The Best Ski Resorts for People Who Don’t Ski

For some, the appeal of a winter getaway lies in first chair, ripping down steep runs, and floating through deep powder. But for others, that’s not the case—they prefer the magic of the snow-covered village and a slow vacation complete with incredible food and drinks, luxurious spa days, and adventures off the slopes. As it turns out, you don’t have to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard to enjoy North America’s best ski destinations. These incredible North America resorts prove that you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy a great ski resort vacation.

The Best Ski Resorts For People Who Don’t Ski

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

While Jackson Hole is one of the top North America resorts among OnTheSnow users, it’s just as incredible off the slopes. The resort’s iconic Big Red aerial tram is a must-ride, whisking guests up to Corbet’s Cabin—a world-famous waffle stop with panoramic mountain views. Beyond skiing and riding, off-slope adventures abound. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Elk Refuge to see elk and other possible wildlife, like moose. Or, go dog sledding or snowmobiling to Granite Hot Springs, where you’ll get to indulge in a steaming winter oasis surrounded by the stunning Bridger-Teton National Forest.

If shopping is more your vibe, head to historic Town Square, where you can browse boutiques and art galleries while enjoying a pastry and coffee from Persephone Bakery. For lunch, savor upscale mountain cuisine at Snake River Grill. Top off a fun day in Jackson with a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you can sit on saddle barstools and soak in the legendary Western atmosphere. Winter also brings amazing events to Jackson Hole like WinterFest and the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

At Aspen Snowmass the off-the-slopes experience rivals the skiing itself, blending high-alpine adventure with world-class culture. Incredible views and outdoor activities dot Aspen Snowmass, from riding the Silver Queen Gondola to its 11,212-foot summit to flying down Snowmass’ Breathtaker Alpine Coaster or cruising the lift-served tubing lanes at Elk Camp. Slow things down with a guided snowshoe tour to the iconic Maroon Bells, or meander through snow-covered forests on a horse-drawn sleigh to a secluded lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse.

Where Aspen perhaps excels the most is with a culture, food, and drink scene that you won’t just find in any ski town. Spend the afternoon at the striking Aspen Art Museum, designed by Shigeru Ban, or browse the luxury boutiques in downtown. Then experience Aspen’s great restaurants and bars. Enjoy Ajax Tavern’s famous truffle fries as you watch skiers speed down the slopes or unwind with a whiskey flight at the new Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge. As evening falls, indulge in a Bougie Crepe at the Crepe Shack or linger over a multi-course dinner at Element 47. Then cap the night with a historic Aspen Crud milkshake at the J-Bar in the Hotel Jerome—a spirited tradition dating back to Prohibition.

Telluride, Colorado

Famously nestled inside a breathtaking box canyon and surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, Telluride offers stunning views from no matter where you are—the slopes, Mountain Village restaurant windows, Telluride bar patios, the chairlift, or the famous Telluride Gondola. The Telluride Gondola, the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in America, links Telluride and Mountain Village, and features a stunning 13‑minute ride with sweeping vistas of the San Juan Mountains.

There are tons of amazing adventures off the slopes, including horse‑drawn sleigh rides, private starlit dinners, and snowmobile tours to Alta Ghost Town. For a little culture, check out Telluride Historical Museum and the Sheridan Opera House. Telluride also boasts a great food and drink scene. Highlights include the stunning views and equally stunning cuisine of Allred’s, 221 South Oak’s refined seasonal fare in a Victorian home, Brown Dog Pizza’s award‑winning Detroit‑style slices, and the New Sheridan Historic Bar, unchanged since 1895. Alpino Vino, the second-highest elevation restaurant in North America at 11,966 ft, is a can’t-miss winter experience, featuring a 4-course prix-fixe Northern Italian menu with unheard of wine pairings.

Steamboat, Colorado

In Steamboat Springs, the legendary Champagne Powder is just as enjoyable from the comfort of a natural mineral spring as it is on the slopes. This authentic ranching town, known as Ski Town USA in the winter and Bike Town USA in the summer, offers a uniquely laid-back Western vibe that centers around the rejuvenating waters of Strawberry Park Hot Springs, where you can soak in stone-walled pools surrounded by a snowy forest. Tons of other unique winter adventures are available for non-skiers, like guided snowmobile tours and sunrise hot air balloon rides (yes, available even in winter). In Downtown Steamboat Springs, the historic Lincoln Avenue is perfect for a stroll through Western-wear icons like F.M. Light & Sons or a visit to the Steamboat Art Museum.

Like many of the destinations on this list, Steamboat has a great dining scene, with everything from upscale dining, such as Aurum Food & Wine, to more casual restaurants like Taco Cabo. Round out your day at Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, where the adventurous spirit of the town is served up in creative small plates and craft spirits.

Park City, Utah

Park City, home to Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley, is much more than a luxurious ski destination—it’s also a hotspot for upscale dining, off-the-slopes adventures, and r&r. Spend a blissful morning at the Montage Deer Valley’s spa with a relaxing massage or a toasty soak in blissful heated pools. Then, venture into historic Park City, which is just a 10 minute ride on Park City’s free bus.

Explore the many shops, like Dolly’s Bookstore, a quiet, charming local store selling books, gifts and stationery, and Olive + Tweed, an upscale boutique selling unique, high-quality apparel that you’re sure to love long after your visit. Enjoy lunch and drinks at High West Saloon, the only ski-in, ski-out distillery in the world, or Harvest, which is a great stop for a healthy, hearty lunch. Head to the St. Regis and take a scenic ride on the Funicular, a counterbalanced tram system that transports riders to the upper building. Here you’ll find the Aprés Lounge, where you can sip on champagne and enjoy gourmet s’mores.

Both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort have tons of activities for those who like winter adventures, but who aren’t downhill skiers. Highlights at Deer Valley include unique food and drink experiences, like slopeside DJ sets at Chute Eleven Yurt and cooking classes at the Creative Academy, and exciting outdoor adventures that include guided snowmobile tours. At Park City Mountain Resort, take a ride on the Alpine Coaster, go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or experience the thrill of the Flying Eagle Zipline.

Snowbird, Utah

While the ski resorts of the Cottonwood Canyons are known for their powder skiing, Snowbird is an amazing ski resort for skiers and non-skiers alike. Take a ride on the Aerial Tram, where you’ll get to take in the views and watch skiers dive into steep terrain in Peruvian Gulch. At the top, you’ll arrive on Hidden Peak and find The Summit restaurant, which serves up 360-degree views of the Wasatch Mountains and  fresh lunch items like rotisserie chicken, customizable power bowls, and sandwiches.

Adventure seekers can still get their fix by hopping on a guided snowshoe tour through the silent, pine-heavy backcountry. When it’s time to relax, the Cliff Spa features a fantastic heated pool and hot tub that overlook the canyon walls, along with a full menu of high-altitude sanctuary treatments. Evenings at Snowbird can be spent at The Aerie, where you can enjoy modern mountain gastropub fare and an award-winning wine list, or at the SeventyOne, which offers a retro-cool atmosphere perfect for sharing a massive Mount Baldy sundae. Snowbird doesn’t have the same resort village experience as some of North America’s largest ski resorts, yet it’s great choice, especially if you’re a non-skier traveling with skiers and snowboarders who are after Utah’s famous fluffy powder.

Whistler, British Columbia

It seems fitting that North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, would have the adventures and experiences off the slopes to match its size. It all begins, for both skiers and non-skiers, with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a tram with a tri-cable system that spans the massive gap between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. If you’re lucky, you may get one of the glass-bottom gondolas, so you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest below. Adventurous activities are in abundance. Head to Bubly Tube Park for a fun afternoon of snow tubing, go on a thrilling winter zipline tour with Ziptrek Ecotours, or venture to Vallea Lumina, an immersive light show hidden in the woods. Then unwind at Scandinave Spa Whistler, where you can enjoy a tech-free hydrotherapy session as you cycle through hot and cold immersion.

Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only hub for world-class food and drinks. Try a delicious almond-filled Bear Paw pastry from Purebread, enjoy sophisticated Pacific Northwest-inspired plates at Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar, or sample rare vintages in the wine cellar or do a sub-zero vodka tasting at Bearfoot Bistro. To cap off the night, head to any number of great hotel bars in Whistler, like the Mallard Lounge inside the Fairmont Château Whistler, for a fireside cocktail and live music.

Heavenly, California

Heavenly Resort lives up to its name both on and off the slopes. Begin with a ride on the Heavenly Gondola, which glides high above the treetops before stopping halfway up at a 9,123‑foot observation deck—an ideal spot to capture sweeping views of Lake Tahoe’s deep blue waters. At the summit, you can continue the adventure on the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, a thrilling ride through alpine scenery, or go tubing on the tubing lanes next to the coaster. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Tamarack Lodge while watching skiers and riders shred down toward the lodge.

Down at the base, Heavenly Village buzzes with activity. Lace up for outdoor ice skating, browse boutiques, go wine tasting, unwind with a movie, or enjoy patio drinks at any number of great bars and restaurants. The headliner, and what sets Heavenly apart, is its access to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Hit one of the many great trails or take a cruise across Emerald Bay on the MS Dixie II paddlewheel boat. Come back to South Lake Tahoe for dinner at the Chart House, Azul Latin Kitchen, Base Camp Pizza, or Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort & Spa. As the day winds down, sip a sunset cocktail at Brooks’ Bar & Deck, join the lively après‑ski crowd at Gunbarrel Tavern, or try your luck at one of the casinos in Stateline.

Palisades Tahoe and Northstar, California

On the other side of Lake Tahoe, experience two other preeminent destination ski resorts, Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California. Like Heavenly, the experience for non-skiers at Palisades Tahoe begins with the Aerial Tram, which provides a scenic 10-minute journey that soars 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp, where you can explore the free Olympic Museum (The 1960 Winter Olympics were held at Palisades Tahoe, when it was known as Squaw Valley) and the Washoe Cultural Display. For another truly unique vantage point, the Base to Base Gondola offers a 16-minute journey between the Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, providing breathtaking views of the Granite Chief Wilderness.

Palisades Tahoe’s pedestrian village is a hub for après-ski. Huddle around the fire with drinks in hand at the Tram Car Bar, a restored 1970s tram cabin, and then once you’re ready for dinner, head to PlumpJack Cafe for a sophisticated wine list and seasonal cuisine. Don’t miss Palisades Tahoe’s legendary après-ski destinations, like Le Chamois, which we named one of the best après-ski bars in America, or The Auld Dubliner, for a lively Irish pub experience.

Just east of Palisades Tahoe is Northstar California, a great family ski resort and California’s most luxurious ski destination, where The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe sits mid-mountain. Make the Village at Northstar your basecamp. Go ice skating, enjoy fireside après-ski around the ice rink, and don’t miss complimentary s’mores at 4 p.m. To really treat yourself, take the complimentary inter-mountain gondola up to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and indulge with a treatment at the 17,000-square-foot slopeside spa. Afterward, enjoy dinner and beautiful mid-mountain views at Manzanita. Northstar is conveniently located about halfway between the charming mountain town of Truckee and Kings Beach on the shores of Lake Tahoe. By day, Kings Beach and nearby Incline Village are fun lakefront towns to take in the beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and grab coffee, breakfast, and lunch. By night the charming town of Truckee is bustling with great restaurants and bars.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a quintessential New England winter getaway for skiers and non-skiers alike. For a breathtaking perspective of the Green Mountains, take the Gondola SkyRide to the top of Mount Mansfield—Vermont’s highest peak—where you can enjoy lunch at the Cliff House surrounded by floor-to-ceiling alpine vistas. On the valley floor, the iconic Trapp Family Lodge offers a slice of Austrian history through its Sound of Music property tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a chance to meet their resident Scottish Highland cows. For a unique adventure, you can embark on a dog sledding excursion through the backcountry or enjoy a serene afternoon of ice skating at the charming Spruce Peak Village.

The town’s culinary and craft spirits scene is legendary, starting with a required pilgrimage to The Alchemist Brewery for a fresh Heady Topper or a visit to Stowe Cider for local flights. After browsing the historic general stores on Main Street, retreat to Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar for cozy fine dining or The Bench for wood-fired comfort food and Vermont cheddar fritters. No trip is complete without a short drive to nearby Waterbury for a Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour and a warm, freshly pressed cider donut from Cold Hollow Cider Mill, ensuring a perfectly sweet end to a perfect New England winter getaway.

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