Solo travel can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, and there’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in it than by hitting the slopes in one of the best ski towns for solo travelers. With cozy lodges and fantastic après-ski scenes, these destinations provide the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation.
Here are our top 10 recommendations:
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is a lovely mountain town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Aspen is a popular winter sports destination because of its world-class ski resorts. Beyond the slopes, the town has a vibrant arts and culture scene, a variety of outdoor recreational activities, and a charming downtown area filled with boutique shops and fine dining restaurants.
Aspen’s four ski resorts are one of its main draws: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. These resorts provide a diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, as well as other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
However, Aspen is more than just a winter destination. In the warmer months, the town is surrounded by millions of acres of wilderness, providing endless opportunities for Solo travelers, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. The iconic Maroon Bells, located just outside of town, are a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast visiting Aspen.
Aside from its natural beauty, Aspen has a thriving arts and culture scene. Each summer, the Aspen Music Festival, and School attracts top classical musicians from around the world. The Aspen Ideas Festival, a gathering of thought leaders in politics, business, and the arts, is also held in the town.
Despite its small size, Aspen has a lively downtown with a variety of shopping and dining options. The town is well-known for its high-end boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. After a day on the slopes or in the wilderness, visitors can unwind at one of Aspen’s luxury spas or see a performance at the historic Wheeler Opera House.
2. Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler, British Columbia is a world-class ski resort just two hours north of Vancouver. The town is home to two ski resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in North America.
Whistler’s over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 200 marked trails attract visitors in the winter. Other winter activities available at the resorts include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding.
But Whistler is much more than a ski resort. Mountain activities such as Solo traveling, hiking, mountain biking, and zip lining are available at the resorts during the summer. The Whistler area also has a lot of lakes, rivers, and streams, which makes it a popular spot for water sports like rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
In addition to outdoor recreation, Whistler has a vibrant village with boutique shops, fine dining restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene. The town is well-known for its high-end luxury accommodations, which include everything from hotels to vacation rentals.
3. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont is a picturesque New England town in the heart of the Green Mountains. It is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreational activities, making it a popular tourist and outdoor enthusiast destination.
Stowe’s ski resort, widely regarded as one of the best in the Northeast, is one of its main draws. The resort has over 116 trails, 12 lifts, and a 2,360-foot vertical drop, making it a skier and snowboarder’s paradise. Mountain biking, zip lining, and a scenic gondola ride to the top of Mt. Mansfield are available during the warmer months.
In addition to outdoor recreation, Stowe has a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Throughout the year, the Stowe Area Association maintains a calendar of events that includes festivals, concerts, and other activities.
The Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile trail that winds through the countryside and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, is one of the town’s most popular attractions. The path is popular among Solo travelers, walkers, runners, and cyclists, and it is an excellent way to explore the area’s natural beauty
4. Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah is a mountain resort town outside of Salt Lake City. It is well-known for its world-class ski resorts, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving arts and culture scene.
Park City transforms into a winter wonderland during the winter months, attracting skiers, snowboarders & Solo travelers from all over the world. Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and Canyons Village are the town’s three major ski resorts. These resorts provide a variety of terrain for skiers of all skill levels, as well as other winter activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding.
But Park City is more than just a ski resort. In the summer, the town is a popular destination for Solo traveling, mountain biking, and golfing. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Wasatch Mountain Range provides endless trails, and the town’s golf courses provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Park City is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, in addition to its outdoor recreation. Park City hosts the Sundance Film Festival, one of the world’s premier independent film festivals, each year. The Egyptian Theatre, a historic venue that hosts live music and other performances throughout the year, is also located in town.
5. Chamonix, France
Chamonix is a picturesque town in France’s Haute-Savoie region, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. It is a popular winter sports destination because it has some of the world’s best ski resorts, including the legendary Brévent-Flégère and the Grands Montets.
Chamonix transforms into a hiking, climbing, and mountain biking paradise during the summer months, with an abundance of trails and routes to choose from. The town itself is charming and full of history, with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint chalets, and an 18th-century church.
The Aiguille du Midi, a mountain peak accessible by cable car from the town center, is one of Chamonix’s main attractions. The ride up the mountain provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, and at the top, visitors can take a guided tour of the Step into the Void, a glass-floored observation deck perched on the mountain’s edge.
The ski resorts are the main draw in the winter, with a wide range of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Modern chairlifts, gondolas, and other amenities are available at the resorts, and there are numerous après-ski options, including bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Chamonix also hosts a number of cultural and sporting events, such as the annual Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a multi-day summer running race, and the Fête de la Musique, a music festival held in the town center in June.
6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a small mountain town in Colorado’s northwest corner. It is nestled in the Yampa Valley, surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Skiing and snowboarding at the Steamboat Ski Resort are one of the most popular attractions in Steamboat Springs. It is Colorado’s largest ski resort, with over 2,965 acres of skiable terrain and something for every level of skier or snowboarder. Aside from downhill skiing and snowboarding, the resort has a Nordic center with over 50 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
In the summer, Steamboat Springs has a variety of activities for those who prefer warmer weather. The Yampa River runs through town and is a popular rafting and kayaking destination. The surrounding mountains provide endless hiking and mountain biking opportunities, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. There are several hot springs in town, including the Old Town Hot Springs, which has a series of natural mineral pools.
FAQ
Which state has the best skiing?
Colorado
Where is the most popular place to ski?
Some of the most popular ski destinations in the world include the French Alps, the Swiss Alps, and the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Other popular ski destinations include Canada, Japan, and the Andes in South America.
Where do billionaires go skiing?
Some popular ski destinations for the wealthy include Aspen, Colorado; Courchevel, France; and Zermatt, Switzerland. These resorts are known for their luxurious accommodations, high-end shops and restaurants, and exclusive amenities. Many billionaires also own private ski chalets or villas in these and other ski destinations around the world, which allows them to enjoy a more private and personalized ski experience.