There are so many reasons to take a weekend ski trip. One is that many of our passes—from the Epic to the Ikon—include days at other resorts, and sometimes even lodging discounts. Another is that sometimes, we need to get out of town when insanity (aka Sundance) strikes our grocery stores and roads. And doesn’t the powder always seem deeper on the other side? I don’t know about you, but I get serious FOMO when I learn that Breckenridge, for example, has gotten 178 inches this year, while Jackson has pulled down nearly 200.
2018/2019 Winter Snowfall Totals to Date (from Jackson Hole)
So, where to go? Here are 5 weekend ski getaways from Park City that are doable as long weekend road trips. Of course, you could also fly to maximize your turn time.
Photo Credit: CBMR
1. Crested Butte, CO
Crested, what? There’s a reason this little outpost in the West Elk Mountains is known colloquially as the last great ski town and is unfamiliar to many. It’s so far away from everything, that it’s still an authentic little town and a well-kept secret—think the opposite of Vail, as ironic as that now is.
Why go: Crested Butte is a family-friendly town with big personality. The community jumps at every chance to stage a festival or hold a party. Surrounded by not much of anything besides mountains, the views are truly sublime. The resort itself offers terrain for everyone, but is an expert skier’s dream, with tons of steep bowls and gullies only accessible through some upward travel.
Pass compatibility: Epic Pass (unlimited days)
Drive time from Park City: 7.5 hours
Stay at: The Ruby B&B if you can score a room, or the Elevation on the mountain
Eat at: The Last Steep for its weekend Bloody Mary bar, and The Secret Stash for pizzas like the Notorious F.I.G. (hello, figs and bacon)
Photo Credit: Sun Valley
2. Sun Valley, ID
Idaho is not known for being—how shall we say it—very luxurious. But Sun Valley is as posh a ski destination as it gets. It also has a great arts community for those who like a side of culture with their snow.
Why go: Put on the map by none other than Ernest Hemingway, the Sun Valley/Ketchum area is a relatively close destination and a beautiful drive. The mountain is well-rounded and a great fit for all skier types, meaning it’s family-friendly.
Pass compatibility: 2 days with the Mountain Collective Pass
Drive time: 5 hours
Stay at: Sun Valley Lodge
Eat at: Pioneer Saloon and Trail Creek Cabin win with their Wild West-chic ambience
Photo Credit: Big Sky
3. Big Sky, MT
If you think bigger is better, than this Montana skiing spot is the way to go. They claim to be home to the biggest skiing in America. While we all know that the biggest ski resort is right here at home, the Montanans are most likely referring to the sky, not the acreage. Montana’s notoriously large sky makes for panoramic views and a choice backdrop for on-mountain selfies.
Why go: Swap crowds for views. Plus, it’s just a short drive to the charming town of Bozeman. Big Sky also borders Yellowstone National Park, which is uncrowded and serene when explored in winter.
Pass compatibility: The Ikon Pass offers 7 days at Big Sky
Drive time: 6 hours
Stay at: One of Big Sky’s Cowboy Heaven Cabins
Eat at: The Montana Dinner Yurt (if yurts are your thing). If you’re staying in Bozeman, grab a delicious sandwich from the Community Food Co-op and head to Plonk for dinner.
The mighty Tetons
4. Jackson Hole, WY
I’m goin’ to Jackson, and that’s a fact. Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson, ain’t never comin’ back. While I believe Johnny Cash was referring to Jackson in Tennessee not Wyoming, we definitely agree with the sentiment when it comes to Jackson Hole. Bonus? An hour’s drive through Teton Pass is Grand Targhee… I got engaged on the Dreamcatcher chairlift there and love their throwback slogan “Snow made from heaven, not hoses.”
Why go: With over 16 feet of snow piling up, a lively downtown, and the jagged Teton Range to ogle, there’s a lot to love about this ski destination. And of course, you’ll want to queue up the song “Jackson” for your road trip playlist.
Pass compatibility: 7 days with the Ikon Pass; 2 days with Mountain Collective
Drive time: 4.5 hours
Stay at: The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Eat at: Snake River Brewing; be sure to grab pastries at the buzzy Persephone Bakery to stuff into your ski jacket pockets for chairlift snacks
5. Solitude, UT
For those who want to get away without the hassle, there are plenty of ski staycation options right here in Utah. Head up to one of the resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons, book a room, schedule on-mountain childcare, and click into full vaca mode.
Why go: While Snowbird and Alta also make great options, I’m recommending Solitude because it’s so aptly named. Peace and quiet abound not only on the slopes, but also at the Solitude Mountain Spa.
Pass compatibility: Deer Valley passholders get 2 days at Solitude; Ikon passholders have unlimited days at Solitude
Drive time: 54 minutes 🙂
Stay at: The Inn at Solitude
Eat at: Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant (a historic spot just a couple minutes from Solitude)
