Ski season has officially arrived, but travelers who chase winter adventure have to be meticulous planners. After all, showing up to a mountain only to find greenery instead of snow can derail a weekend trip fast. While you can’t predict the weather with certainty, you can reduce your chances of disappointment by choosing destinations that historically deliver.
Thanks to new research from global real estate services company Savills, skiers can officially mark two U.S. resorts as reliable bets: Vail Ski Resort and Aspen, both in Colorado. The pair landed in the top 10 most “resilient” ski resorts worldwide, earning No. 1 (Vail) and No. 4 (Aspen) on the list.
Photo by Adventure_Photo on Getty Images
Why Ski Resort Resiliency Matters
A ski season’s success depends on countless environmental factors.
“The 2024–25 ski season underscored the growing importance of altitude, geographic positioning, and snow-retention capabilities in determining resilience,” Kelcie Sellers, associate director of world research at Savills, said in a statement.
The report found that regions across the globe battled unpredictable snowfall and prolonged dry spells. Still, Vail, Aspen, and European standouts like Zermatt (No. 2), Val d’Isère (No. 3), and Breuil-Cervinia (No. 5) retained snow thanks to high elevations and favorable conditions. That makes them trustworthy for both travelers and real estate investors looking for reliable ski seasons.
Related: 5 smaller international ski towns for more slopes and less crowds
Experiencing No. 4: Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is nearly synonymous with ski travel. This iconic mountain town is known for thrilling slopes, high energy, and postcard-perfect views. With four major mountains, Aspen truly offers something for every skill level.
Snowmass
Located in the Elk Mountains, Snowmass boasts 3,300+ acres of skiable terrain and a more laid-back ski culture. It’s extremely family-friendly, ideal for beginners, and home to more than 98 trails. In summer, the mountain transforms into a haven for hikers and bikers.
Aspen Mountain (Ajax)
The original Aspen mountain rises directly above downtown. It’s known for steep, technical terrain geared toward advanced and expert skiers. Its central location is perfect for travelers who love nightlife as much as skiing.
Buttermilk
Gentle slopes, forgiving terrain, and a relaxed pace make Buttermilk perfect for families and first-timers. It’s also famous as the longtime host of the Winter X Games. Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, unique theater experiences, and even dog-sledding adventures.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands is where serious skiers go to tackle the legendary Highland Bowl. With challenging terrain, local vibes, and fewer frills than other mountains, it’s a favorite among seasoned skiers looking for authentic, rugged adventure.
Related: Amtrak brings back Denver’s Winter Park Express for ski season
Visiting No. 1: Vail, Colorado
Vail, the top-rated resilient ski destination, offers more than 5,317 skiable acres—making it one of the biggest and most diverse ski areas in North America. Its variety makes it ideal for groups with mixed ability levels.
Front Side
This accessible zone is great for casual skiers and beginners, offering plenty of gentle, confidence-building terrain.
Seven Back Bowls
Massive, open bowls create dream conditions for advanced skiers and powder lovers. Each bowl offers a slightly different experience, so a bit of pre-trip research goes a long way.
Blue Sky Basin
Considered the crown jewel of the back bowls, Blue Sky Basin is loved for its consistently excellent snow and varied terrain. While not suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers will find plenty of mellow but exciting runs.
If you’re hoping to book a trip to either of these coveted Colorado destinations, start early—passes for 2026 are already selling fast.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more ski news!
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.