Family Travel Posts

15 Vacations for Thanksgiving Weekend

July 26, 2023 No Comments

Looking ahead to your next Thanksgiving vacation? The ultimate preparation guide for your long weekend trip is here. Once you have your vacation sorted, it’s a good idea to pre-book your airport parking. ParkSleepFly can do all the extra work for you and find you the best lot for the best price.

Whether you are looking to spend a few days with the family or travel to an idyllic spot as a couple, here are 15 vacations for Thanksgiving in 2023.

1. Chicago, IL

Big cities are beautiful during the holidays and the “windy city” is no exception. If you need constant buzz and activities to keep you happy, Thanksgiving in Chicago may be just the place for you.

Much like New York City, The Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade brings an exciting atmosphere to the city for all to enjoy on the long weekend. With the addition of floats, music, and entertainment, it’s sure to work up your appetite for the afternoon of celebrations! Just make sure to arrive early, as the parade takes place from 8am until 11am on State Street.  

Other events include the German Christkindl market and outdoor ice skating. Don’t forget to pre-book your Thanksgiving dinner at the Walnut Room too, located on the 7th floor of Macy’s State Street.

2. Hawaii

If you’re looking to get some winter sun for Thanksgiving this year, we highly recommend none other than a trip to Hawaii. With beautiful white sandy beaches, marching bands, and luau, many of the resorts offer the perfect Thanksgiving package.

Hawaii tends to be quieter around this time of year, so if you want to unwind and relax, this is the perfect vacation location this year.

Given Hawaii celebrates Thanksgiving in a very similar way to the mainland U.S., you can guarantee a delicious Turkey dinner, just with a different scenic backdrop to enjoy. Hawaiians usually give thanks to Lono, the god of agriculture and often pause familial conflicts, practice gratitude and exchange gifts.

The sprawling beaches of this one-of-a-kind state mean you can also pass the time by participating in many different activities over the course of your trip, including snorkeling, surfing, and hiking.

3. Keystone Resort, CO

For the thrill-seekers this Thanksgiving, we recommend a visit to the sprawling mountains at Keystone Resort, Colorado. The beautiful rocky mountain backdrop against a warm fireplace with hot chocolates after a long day of snowboarding and skiing is a particular draw to Keystone Resort, and the promises of a Thanksgiving feast at the River Run Village restaurant means you can fully kick back and relax for this long weekend.

If traveling in late November, Keystone also offers a Welcome Winter Family carnival, full of cocoa, cookies and Salida circus. Why not combine your 2023 Thanksgiving trip with fun in the snowy mountains this year?

4. Lake Tahoe, CA

For a relaxing Thanksgiving by the water, why not consider visiting Lake Tahoe? From lakeside to mountain views, this peaceful destination in California is perfect if you want to escape from the cold.

Local restaurants at Lake Tahoe offer a variation of Thanksgiving dinner by the lakeside, with the offer of a beach stroll in the evening to enjoy the sunset. Heavenly Mountain Resort is at your disposal for exploration too, offering a myriad of hiking trails for you to enjoy by day.

Dining options include Jimmy’s at The Landing, Riva Grill on the Lake, The Beacon Bar + Grill and Edgewood Tahoe. Alongside these great restaurant options lies the Luxurious Casino which also offers a range of eateries.

If you would prefer to explore the lake and cook your own meal, this is also possible with the rental of a vacation home on Lake Tahoe.

5. Las Vegas, NV

Where better in the world than to celebrate Thanksgiving in Vegas? If you’re wanting an all-adult vacation, this is the place to be, with the addition of lasting heat from the summer. This makes Vegas a great winter sun option, especially for those traveling as a couple.
The Las Vegas strip is well known for its sprawling Casinos, but also for the Michelin-star celebrity restaurants that reside inside. If you fancy a twist on Gordon Ramsay’s Wellington, we highly suggest stopping by Hell’s Kitchen located at Caesars Palace.


If you feel more like a relaxed dining experience, there are plenty of other options available such as a Las Vegas buffet at Wicked Spoon, The Cosmopolitan and Bacchanal Buffet.


Vegas isn’t just about the food options however, there’s plenty to see and do for entertainment and shopping too, including the famous Gondola ride or the beautiful Bellagio fountain display that occurs every 30 minutes.

6. New Orleans, LA

If you’re looking for a party this year, look no further than a vibrant (and often outrageous) Thanksgiving in New Orleans. You’ll find plenty to do in the “Big Easy”, even when it’s Thanksgiving and not Mardi Gras.

Dining out in New Orleans for Thanksgiving is easy, as a lot of the local restaurants stay open during this holiday. Round up the family and enjoy a mouth-watering sit-down meal in the city of Jazz and Blues and soak up the culture of the deep South.

Visiting New Orleans this Thanksgiving and haven’t booked parking? Don’t worry, ParkSleepFly offers hotel and parking packages to make sure your travel is as stress-free as possible. Book now!

7. New York, NY

The big apple is well-known for its extravagant décor and events throughout November and December, making it the perfect place to spend the holiday. No one does Thanksgiving like New York!

The biggest event to see in the city is Macy’s New York Thanksgiving parade. This year’s display is expected from 9am until 12 noon, with a plethora of balloons, floats, and elaborate entertainment for all.

After watching the famous parade, why not stroll through Central Park and have a go at skating at the Central Park ice rink? Or even explore the traditional ‘tourist’ spots that remain open for the day? If stopping on a longer layover in New York, we highly recommend shopping the Black Friday sales the next day!

8. Orlando, FL

Another warm destination to consider is Thanksgiving in Orlando, Florida. The winter sun will keep you toasty and more than entertained with its myriad of theme parks and fun activities.

If you’re looking to make Thanksgiving as fun as possible, Orlando may be just your ticket. This year promises a plethora of tastes, with the addition of Fusion Fest. A fun and bright festival that will have your mouth watering at every turn, this event is sure to have something for everyone.

If you feel like experimenting with your tastebuds this Thanksgiving, don’t miss out on this unique cultural celebration in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

9. Park City, UT

If you picture your perfect Park City Thanksgiving spent outside in soft, powdery snow and flying down amazing ski slopes, you need to research a trip to this particular destination. This city is renowned for its winter activities, but also for its splendor so you’ll have plenty to be thankful for this year.

There’s also a fantastic feast to be had at Flanagan’s on Main, Irish Pub and Restaurant. Located in the heart of Park City, this dine-in pub is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.

10. Phoenix, AZ

This warmer destination still incorporates cold elements to really set the scene for Thanksgiving every year! Skate Westgate is back this year, with a 3,500 square-foot rink as an addition to the Plaza in Fountain Park.

Phoenix is an excellent destination for those wanting to soak up the winter sun and partake in off-season sunbathing. After spending the day out and about in the city, join Blue Hound Kitchen for a delicious three-course Thanksgiving dinner in Phoenix with friends and family.

11. Plymouth, MA

What better time to experience genuine southern charm than at Thanksgiving in Savannah? Enjoy Savannah’s beautiful green parks and a nice cool climate in this welcoming southern hot spot.

Savannah at Thanksgiving isn’t just about enjoying food and watching football too, it is known for its annual Turkey Trot, which is perfect for those who like to get up and go and be active on Turkey Day! This event takes place just before your Thanksgiving dinner, so why not work up an appetite and join in? Located at Daffin Park, this year marks the 14th year for the Turkey Trot.

12. Savannah, GA

What better time to experience genuine Southern charm than at Thanksgiving? Enjoy Savannah’s beautiful green parks and a nice cool climate in this welcoming southern hot spot.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about enjoying food and watching football too, Savannah is known for its annual Turkey Trot, which is perfect for those who like to get up and go and be active on Turkey Day! This event takes place just before your Thanksgiving dinner, so why not work up an appetite and join in? Located at Daffin Park, this year marks the 14th year for the Turkey Trot.

Itching to get away to Savannah for Thanksgiving but don’t have your airport parking lot space booked? Pre-book now with ParkSleepFly!

13. Toronto, CA

Hopping over the border to Canada, Thanksgiving in Toronto is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a non-traditional day. This city will impress you with its diverse culture and high-end cuisine, offering another view for your Thanksgiving weekend.

The hustle and bustle of this city won’t end for you this US Thanksgiving, as Canada celebrates theirs in early October, meaning you can also get any last-minute Christmas gifts whilst you visit.

Dine in the city’s heart after a long day of shopping and exploring, and relax, surrounded by fallen Maple leaves and Canadian culture this Thanksgiving.

14. Washington, D.C.

If you’re feeling extra patriotic during the holiday season, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better destination than our nation’s great capital. Thanksgiving in Washington DC allows you to feel thankful as you enjoy the beautiful decorations while taking in some American history. There’s also the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Silver Spring!

Washington DC for Thanksgiving is also the hotspot for Turkey-to-go this year, with plenty of city restaurants offering this option if you want a quiet night in! If you would prefer to feast the night away, however, we highly recommend the Waldorf Astoria Thanksgiving buffet, the perfect place to indulge to your heart’s content with friends and family.

15. Williamsburg, VA

For another traditional Thanksgiving, Colonial Williamsburg is a place worth visiting in 2023. Thanksgiving marks the kick-off to Christmas and alongside Thanksgiving activities, you can also expect to enjoy a few festive-themed delights too.

Colonial Williamsburg has a plethora of attractions available, including Premium shopping outlets for those well-needed Christmas gifts, the official Jamestown settlement, and the Historic area. All these activities run on normal operating hours, apart from the outlets which have a longer opening time.

For restaurant choices, Williamsburg has a variety of both sit-down and buffet-style eateries, including King’s Arms Tavern, Campbell’s Tavern, and Colonial Williamsburg Lodge which offers a holiday buffet. All perfect after a day of exploring the city’s history and partaking in light shopping.

Why book with ParkSleepFly?

No matter where you decide to travel to, have a stress-free Thanksgiving vacation in 2023 by pre-booking your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly this holiday season.

Celebrating all things Red, White and Blue this Independence Day

June 6, 2023 No Comments

Millions of Americans are expected to travel for Independence Day this year, take a look at some of our top destinations inspired by all things Red, White and Blue.

Red

Red Canyon – Utah

Part of the Dixie National Forest, Red Canyon is a great place for a hike this Independence Day! Following the red theme, this location is perfect for the avid explorer, with deep canyons to walk or bike through. The Visitor Center offers free maps showing where to hike or bike in Red Canyon and where to stop for a festive 4th of July picnic. If you’re traveling to Red Canyon for Independence Day, pre-book your airport parking lot space from your departure airport with ParkSleepFly!

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco

One of the tallest and longest suspension bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to be seen at any time of year, but extra special on Independence Day. The red hue of the bridge allows passing water vessels to see this extraordinary addition to San Francisco Bay. This remarkable structure becomes an even better place to spend the 4th of July, with a magnificent firework display over the water. If you’re flying to San Francisco from Chicago, check out the ParkSleepFly parking options available from O’Hare Airport.

White

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Celebrate true Independence by visiting South Dakota and seeing the iconic Mount Rushmore. This 60-foot Memorial features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Each president represents one of the four key characteristics of the U.S. including, birth, growth, development and preservation. This once-in-a-lifetime trip features the monument itself, a half-mile walking trail and a museum and dining area. Flying to Mount Rushmore from New York has never been easier, and ParkSleepFly has a range of parking options available at JFK. Pre-book now to avoid disappointment!

Big Snowy Mountains, Montana

Experience the actual white of the American flag by exploring the Big Snowy Mountains in Montana this Independence Day. The ‘Big Snowies’ are the perfect place for an activity-filled weekend, whether walking with the family or taking snaps of the spectacular mountains. There are many different hiking options, including the Ice Caves Loop, or for something less strenuous, the Promontory Point via Crystal Lake. If you’re heading from Detroit to the Big Snowies, check out the options available on ParkSleepFly for your airport parking lot space.

Blue

Crater Lake, Oregon

For a more serene option for celebrating American Independence, we highly recommend a boat out on Crater Lake. This volcanic crater in south-central Oregon is the perfect place for a gentle boat trip. The deep gorgeous blue water can be misleading, however, as it is known for being very cold! Designated swimming areas are available for those wanting to explore out on the lake. For a family-fun affair, taking a boat out for fishing activities is also highly recommended, with both Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout available for catching. Flying in from Boston Logan airport? Check out pre-booked airport parking options available with ParkSleepFly before you jet off.

Lake Tahoe, Michigan

This serene lake is the perfect place for a picnic by the water, summer paddleboarding or, for the more adventurous, jet skiing. Lake Tahoe crosses over both California and Nevada, so traveling from both sides is always an option. This family-fun day out is a must to take advantage of the perfect weather conditions for Lake activities, as well as enjoy a delicious Independence Day-themed lunch together. If you’re traveling into the US for Independence Day, flying from Canada is a great choice. Make sure to pre-book your airport parking at Montreal Airport to not delay your trip. 

Other Activities for Independence Day

Visiting the White House is the ultimate day out on Independence Day. Expect a historic tour of the grounds and a spectacular fireworks display later in the evening. From BBQ hotdogs to sweet treats for dessert, you don’t want to miss out on this ultimate 4th July celebration in the Capitol. 

Things to Remember for Independence Day Travel

The biggest thing to remember if you’re traveling by plane this Independence Day is to pre-book your lot space at the airport. You can make big savings by booking in advance. Here at ParkSleepFly, we have a range of airport parking options available for you to choose from. Being prepared with a lot space already booked means you can relax, knowing your vehicle is safe at the airport, allowing you to escape, explore and celebrate this 4th July weekend!

The Top Memorial Day Parades to attend in 2023

May 24, 2023 No Comments

Memorial Day is fast approaching, and there are many ways in which you can gather with family this year to honor those lost. One of the most popular activities on Memorial Day is attending a parade. There are a host of parades which take place in cities across the country.

Washington D.C

The biggest and most popular Memorial Day parade occurs in the center of Washington D.C. Led by a marching band, this three-hour display alongside the National Mall on Constitution Avenue, features veteran units from each state along with those who were involved in other past conflicts. The procession showcases large floats and balloons. If you can’t make it to view the parade, you can live-stream the event via YouTube, meaning you can sit back and enjoy the parade with your loved ones at home. Travelling into Washington for the parade? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking lot space with ParkSleepFly.

Rochester, Wisconsin

The Rochester Area Memorial Day Parade of Heroes begins at 11:30am on May 30th. Following the procession starting at 1:30pm, a ceremony will be held in Pioneer Park at the Rochester, WI Memorial Day Parade. The Rochester parade will have approximately 20 parade entries, including fire trucks, marching bands and individual participants. Invocations, songs and speeches are also to be expected at this event. If you have an early flight into Rochester for the parade, adding a ParkSleepFly hotel only stay at the airport guarantees you a good night’s rest the day before you travel.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Alongside the Rochester parade, Sheboygan has its very own Memorial Day activities. Located on the Lake Michigan side of Wisconsin, this parade travels through downtown and ends with a ceremony at Fountain Park. The parade includes stunning musical performances and pays homage to veterans and active-duty men and women. If you need a room the night before your flight into Sheboygan with an added parking lot space, check out the options available through ParkSleepFly.

Ironton, Ohio

The first ever procession was held in 1868 and has continued every year since. The parade begins at 10am with the route beginning at Center Street and finishing on 6th Street and Park Avenue. The parade includes 12 divisions, floats, fire trucks and marching bands. ParkSleepFly have a variety of different airport parking options available to guarantee your lot space if you’re flying out to Ohio this Memorial Day weekend.

Doylestown, Philadelphia

Dating back 145 years, this parade is older than the Ironton and Brooklyn parades. The Doylestown parade sets off at 10am, much like the Ironton procession. Entertainment for the whole family includes individual participants, marching bands and community groups. For hotel only stays the night before flying to Philadelphia, ParkSleepFly can help you find the best price for your overnight stay at the airport.

Little Neck-Douglaston, New York

The Little Neck-Douglaston parade has been a tradition since 1927, proceeding at 2pm each year. It is led by Division 1, which includes the Grand Marshal, Division Marshals and other elected officials. This parade is more of a traditional memorial, with the addition of an opening and closing ceremony.

Other things to do on Memorial Day

As well as traveling to see the local parades, there are also a host of other activities to participate in for this long weekend, including: 

  • Checking out any Memorial Day sales
  • Getting together with family on a Memorial Day weekend getaway
  • Planning events with loved ones, such as cookouts or picnics and taking trips or days out are a good way of taking advantage of that extra day off work
  • If you’re in the area why not go to the Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC? The scenic park allows for a leisurely walk around the gardens, whilst also remembering those lost

If you’re wanting to just gather family and friend groups for the weekend, why not host a BBQ with Memorial Day themed treats? Baking at home in preparation for a BBQ is a great way to bring the family together, especially children, you’re also guaranteed a sweet treat at the end of the day. Baking recipes we recommend include New York Cheesecake, Berry Cobbler and Punch Bowl cake. If you have family out of state and are traveling to see them, pre-booking airport parking has never been easier with Park Sleep Fly.

Things to remember for Memorial Day:

  • From sunrise until 12 noon, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff to remember those who have been lost
  • Rochester, WI has a very popular Memorial Day parade every year and has been a yearly event since 1867
  • Americans are encouraged to participate in a minute silence at 3pm on Memorial Day afternoon in remembrance

The Winter Sun Index

November 23, 2022 No Comments
Winter Sun Index Blog Header

The best destinations in the US and around the world to enjoy some winter sunshine

As the colder months are starting to settle in, you may find yourself dreaming of a sunny escape. Whether you are longing for a January holiday in Dubai or a sun-kissed Christmas vacation in Thailand, there are a variety of winter sun destinations to choose from.

Destinations across the US, from Los Angeles to Orlando, alongside worldwide seasonal vacation favorites, have been analyzed on their winter temperatures, precipitation rates, sunshine hours, and average hotel prices to reveal the best US and global locations for a winter sun vacation.

This report also reveals the best winter sun destinations in terms of hotel affordability, so that you can top up your vitamin D without breaking the bank!

The best winter sun vacation destinations in the US

Winter Sun Index US Top 3

1. Phoenix, Arizona – 7.88/10

Ranking as the best destination in the US for a winter sun vacation is Phoenix, Arizona. On average, vacationers in Phoenix can lounge in 8.66 hours of daily sunshine through the winter months. Phoenix is known for its stunning year-round sun and warm average temperatures, owing to its nickname the Valley of the Sun.

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is well known for being home to high-end spa resorts, golf courses, and nightclubs. Phoenix also shows off some truly incredible landscapes surrounding the city with beautiful hiking trails to explore.

2. Miami, Florida – 7.54/10

Miami is the second-best winter destination for sun worshippers in the US. Enjoy a pleasant 7 hours of sun per day in Miami during the winter months, and a tropical average temperature of 70.34 °F. Miami likewise ranks as the most popular US winter destination on Instagram, having seen over 84 million hashtags on the social media platform.

On top of this, Miami is home to many high-end hotels and a truly mind-blowing skyline. Party-goers and sun worshippers flock to Miami year-round to enjoy its pristine beaches and non-stop nightlife under the sun.

3. Orlando, Florida – 6.95/10

Ranking as the third best US destination for winter sun is Orlando, Florida. Orlando offers mild weather conditions during the winter months, with average temperatures hitting 61.70°F and an average of 6.68 hours of sunlight each day. Furthermore, Orlando offers some of the cheapest hotels on this list at just $87 per night!

Orlando is a great winter sun vacation for thrill-seekers and movie-buffs alike. Home to over a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Winter Sun Index US Table

The best winter sun vacation destinations across the world

Winter Sun Index Global Top 3

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 8.38/10

Dubai ranks as the best destination in the world for a winter sun vacation. Visitors to Dubai can expect to bask in 8.82 hours of sunlight each day during the winter months, with average temperatures reaching a comfortable 68.84 °F. Dubai is by far the most popular winter sun destination of those studied, seeing over 111 million Instagram hashtags and the most winter-related Google searches for things to do, reaching over 55,000.

Dubai is probably best known for its ultramodern architecture, including The Burj Khalifa. Dubai’s most iconic building stands at 830m tall, making it the tallest building in the world.

2. Bangkok, Thailand – 8.11

The runner-up for the best winter sun vacation city in the world is Bangkok. Bangkok offers an average of 9.06 hours of sunlight each day in winter. With average temperatures reaching a friendly 63.80 °F Bangkok is ideal for warm and sunny winter escapes. Bangkok is also ideal for those on a budget, with average hotel stays costing around $68 per night.

Bangkok is unique in the way its impressive Buddhist temples contrast with its vibrant nightlife scenes. Bangkok is a hub of cultural and exciting activity from the Grand Palace to Khaosan Road. Sweltering hot all year round, Bangkok is a great city to visit during the winter months when the weather is cooler but still pleasant.

3. Cape Town, South Africa – 7.72

Ranking in third place is Cape Town. For those looking to vacation in Cape Town, sunlight hours average 10.22 each day, from December through to February. Despite these extended sunny days, average temperatures reach 67.46 °F and Cape Town sees a low average of 0.70” of rainfall over winter. Lying beneath the impressive Table Mountain, Cape Town is most known for its bustling harbor and warm weather.

Winter Sun Index Global Table

Winter destinations with the cheapest hotels per night in the US

Winter Sun Index Cheapest Hotels Top 3

1. Orlando, Florida – $87

Not only does Orlando rank as the third-best US destination for a winter sun vacation but it also ranks as the cheapest when looking at average hotel costs. Orlando will see you spend an average of $87 per night on your hotel stay during the months of December through to February.

2. Phoenix, Arizona – $106

Phoenix ranks as the best winter sun destination in the US, and for good reason, with an abundance of sunshine throughout the winter months. Phoenix also ranks as the second most affordable destination in terms of hotel prices, which average $106 per night.

3. Lafayette, Louisiana – $107

The US winter vacation destination that sees the third cheapest hotel prices is Lafayette; here prices average $107 per night. In Lafayette, you can enjoy over 6 hours of sun per day, making it an ideal destination for some winter sun.

Winter destinations with the most expensive hotels per night in the US

Winter Sun Index Most Expensive Hotels Top 3

1. Palm Beach, Florida – $919

At the other end of the scale is Palm Beach. Despite offering an excellent 6.66 hours of sunlight per day at a toasty 68.24 °F, the destination is met with significant hotel costs, averaging $919 per night between December and February.

2. Miami, Florida – $523

Ranking as the second most expensive winter sun destination in terms of hotel prices is Miami. For a price tag of $523 per night, Miami offers some serious winter heat of 70.34 °F alongside a total of 7 hours of sunlight every day.

3. Kailua, Hawaii – $339

Kailua, Hawaii is hotter than Miami, where average temperatures hit around 72.92 °F during the winter months. However, those that desire to soak up these temperatures should expect to pay $339 for a hotel per night.

Winter destinations with the cheapest hotels per night outside the US

Winter Sun Index Cheapest Hotels Global Top 3

1. Murcia, Spain – $56

Murcia, Spain, offers the cheapest average nightly hotel rate from December through to February. Here stays during the festive period average $56 per night. Paired with 7.35 hours of daily sunlight, this destination is perfect for a winter sun getaway.

2. Palma de Mallorca, Spain – $64

In Palma de Mallorca during the winter you can laze in 6.64 hours of sunlight each day for a nightly price of $64. At a cooler 52.40 °F during the winter, Palma de Mallorca is a popular winter vacation.

3. Palermo, Italy – $66

The capital of the popular Italian island of Sicily, Palermo, ranks as the third cheapest location to chase the winter sun, coming in at just $66 per night. For this price, you get 5.37 hours of sun each day.

Winter destinations with the most expensive hotels per night outside the US

Winter Sun Index Most Expensive Hotels Global Top 3

1. Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – $574

Saint John’s is the capital city of Antigua and attracts visitors from around the globe. Saint John’s tropical temperatures of 77.42 °F and 8.21 hours of sun come at a significant price tag of $574 per night during winter, the most expensive hotel price on this list.

2. Nassau, Bahamas – $457

Nassau is a popular cruise ship stop with clean beaches and attractive offshore coral reefs. However, the dreamy 73.04 °F heat during winter in Nassau will set visitors back $457 per night on average.

3. Saint George’s, Grenada – $377

At Saint George’s, Granada, you can enjoy warm temperatures of 78.68 °F for an average of 8.57 hours of sun each day from December to February. However, such weather offerings come at a price, with hotels costing around $377 per night.

Methodology

A seed list of 60 global and US cities was created from northern-hemisphere winter vacation listicles including trip, dottedglobe, sunshine, and holidu.

Average winter temperatures (°F), average winter precipitation (inches) rates, and average daily winter sunshine hours were retrieved from climate-data.org, calculated to give data for the winter months of December, January, and February.

“City Winter” annual searches and “City Things to Do” during winter were taken from Google Keywords. “City Winter” annual searches were recorded as annual results for each keyword. “City things to do” were taken as winter searches (from December, January, and February) for each keyword.

Average nightly hotel costs were taken from Kayak by calculating the average costs of hotels from December, January, and February. All currency conversions were made on the 28th of October 2022.

The ‘Winter Holiday Score’ was created by giving each factor a normalized rank and then combining these scores. US cities were included in the global ranking. A separate ranking was also created for US cities in isolation.

The US Ski Index

October 4, 2022 No Comments
US Ski Index Blog Header

Where are the best ski destinations in the US?

There’s so much to see and do across the US throughout all seasons of the year, but during the winter months nothing beats the thrill of skiing, and you may be surprised to hear that there are more than 500 ski resorts in the US.

Whether you are traveling from Los Angeles International (LAX) or Boston Logan (BOS), the US is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, so you are sure to find the perfect one for you.

No matter your abilities, whether you’re a pro on the slopes or a complete novice, this report reveals the best ski resorts across the US, analyzing factors such as annual snowfall, customer reviews, and the cost of a ski pass.

The Best Ski Resorts in the US for 2022/2023

US Ski Index Top 3 Resorts

Breckenridge, Colorado – Overall Ski Index Score 8.81

In the top spot is the historic mining town of Breckenridge, Colorado. In the summertime, this resort is alive with plenty of family-friendly activities, and during Fall Oktoberfest is often enjoyed. However, it is during the winter months that the resort transforms into a seasonal wonderland.

Scoring 8.81, this resort has a lot to offer with a total slope length of 153km and 284” of snowfall 2020/2021 season. The resort is also popular on Instagram with over 930,000 mentions, making it easy for you to identify grid-worthy parts of the resort before you go.

Vail, Colorado – Overall Ski Index Score 8.22

Out of the top three resorts shown, Vail has the longest length of slope at 234km and adult season passes start at the same price as those for Breckenridge at $859. Vail also saw 218” of snowfall during the 2020/2021 season. On social media, Vail isn’t as popular as the other top two resorts, however, it is still well known with 228,281 mentions on Instagram.

Park City, Utah – Overall Ski Index Score 8.16

In third place is Park City, in Utah, the only resort in the top five from outside of Colorado.

Park City is one of the country’s major destinations for skiers and has hosted the U.S. Ski Team for training camps. It is also the most Instagrammable resort on this list (1.3 million posts), and the joint biggest in terms of the length of its slopes (250km).

US Ski Index Table

The Longest Ski Slopes

US Ski Index Longest Ski Slopes

Park City, Utah & Big Sky, Montana – Length of Slope 250km

When it comes to sheer scale, two resorts are tied in first place, each with a total slope length of around 250km.

The first is Park City, Utah, which is the largest lift-served ski resort in the country, after being combined with the neighboring Canyons Resort via a gondola.

The other is Big Sky in Montana, which is also the second-largest ski resort in the US by acreage, with more than 5,800 acres of coverage.

The Ski Resorts with the Cheapest Season Passes

US Ski Index Cheapest Season Passes

Arapahoe Basin – Adult Ski Pass From $599

The cheapest resort for an unlimited season pass for adults is the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, with a price of $599.

A-Basin is an alpine resort in the Rocky Mountains and is of great value as it has a longer season than most, staying open until early June or sometimes, July.

The Ski Resorts with the Most Snowfall

US Ski Index Most Snowfall

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Average snowfall 437”

With 437” of snow in the 2020/2021 season, Jackson Hole resort tops the list as the snowiest resort. Plenty of snow makes the destination perfect for a ski trip, or for a magical winter experience. The views of the mountains and snow-filled wonderland are perfect for the grid and according to our research, the place is pretty picture-perfect with 973,997 mentions on Instagram.

The Most Insta-Worthy Ski Resort

US Ski Index Insta Worthy

Park City, Utah – 1,313,970 Instagram Hashtags

When looking at popularity on Instagram we discovered that the most mentioned resort was Park City in Utah, with over 1,000,000 hashtags! This resort offers amazing landscape views of the surrounding resorts of Deer Valley and Utah Olympic Park, which held the 2002 Winter Olympics. The scenery makes for awesome pictures so it’s no surprise that Park City made the first position.

The Most In-Demand Ski Resorts

US Ski Index Most in Demand

Heavenly, California – 823,000 Avg. Monthly Searches

Heavenly Ski Resort in California takes the top spot when it comes to average monthly Google searches, with a total of 823,000. 246,000 of these searches come from the US alone and perhaps it’s no wonder; with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, it is an incredible place to ski and simply take in the scenery.

Now you have all of the details you need to choose the best ski experience for you and your family to enjoy, we hope you have an awesome time on the slopes.

Methodology

In total 523 ski resorts in the US were refined down to 50 based on those with the highest review scores as of October 17th, 2022, according to Skiresort.info.

Each ski resort was ranked on the following factors and was given a normalized score out of 10 before creating an average overall score.

  • Length of Slopes was sourced from Skiresort.info
  • The number of Ski Lifts was sourced from Skiresort.info
  • Adult Ski Pass Price was sourced from On the Snow. Where resort details were unavailable prices were retrieved directly from the resort website.
  • Instagram Hashtags were sourced from Instagram and are based on the number of posts mentioning the resort. Instagram research was undertaken between 16/09/2022 to 19/09/2022. The mentions of resorts with generic names included more specific phrases e.g. ‘heavenlyskiresort’.
  • Snowfall was sourced from On the Snow and the total snowfall for the 20/21 ski season was analyzed.