Press Release
Condé Nast Traveler: 9 Best Places to Ski in 2026
From the Canadian Rockies to Japan, here’s where to go for new on-site mountain lodges, swanky après wellness, and smooth slope-side experiences.
As the winter ski season approaches, we’re thinking beyond the slopes—after all, mountain escapes aren’t just about the descent, but everything that surrounds it: architecture and après, hot spring soaks and tasting menus, slope-side stillness and cultural immersion. Across the globe, from the high reaches of the Canadian Rockies to the ancient villages of the Alps and the snow-laden forests of Japan, skiing is evolving into something more layered—and certainly more alluring.
In the American West, legendary terrain meets new developments in luxurious lodges and backcountry access. The Canadian interior offers stillness, scale, and some of the most coveted verticals in North America. Across Europe, storied resorts are pairing deep heritage with modern design, expanded lift networks, and elevated wellness offerings—from thermal spas to five-star chalets perched above the tree line. Meanwhile, Japan continues to draw travelers with its singular blend of deep powder, onsens, and a food culture worth traveling for alone.
Deer Valley (and Park City), Utah
How to get there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, just 45 minutes from Deer Valley. Private transfers, rental cars, and luxury shuttle services are all available to Park City and East Village.
Best time to go: Late January through early March offers the best snow quality and full access across the newly expanded terrain. Earlier in the season sees lighter crowds, while spring offers bluebird days with full coverage thanks to high-altitude snowmaking.
A strong recommendation from Austin, Deer Valley has always been synonymous with service and perfectly groomed terrain—but 2026 marks an evolution: a resort-wide transformation, rewriting what the region’s elevated ski scene looks like. The resort has more than doubled in size, now offering 4,300 acres of terrain, 202 named runs, and 31 lifts, making it one of the largest ski areas in North America. Seven new chairlifts debut this winter, including the 10-passenger East Village Gondola, a sleek link between the new East Village and Park Peak. A “state-of-the-art” snowmaking system ensures reliable coverage across the resort, and 1,200 new day-skier parking spaces offer seamless arrival. Still, Deer Valley’s most enduring feature remains its skier-only slopes, with a daily cap on lift tickets to preserve space and flow. From its impeccably managed terrain to its no-snowboard policy and attentive guest service, the region is best for luxe-searching skiers, multigenerational families, and intermediate to advanced travelers who appreciate terrain quality and crowd control.
Pass access: Deer Valley is Ikon Pass only, and even then, with limitations: Reservations are required and capacity is strictly controlled. Daily lift ticket sales are capped, so early booking—especially for peak 2026 dates—is essential.
Where to stay:
The St. Regis Deer Valley, the pinnacle of five-star ski-in/ski-out luxury
Montage Deer Valley for direct mountain access, slope-side convenience, and a refined après scene
The Goldener Hirsch Residences, a spacious and stylish hub for design-minded travelers with ski access and an Austrian-inspired appeal
United States
Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Collection
Park City, Utah
###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dorie Pagnano
Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
For more information: auberge.com/goldenerhirsch
Follow Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Collection on Instagram @goldenerhirschauberge
