Ski Season 2025-2026 Guide

If “plan the ski trip” keeps dropping to the bottom of your to-do list, this is your sign to hand us the reins. The 2025-2026 ski season is shaping up to be great. Early forecasts predict colder-than-average temperatures, especially in January 2026, with an "arctic blast type pattern" music to every powder hound's ears.

But here's the thing: with over 470 ski resorts across the United States, how do you choose the right one for your family, your skill level, your budget, and your travel dates? More importantly, how do you navigate the complex web of lift tickets, accommodations, gear rentals, ski schools, and travel insurance without losing your mind?

The Ski Trip Paradox: Endless Options, Limited Time

Picture this: You're scrolling through resort websites at 11 PM, trying to figure out whether your intermediate-skiing 12-year-old will be challenged enough at Deer Valley (which just earned top honors from multiple publications including World Ski Awards) or if you should opt for something with more varied terrain. Meanwhile, you're juggling questions about ski-in/ski-out versus shuttle access, Epic Pass versus Ikon Pass, and whether that "deal" you found includes breakfast or not.

This isn't uncommon. Ski trip planning has become exponentially more complex, and even seasoned travelers find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions required.

What’s new for 2025–2026 in the US

  • Deer Valley, UT, doubles down on terrain. A multi-year expansion adds 3,700+ new acres with 16 new lifts (including a 10-passenger gondola), centered on the brand-new East Village with the majority of new terrain slated to open this winter. Translation: more variety for mixed-ability families and easier access/parking.

  • Park City, UT: the Sunrise Gondola debuts, a 10-person lift out of Canyons Village. The brand-new Sunrise Gondola will take guests from the base of the Canyons Village at Park City Mountain Resort to Red Pine Lodge at mid-mountain.

  • Big Sky, MT: a two-stage Explorer Gondola streamlines movement from the village toward the Lone Peak Tram. Plus making its debut, One&Only Moonlight Basin with first reveal offers - great opportunity to visit this new property. Excited to help you book it!

  • Aspen Snowmass, CO: Elk Camp gets a high-speed six-pack, boosting access to family-friendly intermediate terrain.

Beyond Booking: The Hidden Complexity of Ski Travel

Here's what most people don't realize about ski trips: the resort selection is just the beginning. You also have to consider these variables:

  • Timing Strategy: Should you go Presidents' Day week when snow conditions peak but crowds surge? Or target that sweet spot in late January when powder is fresh and lift lines are manageable?

  • Accommodations: Do you need a sprawling vacation rental for extended family, a luxe ski-in/ski-out condo, or a traditional slope-side hotel with concierge services? Each option dramatically affects your daily experience.

  • The Gear Equation: Renting on-mountain versus a ski butler, sizing for growing kids, performance versus comfort gear, these decisions can make or break your trip comfort level.

  • Ski School Strategy: Group lessons versus private instruction, age-appropriate programs, multi-day packages versus day rates. Getting this wrong means frustrated family members and wasted vacation time.

The Travel Advisor Advantage: Your Ski Trip Command Center

When you work with KJT, you're not just getting a travel advisor, you're getting a ski trip strategist. Here's how we transform your ski trip planning:

  • Destination Matchmaking: We consider your family's skill levels, ages, interests, and travel style to recommend the perfect resort match. Beginner skiers might thrive at family-friendly destinations, while advanced skiers could maximize their time at challenging terrain parks elsewhere.

  • Logistics Off Your plate: While you're focused on work, family and planning the perfect outfits, we're coordinating lift tickets, equipment rentals, ski school reservations, airport transfers, and dinner reservations. You just show up, everything else is handled.

  • Risk Management: We build in weather contingencies, secure appropriate travel insurance, and have backup plans under our sleeve for common ski travel disruptions. 

  • Big Picture Support: We know which resorts offer the best après-ski for adults, which have fun mountain activities like tubing and sleigh rides for families, and how to avoid common rookie mistakes that can cost time and money.

Is Skiing Internationally Your Thing? Here Are Some Key Value Propositions To Consider


United States Advantages

Convenience: No international travel, language barriers, or currency exchange

Ski-in/ski-out: Extensive condo and slopeside lodging options

Infrastructure: Advanced lift systems, grooming, and resort amenities

Pass systems: Epic and Ikon passes provide multi-resort access

Variety: Diverse terrain from Colorado Rockies to Utah powder to Vermont trails

Reliability: Consistent snowmaking and operations

Europe Advantages

50% savings on lift tickets, equipment, and ski lessons

Multiple ski school vendors create competitive pricing

Hotel-style accommodations with breakfast included

Access to extensive ski areas (Three Valleys system)

Canada Advantages

40% less than US pricing (except Vail-owned Whistler)

Better currency conversion rates for lodging

Similar terrain quality to US at better value

Banff offers exceptional value proposition

Japan Advantages

Exceptional value: 70-80% less than US lift tickets

World-class powder: Consistent, deep snow conditions

Cultural experience: Onsen (hot springs), traditional ryokans

Less crowded: Especially outside Niseko

Included meals: Many accommodations include breakfast/dinner

Unique terrain: Tree skiing, volcanic landscapes

Final Thoughts


Whether you're dreaming of Colorado's powder or Après-ski in Courcheval, this season offers unprecedented opportunities. From the luxury amenities of Deer Valley, to family-friendly Snowmass, to the challenging terrain of Jackson Hole, your perfect ski vacation is out there and we can help you find it! 

Ready to make this your best ski season yet? Let's talk about turning your mountain dreams into reality. After all, you should be spending your energy on perfecting your turns, not perfecting your itinerary, that's what we're here for. Click here to get started

Luxury Getaways in Santa Barbara: Where to Stay on the American Riviera

What if you could indulge in the glamour of the Riviera without crossing an ocean? Santa Barbara, fondly dubbed “The American Riviera,” is a paradise on California’s central coast that entices year-round sunshine, ocean views, and just the right touch of luxury.

It’s a destination that works in every season. beachfront resorts, vineyard escapes, and five-star service all within reach, all at a slower, more luxurious pace. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational trip, a relaxing weekend getaway or something spontaneous, here are our top picks for where to stay in Santa Barbara.

Belmond El Encanto

Tucked into the hills above Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto is a 1920s gem that delivers privacy, discreet luxury and timeless charm. The bungalow-style suites, lush gardens, and infinity-edge pool give it a residential feel, while still offering all the high-touch details of a Belmond stay. It's especially ideal for couples or anyone who prefers being a little removed from the buzz, without compromising on service or scenery.

El Encanto

San Ysidro Ranch

Set on 500 acres in Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch has long been a go-to for those seeking total seclusion. The cottages here feel more like personal homes than hotel rooms, many come with outdoor rain showers, fireplaces, and private hot tubs. There's history (JFK honeymooned here), impeccable food, and an unmatched sense of quiet. Ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, or anyone in search of an actual break.

San Ysidro Ranch

Rosewood Miramar Beach

KJT Travel Advisor, Madelyn just returned from Rosewood Miramar Beach and here’s her insider take on one of California’s most stunning beachfront resorts.

Set along Montecito’s coastline, the property feels more like a private estate than a resort, white cottages, manicured lawns, and direct beach access. It’s well-suited for both couples and families.

Every room category includes a spacious marble bathroom with dual vanities, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. The Beach House rooms offer oceanfront views, while rooms farther from the main path provide added privacy and quieter mornings (but note the railway on-site!)

There’s no formal kids’ club, but family-friendly details are built in, like s’more kits, beach games, and weekly programming. 

Dining includes Caruso’s, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant; AMA Sushi, offering an omakase experience; and The Revere Room for all-day meals with ocean views. Cabana Bar and Miramar Beach Bar offer more casual, beachside options.

On property, guests can surf at sunrise, book time at the Forbes Five-Star spa, browse curated shops, or explore nearby wine country. The experience is designed to feel elevated but relaxed, nothing overcomplicated, everything intentional.

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts

About 40 minutes inland, Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country offer a different pace and a lot of wine. Mattei’s Tavern part of the Auberge Resorts is your luxe base for that and its a great combo with a beach stay. Originally a 19th-century stagecoach stop, it’s now a stylish retreat with 67 rooms and a central tavern that draws both guests and locals.

You’re surrounded by vineyards, tasting rooms, and golden light. We recommend private tastings at Star Lane or Brave & Maiden, followed by a slow evening around the fire pits back at the inn. This is where coast meets countryside without losing the luxury touch.

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

Four Seasons Biltmore (Reopening Late 2025)

The grande dame of Montecito returns in late 2025 after a full renovation. The Biltmore will reopen with upgraded rooms, new dining (including a Nobu), and revamped family and adult-only pool areas. Expect restored Spanish Colonial architecture and a refreshed take on beachfront luxury. We can't wait to visit and tell you all about it!

Whether you’re craving the ocean breeze and spa days, hillside hideaways, or vineyard views with a glass in hand, Santa Barbara delivers the best of the Riviera, without the transatlantic flight. It’s close enough for a spontaneous getaway, yet styled for the kind of slow, meaningful travel that stays with you.

The Biltmore

Whether you're craving spa days, vineyard views and private tastings, or sunset walks and ocean breezes, Santa Barbara delivers the ultimate California luxury escape, no passport required.

Ready to plan your own California escape?
Let us help you choose the perfect stay, get the best perks, and unlock the kind of travel magic that turns a weekend trip into a forever memory.

Click here! 





Camp’s In—Parents Out: The Best Adult Getaways While the Kids Are at Camp

There’s something special about summer camp the songs, the bonfires, the independence. But while the kids are off making lifelong memories, what about you? For parents, camp season isn’t just a milestone it’s a moment. A window. An invitation to rediscover time together. If you’ve been craving late dinners without babysitters, curfews, spa days without schedules, or mornings that begin without cartoons, these handpicked luxury summer getaways offer the perfect escape.

Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

Nature, Nourishment, and Nap-Optional Days
Set in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, these sister properties are the epitome of refined rustic luxury. From gourmet farm-to-table meals to fly-fishing and sunrise yoga, Blackberry offers a serene Southern setting that feels far from home but is surprisingly accessible by direct flights to most big cities. Ideal for a long weekend getaway that blends wellness with indulgence.

Twin Farms, Vermont

An Adults-Only Retreat for Cool Summer Days
Tucked away in the Vermont countryside, Twin Farms is an all-inclusive, adults-only haven where no detail is overlooked. Personalized dining, private art collections, and cottages are designed for a restorative retreat. And if you're feeling a little adventurous during your stay, you can pair this visit with a small road trip to coastal Kennebunkport, just 3 hours away for a New England duo that's as crisp as it is cozy.

The Green O & Triple Creek Ranch, Montana

Luxury Ranches for Grown-Up Adventure
Prefer your getaway with a little grit mixed with glam? The Green O and Triple Creek Ranch offer adults-only Western charm with a twist of luxury. Expect horseback rides, fireside wine tastings, stargazing tubs, and five-star cuisine all nestled in Montana's wide-open beauty. These are sophisticated takes on the dude ranch, perfect for reconnecting over shared adventure.

Amangiri, Utah

Desert Solitude Meets Design-Lover’s Dream
If your idea of escape involves dramatic landscapes, national parks, and a spa that redefines “next level,” Amangiri delivers. Located near Lake Powell and ideal for active couples, it’s a favorite for those who want to feel completely away from crowds, from chaos, from responsibility.

Aspen, Colorado

Cool Air, Hot Tubs, and Elevated Experiences
With temps that hover around perfection and a mountain town vibe that feels both intimate and elevated, it's a dream for June–August escapes. Yes, Aspen can be very kid-friendly, but there’s an adult side too: long hikes by day (looking at you, Maroon Bells), relaxing spa visits, afternoon shopping, and long late-night dinners thanks to the town’s impressive restaurant scene.

Napa Valley, California

Vineyard Views and Five-Star Indulgence
For wine lovers and wellness seekers, Napa Valley in summer is hard to beat and Four Seasons Napa adds a polished edge to the region’s rustic charm. Set on a working vineyard in Calistoga, the property features its own wine label, vineyard-facing rooms, and a tucked-away tasting room. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with oversized soaking tubs, but travelers should note: ground-floor Vineyard View rooms face the parking lot, so the Mountain View rooms are worth the upgrade for privacy. KJT advisor Melissa recently visited and called the service, design, and dining a standout, especially the Michelin-starred Auro, where select guests can dine right inside the chef’s kitchen. Add in bikes for exploring town, a scenic pool setup, and festive touches during the holidays, and for a touch of adventure, guests can explore the valley in style with the resort's luxury Dream Drive Experience or have the Concierge book a hot-air balloon ride.

Big Sur, California

Wild Coast, Wellness Vibes, and Waking Up to the Pacific
Along California’s craggy coast, Big Sur blends raw beauty with coastal charm. Stay at the iconic Post Ranch Inn, where treehouse-like suites open to ocean views, and days begin with guided hikes and end with wine by a wood-burning fire. If you have a full week, we love combining this hard-to-reach destination with another stop or two along the West Coast adding in golf, wineries, or beachside escapes.

Mexico City

Urban Culture with a Side of Mezcal
When camp drop-off is behind you and you're craving close-to-home culture, Mexico City is a great solution.  From its buzzy restaurant scene to contemporary art galleries and rooftop cocktails, this city pulses with adult energy. For a longer stay you can visit Chichen Itza pyramids, take a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan or maybe even take a cooking or mixology class. Perfect for couples who thrive on city energy, late nights, and architectural eye candy.

Just as kids grow through camp, parents thrive with time away. These escapes aren’t just about relaxation they’re about reconnection, curiosity, and giving yourself permission to be present, without the background noise of everyday life. Whether you’re staying close to camp for peace of mind or flying off into the sunset, we’ll help you find the perfect adult getaway to match your moment.

Ready to reclaim your summer?
We’re here to help you choose the destination that feels like your kind of freedom. Let us plan every detail so you can simply show up and relax.

Click here to start planning today!