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

Portugal, Perfected: Lisbon, Algarve & Madeira

There’s a special kind of glow to Portugal in summer, the tiled terraces, the panoramic sunsets and the salt-soft breeze off the Atlantic.

If you're dreaming of a trip that blends city culture, seaside ease, and island adventure, Kate's recent family journey through Lisbon, Algarve, and Madeira is a blueprint for exactly that. Below, we share where to stay, what to do, and how KJ Travel strings it all together, especially in Madeira, where the magic truly unfolds.

Lisbon: Classic City, Fresh Energy


Where we stayed: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Set high on one of the city's seven hills, the Four Seasons is an urban resort with oversized rooms (most with balconies), a spa and indoor lap pool, and a new outdoor pool and garden terrace that feel like a private club in the middle of the city. From the rooftop, Eduardo VII Park spreads below like a green carpet, with São Jorge Castle perched on the opposite hill, a view that shifts as evening falls. Kate was able to stop by and check the newly renovated rooms as well.

Kate's stay Three nights in Lisbon gave time to settle into the city's rhythm and explore, Kate recommends stopping by one of José Alvarez restaurants, definitely a favorite.

How we’d shape your days

  • Private guiding through Lisbon’s neighborhoods and time in Belém’s monuments, with a hands-on tile-making workshop for a meaningful keepsake (Kate’s family loved bringing home their own pieces).

  • A half-day to Sintra (approx. 40 minutes from town) for palaces and misty hilltops, then back to the hotel for a sunset swim on the new pool terrace.

    Advisor tip: Make sure to check Google Maps, so it can tell you about incline and elevation changes through its "Terrain" view and the elevation profile for walking and cycling directions…Trust us, we've hiked those hills.

Algarve: Sun-Drenched Coast, Lazy-Day Rhythm


Where we stayed: VILA VITA Parc
Perched above the Atlantic in Porches, VILA VITA Parc is a lush, 54-acre cliffside oasis with 12 restaurants (including two-Michelin-star Ocean), a Sisley spa, family-friendly spaces, and direct beach access. It’s classic Algarve, golden sand coves, grottoes and caves, and warm hospitality.

Kate's stay
Three easy, summer-slow days (beach, spa, pool, kids’ club) plus dinners at Whale and Arte Náutica. The highlight: a private catamaran along the Lagos coastline, gliding past the famous golden cliffs and sea grottoes. Kate's family also explored the caves around Carvoeiro.

How we’d shape your days

  • Day at leisure on property (spa, beach, pool repeat).

  • Private catamaran to explore Benagil-area sea caves; swim stops where the water is clearest.

  • Driver-guided outing to whitewashed towns for tiles, ceramics, and gelato on the praça.

Madeira: Adventure, Gardens & Old-World Glamour


Where we stayed: Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
A legend since 1891, Reid’s sits on a promontory above Funchal with terraced gardens, sea-view pools (including a tidal pool down by the waves), tennis, and the island’s first Michelin-starred dining at William. It’s the grand dame with a playful soul, afternoon tea, sunset cocktails, and front-row views of the Atlantic.

Kate’s stay
Three nights was the sweet spot for a first look at the island. Her family loved the 1891 Bar for sunset petiscos (small savory dish, very similar to spanish tapas) and a proper Porto Tónico, a fun local twist on the classic spritz.

What Madeira looks like when we plan it

Day 1 – Hills & Gardens

  • Gondola to Monte for cinematic island views.

  • Monte Palace Botanical Garden wander with our favorite guide for the best paths and photo angles.

  • Aperitivo at 1891 Bar  on Reid’s terrace

Day 2 – Sea Cliffs by Boat

  • Private boat day along Cabo Girão, among Europe’s highest sea cliffs; swim in glass-clear water that’s often warmer than the Algarve in midsummer (Kate noticed the difference).

  • Fresh  lunch and a lazy sail back toward Funchal as the sun drops.

Day 3 – Levadas, Toboggans & Wine

  • Morning levada walk (scenic irrigation-channel trails) tailored to your pace, then the iconic Carro de Cesto wicker toboggan ride down the steep lanes of Monte, equal parts history and thrill.

  • Madeira flavors: espetada (grilled beef on bay-leaf skewers), bolo do caco (garlic-buttered sweet bread), and a tasting of Madeira’s fortified wines.

Why Reid’s is perfect for families
Garden-level rooms with terraces, multiple pools, kid-approved dining, and space to roam, plus Belmond’s famously warm service. We layer in curated experiences (dolphin/whale-spotting, jeep tours, garden tours) so everyone gets their version of adventure.

Logistics made easy
Fly into Funchal (FNC); it’s a short drive to the hotel. Seasonal nonstop routes from Newark have recently made access even smoother. We handle transfers, boat charters, and dining so your time is pure play.

How We Stitch It Together

Kate’s Portugal flow—Algarve - Lisbon - Madeira—works beautifully for families: start with beach-day ease, shift to city culture, and end on an island high note. On her trip we reserved VILA VITA Parc for three nights, then Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon for three, and finally Reid’s Palace for three—an elegant cadence that balances rest and discovery.

VIP treatment
As a KJ Travel client, you’ll receive our preferred-partner perks (think: upgrades when available, daily breakfast, resort credits, welcome amenities) and priority wait-lists at in-demand restaurants and kids’ clubs. At these properties, those little advantages add up to a noticeably smoother stay.

Are you ready to visit Portugal?

Tell us what you want this trip to be: Easy, adventurous, celebratory? KJT advisors will design the version that fits you best. Click here to fill out our form and let's start planning today!