menus crafted from fresh, local, often organic fare; most fine dining spots offer holiday menus – contact individually for details and menus.

• Contemporary Grill & Vine Whistler is offering a pre-fixe four-course Christmas Eve dinner, as well as a Christmas Day brunch buffet; the fare is upscale and the atmosphere is family-friendly.
• Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar pioneered farm-to-table dining in Whistler, and executive chef James Walt crafts the menu from the freshest seasonal ingredients available; the oyster bar is a great place to unwind après or late night.
• The Bearfoot Bistro not only boasts finely crafted Pacific Northwest fare, but also the Ketel One Ice Room – the world's coldest vodka tasting room; we recommend separate visits for distinct experiences.

Shopping

Whistler and Blackcomb Villages boast over 200 shops;  Here, you can find everything from outdoor gear and apparel to unique gifts and souvenirs. The village is known for its charming atmosphere and offers a delightful shopping experience.

• The Amos & Andes The Whistler Sweater Shop imports gorgeous sweaters from Norway, and also stocks high-end Canadian brands like Cowichan and Thermohair.
• If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to visit the Great Glass Elevator Candy Shop. Located in Whistler Village, this delightful store offers a wide array of candies, chocolates, and other sweet treats that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
• Whistler Blackcomb boasts a variety of art galleries that showcase the talents of both local and international artists. These galleries provide a distinctive shopping experience where you can discover and acquire handcrafted artworks, home accents, clothing, accessories, jewelry, books, and souvenirs. Notable examples include the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) and the Audain Art Museum.

 Holiday Events 

Skate with Santa, carol with community singers, and enjoy tons of free entertainment throughout the week.

• An interdenominational Christmas Eve service takes place at the Westin; the Christmas Carol Service features the Whistler Children's Chorus and Whistler Singers.
• Catch Whistler's pro skiers and riders at the Fire and Ice Show Sunday evenings; the event is free and family-friendly.
• Whistler hosts its annual Dress Like Santa Day to bring the Christmas vibe to the slopes. All Santa and Mrs Claus will meet at the Whistler Village Gondola at 8 am for a group run and photo. The top 100 to arrive at the finish point will be skiing the rest of the day free!
• Whistler's New Year's Eve Celebration in the Village features a special Family Après experience and a wide range of indoor activities. Celebrate this magical time of the year and kick start the new chapter as you witness the breathtaking midnight fireworks.
• Experience the enchantment of a winter wonderland with Santa. Wintersphere invites you to celebrate this magical time of year, offering festive activities for the whole family.

Activities

Whistler boasts more activities than you'll know what to do with: here are a few family-friendly ones for the holiday week.

• The Bubly™ Tube Park is a big hit with kids and families: it offers 7 lanes, 2 tube sizes, and a fire pit with hot beverages for lounging.
• The Whistler Sliding Centre’s Passenger Bobsleigh and Skeleton programs are Whistler’s most unique activities and is the only place open to the public in Canada. Experience the thrill of these high-speed winter sports and tick this off your bucket list.
• The Winter Après Tour offers you the unique opportunity to experience Whistler’s Signature Mountains. This exhilarating 2-hour activity allows you to witness the magical alpenglow or glide through the peaceful serenity of falling snow.

Whistler boasts some of the best package deals in the industry for Christmas ski vacations – availability is limited, so book asap!

Aspen

Best For: Big resort offerings with small community vibes.

Aspen is not only one of the top resorts in the world but a Colorado town with real mountain characters. The holiday season blends big resort offerings with local events – so if you're seeking that hometown holiday feel with all the plush amenities of world-class skiing, this is your place. 4 separate mountains are operating under the Aspen Pass, including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands – all connected by a convenient bus system. While you can find some value and mid-range lodging, Aspen is a great place to indulge. Party-goers will find elegant shindigs on and off the slopes, so be sure to pack your faux fur boots. For the best deals, arrive just before Christmas.

Terrain

Aspen is not a colossal resort – that's part of why we love it. At 675 skiable acres, the intimidation factor remains low, while advanced skiers will find some of the best (and underrated) terrain in the state. Neighboring Snowmass is a popular destination for families and offers its own holiday events. Some of the steepest glades may not open early season, as this is dependent on snowfall. Intermediates can find scenic cruisers off the Ajax Express.

Lodging

Aspen is known for its green-certified buildings, making it an ideal place to stay eco-friendly; we appreciate the understated luxury of high-end lodging options as well (like St. Regis, which is located in a historic red brick downtown building).

• Luxury: For the ultimate Christmas holiday destination, indulge at St. Regis; several of the town's holiday events are centered at the hotel, including gingerbread house crafting, stocking decorating, and Hanukkah celebrations as well.
• Mid-Range: Hip and eco-friendly, book at The Limelight for spacious, well-lit rooms, a scenic rooftop terrace, an outdoor heated pool and ski valet with prime access to the slopes and downtown.
• Value: You can't beat Tyrolean Lodge for its central location and family-friendly vibes; the décor is lodge style, and there is a range of rooms available for various budgets.

Dining

Aspen is delightfully international when it comes to cuisine, but be sure to indulge at least a few meals in classic Western fare; here are some top picks:

• For Christmas dinner, book a table at The Little Nell's Element 47; enjoy a four-course pre-fixe menu featuring delicacies like caviar, pecorino-crusted quail, veal chop and delectable deserts.
• Matsuhisa opened in 1998 and has since served tourists and locals the finest sushi and Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare in town.

Shopping

You can drop big bucks at Aspen's luxury boutique stores; this town delivers when it comes to high-end goods and clothing (we recommend getting a fine pair of cowboy boots if nothing else).

• Shop for luxurious gifts and souvenirs from The Little Nell, ranging from clothing, jewelry, handbags artwork, dog treats and more. We love family-owned Pitkin County Dry Goods for its long-standing reputation in the Aspen community as a go-to for mountain town clothing and beautiful jewelry selection.
• Kemo Sabe is the hot spot for upscale western ware, from authentic cowboy boots to fine leather accessories.
• Aspen Emporium features unique handmade, remade art and gifts from local artists.

Holiday Events 

The town of Aspen holds its annual 12 Days of Aspen starting December 20th; festivities include cookie decorating, library story times, themed après parties, film screenings, and more. Check out the most updated event for Christmas and New Year here.

Activities

Aspen boasts all the usual mountain town pastimes, plus a few unique opportunities (mountaintop yoga, anyone?)

• Honor the Norse god of snow with Ullr Nights, a Friday night festival of games, tubing, snowbiking, s'mores, and live music at Elk Camp on Snowmass.
• Start the day with mountaintop yoga at 11,000 ft. Experience a complete revitalization of your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through an all-encompassing yoga session on Aspen Mountain.

Jackson Hole

Best For: An Old West Christmas draped in contemporary comfort with world-class skiing.

There may be no official Santa Ski Day, but Jackson Hole knows how to do the holidays – on and off the slopes. From mountain ambassadors handing out fresh croissants next to the tram on Christmas Eve to village bus drivers-turned-DJ cranking holiday tunes on their routes, the festive nature of Jackson Hole runs wide. Teton Village lights up with live music and the annual torchlight parade, while downtown Jackson's shops and restaurants pull out all the stops for the official kick-off of the tourist season.

Terrain

Ski 2,500 ac in-bounds terrain – much of which you can lap in a 4,000 vertical foot tram run. The resort designates 10% terrain "beginner" – a good incentive to sign up for some lessons. If you're interested in backcountry skiing, Jackson is your place: the Mountain Sports School offers guiding services to take you outside resort boundaries.

Lodging 

Jackson Hole always has a white Christmas, and hotels deck their halls with enough festive flair you'd think Santa's elves had rolled through on their way to get the first tram; stay slopeside in Teton Village for the easiest skiing access, or in downtown Jackson for shopping and more nightlife.

• Luxury: Bask in rustic elegance at the Four Seasons, which boasts a slopeside outdoor pool, 2 popular restaurants, a high-end spa, and ski valet; your ski instructor will even meet you inside to help you boot up.
• Mid-Range: For ski-in/ski-out access and spacious rooms with gas fireplaces, book at Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa; you'll be stumbling distance from the tram, and one of the coolest après bars in Teton Village is right downstairs.
• Value: The Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites is a locally owned property located in the town of Jackson and within a 6-minute walk of Jackson Town Square where there is a wide variety of dining, entertainment and nightlife options.

Dining

The holiday season books up quickly at popular fine dining establishments; we recommend making reservations now and sticking to them – here are a few local and tourist favorites.

• The Snake River Grill is in a culinary league of its own – a fine dining mainstay on the Jackson town square; start with Southern-style veal sweatbreads smothered in sherry and creole mustard, then follow with creative entrée choices like the wild game Korean hot bowl.
• Local favorite Trio is perfect for splitting an oven-fired pizza and bottle of red wine at the open-kitchen bar; tables require reservations, so book ahead (and whatever you do, don't miss the blood orange margarita and oven-baked s'more – they've both been on the menu since the restaurant's opening).
• In Teton Village, opt for fine Italian fare at Osteria; enjoy creative twists on classic favorites, like pear and spaghetti squash ravioli or fusilli with smoked trout in butter beer sauce.

Shopping

Teton Village has a few gems and specializes in outerwear and ski gear; head into downtown Jackson for fine art galleries, chic boutiques, and quirky gift stores.

• Shop for handcrafted goods and gifts at local favorite MADE; the downtown Jackson location was recently expanded, while a smaller branch inside Hotel Terra at Teton Village stocks holiday bests.
• While primarily known for its delicious bagels and coffee, Pearl Street Bagels also sells logo apparel and accessories, perfect for those looking for a tasty snack and a unique souvenir.
• A boutique located on Jackson's historic Town Square, Mountain Dandy offers a curated collection of stylish men's clothing, accessories, home decor, and unique gifts.

Holiday Events

Leave time for informal holiday activities like strolling the icicle-lit town square, but be sure to catch these ones as well – all part of the Jackson Hole Holiday Roundup:

At Jackson Hole, Santa doesn't just arrive via plain old sleigh; on Christmas Eve, be at the base of the tram to watch Santa "drop in" to the holiday scene.

New Year's Eve brings the classic Torchlight and Glow Worm Parade, where little ones cruise down Teewinot with glow sticks – a must for your younger skiers who don't mind loading the lift after hours! 

Check out more information on Jackson Hole Winterfest and holiday events.

 Activities

Jackson Hole is a mecca for outdoor adventure pursuits, but there are plenty of low-key leisure activities as well; take your pick.

• Venture into the depths of Yellowstone National Park with a guided snowmobile tour; yes, this includes a visit to the famous Old Faithful – as well as breakfast, lunch, and hotel pickup/dropoff.
• Take a tandem paragliding flight from the top of the gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and enjoy stunning views of the Gros Ventres, Tetons, and Teton Valley.
• The National Elk Refuge hosts tours via sleigh ride throughout the season; this is a fan favorite, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the largest elk herds on Earth.

Park City

Best For: Families looking for the last minute getaway; foodie fans and couples. 

Similar to Whistler in its extensive resort and downtown offerings, Park City is a top destination for those seeking an all-inclusive ski vacation with fantastic accessibility (it's a mere 40-minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport). The historic downtown is dripping in icicle lights throughout the holiday season, and premier chefs of local eateries pull out all the stops for festive dinners. Park City very much has the resort town feel, making it a top pick for families, foodies, and couples. The annual Snowfest starts the week before Christmas and lasts through New Year's. 

Terrain

With 17 peaks and 14 back bowls spread across 7,300 ac skiable terrain, Park City reigns as the largest ski resort in the U.S. While we highly recommend the resort to families for its extensive activities and top-notch ski school, advanced skiers looking for serious terrain won't be disappointed. The split is 8% beginner, 42% intermediate, 32% advanced and 18% expert. Many of the intermediate and advanced trails intersect or meet at the same base areas, so skiers of varying levels can still ski "together."

Lodging 

Prices are at their peak during Christmas week, but anything just outside downtown Park City offers value; if you're looking for 5-star luxury, there are plenty of options.

• Luxury: For the picture-perfect holiday digs, book the Washington School House; the renovated 1889 schoolhouse is luxe, quaint, and 1 mile from the resort.
• Mid-Range: At the resort base area you'll find a (large) cluster of condo hotels, ice rink, and shops – the area is called Mountain Village; families can't beat the 1-4 bedroom condominiums at the Lodge at Mountain Village – they're spacious, slopeside, and in the heart of all major resort activities.
• Value: The Silverado Lodge is situated in the Canyons Village at Park City Mountain Resort. It offers convenient access to the ski slopes and is within walking distance to restaurants and shops

Dining

Park City knows food, and the area is renowned for its contemporary Western fare; these are the best old, new, and semi-secret spots that mustn't be missed.

• The classic go-to for locals and tourists alike is Riverhorse on Main, which has been serving up contemporary western bistro fare since 1987; the macadamia nut-crusted halibut is a favorite, as is the trio of wild game with scalloped potatoes and huckleberry.
• Book at award-winning Handle for a taste of Park City's newest American fare; simple and sophisticated, the menu boasts entrees like lamb T-bone with grilled frisse and tarragon peach jam – don't miss the brown sugar pavlova for dessert.

Shopping

Park City is super posh when it comes to clothing boutiques and high-end goods; stroll Main Street for variety, and don't miss these gems:

• Head to Burns Cowboy Shop for authentic leather wear and the best cowboy boots in town; the store's original owner started by making saddles for customers in the 1800s, so it gets extra points for authenticity.
• Dugins West located on the main street in the heart of a historic old town offers Park City logo merchandise for the whole family, ranging from t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and hats.
• Stop by  Ritual Chocolate - Park City Cafe for a cup of hot chocolate and some sweet treats to take home. The cafe specializes in crafting small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolates using ethically sourced cacao beans from around the world. They offer a variety of chocolate bars, truffles, and other treats.

Holiday Events

Park City Mountain Resort's holiday events take place within their 16-day Snowfest festival: catch live music nightly around the resort, as well as these special holiday happenings.

If you're vacationing the week before Christmas, don't miss Santa's official entrance to Park City via the Town Lift. This Christmas Eve marks Park City's Torchlight Parade, a tradition as old as the resort itself.

Head to the Canyons Village for New Year's Eve celebration that includes live music, family entertainment, and a fireworks show to kick off the evening.

Check out more Park City holiday events. 

Activities

Park City is chock full of outdoor activities (especially of the kid-friendly variety), and cultural attractions as well – downtown food tour, anyone?

• Tour the Alf Engen Ski Museum for an interactive peak into skiing's history; be sure to check the museum's calendar for special events and presentations.
• Consider a trip to Woodward Park City: a one-stop-show for mini-snowmobiling, lift-serviced tubing, and snow structure play for little tykes.
• The Flying Eagle Zip Line is super user-friendly, and a favorite for kids (they can ride alone, or next to parents).
• The Mountain Coaster combines adrenaline-fueled excitement with the beauty of the natural environment.

Tips

With the Epic Pass, you can access all 38 Vail-owned resorts including, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek and more.