7 Best Ski Resorts for Winter Activities

Ski vacations are full of activities that go way beyond skiing including spas, shopping, or an all-out foodie fest. From destination ski resorts (like in Colorado) that accommodate leisurely getaways, to winter sports meccas for extreme sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of action-packed activities at these top ski resorts. We have put together a list of ski resorts for an action-packed ski vacation.

Best For: Ski mountaineering, backcountry ski tours

Popularized in the late 1960s as one of the extreme skiing meccas of North America, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming quickly shifted from an old cowboy town to a world-class ski and adventure sports destination. Jackson Hole has a wide range of activities: luxury spas and high-end art galleries mingle with dive bars and eco-hotels, all surrounding the winter hub of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. There you'll find opportunities for tandem paragliding and guided backcountry ski tours, while the surrounding area offers even bigger endeavors like ski mountaineering in the Teton Range. Prices are steep but guides are highly trained in skills and safety. 

Best For: Bungee jumping, bobsleigh/skeleton rides, ziplining

Whistler Blackcomb located in British Columbia, Canada, capitalizes on its stunning natural scenery on and off the slopes. At over 8,000 skiable acres between two major mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), the resort offers skiers and riders plenty of options for on-slopes adventures. But on that occasional day off, thrill seekers will find more fun in the greater Whistler area. The 2010 Winter Olympics left a strong impression on the town, and the state-of-the-art sports venues now offer tourists activities like skeleton and bobsleigh rides on an amateur track. If getting off the ground is more your style, consider the 50-meter bungee jump drop from a bridge across the Cheakamus River or a ride on North America's longest zipline with Ziptrek EcoTours.

Best For: Heli-skiing, snow biking, paragliding

Few can forget the epic 1993 hit movie Aspen Extreme, which put the ski bum lifestyle on the map and resulted in thousands flocking to the small Colorado town for a glimpse of the ultimate mountain lifestyle. Since then, Aspen has grown more refined and attracts all types of ski vacationers for its chic shopping, eco-hip hotels, and laid-back local lifestyle. Aspen has extensive offerings, which include off-slope options like fat tire winter biking and tandem paragliding. For those looking for exclusive big mountain powder skiing, consider a day for heliskiing, however, this is quite expensive and usually requires a minimum number of skiers or riders to operate.

Best For: Sledging, night skiing

While plenty head to the Alps in Switzerland to wine and dine, few can ignore the sheer magnitude of these mountains and the rich cultural history that's complemented grown of major ski resorts. A ski vacation to the Alps entails far more than skiing (and even après skiing) – so plan for plenty of off-slope time when you book your European ski getaway. Grindelwald is one of these most cherished ski destinations for its challenging slopes and variety of ways to explore them. Leisurely activities include winter walks and cross-country skiing, while the other extreme would be a ride on Europe's longest tobogganing run: Big Pintenfritz. There's also plenty of night skiing and sledging in the area, which can get quite "extreme" after a strong mulled wine.

Best For: Snowmobile tours, National Parks, backcountry skiing

Big Sky is fondly named after Montana's state slogan, and the expanse of the Madison Mountain Range is only a small part of a Montana ski vacation. Far from the hustle and bustle of far southern neighbors in Colorado, Montana boasts a big mountain culture all its own. The ten-gallon hats on old-time ranchers are as real as the big-horned sheep you'll see on the side of the Big Sky access road, and the authenticity of the adventure culture is tangible. While backcountry skiing is an obvious draw in these beautiful mountains, the main attraction for tourists is the access to Yellowstone National Park. Tour by snow coach or snowmobile to see thermal pools, Old Faithful, and wildlife inaccessible by car in the winter.

Best For: Avalanche education, heli-skiing

Located just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, Snowbird does not draw overwhelming crowds. It's a fun-loving local mountain with extensive off-piste terrain. The resort has hosted the Freeskiing World Championships for several years and also boasts some of the best heli-skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Another Snowbird perk is the emphasis on safety in the backcountry: ski vacationers can take avalanche safety awareness courses to go one step beyond a standard guiding experience, and start to build their own backcountry skiing skills over time.

Best For: Horseback riding, snow biking, adventure park

Crested Butte in Colorado prides itself on ranking as a top destination for winter adventure – and it delivers. A favorite pick for families, we love Crested Butte for its Winter Adventure Park of bungee trampolines and climbing wall for kids, as well as snow biking (it's like riding a bike on skis). The Winter Trail Rides (horseback riding) offer guests a mellow way to explore surrounding areas and often include up-close views of elk, mule deer, and big horn sheep.