Top 3 Ski Resorts to Travel to in the Pacific Northwest
A three-hour charter flight from Seattle, Washington, will get you out of the city and onto the slopes of these top Pacific Northwest ski resorts — and January is the best month to go skiing. By the middle of January, the holiday crowds have left the mountains. Spring skiers will not arrive for another two months, so Pacific Northwesterners can enjoy the peak of powder season. To help narrow down the search for your next winter adventure, we identified the top three three ski resorts within a three-hour charter flight from Seattle. Our Hawker 900XP, available for charter from Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW) and surrounding airports, is the ideal way to get to them, too. Now, let’s hit the slopes.
Telluride, Colorado
There’s a reason Telluride is consistently named the best ski town in the United States. From its authentic western charm to breathtaking scenery, Telluride has a lot to offer for the serious skier. The ski resort itself splits the town into two distinct enclaves, Mountain Village and the Town. The majority of Mountain Village is ski-in and ski-out, making it easy to go from the slopes to après. The skiing terrain itself is perfectly balanced for beginners and those wanting double-black-diamond runs and adrenal-rushing chutes. Advanced and expert runs take up about 41% of the mountain with many legendary rides. One of the most famous, The Plunge, is a black-diamond that descends 3,140 feet from the top of the mountain down to Telluride with arguably the best view of town on the way down. The mountain even has something for those who are advanced intermediate. Take a ride up Village Lift 4 and check out corduroy cruisers, glades, moderate bumps and short chutes. If you’re still learning how to carve, there are plenty of lifts that lead you to wide-open green and blue runs. The mountain really has something for everyone.
Skiing all day no doubt works up an appetite, which lucky for you, Telluride has no shortage of great restaurants and bars. We recommend 221 South Oak for the perfect date night meal where you can choose from local dishes, such as Rocky Mountain trout, grilled elk chop or a bone-in buffalo ribeye that might be the best piece of meat you ever eat. And of course, pumpkin and butterscotch custard pie to end the dinner. Delicious. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, we recommend Tomboy Tavern. This gastropub is located at the base of the mountain and has the hottest happy hour in town. With a great beer selection, killer Bloody Mary’s and mouth-watering burgers, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Tomboy.
Where to stay: Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Closest private airport: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky Resort averages more than 400 inches of powder and 5,850 acres of skiable terrain. Plus, lift lines are nearly non-existent. Located in the southwestern corner of Montana, about 45 minutes south from Bozeman, Big Sky is considered “the biggest skiing in America.” You can ski seamlessly between four mountains, 36 lifts and more than 300 runs. With some of the best backcountry access in the United States, it is a skiers paradise. One of the most remarkable things about Big Sky is the mountain’s summit. At 11,116 feet, it offers a breathtaking view of two National Parks, three states and has access to chutes and massive bowls for incredible skiing. Although the mountain’s design is for more advanced and expert skiers, there are multiple terrain options for beginners and intermediates to explore. With about 40% of the mountain designated for green and blue runs, you can practice your parallel turns before you embark to the backcountry.
Big Sky Resort is famous among jet setters because it is remote and private — perfect for those looking for a quick charter flight from Seattle. For those of you wanting even more private powder, we recommend the Yellowstone Club. To be a member, you must own property, but with superior amenities and world-class charm, it truly is one of a kind. The Yellowstone Club was the first ski club with its own mountain, and it is still one of the most exclusive resorts today. The private mountain has more than 2,700 acres of powder with a diverse mix of beginner and intermediate terrain as well as chutes, bumps and 2,700-foot vertical drops for the hardcore winter enthusiast. Being a member also means access to seven different restaurants, three state-of-the-art facilities for health and wellness, shopping, rental and repair shop, and a youth and family center, which offers incredible indoor recreation.
Where to stay: Big Sky Resort Village Center, Montage Big Sky (opening 2021)
Closest private airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If serious powder is your game, look no further than this Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Known as “The Big One,” Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) received 72 inches of fresh snow since the beginning of the year — with no signs of stopping. It is a legendary resort known for its world-class skiing, gorgeous natural scenery, classic western town and the highest vertical drop in the United States at 4,139 feet. There are two mountains you can ski: Après Vous and Rendezvous. Fair warning, the latter is not for the faint of heart. There are 133 named trails across 2,500 acres, but only two lifts are for beginners: Eagle’s Rest and Teewinot. The majority of terrain is reserved for steep skiing and 3,000 acres of backcountry that give powder hounds an array of challenging steeps, chutes and cliffs.
The resort offers plenty of luxury ski-in and ski-out lodging options, making it an ideal winter destination for the luxury traveler. Four Seasons Resort is a perfect balance of laid-back western vibe and big-city luxury and convenience. It boasts some of the best views of the rugged peaks. With world-class dining, Four Seasons is also the best spot to kick off your snow boots and indulge in a little après ski. If you feel like going into town for a bite to eat, we recommend Bin 22. An intimate and unique tapas bar, Bin 22 offers a European-inspired experience pairing imported meats and cheese with wines from around the world. The restaurant also has an attached wine store, meaning no markup, and you can take your favorite bottle of wine with you after your meal. It’s a win-win. If you decided to take a day off from the slopes and wanted to go into town for lunch, check out Teton Tiger. Inspired by flavors from the Far East, Teton Tiger is the best spot for Asian-style street noodles, wok-seared rice dishes and savory curry. And do not forget to order their spiked Thai iced tea!
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole & Hotel Terra
Closest private airport: Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC)
Clay Lacy Aviation’s Hawker 900XP, based at Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW) and serving all airports throughout the Pacific Northwest, is the perfect aircraft for a charter flight from Seattle to your next winter escape. Contact our charter team to request a quote from our wide selection of aircraft.
