For our avid skiers and snowboarders, we wanted to provide unique options for your winter getaway this upcoming season. Like everything else in this year’s ever changing travel environment, there is going to be new normal with ski towns where lift tickets must be purchased in advanced and many travelers are going to look to secure private, secluded accommodations well in advanced. In our book, this is the perfect year to try one of the less trafficked winter sport destinations. While we will always have a sweet spot for planning trips to Aspen, Vail, Park City and the like, Andiamo has rounded up 4 different destinations to try with your friends or family this season!

#1. Sun Valley, Idaho

• WHY: Two mountains of varied terrain make Sun Valley the perfect ski or board destination for all-levels. Between Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley boasts over 3400 vertical feet and over 2000 acres of terrain. Both mountains offer Green – Double Black Diamond as well as adventure trails and magic carpets for children just learning to ski! Stay in nearby town Ketchum for the old-time Western charm of the former mining and sheep ranching  town that has recently added many hip restaurants, bars and shops. There is much to be discovered both on and off the mountain.

• WHERE TO STAY: Limelight Hotel Ketchum

• BEST FOR: Skiers and Boarders. All Levels.

#2. Big Sky, Montana

• WHY: Big Sky has been growing in popularity across the US over the past few years, but has been a major ski and boarding destination within the Pacific Northwest for years. Montana has also grown significantly in popularity as a destination for travelers looking to get away from the crowds and outside in nature. This Winter season, we encourage you to try out the expansive 5800+ acres of terrain with over 39 chairlifts and multiple back bowls. Big Sky Mountain operates on IKON Pass and has a detailed plan rolled out for 2020-2021. Not to mention that the Northwestern vacation hot-spot is also home to many winter sport activities, such as sleigh rides, dog sledding and fly fishing. For advance skiers and boarders, you can enjoy the tram-accessed terrain off Lone Mountain for backcountry skiing. Those who are adventurous, we recommend signing up for the famed Big Couloir.

• WHERE TO STAY: Lone Mountain Ranch

• BEST FOR: Skiers and boarders. All Levels. Backcountry advanced.

#3. Telluride, Colorado

• WHY: Telluride has long been the best-kept not-so-secret destination for celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, Jerry Seinfeld and Oprah, and the US social elite for summer and winter getaways. This season, ditch the crowds and scene of Aspen and opt for the perfect social distancing destination for understated, laidback luxury. The Old Town and nearby Mountain Village offer a variety of things to see and do and still offer nods to the town’s history of being founded during the 1870s mining boom. Butch Cassidy also robbed his first bank here! The snowy peaks of Telluride Mountain offer a mix of Easy-Intermediate trails as well as challenging Black Diamond and double Black Diamond peaks and back bowls. Expect true local restaurants and shops from the city that does not have any fast food chains or retail chain storefronts (outside of Patagonia!).

• WHERE TO STAY: Madeline Hotel

• BEST FOR: Skiers and boarders. Intermediate-Advanced.

#4. Taos, New Mexico

• WHY: Your first thought was probably, “What? New Mexico for skiing!?” However, Taos Ski Valley is a prominent Southwestern ski town located in the renowned art community of Taos. Toas has existed for over 100 years  the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Expect an intersection of ski town, culture, art and dining with a Southwestern flair. Expect warmer temperatures for skiing ranging from 10-45 degrees Fahrenheit in peak seasons (Jan-March). Best snow conditions later in the season – avoid December into early January! Located just 1.5hr from Santa Fe, it is the perfect combination trip for city + skiing.

• WHERE TO STAY: El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa

• BEST FOR: Skiers ONLY, sadly no snowboarding is allowed on the mountain. Intermediate – Advanced