The small town of Park City is nestled high in the craggy Wasatch Mountain Range. Rich with history and antiquated architecture, Park City is home to 64 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Park City, however, is better known for its breathtaking mountain vistas, two world-class ski resorts and endless outdoor recreation. Deer Valley Resort, with its world-renowned ski experience, has once again garnered the number one spot for North American ski resorts by the readers of SKI Magazine. With over 7,300 acres to explore, Park City is the largest ski area in the United States boasting more than 300 trails, 41 lifts, eight terrain parks and several ski-in/ski-out lodging properties. Park City is an easily accessible, world-class mountain destination.

Whistler, British Columbia

Celebrated for its award-winning ski resort, reliably deep snow and legendary terrain variety, the renowned town of Whistler is truly a winter wonderland. At the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains sits Whistler Village, a pedestrian-only neighborhood with enchanting chalet-style architecture. The region attracts locals and visitors alike to dine at five-star restaurants, shop at luxury boutiques and experience Whistler’s active après-ski scene. The village also offers easy ski-in/ski-out access to Whistler Blackcomb, an acclaimed ski resort that has been ranked “#1 Overall Ski Resort in North America” by SKI Magazine for three consecutive years. The resort spans over 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, featuring world-class terrain parks, 200+ trails and 16 alpine bowls for ski enthusiasts to enjoy.

Vail, Colorado

Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the world, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for over 50 years. The region has more than 5,200 acres of developed terrain, with runs ranging from bunny hills to black diamonds; however, it’s Vail’s Back Bowls that set it apart from other world-class resorts. The legendary Back Bowls offer skiers seven miles of wide open runs with stunning views of the backside of the mountain. Matching the incredible mountain experience, the small town of Vail provides an exceptionally diverse culinary landscape, excellent family activities and a wide range of entertainment and events. Paved with cobblestones and lined with architectural features reminiscent of a centuries-old Bavarian village, Vail is filled with shops, restaurants and après hot spots for both locals and visitors to explore. “The Vail Valley is appealing to so many from around the globe because of its unparalleled access to two world-class ski resorts; Vail and Beaver Creek, and abundance of year-round recreation,” said longtime Vail resident and local real estate professional for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. “Additionally, the Vail Valley offers a wide variety of things to do, including high-quality cultural activities and premiere dining that is unique to a community of this size.”

Bigfork, Montana

Named as one of “The Great Towns in America” and “The 50 Great Towns in the West,” the picturesque community of Bigfork is an extraordinarily exquisite and upscale resort village with more than 50 eclectic boutiques, 25 fine restaurants and 16 art galleries. Recognized for truly loving the arts, the area is home to the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center, Bigfork Festival of the Arts and Bigfork Summer Playhouse, one of the Northwest’s finest repertory theatres. The “Village by the Bay” frames the pristine turquoise bay where Swan River flows into Flathead Lake, providing a scenic playground for boating, fishing and other water recreation. Winter activities are equally accessible, as the town is less than an hour away from both Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Squaw Valley/Greater Tahoe Resort Area, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a pristine jewel of nature. Its remarkably clear blue waters reflect the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains that surround it, creating a unique and captivating landscape that can be enjoyed every season of the year. In spring and summer, Lake Tahoe is a haven for boating and fishing, attracting visitors from around the world to its vibrant watersports culture. Conversely, the greater Lake Tahoe area is also a popular ski destination, as it is home to internationally renowned Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. Scene of the 1960 Winter Olympic games and voted “Best Ski Resort” in North America by USA Today and 10Best Readers’ Choice in 2016, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is a spectacular 6,000-acre snow-covered playground for both close-knit families and off-the-radar thrill-seekers. With an average annual snowfall of 450 inches and 300 sunny days, the Lake Tahoe area offers one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the United States.

Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Through the years, Stratton Mountain has grown from a small three-lift ski retreat into an award-winning resort village with something to offer anyone wanting to get away. Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy shredding more than 600 acres of pristine terrain, nearly 100 trails and the fastest fleet of lifts on the East coast. For a more unique snow experience, visitors can slide down the Coca-Cola Tube Park or take a scenic tour of the Valley by dog sled. Summers can be spent at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center or Stratton Mountain Golf Course; both of which offer world-class training on-site. At the heart of the resort, Stratton Village is always bustling with live entertainment, art exhibits, family activities and more. Indulge in retail therapy at a variety of boutiques, dine alfresco by an open fire or spend the day relaxing at the spa; the possibilities are truly endless.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge embodies the stunning beauty and laid-back atmosphere of living in a Colorado ski town. Known not only for its world-class skiing, but also for its friendly character, Breckenridge is a place where visitors and residents enjoy shopping, dining, concerts and outdoor activities year-round. The town offers an approachable, vibrant charm in every season. As Colorado’s largest historic district, Breckenridge is a visual collage of Victorian gingerbreads, old stone buildings and miner’s cabins, surrounded by stunning peaks and the glitz of a big mountain ski resort. In winter, Breckenridge draws skiers from around the world to its famous vast and varied terrain. The resort and town are equally popular in summer, when visitors enjoy endless options for outdoor adventure, as well as the town’s unique shops, restaurants, spas, museums and wildly popular outdoor festivals.