Planning an escape to a winter wonderland this holiday season? Together with Smartwool, we can help you do just that. From hitting the slopes, to lounging by the fire, or exploring outdoors, we’ve got the tips and gear to make sure you’re prepared for whatever adventures lie ahead. Take a look at our top-searched ski destinations* and packing list to start planning for your upcoming trip.
Most popular ski and snowboard destinations
01
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Aspen
Colorado
Good for a splurge
Hacker tip
With endless things to do both on and off the mountain, it’s no wonder that Aspen secured the #1 spot on our list. The thing you need to know about this snow-adise, is that it’s expensive and it’s a scene (think: Rodeo Drive). So if you’re a bargain hunter, go either at the beginning or end of the season and hit up the town’s thrift shops. Many times you can score gently-used luxury gear – for a fraction of the price.
01
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Aspen
Colorado
Good for a splurge
Hacker tip
With endless things to do both on and off the mountain, it’s no wonder that Aspen secured the #1 spot on our list. The thing you need to know about this snow-adise, is that it’s expensive and it’s a scene (think: Rodeo Drive). So if you’re a bargain hunter, go either at the beginning or end of the season and hit up the town’s thrift shops. Many times you can score gently-used luxury gear – for a fraction of the price.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$361 / night
December
$938 / night
January
$565 / night
February
$759 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$361 / night
December
$938 / night
January
$565 / night
February
$759 / night
Median rental car price by month**
02
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
South Lake Tahoe
California
Good for outdoor enthusiasts
Hacker tip
Gorgeous mountains and lake views make Tahoe an unparalleled ski destination. It’s also one of the most convenient spots to get to – with San Francisco, Las Vegas and Reno (see #8) nearby. Book your arrival flight for the morning as several ski resorts offer free half-day lift tickets if you get to the mountain on the same day of your flight. Just be sure to hold onto your boarding pass.
02
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
South Lake Tahoe
California
Good for outdoor enthusiasts
Hacker tip
Gorgeous mountains and lake views make Tahoe an unparalleled ski destination. It’s also one of the most convenient spots to get to – with San Francisco, Las Vegas and Reno (see #8) nearby. Book your arrival flight for the morning as several ski resorts offer free half-day lift tickets if you get to the mountain on the same day of your flight. Just be sure to hold onto your boarding pass.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$189 / night
December
$267 / night
January
$234 / night
February
$256 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$398
December
$521
January
$439
February
$506
Median hotel price by month**
November
$189 / night
December
$267 / night
January
$234 / night
February
$256 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$80 / day
December
$87 / day
January
$81 / day
February
$82 / day
Win the ultimate winter getaway
You’ve checked out the trendiest ski spots, now’s your chance to experience one of them with Ski Smarter Sweeps. One lucky winner will explore a winter destination of their choice with a gift card from KAYAK, plus other goodies from Smartwool. Head over to our official page for more details.
03
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Park City
Utah
Good for a weekend
Hacker tip
Park City is coveted as a top destination – and not just because it’s a great place to hit the slopes. Because of how close the area is to the airport (30-ish minutes) you can land, ski, sleep over and head back home, all in a weekend. It’s especially convenient from the East Coast with direct flights in winter. Be aware that because it’s in Utah, however, some areas may be designated as “dry” and won’t allow alcohol.
03
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Park City
Utah
Good for a weekend
Hacker tip
Park City is coveted as a top destination – and not just because it’s a great place to hit the slopes. Because of how close the area is to the airport (30-ish minutes) you can land, ski, sleep over and head back home, all in a weekend. It’s especially convenient from the East Coast with direct flights in winter. Be aware that because it’s in Utah, however, some areas may be designated as “dry” and won’t allow alcohol.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$282 / night
December
$628 / night
January
$544 / night
February
$688 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$357
December
$482
January
$399
February
$511
Median hotel price by month**
November
$282 / night
December
$628 / night
January
$544 / night
February
$688 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$60 / day
December
$91 / day
January
$89 / day
February
$75 / day
04
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Vail
Colorado
Good for families who splurge
Hacker tip
Vail Village is pretty dreamy – some compare it to a storybook. But it’s also pretty expensive. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, head to Golden Peak – this area is the furthest east and is populated by mostly residential skiers. Looking for the quickest way up the mountain? Take lift 6 to lift 11 instead of the gondola at the Vail Village base.
04
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Vail
Colorado
Good for families who splurge
Hacker tip
Vail Village is pretty dreamy – some compare it to a storybook. But it’s also pretty expensive. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, head to Golden Peak – this area is the furthest east and is populated by mostly residential skiers. Looking for the quickest way up the mountain? Take lift 6 to lift 11 instead of the gondola at the Vail Village base.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$405 / night
December
$661 / night
January
$617 / night
February
$796 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$647
December
$737
January
$597
February
$718
Median hotel price by month**
November
$405 / night
December
$661 / night
January
$617 / night
February
$796 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$56 / day
December
$141 / day
January
$110 / day
February
$150 / day
Pack like you know what you’re doing
Even if you’re new to the slopes, you don’t have to dress like you are – that’s why we asked our partners at Smartwool to help us create an ultimate ski trip packing list. Take the guesswork out of your packing and use this list as your guide.
Men’s Thermal Base Layer Colorblock Crew
The Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Colorblock Crew features 100% responsibly sourced Merino wool and was made for enhanced comfort, breathability and thermoregulation, so you stayconsistently comfortable – no matter what kind of winter fun you get into. Throw this in your bag for all things hiking, running, and skiing.
Men’s Thermal Base Layer Bottom
The Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom was recently updated to provide the best fit and function as a base layer tight. Made with SmartWool’sheaviest weight wool fabric, these bottoms will help keep you warm and comfortable in the cooler temps. If your trip includes skiing, running or hiking, be sure to make space for these in your luggage.
Women’s Thermal Base Layer Crew
The Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew is a fan-favorite that is both stylish, functionable and comes in plenty of colors. Pack this crew as a cold-weather base for when you go skiing, hiking or biking during your trip. Available in standard and plus sizing.
Snowboard Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Socks
Hit the slopes with confidence in the Snowboard Targeted Cushion Logo OTC Socks. Created with enhanced durability in mind, these socks have an unmatched performance fit for top-notch comfort. These technical snowboard socks are a packing must if you plan to shred (and stay cozy) all day long.
05
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Gatlinburg
Tennessee
Good for intermediate skiers
Hacker tip
Tennessee may not be the first place that comes to mind when searching for ski spots, but don’t sleep on it. Ober Gatlinburg, one of the town’s major ski resorts, is great for families and intermediate skiers. With green and blue trails making up 80% of their slopes, it’s worth exploring for those who are warming up to larger mountains out west.
05
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Gatlinburg
Tennessee
Good for intermediate skiers
Hacker tip
Tennessee may not be the first place that comes to mind when searching for ski spots, but don’t sleep on it. Ober Gatlinburg, one of the town’s major ski resorts, is great for families and intermediate skiers. With green and blue trails making up 80% of their slopes, it’s worth exploring for those who are warming up to larger mountains out west.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$174 / night
December
$214 / night
January
$133 / night
February
$125 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$397
December
$423
January
$390
February
$381
Median hotel price by month**
November
$174 / night
December
$214 / night
January
$133 / night
February
$125 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$76 / day
December
$101 / day
January
$116 / day
February
$81 / day
06
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Breckenridge
Colorado
Good for partying
Hacker tip
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge has been described as a non-stop party. With concerts throughout the season, the vibe here is laid back and carefree. Looking for quick lift access? Rent a place on the mountain that is ski-in/ski-out for max ski time. If skiing isn’t really your thing, Breckenridge has other outdoor activities – like snowshoeing and dog sledding – that will keep you busy.
06
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Breckenridge
Colorado
Good for partying
Hacker tip
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge has been described as a non-stop party. With concerts throughout the season, the vibe here is laid back and carefree. Looking for quick lift access? Rent a place on the mountain that is ski-in/ski-out for max ski time. If skiing isn’t really your thing, Breckenridge has other outdoor activities – like snowshoeing and dog sledding – that will keep you busy.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$213 / night
December
$471 / night
January
$395 / night
February
$426 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$286
December
$361
January
$306
February
$367
Median hotel price by month**
November
$213 / night
December
$471 / night
January
$395 / night
February
$426 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$86 / day
December
$140 / day
January
$109 / day
February
$157 / day
07
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Whistler
British Columbia, Canada
Good for culture
Hacker tip
Whistler has a legacy for being one of North America’s best ski spots. But what’s also great about it is its proximity to Vancouver. So you can access all the mountains have to offer – along with the amazing arts and culture found in the city. Treat yourself post-slopes by paying a visit to The Scandinave Spa for some hydrotherapy or the Whistler Day Spa for a massage.
07
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Whistler
British Columbia, Canada
Good for culture
Hacker tip
Whistler has a legacy for being one of North America’s best ski spots. But what’s also great about it is its proximity to Vancouver. So you can access all the mountains have to offer – along with the amazing arts and culture found in the city. Treat yourself post-slopes by paying a visit to The Scandinave Spa for some hydrotherapy or the Whistler Day Spa for a massage.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$247 / night
December
$554 / night
January
$390 / night
February
$444 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$322
December
$432
January
$388
February
$419
Median hotel price by month**
November
$247 / night
December
$554 / night
January
$390 / night
February
$444 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$93 / day
December
$77 / day
January
$82 / day
February
$97 / day
08
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Reno
Nevada
Good for mixing it up
Hacker tip
Who says that Nevada can’t get in on the ski fun too? Situated around some of Lake Tahoe’s best ski mountains, Reno is an interesting anomaly. On one hand, you have gorgeous views and the peaceful scenery of Lake Tahoe’s slope. On the other, you have all night gambling, dive bars and general debauchery if you go downtown. So, mix it up a bit – this might be a great winter bachelor(ette) destination.
08
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Reno
Nevada
Good for mixing it up
Hacker tip
Who says that Nevada can’t get in on the ski fun too? Situated around some of Lake Tahoe’s best ski mountains, Reno is an interesting anomaly. On one hand, you have gorgeous views and the peaceful scenery of Lake Tahoe’s slope. On the other, you have all night gambling, dive bars and general debauchery if you go downtown. So, mix it up a bit – this might be a great winter bachelor(ette) destination.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$155 / night
December
$148 / night
January
$132 / night
February
$192 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$398
December
$521
January
$439
February
$506
Median hotel price by month**
November
$155 / night
December
$148 / night
January
$132 / night
February
$192 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$69 / day
December
$97 / day
January
$97 / day
February
$125 / day
09
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Steamboat Springs
Colorado
Good for off-grid
Hacker tip
Steamboat is a great low-key, family-friendly option, just be prepared for a trek. If you’re not flying direct (and opt to go to Denver), it’s quite remote. So plan to rent a car to get out there, grab tickets on a charter bus or use peer-to-peer car sharing (you can search it on KAYAK) to rent someone’s personal car with a roof rack. Howelsen Hill is a great option for a laidback resort. Plus, they offer “Ski Free Sunday” so you can put that lift ticket money towards a post-ski dinner.
09
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Steamboat Springs
Colorado
Good for off-grid
Hacker tip
Steamboat is a great low-key, family-friendly option, just be prepared for a trek. If you’re not flying direct (and opt to go to Denver), it’s quite remote. So plan to rent a car to get out there, grab tickets on a charter bus or use peer-to-peer car sharing (you can search it on KAYAK) to rent someone’s personal car with a roof rack. Howelsen Hill is a great option for a laidback resort. Plus, they offer “Ski Free Sunday” so you can put that lift ticket money towards a post-ski dinner.
Median flight price by month*
Median hotel price by month*
November
$184 / night
December
$334 / night
January
$319 / night
February
$397 / night
Median rental car price by month*
Median flight price by month**
November
$286
December
$361
January
$306
February
$367
Median hotel price by month**
November
$184 / night
December
$334 / night
January
$319 / night
February
$397 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$107 / day
December
$154 / day
January
$151 / day
February
$188 / day
10
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Banff
Alberta, Canada
Good for advanced skiers
Hacker tip
This ski haven is great for those who are seeking variety. The three major ski areas – Mount Norquay, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise – each offer a different experience. For a smaller-mountain feel, go to Mount Norquay. For more altitude, go to Banff Sunshine. And for the best views, go to Lake Louise.
10
Most popular ski + snowboard destination
Banff
Alberta, Canada
Good for advanced skiers
Hacker tip
This ski haven is great for those who are seeking variety. The three major ski areas – Mount Norquay, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise – each offer a different experience. For a smaller-mountain feel, go to Mount Norquay. For more altitude, go to Banff Sunshine. And for the best views, go to Lake Louise.
Median flight price by month**
Median hotel price by month**
November
$151 / night
December
$279 / night
January
$172 / night
February
$204 / night
Median rental car price by month**
Median flight price by month**
November
$443
December
$559
January
$448
February
$513
Median hotel price by month**
November
$151 / night
December
$279 / night
January
$172 / night
February
$204 / night
Median rental car price by month**
November
$60 / day
December
$58 / day
January
$86 / day
February
$53 / day
Roam through more of the guide
Swap a summer Euro trip for the winter
Rethink your summer vacation for a more affordable winter trip with less crowds – see where you can explore for less this season.
See new cities for less
You can still visit a new place when you’re low on cash – shake up your winter routine with a trip to one of these affordable destinations.
Methodology*Destinations with the most searches for Stays from a list of ski and snowboard destinations curated by the KAYAK Marketing team based on search dates from 5/1/22 – 9/15/22 for travel dates of 11/1/22 – 4/30/23.
**Median prices for airfare, hotel rates and car rental rates were determined using searches from 5/1/22-9/15/22 for travel between 11/1/22-4/30/23. Airfare is round trip pricing with a US origin. Hotel and car rates are daily median rates excluding taxes and fees.