When I think of planning a vacation to one of the many U.S. ski towns, the skiing part is only half of the fun for me. It’s knowing I can come back to a soak in the hot tub or snuggle up to a fire after a long day of skiing that I love about it. And, why stay at a hotel when you can stay at one of the best Airbnbs in the U.S instead?

Gone are the days of choosing a hotel closest to the slopes and calling it a day. With services like Airbnb and VRBO, the variety is endless. Coupled with the fact that coronavirus has changed how we travel, more and more people are finding themselves searching for things a hotel can’t offer. Why? Because an Airbnb can provide amenities like more room, a kitchen to themselves, a place to lounge with family or friends and even an outdoor space.

Below you’ll find a complete guide to some of the best Airbnbs in U.S. ski towns that will make your visit so much more memorable. You’ll also get an insight as to why I would spend my money at any one of these Airbnbs so no need to do extra research!

These locations were chosen based on the uniqueness of the stay, guest rating, luxe/plus distinction, distance to the slopes and overall atmosphere. p.s. all photos are courtesy of Airbnb. Enjoy!

Aspen

Stunning Artists Chalet

photo courtesy of airbnb

photo courtesy of airbnb

Capacity: 6 guests | Price: $1K/night | Star rating: 5.0 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: While Aspen isn’t a place you go for low budget traveling, this house could easily be a spot to spend a weekend with friends and share in on that hefty price tag. This is the ideal mountain home setting for a trip to Aspen. Just an 8 minute drive from downtown Aspen gives it an ideal location while also offering a peaceful getaway.

aspen retreat

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: Needless to say, this place is huge! It’s not only in the heart of downtown, but the interior of this home and the view of Aspen makes it stunning. Bring a group of friends and make it a memorable retreat in this five bedroom home.

bend

STUNNING MODERN ESCAPE

Capacity: 2 guests | Price: $131/night | Star rating: 5.0 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: The 3-story townhome makes the best airbnbs list because of it’s modern decor and the distance to nearly everything in Bend, OR. Although smaller in size, it’s a great couple’s stay within walking distance of most Bend sights like Downtown, the river and the Old Mill.

DOME SWEET DOME

Capacity: 4 guests | Price: $143/night | Star rating: 4.9 | Plus verified: Yes

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: I mean how cool is this place? The uniqueness of it alone would get me to stay, but the peaceful atmosphere it offers makes it a spot to enjoy your time in Bend. Guests boasts it is more than a place to stay, it’s an experience!

Breckenridge

In-town stylish chalet

Capacity: 8 guests | Price: $590/night | Star rating: 4.8 | Plus verified: Yes

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: Mountain views, spacious rooms and a mid-century aesthetic makes this home a perfect spot to stay in Breckenridge. Located in the historic district of Breck, you can easily walk to everywhere as the property notes that no car is needed!

JACKSON hole

tadasana

Capacity: 16 guests | Price: $2286/night | Star rating: Luxe | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: Talk about ultimate luxury, this house is dripping with it. It even makes Airbnbs best of the best with it’s luxe stamp of approval! This modern escape is big enough for the whole family and a short 4 miles from downtown Jackson. Plus, you can even bring your furry friend! That always earns extra points in my book.

PRIVATE GUEST CABIN

Capacity: 4 guests | Price: $200/night | Star rating: 4.9| Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: You can’t beat the view and you can’t beat the price at this two bedroom cabin. I would stay at this place for the tub alone! Plus, the owner is a superhost meaning you’re almost guaranteed a highly-rated experience.

lodge outside teton village

Capacity: 6 guests | Price: $1,679/night | Star rating: Luxe | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: The host boasts this lodge is in the scenic heart of Wyoming. It has five-star everything from the wide open rooms to the gorgeous views, it’s great for honeymooners or a couple of friends.

Killington

black haus

Capacity: 2 guests | Price: $135/night| Star rating: 4.9| Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: It’s tough to find an Airbnb in Killington that meets all of the best Airbnb qualifications, but Black Haus takes the cake. This house is one of the cutest spots in Killington for a ski weekend getaway. Guests rave about the location and the cozy vibes are everything of the sort.

park city

modern park city house

Capacity: 10 guests | Price: $995/night| Star rating: 5.0 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: There is no denying this house is massive. There are 6 bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom in each, two fireplaces, three outdoor decks and hot tub. Needless to say, the price is justified but the view is a huge selling point!

dreamy treehouse

Capacity: 2 guests | Price: $196/night| Star rating: 4.8| Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: I mean, it’s a treehouse guys!! And, the exterior is just as cool as the interior. I imagine myself cozying up in the living room with a cup of coffee and soaking in that view through their 180-degree glass windows. Although there are tight spaces, the dreaminess of it more than makes up for it. The skylights in the bedroom are a great touch, too.

Frost haven

Capacity: 10 guests | Price: $599/night | Star rating: 5.0 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: It’s hard to beat the private hot tub and balcony with epic views, but Frost Haven goes above and beyond. It’s also in close proximity to Canyon Village offering easy access to skiing!

Chic condo

Capacity: 8 guests | Price: $654/night | Star rating: 5.0 | Plus verified: Yes

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: I love how modern and clean this condo is. If you are staying with a small group of friends in Park City, this is your place. The natural light is stunning and the easy access to the slopes is a must. Free door to door shuttle service to and from Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge!

LAKE TAHOE

Lake view home

Capacity: 6 guests | Price: $400-500/night | Star rating: 4.9 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: I love how unique this house is and the view it offers! Being only minutes from Homewood Mountain Resort, the hot tub after a long day of skiing adds a nice touch.

ultimate mountain castle getaway

Capacity: 16 guests | Price: $1K/night | Star rating: 4.9 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: Families will love this mountain getaway. The spacious house offers a bedroom everyone will love with views that are to die for. I am obsessed with this kitchen and bay window seating!

STOWE

Stunning stowe Chalet

Capacity: 11 guests | Price: $500-600/night | Star rating: 4.9 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: If Vail and Aspen offer you luxury, Stowe will offer you charm and this chalet is oozing it. It has such a sweet atmosphere. Guests rave about the perfect location and note the stunning house is even better in person!

taos, nm

Modern taos house

Capacity: 6 guests | Price: $250/night | Star rating: 4.9 | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: Ok, I’m quite obsessed with this house for a few reasons. One of them being their place runs entirely off of rain water and solar power! How cool is that? If you are looking to truly get away, this is your spot. The open layout and boutique hotel vibe makes this bungalow one of the best airbnbs and a can’t miss in Taos.

vail

the lion

Capacity: 2 guests | Price: $979/night | Star rating: Luxe | Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: This condo makes the best airbnbs list with the luxe stamp of approval. A stay here also means you have access to the shared indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and gym. Plus, you’ll have quick access to the slopes and you’ll be within walking distance to all the best restaurants.

Family style escape

Capacity: 12 guests | Price: $1,000/night | Star rating: 5.0 | Plus verified: Yes

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: I am in love with the floor to ceiling windows in this home. This place is a great stay for a big group and offers a bit more room than you’ll get staying in downtown Vail.

vail house modern

Capacity: 6 guests | Price: $465/night| Star rating: 4.9| Plus verified: Yes

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: While the hosts get rave reviews hence the plus verification, the house itself is something to rave about as well. It offers a comfortable getaway that is close to the slopes and downtown Vail. It has two master suites, a loft and even a balcony to enjoy your morning coffee.

whitefish

classic a-frame

Capacity: 4 guests | Price: $300/night| Star rating: 4.9| Plus verified: No

Why it’s Spend It Like Stanford approved: This A-frame house is truly dream, which is why it easily made my best airbnbs in U.S. ski towns list. It has an incredible location and cozy cabin feels. The house overlooks Whitefish Lake and was recently remodeled. Guests post it has everything you need — a hot tub to soak in, close to the slopes and a fireplace to gather around after a long day of skiing.

After all this research, I now need to go plan a trip to go skiing! I hope this makes your U.S. ski town planning a bit easier and you enjoy your time off the slopes as much as you do on them. Every Airbnb listed is truly unique to their town and I can’t wait to stay at one of them in the future.

happy travels, liz stanford

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