7 Great Ski Resorts near Airports

Finding a ski resort that caters to your skill level, budget and the needs of your travel companions requires time and patience. But that’s not where your planning should end. You should also consider visiting ski resorts near airports. Winter travelers often face weather-related flight delays and cancellations. And after all that, the last thing you want to do is spend several more hours in the car or shuttle traveling from the airport to the ski resort.

To help you plan your ski vacation and reduce the odds of transit snafus, we’ve identified seven great ski resorts near airports.

Alta Ski Area

Closest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 22.5 miles away

For more than 80 years, the slopes of this ski-only resort have lured skiers from all over the country. Luckily, getting to Alta Ski Resort is easy, residing just 22.5 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Major national airlines like Delta, American Airlines and United fly direct to SLC from major hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York City. What’s more, Alta offers half-price lift tickets within 24 hours of your arrival time at the airport when you present your boarding pass.

Alta is just one of the 11 fantastic ski resorts located within an hour’s drive of the Salt Lake City Airport. Others include Park City, Deer Valley and Snowbird.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Closest airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), 16 miles away

Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport puts you approximately 50 miles from Big Sky, and shuttles will get you the rest of the way. But if you really can’t wait to strap on your skis, make a stop at the Bridger Bowl Ski Area. This 2,000-acre resort only 16 miles from the airport challenges seasoned skiers with its 2,700-foot drop, 311 acres of expert-designated terrain and renowned “cold smoke” powder.

With direct flights from 20 major travel hubs across the United States, including Boston, Houston and San Francisco, the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport makes reaching Montana’s slopes easy.

Buttermilk Ski Resort

Closest airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), 1.1 miles away

If you choose to fly into the Aspen/Pitkin County airport, you will practically land on the slopes. Aspen ’s regional airport is just a mile from Buttermilk, home to the X Games. This mountain has earned a reputation among adrenaline junkies for its freestyle terrain. But it also caters to novice skiers and families with expansive beginner runs and a state-of-the-art learning center.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is also less than four miles from Aspen Highlands and around 7.5 miles from Aspen-Snowmass. However, the airport’s small size does limit travel options. Direct flights come only from Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Denver. Still, nothing beats the convenience of a mountainside tarmac.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Closest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), 13.6 miles away

You can practically see the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort from the Jackson Hole Airport arrivals gate. With 2,500 skiable acres, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has no shortage of pristine slopes. And the resort caters to all styles of winter sports enthusiasts. You can have a casual getaway with your family, or a luxurious getaway with all the après-ski offerings.

The only airport located within a national park, Jackson Hole’ s airport acts as a gateway to the Tetons, and all the prime skiing found within. Despite its small size, this airport receives direct flights from several major cities, including Salt Lake City, Chicago and Denver. And its in-house art installation makes waiting for your flight a pleasure.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Closest airport: Burlington International Airport (BVT), 12.8 miles away

Consider the airport in Burlington your entry point to some of the Northeast’s best skiing, with direct flights from major East Coast cities like Orlando, Philadelphia and New York (not to mention Midwest hubs like Chicago and Detroit). Just 32 miles from the tarmac, Smugglers’ Notch has earned a reputation for being one of the best ski resorts on the East Coast. Many also laud the resort for its kid-friendliness, as it provides learning programs for beginning skiers as young as two-and-a-half years old.

Burlington International Airport (BVT) also sits within an hour’s drive of Mad River Glen and Stowe. Plus, Burlington offers access to Adirondack ski resorts like Whiteface and Gore Mountain, not to mention the slopes in Quebec.

Beaver Creek Resort

Closest airport: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), 28.2 miles away

Located along Interstate 70, Eagle County Regional Airport provides direct access to Beaver Creek. And you can access the lifts free of charge the same day you land if you show your boarding pass. Beaver Creek spans five mountains, with runs designed for all skill levels. Plus, three terrain parks provide ample space for snowboarders to practice their tricks.

Vail Resort sits just a few miles past Beaver Creek along I-70. Continue further down the highway, and you’ll find yourself at Copper Mountain, and on the approach to Breckenridge. You can fly direct from 10 major cities, including Miami, San Francisco and Houston.

Sun Valley Resort

Closest airport: Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), 13 miles away

The entry to Idaho’s Sun Valley, Friedman Memorial Airport sits just 13 miles from the world-famous Sun Valley Resort. This sprawling 2,000-plus-acre resort draws praise for its immaculate runs. Sun Valley’s grooming and snow-making efforts continuously win awards. The resort also earns praise for its family friendliness. The resort offers lessons and camps for kids of all ages, as well as other family-friendly activities like sleigh rides and ice skating.

Travel options are limited. Only three air carriers service Friedman Memorial Airport, providing direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. However, book strategically and Idaho’s primo powder will overshadow any travel inconveniences.