When Rachel is in Aspen for ski travel, you’ll probably find her wrapped in an oversized blanket by the fireplace at the Little Nell. With the RZ stamp of approval, you can expect over the top accommodations like plush bedding, gas fireplaces, and steam showers in every room.  The ski-in ski-out resort has 3 onsite bars so you can go right from the slopes, to your apres ski cocktails, to bed.

Just because you’re in a ski town doesn’t mean you have to ski on the trip. Head to T-Lazy-7 Ranch for a snowmobile tour so you can still take in the snowy scenery without having to strap on all the gear. There’s shopping aplenty in Aspen, all the same designer main stays you expect in Beverly Hills or Madison Avenue, as well local shops with any cold weather gear you could need.

For a restaurant with true alpine panache head to Creperie du Vilage for fondu, raclette, and crepes in an upscale cozy setting. If a meal of melted cheese is too much for you on a ski trip, head to Bosq for a globally inspired menu driven by local produce in a clean modern setting with sleek service and great cocktails.

Spruce Peak isn’t just a hotel, it’s practically a town in its own right with an ice skating rink, shopping, and live local entertainment. It’s ideal for families on a ski holiday, and if you want to have your own space, they also rent mountain cabins with both 4 and 5 bedrooms that are perfect for a group.

Whether it’s your first trip to Vermont or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s worth checking out the craft beer scene here. If you want to take a break from the slopes to visit something that is both educational and involves sampling lots of beer, head to the Alchemist and try one of their home made brews. If you’d prefer to be pampered instead on your ski trips in 2019,  indulge in a massage at the Spa at Topnotch Resort (the biggest in the area).

Check out Plate when you are in Stowe, the American menu has a little bit of everything and it’s all delicious.  Vermont has a thriving dairy industry and they’re proud of it, chances are almost anywhere you go will have a cheese board with local selections, and you have to try a Cabot Clothbound Cheddar or a Blue Ledge Farm Maple Chevre.

Instead of Utah, try taking a ski trip to New Mexico for an experience that you haven’t had yet. The El Monte Sagrado is a stunning resort with gorgeous landscaping so we recommend grabbing a hot chocolate to keep you warm while you meander through the property. The southwestern design is a welcome departure from typical chalet style resorts you find on ski trips.

The natural springs at Ojo Caliente can warm you up on a cold winter day. The full service spa with 11 mineral pools is the perfect place to spend an entire day (or weekend ski trip) relaxing. Check out the Rio Grande gorge for a natural monument with local vendors nearby selling handmade jewelry and accessories that you won’t find anywhere else

Whistletop cafe is the perfect place to warm up with a hearty bread bowl of soup, yes a bread bowl, you deserve it after skiing all day. When you’re ready for dinner, head to Lamberts where everything from the bread to sauce is made from scratch. Plus there’s a separate bar upstairs where you can get smaller plates and hand crafted cocktails.