There are dozens of ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains. Many of them are small, like Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, just a few miles from my house. But, there are others that deserve at least one visit in a lifetime. Some of these resorts may offer stargazing while others showcase the magnificent beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whatever the case, here are my picks for the best resorts. (These are not listed in any particular order.)

Park City Mountain Resort: Park City, Utah

One of the sleepy town ski resorts that turned into a mega resort in my lifetime. Growing up, the mountain was not crowded and not too expensive. There was a lodge on top of the mountain with views that never stopped and it was full of tycoons that would swallow the timid. Later, the Jupiter Bowl opened (weather permitting) and there were some races that would start an adrenaline rush that would last for the next week. After all these years it is still one of my favorite resorts for variety. From some of the toughest trails to the most beginner friendly, Park City Mountain Resort offers skiing for all levels.

Other reasons you may want to visit Park City Mountain Resort is for the Sundance Film Festival held each January. If you go during this time, be prepared for crowded restaurants, crowded races, and nonexistent hotel rooms. Stargazing may be at a premium during this time, but so are the people. After the crowds have cleared, take a stroll down Main Street for great restaurants, gift shops, and an architectural glimpse of old western mining towns.

Sun Valley Ski Resort, Ketchum, Idaho

In the middle of nowhere and that’s why people love it. The rich and famous fly into Hailey, Idaho airport on their private jets (and they’re lined up), or people like me can drive from Boise, Idaho (3 hours) or Salt Lake City, Utah (about 5 hours). There are regional flights from Boise and Salt Lake City if you prefer to fly to Hailey.

Sun Valley has a rich history of tourist life. It started out as a sleepy resort town with a luxury hotel, huge log cabins at the base of the mountain and at the top. Once you enter one of these shelters, it’s almost impossible to want to go back outside in the cold. With small hotels, large condominium developments and cabins that rival ski lodges, there is something for everyone. In the evenings, there are hundreds of restaurants, cinemas, and bars to keep people busy. The town fathers have managed to maintain a feeling of openness with most of the area. But there is no doubt that there is a lot of development hidden behind those pine trees.

vail, colorado

Can you imagine a camera focused on a single skier in the middle of a mountain race with nothing but white surrounding them? Now the camera starts to zoom out and the image gets wider and wider. Another second and the skier is just a detail in a field of white. With this image in mind, you can begin to feel the vastness of some of Vail’s bowls. This is a place I only dream of and now dream of returning to.

With a narrow valley that includes an interstate (I-70) and the town of Vail, it’s all at the base of the mountain. The resort area seems to go on forever with a small town feel from time to time. Tucked away in these towns are restaurants, hotels, condominiums, ski schools, rental offices, and the essence of Vail.

Let’s go back to the image of the lone skier in the middle of the mogul field. Sitting on top of the mountain, the sun was shining on me and my two friends with me. There was not just one of these vast tycoon fields, but three. Each one was as big as the next. It was pure heaven for a crazy tycoon. Beyond, however, was something that everyone should experience at least once… the view of the top of the Rocky Mountains. The skies touch the tops of the mountains and you realize the majesty of the mountains.