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