The 8 Best Ski Towns In The U.S. For A Friend Group Getaway, Ranked

Towns like Park City, Aspen, Breckenridge, and more offer lots of great skiing and après ski activities for friend groups.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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There is something about peaky mountains topped with powder that awakens the adventurer in every ski lover. We dug deep and found the best ski towns, ranking them based on factors like quality of the skiing, accessibility, nightlife, and town activities. Park City snagged the top spot for its many attractions that would appeal to the different needs of a friend group. Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, South Lake Tahoe, Aspen, Salt Lake City, Telluride, and Whitefish, Montana also made the list.

Why it matters

When a group of friends take a ski vacation, they want to spend time enjoying other pursuits off the mountain as well. Some groups want nightlife and a good restaurant scene on top of outdoor activities. Others want culture and the arts. This list highlights the best ski towns that cater to the diverse needs of a friend group getaway.

The details

Park City offers hundreds of trails suitable for intermediate to expert skiers, as well as beginner slopes, and non-skiing activities like snow tubing and snowshoeing. The town has ski-in access, free buses, and a lively Main Street with nightlife and cultural attractions. Breckenridge has a free gondola connecting the mountain to downtown, a historic mining town feel, and activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Steamboat Springs has nearly 200 trails, a historic downtown, art galleries, and hot springs. South Lake Tahoe has casinos, nightlife, and activities like axe throwing. Aspen has challenging terrain for advanced skiers and a walkable downtown. Salt Lake City is close to four major ski resorts but requires a car to access them. Telluride has one ski resort with 149 runs and a free gondola connecting the mountain to the small, picturesque town. Whitefish, Montana has a ski resort with 110 trails and a charming downtown with arts, culture, and nightlife.

  • The article was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

Park City Mountain

One of the ski resorts in the Park City area, offering hundreds of trails for intermediate to expert skiers.

Deer Valley Resort

One of the ski resorts in the Park City area, offering terrain for skiers of all levels.

Woodward Park City

A ski area in Park City that offers trails as well as non-skiing activities like snow tubing.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

One of the ski resorts in the Breckenridge area, offering over 300 trails for skiers and snowboarders.

Keystone Ski Resort

One of the ski resorts in the Breckenridge area, offering terrain for skiers of all levels.

Breckenridge Nordic Center

A cross-country skiing center in the Breckenridge area.

Heavenly Mountain Resort

One of the ski resorts near South Lake Tahoe, offering around 160 trails and terrain parks.

Sierra at Tahoe Resort

One of the ski resorts near South Lake Tahoe, offering around 160 trails and terrain parks.

Aspen Mountain (Ajax)

One of the four ski areas in Aspen, offering over 200 trails for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Aspen Highlands

One of the four ski areas in Aspen, offering over 200 trails for intermediate and advanced skiers, including the challenging Highland Bowl.

Buttermilk

One of the four ski areas in Aspen, offering trails for beginner and intermediate skiers.

Aspen Snowmass

One of the four ski areas in Aspen, offering trails for skiers of all levels as well as snow tubing.

Alta

One of the four major ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Snowbird

One of the four major ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Solitude

One of the four major ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Brighton

One of the four major ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Woodward Park City

A small ski area near Salt Lake City that offers a few trails as well as snow tubing.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

The ski resort near the town of Whitefish, Montana, offering 110 trails and four terrain parks.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This article highlights the best ski towns in the U.S. for friend groups, focusing on factors like skiing quality, accessibility, nightlife, and town activities. The top picks like Park City, Breckenridge, and Steamboat Springs offer a well-rounded experience for skiers and non-skiers alike, making them ideal destinations for a group getaway.