7 U.S. Ski Resorts Directly Connected to a Ski Town

When visiting or moving to a ski town, one of, if not the most important thing to consider, is proximity and access to the local ski resorts. Having the ability to be right in town, just minutes away from the mountains and fresh tracks, is always the goal, at least for the majority of us. With that being said, these are seven ski resorts directly connected to town, giving skiers and snowboarders lift-access out of the nearest town and right onto the slopes.

Park City, Utah

The Town Lift, located right on Main Street in Park City, Utah, takes riders from curb-side to slope-side on Park City Mountain Resort in a matter of minutes. Once on the mountain, explore one of North America’s largest ski resorts with 7,300 acres of skiable terrain and some of the best powder on the planet. Après ski begins effortlessly, with several dining options, bars, and distilleries just a short walk away from where you end the day skiing.

Heavenly, California/Nevada

Wake up, leave your casino hotel room in Stateline, Nevada, take a few steps across the border into South Lake Tahoe, California, and head right up the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort. With 4,800 acres of skiable terrain spanning across two states, towering above beautiful Lake Tahoe, the fun doesn’t stop on the mountain. In addition to four major nearby casinos, the Heavenly Village and surrounding area have endless options for food, drinks, entertainment, and nightlife.

Telluride, Colorado

Take a 12-minute gondola ride that whisks you away from the town of Telluride and drops you off at the Mountain Village at Telluride Ski Resort, ready to shred. This first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the U.S. provides riders direct access to 2,000+ acres of breathtaking skiing in the San Juan Mountains. Along the way, multiple stops allow skiers and sightseers alike the opportunity to eat, ski, shop, and adventure regardless of the season.

Silver Mountain, Idaho

Start your journey in Kellogg and take North America’s second-longest gondola 3.1 miles to the Mountain House base area at Silver Mountain. Upon arrival, skiers and riders have access to 1,600 acres and a solid 2,200 feet of vertical drop across Kellogg and Wardner Peaks, along with mountain biking access in the summer months. In town, restaurants, tours, and museums, as well as beautiful scenery can be enjoyed year-round.

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

The iconic Silver Queen Gondola leaves from the quaint and charming town of Aspen and delivers riders to 11,212 feet at the top of Aspen Mountain. Whether skiing or snowboarding the modest 800+ acres of terrain or hiking and sightseeing, the après activities are always awaiting in town once finished. From a myriad of restaurants, bars, and shops to a bustling nightlife scene, Aspen serves up the ideal combination of ski and après-ski balance.

Loon Mountain, New Hampshire

New for the 2025-26 season, the River Walk Resort in downtown Lincoln, New Hampshire, will connect guests and residents to the slopes of the recently added South Peak terrain at Loon Mountain. Although minor in comparison to some other towns and resorts on this list, with just over 400 acres of skiing, the addition of the Pulse Gondola is a breakthrough development for skiing in New England. With the direct connection from the ski resort to extensive lodging, spa facilities, restaurants, and even a winery, this expansion will help reshape the four-season resort experience on the East Coast.

Winter Park, Colorado

Another huge development, near the final stages of permitting and approval, the new Town Gondola would connect the town of Winter Park to Winter Park Resort. Along with the new gondola, there are plans for a major base area upgrade and a massive terrain expansion, among additional improvements elsewhere. When completed, over 3,439 acres of terrain at Winter Park Resort will be linked to numerous restaurants, shops, and other activities and amenities right in town.