6 amazing US winter resorts that offer so much more than just skiing

Sun Valley, Idaho is practically synonymous with skiing and winter snow sports—and for good reason. Interest in skiing surged in the decades after the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Sun Valley Resort opened in 1936 with the goal of becoming America’s premier ski resort—debuting the world’s first chairlift, adapted from a system used to haul bananas onto ships in Panama.

Embark on a journey to discover unparalleled winter luxury at these four exquisite alpine retreats. From Sir Richard Branson's opulent mountain haven in Verbier, to the snow-lover's dream at Pendry Park City in Utah, each destination promises not just the world's best ski slopes but an elevated winter experience.

From January to December 2023, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed over a million visitors. The Turks and Caicos Islands received 1,432,844* visitors combined for air and cruise for January -November 2023.  There were 595,503* air arrivals and cruise visitors were 836,341* for the period.  The air arrivals represent a 6.35 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2022 which saw 559,941 arrivals and 54.49 percent over the same period in 2021 which saw 365,460 arrivals.

Low-cost Icelandic airline Play is going all out for the end of the year by offering a whopping 50 percent off its already low airfare to Europe.

Balancing on a narrow ledge at the top of Lone Mountain Peak, I peer down one of North America’s steepest and most challenging ski runs, the Big Couloir — a triple black diamond-graded gully ranging from 40 to 50 degrees over an intense 460 vertical meters. I’m going to ski down alone, with just the voice of legendary extreme skier Dan Egan cheering me on from behind. It’s the last day of Big Sky’s Steep and Deep camp, led by Egan, and this is the crux moment. 

When is a hotel more than a hotel? When commitment to tradition, celebration of ritual and a deep connection to the past paves the way for a global legacy - whether in Manhattan, Mexico City, or Aspen, Colorado.

The ski resorts of Bulgaria have long been seen as the best option for British skiers hoping to hit the slopes on a budget. Borovets and Bansko might not have the glitz of Verbier, the after-ski buzz of St Anton, or the picturesque villages of the Trois Vallées, but as the solid, wallet-friendly option, Bulgaria has been unbeatable for more than a decade.

Illinois is brimming with festive activities and unique experiences, promising to be the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter experience. Lean into the holiday season in December, partake in outdoor winter activities and meet the Bald Eagles of Illinois in January, and indulge in Chicago’s theatre scene and automotive heritage in February.

The Ptown party doesn't have to stop just because it's winter.

About three-quarters of Japan is mountains, so it’s no surprise that hiking is a popular pursuit for locals and travelers alike. There are monumental peaks (hello Mt Fuji!) and gentle hills, sublime landscapes and historic trails.

I’m a budget-conscious skier, so Switzerland is rarely on my radar. Sure, resorts such as St Moritz, Zermatt and Verbier are world-class, but I’ve always assumed they have sky-high prices to match. My last ski trip was to wallet-friendly Andorra. A quick check of the Post Office’s annual ski resort report confirmed my suspicions: Switzerland is consistently the priciest destination in Europe, while Bulgaria, Italy, Austria and Andorra offer more affordable skiing.

There are a handful of towns, sprinkled across the US, that celebrities love to hunker down in. There’s Montecito, the costal area around Santa Barbara, that counts Oprah and Prince William as neighbors. There’s Montana’s Gallatin county, where Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake supposedly savor the Big Sky along with Bill Gates. And then there’s Franklin, an apple-pickin’ Americana town just outside of Nashville. Among the white picket fences and wide brick porches, a number of celebrities, mostly with country music ties, call Franklin home including Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Tim McGraw.