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Ski season lasts five to seven months — as long as or longer than other professional sports seasons — so there’s ample opportunity from November to May to make your plans.
Part of what distinguishes a ski trip for the fellas are the reunion-esque qualities that make the mountains and surrounding towns great getaways to escape and bond over outdoor activities you may not be able to do at home.
These resorts offer snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and premier downhill skiing, among other thrilling options. Après-ski activities such as whiskey tastings, steak dinners and table games help make these destinations ideal for a guys’ trip.
Taos Ski Valley offers a mix of beginner and advanced runs for skiers of all skill levels.
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Taos Ski Valley
Taos, New Mexico
There’s something to be said for a town that receives more than 300 days of sunshine a year. You’re almost guaranteed robin’s egg-blue skies when you hit the slopes. After your beginner friends hone their skills on green runs Bambi and White Feather, you can take them down screamers Two Bucks and Billy Sol. Make sure to save a day to do Big Al’s snowmobile tour to ride up to 11,500 feet in elevation and take in panoramic views of the landscape. Then finish your day at the Lounge by Rolling Still Distillery where you can sip small-batch, craft vodka made with pure mountain water from New Mexico.
Stay: The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is a 115-room lodge with an on-staff hausmeister who will attend to your requests, such as bringing another bottle of vodka to the room.
A view of skiers enjoying the scenery on Copper Mountain in Colorado.
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Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Let’s face it: As good as you are — and as much as you love to ski — you’ll never be in the Olympics. But you can pretend for an afternoon at Copper Mountain, home of the U.S. ski team’s official training center. When you’re done shredding the long, groomed Bouncer, test your skills at the National Standard Race (NASTAR) course. NASTAR is the largest public grassroots ski racing program in the world, and it will adjust your time depending on factors including your age and expertise (similar to a golfer’s handicap), so you can challenge the pros. Hungry? The on-site Forage & Feast restaurant serves venison leg steak and Rocky Mountain trout.
Stay: Passage Point Lodge in the Copper Mountain Center Village is a short walk to the American Eagle lift. Best part: three large hot tubs to help soothe muscles after a long day on the slopes.
