Winter Adventure Index

When planning a mountain vacation, the destination matters as much as the experience. The best trips aren’t just about finding snow – they’re about discovering places where skiing, stargazing, and adventure come with privacy, exclusivity, and ease of access.

To find out the best places for this, we created the Winter Adventure Index, measuring every US state against the factors that define indulgent winter travel:

• Number and quality of ski resorts

• Cross-country ski areas and snowshoeing trails

• Certified Dark Sky Places

• Average snowfall

• Private aviation access (FBOs)

• Average weekday adult ski pass cost

These are the states you can enjoy winter in an unforgettable way. Heli-skiing across untouched terrain, starlit yoga sessions followed by champagne toasts in the mountains, and evenings in luxury ski chalets reached by private jet. This is where Wander’s mountain properties turn extraordinary places into extraordinary memories.

What are the best states for a luxury winter vacation?

Every state in our ranking offers something special, but exclusivity truly comes alive at the top of the list. 

These destinations aren’t just for anyone who wants to ski – they’re for those who want winter tailored to them, with experiences steeped in privacy and indulgence.

1. Colorado

With 41 ski resorts, 17 Dark Sky Places, and nearly 500 snowshoeing trails, Colorado is the undisputed heart of American winter adventure. 

Yet what elevates it above the rest isn’t the sheer volume of powdery slopes and snowy activities –  it’s the calibre of the region’s winter infrastructure that allows for ultra-luxury experiences. There are 23 ski resorts rated four stars or above in the US, and over a third of them are in Colorado. 

Here, skiing might mean booking a heli-ski day in Telluride’s untouched backcountry, followed by dinner at a slopeside chalet where a private chef prepares a six-course tasting menu. For those who prefer culture to adrenaline, Aspen’s members-only Caribou Club offers refuge from the crowds.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Breckenridge Diamond

Just minutes from Breckenridge’s world-class slopes and a short drive to some of Colorado’s certified Dark Sky Parks, Wander Breckenridge Diamond puts luxury at the heart of your mountain escape.

After a day on the snow, sink into the 10-person hot tub under star-filled skies, or gather around the private fire pit as alpenglow fades across the peaks. Indoors, you’ll find a chef’s kitchen designed for intimate dinners, three fireplaces for cozy evenings, and playful touches like shuffleboard and a Guardians of the Galaxy pinball machine.

The basement lounge with bar and oversized sectional makes the perfect setting for après-ski nights in, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame forest and slope views that change with the light.

2. California

California’s 33 ski resorts stretch from Lake Tahoe’s pristine runs to the celebrity-studded trails of Mammoth, blending West Coast glamour with high-altitude indulgence. For discerning travelers, it’s a lifestyle where mornings start on the slopes and afternoons end at a private Napa tasting room or a spa retreat in Big Sur.

While the state only receives a modest 3.8 inches of average snowfall, its snow-making infrastructure means you’ll always get the right conditions for your winter adventure. 

Meanwhile, its 227 private aviation operators – the highest of any state in the index – make arrival seamless whether you’re flying into Truckee for Tahoe or Burbank for Mammoth.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Tahoe Ridge

Perched high above Lake Tahoe’s shoreline and just a short drive to the region’s most iconic ski resorts, Wander Tahoe Ridge delivers winter living with a distinctly Californian edge – equal parts glamour and adventure.

Start your day with first tracks at Heavenly or Northstar, then return to your retreat for afternoons spent by the outdoor fireplace on the deck, with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada around you. When the sun dips, step into the hot tub beneath crystal-clear skies. Tahoe is known for some of the darkest nights in California, making it a favorite for private stargazing.

Inside, the grand rock fireplace and Restoration Hardware furnishings set the tone for evenings of understated luxury. Gather at the spacious dining table or take the party downstairs to the game room, private movie theater, and full bar.

3. Utah

Utah may have fewer resorts than Colorado and California – just 20 in total – but this is where quality trumps quantity, as six are rated four stars or above. Resorts like Deer Valley are famous for limiting ticket sales, making them feel almost private.

Resorts in the Wasatch Range are perfect for heli-skiing, as they allow you to bypass ski lifts and discover untouched snow that very few people have access to. 

The state is also the country’s stargazing capital, with an incredible 29 Dark Sky Places. Imagine a private glamping setup in Canyonlands, complete with a guide, gourmet food, and a sky so dark you can trace the Milky Way with your finger.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Park City Lighthouse 

Tucked into the mountains yet only minutes from Park City’s renowned slopes, Wander Park City Lighthouse is the kind of retreat where privacy comes first and every detail feels designed for unwinding in style.

Days here can begin with the first chair at Deer Valley or Park City Mountain. By afternoon, you’re back at your sanctuary – slipping into the outdoor hot tub or settling around the fire pit as the stars emerge. 

Inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between indoors and out, creating a sense of calm connection to the surrounding peaks. Spa-inspired bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainfall showers invite you to linger, while a gourmet kitchen and stone fireplace set the scene for intimate dinners and long, slow evenings.

Where to go for skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country, and stargazing

Best state for skiing: New York

New York is home to 50 ski resorts – more than any other state in America. The variety it offers is part of the magic: one weekend might mean sweeping Adirondack peaks, the next a discreet Catskills retreat where the trails feel like they’re yours alone. 

This is also where the niche, private experiences really come into play. You can arrange snowmobile tours that carve out trails just for your group, or ski with private guides who know how to unlock the quiet side of even the busiest mountains. 

With 84 FBOs and private aviation in White Plains, Albany, or Stewart airports, the ski resorts are also within easy reach of New York City.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Windham Slopes

Set in the heart of the Catskills, Wander Windham Slopes turns a classic New York mountain getaway into something far more exclusive. With ski-in, ski-out access just steps from the door, mornings begin not with crowded base lodges but with the simple luxury of clipping into your skis and gliding straight onto the trails.

After carving fresh tracks, the retreat invites you to slow down. Sink into the private hot tub with forest views, gather friends around the outdoor fire pit, or linger over dinner on the scenic patio as the mountain fades into twilight. When the snow is falling, evenings indoors feel just as indulgent: a crackling fireplace, a pool table for friendly competition, and a full gym for keeping wellness routines on track.

Best state for cross-country skiing: Colorado

With 25 dedicated cross-country areas, Colorado offers some of the most beautiful trails in the country. What makes it special is the way you can experience the majesty of those landscapes privately. Glide through snow-covered meadows in Aspen or Vail with a personal guide who designs a route just for you, complete with hot drinks and catered bites. 

The appeal goes beyond exercise. Imagine a moonlit tour across Breckenridge’s open valleys, followed by fireside cocktails, or a day that ends with transfers to a private chef’s dinner in the mountains.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Alma Mountain

With miles of alpine trails just beyond your door, Wander Alma Mountain makes it easy to trade lift lines for the quiet rhythm of cross-country skiing. Glide through snow-dusted forests by day, then return to a retreat designed for gathering and unwinding in style.

This custom-built home sleeps up to 15 guests across five spacious bedrooms, blending rustic warmth with modern finishes. Evenings are made for lingering by the wood-burning fireplace, sharing meals from the chef’s kitchen, or enjoying a little friendly competition in the entertainment spaces.

Best state for snowshoeing: New York

Snowshoeing in New York feels limitless. The state has 1,312 trails winding through forests, mountains, and valleys, more than anywhere else in the country. 

In the Adirondacks, you could do a private trek into High Peaks Wilderness. In the Catskills, it could be a tailor-made wildlife tracking adventure, where naturalists lead you off the beaten path to discover the quiet side of the forest.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Catskills Ridge

Step straight from your door into a private network of wooded trails, where snowshoeing through the quiet of the Catskills feels like having winter entirely to yourself. 

After a day in the snow, the barrel sauna and wood-burning fire pit promise a perfect, warming reset – whether that’s with marshmallows, mulled wine, or just the glow of the fire against the trees.

Inside, the cabin pairs modern elegance with a cozy mountain feel. A stone fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and dining space invite long, slow meals after the sun goes down. Outdoors, a BBQ and starlit dining patio extend the experience, making even winter nights feel inviting.

Dark Sky Places: Which state has the most, and what can you do there?

Few people realise how creative you can get with Dark Sky activities. Beyond telescopes and constellations, you can arrange meteor shower flights over red rock canyons, celestial-themed dining where every course is paired with a story from the stars, or nighttime photography sessions led by award-winning astrophotographers. 

Some itineraries blend wellness with astronomy. Think crystal singing bowls echoing through the desert at midnight, or yoga beneath the Milky Way, followed by fireside cocktails.

Utah makes it all possible thanks to its 29 certified Dark Sky Places, the highest number of anywhere in the US.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Park City Slopes

Wake up with the mountains at your doorstep. This ski-in, ski-out retreat means you can be on Park City’s slopes within minutes of finishing your morning coffee. Later, trade the energy of the mountain for the quiet thrill of Utah’s skies, with stargazing sessions right on your deck.

The spacious living area and four fireplaces set the stage for relaxed evenings, while the private hot tub is perfect after spending time in the Wasatch backcountry. On warmer days, fire up the BBQ grill or take a dip in the shared seasonal pool.

How to plan a luxury winter vacation

Exclusive tips from Wander’s Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski:

“A luxury winter break is as much about planning as it is about snow. Here are a few ways to make sure every detail feels seamless, indulgent, and unforgettable:

• Think beyond the slopes – Build in time for slower experiences like snowshoeing through private trails, stargazing in certified Dark Sky Places, or even a wellness morning with yoga and spa treatments. These moments often become the highlights of a trip.

• Prioritize privacy and access – Look for resorts or guided tours that cap numbers, offer VIP lift passes, or create tailored routes just for your group. Arriving by private aviation or reserving experiences in advance ensures you avoid the crowds altogether.

• Choose a property that sets the stage – The right basecamp can transform a trip. Wander’s mountain homes are designed for exactly this: ski-in, ski-out convenience, outdoor hot tubs under the stars, and spacious living areas for gathering after a day of adventure.

“In the end, the perfect winter vacation isn’t just about where you go, but how you experience it. With Wander’s collection of mountain homes across the country, even the coldest days of the year become the warmest memories.”

Methodology:

Wander is the leading provider of luxury vacation rentals, pioneering the idea of “hotelification” – combining the service and standards of a five-star hotel with the comfort and privacy of a mountain retreat. 

Always interested in how travelers seek out exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences, Wander created the Winter Adventure Index to uncover which US states offer the best of both worlds: adventure and indulgence. 

We gave each US state a normalised score out of 10 on the following factors, removing any states where there are no ski resorts:

• Ski resorts: https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/usa/ 

• Percentage of ski resorts listed as being 4-stars or higher: https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/usa/ 

• Cross-country ski areas: https://xcski.org/find-a-ski-area/ 

• Snowshoeing trails: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/us/snowshoeing 

• Dark Sky Sites: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/ 

• Average snowfall: http://www.usa.com/rank/us--average-snow--state-rank.htm 

• Private airfields (FBOs): https://acukwik.com/Power-Search-FBO 

• Average lift pass price: We took the weekday adult price for each resort listed on https://www.onthesnow.com/united-states/lift-tickets and took an average for each state.

All data was collected in September 2025 and is correct as of then.