Going Solo: Hit The Slopes At These 10 Ski Resorts Great For Singles

Solo ski trips allow time to explore the slopes and trails alone or make new friends in group activities — Photo courtesy of Big Sky Resort

Ski trips with family or friends make excellent vacations, with everyone sharing space and stories from the slopes. But a solo ski vacation has many perks. For one, you can choose where to ski and hit the slopes on your own time. You can focus on personal goals without worrying if you're holding anyone else up (or waiting for them). And at the end of an active day, you can relax in a private room without distractions. It's bliss.

As a middle-aged female skier, I take many solo trips. I look for easy-to-navigate resorts with good signage, women’s clinics, and other helpful ski experiences. When skiing solo, you can book time with mountain hosts who can share the history of the mountain and trails. (Pro tip: I always download a ski resort’s app to have a trail map and mountain information handy.)

Another consideration when taking a solo ski vacation is access to village restaurants, sports rentals, and shops. Having them close by can enhance ski vacations, especially when traveling alone. Here are my picks for 10 excellent ski resorts for singles and tips on making the most of your vacation.

Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky is one of my favorite ski resorts for singles — Photo courtesy of Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort is large, with four mountains connected by chair lifts, and attracts families and groups with different skiing abilities. But it's equally enjoyable for solo skiers. Get the lay of the land on complimentary 90-minute mountain host tours led by volunteer skiers and riders who share area information (and maybe even their favorite spots to ski). Then, explore the mountain alone or join a group lesson to meet other adult skiers. For panoramic views, ride the Lone Peak Tram to the top of Lone Mountain and take a selfie!

Snow tip: Make the most of your time with other activities, from laid-back snowshoe tours to thrilling guided headlamp night-skiing adventures.

Deer Valley Ski Resort, Park City, Utah

A solo ski vacation is a good chance to take a clinic led by professional (and even Olympic) skiers — Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley Ski Resort offers impeccably groomed slopes on four separate mountains and accommodates skiers of all abilities. For the ultimate ski vacation, enjoy pampering at this posh, skiers-only resort, where ski valets unload your skis curbside or ski butlers can deliver your rental gear (on-site rental shops are also available). An Olympic champion leads the resort's Women’s Empowerment Ski Clinic. Deer Valley offers four complimentary mountain host tours daily for intermediate and expert skiers.

Snow tip: If you really feel like treating yourself, stay at the ski-in/ski-out Stein Eriksen Lodge and book a treatment at the five-star spa.

Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Mountain ski resort has a long winter season, typically into June — Photo courtesy of Mammoth Mountain

Making friends on lifts, trails, or clinics at friendly Mammoth Mountain is easy. It's clear why this is one of the best ski resorts in the country. Led by women, the three-day women's ski and snowboard camps foster girl time on the mountain while working on your goals. It includes five hours of daily lessons and an après-ski party. The coed Ripping Over 50 camps focus on health, fitness, and daily ski or snowboard instruction. Check out the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, which hosts free women's ski clinics for all abilities.

Snow tip: Stay at Mammoth Mountain Inn or The Village Lodge for quick slope access.

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, Lake Tahoe, California

Solo skiers can join Women of Winter camps for a weekend of skiing and yoga — Photo courtesy of Palisades Tahoe

Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics and one of the best ski schools in the country, Palisades Tahoe offers ski clinics like Women of Winter Camp (includes lunch and yoga) and the Masters Program (think gate and slalom training) to help you elevate your skills. Private mountain guides will also show you hidden areas and landmarks you might otherwise miss at the ski resort’s 6,000-acre skiable terrain. After a day of swooshing, enjoy the après-ski scene in the village, where there’s an outdoor fire pit, live music, and numerous restaurants, including Rocker (for lunch or dinner) and Le Chamois (for après-ski drinks).

Snow tip: If you rent gear in the village, you can store your skis overnight for free in a building by the slope-side Olympic House.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Grand Mesa, Colorado

Powderhorn sits on the edge of the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain — Photo courtesy of Powderhorn Mountain Resort

This unassuming, friendly Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a hidden gem and one of the most affordable among Colorado’s 28 ski areas and resorts. In no time, you’ll be on a first-name basis with locals. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a two-helmet day: Ski in the morning and ride a bike in the afternoon on the Lunch Loops trail near Grand Junction, a good home base with restaurants, breweries, wineries, and affordable boutique hotels, like Hotel Melrose.

Snow tip: Rent a car at Grand Junction Airport to explore Grand Mesa and Powderhorn.

Schweitzer, Sand Point, Idaho

Some ski resorts for singles offer women-only clinics to boost ski and ride skills — Photo courtesy of Schweitzer

Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho's largest ski area with two distinct regions, boasts several activities for an exciting ski vacation. The Ski & Ride School offers guided half-day and full-day tours to show guests the best runs on the mountain. Backcountry snowcat skiing is an excellent opportunity for solo skiers and riders to hang out with a group. Outfitters like Girls with Grit offer women's ski clinics to elevate the skills of intermediate and advanced skiers/riders.

Snow tip: The village has restaurants and ski-in/ski-out hotels, including Humbird, which has in-room boot dryers. You can also book time to replenish at Cambium Spa.

SilverStar Mountain Resort, British Columbia, Canada

SilverStar Mountain's Monday Masters Program pumps up skiers ages 50 and over — Photo courtesy of Bree Tombs

In addition to free host tours, SilverStar Mountain Resort offers Ladies' Day (every Tuesday) and Men’s Day (Wednesdays). There’s also Monday Masters for skiers ages 50 and over. These are great programs to enhance skills with fellow sports enthusiasts. If you’re lucky (I was!), you may be riding a lift or skiing with resort ambassador Jacqui Cooper, an Olympic champion and retired freestyle skier.

Snow tip: Ride a snow cat to Paradise Camp for an elegant three-course dinner. The Den is a popular spot in the village for a bite and drink beneath the Town Hall restaurant.

Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Resort is an excellent resort for single skiers — Photo courtesy of THEPALMER / E+

This authentic western ski town has fun activities on and off the mountain. Jumpstart your visit to Steamboat Resort with a mountain tour to explore the terrain. Ready to tackle moguls? Intermediate and advanced skiers can join Olympic medalist Nelson Carmichael for a free mogul clinic on the mountain. After skiing, ride a free city bus to town for a meal and to shop for Western apparel.

Snow tip: Book a Sweet Pea Tour shuttle to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, among the best hot springs in the country.

Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, Vermont

The best ski resorts for singles offer clinics and camps — Photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe Mountain Resort includes Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) and Spruce Peak. These mountains offer diverse terrain and trails to explore independently or with like-minded skiers. Women and Wine (taught by top female coaches) offers support and fun lessons to skiers and snowboarders; an après gathering follows at Spruce Camp’s West Lounge. The Village at Spruce Peak anchors the ski-in/ski-out Lodge at Spruce Peak for luxury stays, an outdoor skating rink, shops, and restaurants.

Snow tip: Get around town on the free Mountain Road Shuttle.

Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, New York

Whiteface Mountain features terrain for beginners and intermediate skiers — Photo courtesy of eyedias / iStock Via Getty Images

Situated in the Adirondack Mountains, Whiteface Mountain offers active ski vacations steeped in 1980 Winter Olympic history. Ski races took place at Whiteface, while bobsled racing, ski jumps, and other events were in Lake Placid, about 13 miles away. Expert skiers love The Slides, steep chutes formed by rock slides. Whiteface also has beginner and intermediate terrain.

Snow tip: Visit an Olympic venue to watch events happening all winter. You can even race down in a bobsled on an Olympic track at the Olympic Sports Complex.

Solo ski trips have a lot of benefits. These 10 ski resorts for singles offer one-on-one tours, clinics, group outings, and more.

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Solo ski trips have a lot of benefits. These 10 ski resorts for singles offer one-on-one tours, clinics, group outings, and more.

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