8 Ski Resorts for a Winter Getaway

Boyne Mountain Resort | Boyne Falls, Michigan

Located halfway between Traverse City and the Mackinaw Bridge in Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort offers the charm of a European chalet and easy access to the lakeshore communities of Petoskey and Charlevoix. Many travelers pass through on their way to other places, but the village of Boyne Falls’ full-service, four-season resort is a destination unto itself. 

Skiing is the winter draw here, and Boyne Mountain has the terrain to host every level of skier and snowboarder, from the beginner-friendly Boyneland area to the McLouth, Hemlock, Meadows and Superbowl black-diamond run. Novices can sign up for a variety of lessons and programs through the on-site Snowsports School.

The sprawling resort offers activities for all ages, great dining options and unique ways to experience winter. One of those is Skybridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. In the winter, visitors ride a chairlift to walk the illuminated pedestrian bridge and end up at The Iglu, a freestanding structure made entirely of ice and snow. Those who want to explore the outdoors behind a pair of handlebars can try MoonBikes, fat-tired, fully electric snow bicycles. 

The weather outside isn’t a concern at the indoor Avalanche Bay Waterpark, where the temperature is always in the 80s. From the Rip Zone surf simulator to the winding lazy river, this waterpark offers a perfect on-site escape from the cold.

Boyne Mountain Resort’s luxurious options include the slopeside Chalet Edelweiss with a Nordic Cirque Sauna experience, a variety of room styles and even a ski valet service. Or pick from vacation rentals ranging from roomy winter cabins to quaint villas. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, Michigan 49713, 855/688-7024, boynemountain.com

Nub’s Nob | Harbor Springs, Michigan

This family-owned ski hill has hosted skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels since 1958. Nub’s Nob provides 248 acres of skiable terrain with 53 runs ranging from expert to easy. Visitors can rent all the equipment they need, including cross-country skis and snowshoes, at the on-site rental shop. First-time skiers can enroll in the Odyssey program which specializes in teaching total beginners to get up and moving. 500 Nubs Nob Rd., Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740, 231/526-2131, nubsnob.com

Seven Springs Ski Resort | Champion, Pennsylvania 

About an hour southeast of Pittsburgh sits a prime spot for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels and winter fans of all ages. Seven Springs Ski Resort holds the distinction of being the largest in the state, with 285 skiable acres. 

Beginner-friendly routes like the Village and Boomerang trails let beginners get the hang of things, and the Seven Springs Ski & Ride School helps newbies build skills and confidence before they strike out on their own. 

Families love the snow tubing (which requires no skill at all), as they race down the hill together at the region’s largest tubing park. A conveyor belt at the bottom takes riders to the top and is great for those who want to make multiple runs. 

Away from the slopes, there is plenty to explore on the grounds of the resort. Stop by the Foggy Goggle for an après-ski bar that serves up comfort food favorites in a fun and casual space. Located right next to the slopes, this hot spot is a full-service family restaurant by day and nightlife hub after the sun goes down. 

Wind down with a round of indoor, 18-hole mini golf or grab a group and head to the bowling alley, both at the Main Lodge. Or, have some alone time at the Trillium Spa, with services from manicures to full body massages. 

Seven Springs Ski Resort has lodging that ranges from hotel rooms to larger cabin rentals. Stay at the newly renovated Slopeside Hotel, connected to the Main Lodge. Or choose from a variety of vacation rentals with amenities that include private chairlifts and mountain views. 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion, Pennsylvania 15622, 814/352-7777, 7springs.com

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort | Claysburg, Pennsylvania

With the highest skiable mountain in the state, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort in Claysburg offers an inviting winter destination for thrill seekers. Blue Knob is packed with black-diamond runs with names like the Upper and Lower Extrovert and the Ditch Glades for experienced skiers, providing the perfect terrain for challenging yourself. Blue Knob manages a variety of rentals ranging from cozy condos to grand chalets after your day on the slopes. 1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625, 814/239-5111, blueknob.com

Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis | West Virginia

This unique, state park resort nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, West Virginia, provides the perfect winter getaway for skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is home to 26 trails of unique terrain including meadows and tree runs alongside beginner-friendly slopes.

This ski destination prides itself on being the perfect place to learn to ski or snowboard, with about 30 percent of the terrain dedicated to beginners. Canaan Snowsports School offers lessons ranging from private sessions to group adventures. Beginners start by taking on the Critters Crawl, then progress to the Bunny Buster trail and the longer Timber Trail run. 

Another favorite here is the 1,200-foot snow tubing park. With multiple lanes serviced by a lift, you can reach the bottom and get right back to the top for another go. Or grab a pair of skates and head to Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s ice-skating rink, which is located near the outdoor pavilion and open all winter long. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Alleghenies while skating before warming up beside the rink’s outdoor fireplace. 

The lodging experience at Canaan Valley Resort State Park can be as restful or as adventurous as you choose. Stay in one of the 160 luxurious guest rooms at the main lodge that provide all the necessities for a relaxing stay. Or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the valley by staying at one of the cabins or cottages. 

Located about a half mile from the main lodge, guests who stay here also have access to the resort’s amenities including on-site dining, a pool and fitness center, the arcade and more. 230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, West Virginia 26260, 304/866-4121, canaanresort.com

Snowshoe Mountain Resort | Snowshoe, West Virginia

Located deep in the Allegheny Mountains, the road trip to get to this winter destination may be a little more arduous, but it’s totally worth it. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is one of West Virginia’s premier winter-sports destinations due to its plentiful natural snowfall and 257 acres of skiable terrain. The slopes range in difficulty to offer variety for all skill levels, with the more difficult runs offering some of the longest black-diamond routes in the region. 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, West Virginia 26209, 877/441-4386, snowshoemtn.com

Holiday Valley Ski Resort | Ellicottville, New York

This iconic ski resort in Cattaraugus County, New York, is famous for its exceptional slope conditions and the quaint village of Ellicottville it calls home. Holiday Valley Ski Resort combines thrilling winter sports with access to a great nightlife scene and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Situated about 50 miles south of Buffalo, the destination benefits from lake-effect snow and accumulates an average of 180 inches each year. Approachable for beginners, the resort offers lessons with an emphasis on turning first-timers into lifelong skiers and snowboarders. 

In addition to the downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is popular here with rentals available at an on-site shop and miles of terrain to traverse over the lower slopes and golf course. Cross-country skiing trails are abundant at Holiday Valley as well as at the Art Roscoe Trails at the nearby Allegheny State Park. The latter provides over 20 miles of well-maintained double-tracked trails through the forest. 

After a day on the mountain, discover all that the village of Ellicottville has to offer. This idyllic and walkable town offers a multitude of of activities, shops and food-and-drink offerings. It is home to a flourishing nightlife scene that offers comfy, laid-back vibes to complement a day on the slopes. 

Holiday Valley’s lodging has options for various group sizes. Be at the center of the action when you stay at the Inn at Holiday Valley, which has ski-in, ski-out access, meaning your room has quick access to the slopes. Another option is the Tamarack Club, the luxurious premier hotel next to the resort’s main base area. 6557 Holiday Valley Rd., Ellicottville, New York 14731, 716/699-2345, holidayvalley.com

Peek’n Peak Resort | Clymer, New York

This destination characterizes itself as the ultimate winter playground. With terrain for all experience levels, there is something for everyone at Peek’n Peak Resort. Boasting 26 runs and an average of 180 inches of snowfall a year, the resort is a winter-sports destination. The progressive terrain parks are a draw here as well. The resort holds freestyle competitions throughout the season, where riders can show off their skills. 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, New York 14724, 716/355-4141, pknpk.com