There’s nothing like clipping into a pair of skis and racing down a slope. But staying at a mountain resort can be pricey and limiting. Luckily, the perfect alternative exists: Spend the day soaking up mountain vibes, but return to a cool city at night. From Denver to Salt Lake City, Toronto, Tokyo, and beyond, there are plenty of amazing destinations where travelers can tear up the slopes on an incredible day trip.
Enjoy the day in the Catskill Mountains in New York — just three hours north of the Big Apple — but zip back down to the city at night in time to hit up a hot spot restaurant and peruse one of the festive holiday markets. Or soothe sore muscles with a trip to the hot springs in Bozeman after a long day ripping big terrain at Big Sky.
From morning chair lifts to city lights by night — it’s the best of both worlds. (Photo Credit: @marilee)
These are the best mountains a short hop from a major city for the ultimate snowy day trip.
Winter Park / Denver, Colorado
Jump on the Winter Park Express, a seasonal Amtrak train that whips skiers and riders up to the mountain from Denver in just about two and a half hours. Once there, you’ll find 171 different trails spread across more than 3,000 skiable acres.
With more than 344 inches of snow each year (and snowmaking to boot), you’re almost guaranteed good conditions. Those looking for views without careening down the mountain can enjoy a scenic winter gondola ride or tour the Arapaho National Forest on a snowcat.
Denver is proof that a full ski day doesn’t require a mountain stay. (Photo Credit: Catherine Hughes)
After a day on the slopes, grab a bite at Panzano. (Photo Credit: @panzanodenver)
Perks of a city stay: Head back to the city in time to catch the nightly wine social hour at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, a modern sanctuary with striking wallpaper and bold metallic accents. Settle in for comforting dishes of pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with black truffle and a brown butter sauce at Panzano or soak up the excitement of live sports at a Denver Nuggets game, just about a mile from the hotel.
Park City / Salt Lake City, Utah
There are 11 different ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City and Park City is the largest. In fact, it’s the largest in the United States. And with more than 330 runs and 41 different lifts, there’s something for everyone.
Beginners will love the mid-mountain High Meadow Park with incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains and the three “Adventure Alleys” for an “off trail, groomed experience” perfect for learning, while seasoned pros will love being able to ski right into the historic downtown Park City and that half the mountain is rated as expert terrain.
Say hello to fresh tracks, alpine views, and a return ticket to the city. (Photo Credit: Mollie Moran)
Back in SLC, spend the evening at The Vault. (Photo Credit: @thevaultslc)
Perks of a city stay: Head back to Salt Lake City for an evening spent at the mahogany bar of The Vault where you can snack on blue cheese potato chips and bison tartar while sipping a smoked old fashioned. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City makes getting to the slopes a breeze with complimentary morning coffee and tea, on-site ski storage, and discounted gear rentals.
Big Sky / Bozeman, Montana
An hour from Bozeman, Big Sky is an expansive, snowy paradise, offering more than 5,800 skiable acres and 4,350 feet of vertical slopes. The mountain is very evenly split between beginner and advanced terrain and is constantly working to improve, building several new lifts over the last few years (complete with heated seats and weatherproof bubbles).
Big Sky even plans to add a new two-stage Explorer Gondola this winter, allowing pedestrians to access the summit of Lone Peak from the base area.
Montana is where powder-filled mornings meet polished evenings. (Photo Credit: Barnabas Davoti)
After a long day, relax at Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman. (Photo Credit: @armoryhotel)
Perks of a city stay: As a jumping off point for exploring Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding mountains, Bozeman is the perfect base. Lay your head down at Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman, set inside a landmark Armory building and boasting a basement whiskey bar and cozy rooms that offer a sense of place with natural materials like rich wood and hand-stitched leather.
After a long day of skiing, relax your muscles at the nearby Bozeman Hot Springs, which features 12 different pools, a dry sauna, and a steam room.
Hunter Mountain / New York, New York
The Catskills feel like another world juxtaposed against the hustle and bustle of New York City. And while it doesn’t compare to the big terrain out west, Hunter Mountain boasts a respectable 320 acres of skiable terrain and 1,600 feet of vertical slopes (in addition to fun wintry activities like snow tubing).
Getting to the mountain from the city is also easy with bus companies operating shuttle services and packages right from the five boroughs to the slopes.
The Catskills are a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to be far from home. (Photo Credit: Ashlyn Ciara)
Perks of a city stay: Head back to the Big Apple after a full day skiing to take in a Broadway show, enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants, or stroll through one of the city’s winter holiday markets (the Winter Village in Midtown’s Bryant Park is especially worth a visit).
Base yourself at Kimpton Hotel Eventi, a chic stay featuring 292 centrally-located rooms and suites all just steps away from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the High Line, and more top New York highlights.
Crystal Mountain / Seattle, Washington
As the largest ski resort in Washington, Crystal Mountain offers an impressive 2,600 acres of terrain to explore complete with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Rip the challenging steeps, glades, and chutes, or relax on a scenic gondola ride that whisks you nearly 2,500 feet up overlooking the Cascade Range. From there, warm up with some salmon chowder or a hot buttered rum at the Summit House Restaurant.
Seattle is big mountain energy with zero overnight commitment. (Photo Credit: Madison Olling)
Perks of a city stay: Located just about two hours from the mountain, Seattle is a foodie paradise boasting water views, funky vibes, and iconic sights to explore.
Grab breakfast at Honest Biscuits in Pike Place Market on your way to the slopes or head back to the city in time to feast on comforting dishes like housemade tagliolini with truffle butter and fresh shaved truffles or tagliatelle carbonara with bone marrow at Tulio in Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle.
Blue Mountain, Ontario / Toronto, Canada
Overlooking the banks of Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain welcomes travelers from Toronto with 43 different trails and 364 acres of skiable terrain. The family-friendly slope boasts more than just amazing water views and great Canadian skiing: There’s the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, snow tubing, mountaintop skating, and more. And when you’re ready to head back to Toronto, it’s only a couple hours south.
Snowy peaks by day, craft cocktails by night. (Photo Credit: @saintgeorgetoronto)
Perks of a city stay: As the largest city in Canada, Toronto offers endless cold weather fun from indoor museums (like the Hockey Hall of Fame) to ice skating, a festive winter village, and more. Kimpton Saint George, which sits in the city’s iconic Bloor–Yorkville neighborhood, is a welcome respite after a long day out exploring thanks to its chic, modern aesthetic, complimented by a cool color palette of blues, greens, and grays.
Chill out after a day on the slopes with some comfort food in the form of hot honey wings and crispy beer-battered fish and chips at The Fortunate Fox.
Glenshee Ski Centre, Ballater / Edinburgh, Scotland
Nestled within Cairngorms National Park, Glenshee Ski Centre is the largest ski area in Scotland. And while the country may not conjure up the kind of images you’d find in the Alps, the resort does feature 22 lifts spread across three valleys. Test out your skills in the wide open Thunderbowl or give yourself a challenge on the very difficult Tiger run.
Experience the ultimate winter escape, wrapped into a single perfect day. (Photo Credit: @v2osk)
Perks of a city stay: Just about two hours south sits the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, a vibrant and modern city steeped in history. Check out the must-see sights like Edinburgh Castle and stroll the Royal Mile, or book a fun whiskey tasting at one of the city’s many bars.
A Georgian gem, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is the perfect spot to rest your head after a busy day on the slopes with its buzzy glass-topped central courtyard, cozy rooms accented by rich leather upholstery and curated art, and complimentary wellness tech guests can borrow to help them recover (think: LED face masks and compression boots).
GALA Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture / Tokyo, Japan
Made up of several different areas, this Japanese mountain boasts something for everyone from gentle runs for beginners all the way up to ungroomed slopes for advanced skiers and riders. The mountain even has plenty to offer non-skiers like the “Snow Enjoyment Park,” complete with a sledding course and a “snow escalator,” and the “Love Bell Observation Deck,” which boasts stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Ski hard, then unwind harder back in the city. (Photo Credit: Chih Hsin Chen)
Perks of a city stay: Japan has bigger pow, but GALA Yuzawa has the added benefit of being just a few hours from Tokyo and accessible via the Joetsu Shinkansen train. Back in the city, enjoy the Japanese tradition of soaking in an onsen or head up to 86, a moody rooftop bar in Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, for creative cocktails designed to match your mood like “I Need a Treat!” made with Don Julio 1942, Campari, Antica Rosso, and Cherry Heering.
