What to do in Great Basin

Heavenly Mountain Resort lives up to its name; it is the place to be in Lake Tahoe in winter. This is the biggest ski resort in the area, with the highest peak, the longest vertical drop, some of the best terrain parks, and the best views. Thanks to its rocky trails and lakeside location, it offers plenty of activities in summer too. Daredevils, partygoers and nature lovers flock here year-round.

The Heavenly Gondola provides some of Lake Tahoe’s most staggering vistas. Hop in the gondola cabin and rise slowly for 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) up the mountainside as you watch over brilliant blue lake waters and dense green forests. In winter, pristine white snow blankets the landscape. Enjoy views from the Observation Deck, have drinks or a meal in the café and discover hiking trails, zip lines and varied family adventure activities.

If you’re in search of a resort near Snowbird, choose the Snowbird Ski Resort, and you won’t regret it. With the longest ski season in Utah, Snowbird Ski Resort invites skiers and snowboarders alike to hit the trails and carve up all 100 trails and 3,240 vertical feet of terrain on this massive snow mountain.

What really makes the Utah area shine, however, is its focus on guest services. Travelers frequently book Deer Valley ski getaways simply to bask in world-class perks like ski valets, pristine lodging, and incredible cuisine, and the staff is dedicated to giving each guest an unforgettable experience. What’s more, deals and discount prices abound on essentials like lift tickets and ski rentals, so you can easily book ski vacation packages that don’t destroy your bank account.

With so many amenities on site, there is very little reason to ever leave the Tuscan-themed Peppermill resort. Spend your days exercising in its state-of-the-art gym, swimming in one of its two pools and pampering yourself in the 33,000-square-foot (3,000-square-meter) spa. Then gamble, dine, drink and listen to live music in the evening.

Located just 35 miles outside of Salt Lake City, this UT paragon became a household name when it hosted several events at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The weather and terrain are so ideal, in fact, that the United States Ski Team still uses the Park City Ski Resort as its official home, and professionals and hopefuls alike flock to the area every winter to revel in more than 3,000 acres of perfectly groomed snow.