Five years in, VRBO’s annual top rentals list has become an inside look into the best vacation rentals in the United States. Topping the list this year are two of the most impressive ski properties in the United States.
In order to crack into the top 15, each rental must meet a detailed set of standards. VRBO takes into account cost, reliability, location, and standout amenities when putting together its list. Properties must hold at least 15 verified guest ratings, a 99 percent booking acceptance rate, and zero host cancellations to qualify. With thousands of properties available for rent in ski towns, two stood out for good reason.
Big Sky, MT — Happy Trails
Big Sky, Montana’s “Happy Trails” sits six miles from the base of Big Sky Resort. With 5,580 acres and 40 lifts, it’s the fourth-largest ski resort in North America. You can get the blood pumping right off the tram skiing the Big Couloir, followed by igloo après. Nighttime offers its own list, a favorite being headlamp night skiing on fresh corduroy with heated chairlifts on Andesite.
The property holds its own. Set on 22 acres with 360-degree views of Gallatin County, the 8,000-square-foot home sleeps 19. The home features two main houses with king beds and bunk rooms, along with a saloon-style party barn for entertaining the whole group. A garden, hot tub, and outdoor fire pit round out the property. While there is no ski-in/ski-out access, the home is centrally located with a short ride to the mountain, golf course, and town.
Breckenridge, CO — Shock Hill Grand
Following Happy Trails is a Colorado favorite: Shock Hill Grand in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge’s 2,908 acres stretch across five peaks with 35 lifts and 193 cut runs. The mountain has five main peaks, each with its own characteristics: skiers and riders can explore the mountain’s variations between each one. Famous for its beginner terrain, Peak 9 has football field-wide groomers and easy town access, while Peak 10 has big lines and expert terrain. Breckenridge also has the highest ski lift in North America, the Imperial, sitting just below 13,000 feet.
The home at Shock Hill is a 2,380-square-foot retreat that can sleep 12 guests. The home has four bedrooms with king, queen, and bunk rooms. Steps from the Breck Connect gondola, mountain accessibility is what separates this property. Taking your boots off the boot heater in the morning, you are steps away from the lift, which runs from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm during the winter months. For those searching for first tracks in the morning or last call on the mountain’s bar, the gondola gives you the option to do both.
With the 2025/2026 winter season officially in the rearview mirror, the window for planning next year’s mountain getaway has already opened. Securing a premier property like Happy Trails or Shock Hill Grand requires early action, as these high-performance rentals often see their calendars fill up months before the first snowflake falls. So whether you are drawn to the rugged, expansive terrain of Big Sky or the high-alpine convenience of Breckenridge, these top-rated Vrbo listings provide the blueprint for an elite ski vacation.
