Black Diamond Highlights "Where to Book Your 2025/26 Ski Holiday"

Planning ahead is the secret to the perfect ski trip. Booking 6-10 months in advance not only secures you the best deals, but also gives you the pick of the powder. Whether you're chasing champagne snow in Utah or spring sunshine in Colorado, discover where and how to nab the best deal.

Best for Luxury - Deer Valley, Utah

Located just 38 miles east of Salt Lake City International Airport, lies Deer Valley. This high end resort places a focus on elevated experiences; from its ski-only policy and daily skier caps, to perks like personal ski valets, everything is designed with luxury in mind. Trademarked as having The Greatest Snow On Earth®, the resort is currently undergoing the largest increase of skiable terrain in resort history. Once completed, the Expanded Excellence Programme will add over 3,700 acres of new terrain and a state-of-the-art base village.

Deal: Save up to 15% with SkiSafari which offers 10 nights at the 4* Lodges at Deer Valley from £3,490pp, based on 2 adults & 2 children (under 12) sharing a Two Bedroom Condo, departing 27 March 2026. Price includes return flights and shared transfers.

Best for Park Lovers - Mammoth, California 

With 11 terrain parks covering 100 acres, Mammoth Mountain is a freestyle playground for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. From mellow beginner features to elite-level half pipes, the variety is unmatched. Mammoth’s Terrain Park offers everything from easy runs to advanced jumps, with 126 rails, boxes and jibs, and three half pipes, including the 22-foot, Olympic-spec SuperPipe. It’s the ultimate park for skiers and snowboarders to practise and perfect their skills. www.visitmammoth.com 

Deal: Save up to 10% with SkiSafari which offers 10 nights at the 3* Mammoth Mountain Inn from £1,345pp, based on 2 adults and 2 children (under 12) sharing a Queen Queen Hotel Room, departing 27 March 2026. Price includes return flights and car hire.

Best for Advanced Skiers - Aspen, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass spans over 5,500 acres across four mountains, with roughly 65% of terrain rated advanced or expert. From the steep glades and mogul fields of Aspen Mountain to the iconic Highland Bowl’s hike-to terrain, it’s built for confident skiers. High-altitude powder, minimal lift lines, and well-maintained off-piste routes add to its appeal. With world-class skiing and a stylish après scene, it’s one of North America’s most legendary resorts.

Deal: Save up to 30% with SkiSafari 10 nights at the 3* Stonebridge Inn in Aspen Snowmass from £2,735pp, based on 2 adults & 2 children (under 12) sharing a Deluxe King with Mountain View Room, departing 14 February 2026. Price includes return flights and car hire.

Best for Snowboarders - Ischgl, Austria

Celebrating over 30 years of high-altitude thrills, Ischgl has firmly earned its place as a snowboarding hotspot in the Austrian Alps. The latest addition to the Ikon Pass, the resort boasts more than 560 acres of skiable terrain within the vast Silvretta Arena, connecting Austria to Switzerland with 239km of pistes. Ideal for snowboarders thanks to its wide slopes, reliable snow cover, and one of the best freestyle parks in Europe - the Ischgl Snowpark -  packed with kickers, rails and creative lines.

Deal: Skiline offers 7 nights at Hotel Lasalt from £801 per person, including return flights from London Stansted. The hotel offers bed and breakfast accommodation and is conveniently located near the slopes

Best for the Après Scene - Chamonix, France

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, Chamonix offers a blend of challenging terrain and vibrant alpine town atmosphere. Home to one of the highest vertical ascent cable cars, visitors can take the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car up to 3,842 metres for stunning views and high-altitude skiing. The resort is renowned for its après scene with an array of options from DJ sets to live performers at La Folie Douce and cosy vibes at Chamonix’s only microbrewery. en.chamonix.com

Deal: Skiline offers 7 nights at Hotel Le Morgane from £1,049 per person, including return flights and transfers. The hotel offers bed and breakfast accommodation and is situated close to the town centre

Best for Spring Skiing - Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado 

Celebrating its 79th season, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will operate 7 days a week and with the longest ski and ride season in Colorado, it is expected to run until June. The 1,428 acres are situated along the Continental Divide and feature seven distinct mountain areas that offer an adventurous, scenic experience. The resort provides skiing and riding from mid-mountain to the base whilst the Black Mountain Express Lift will serve High Noon, an intermediate run. colorado.com

Deal: SnowPak offers 7 nights at The Block Hotel & Commons from £1,299 per person, including return flights and car hire. The package includes lodging and equipment rentals

Great Alternatives

Best for Young Families - Méribel, France 

Méribel is not just for experts, it’s the ultimate base for an epic family ski holiday. 50% of the Les 3 Vallées area is graded blue or green, making it perfect for young children. The resort's renowned ski schools – offering English-speaking lessons – combined with Méribel village's fairytale feel, mean skiers are onto a magical family trip. Méribel also offers a new beginners’ zone, located just to the right of the Rhodos bubble. www.meribel.ne 

Deal: Skiline offer a stay at the 3* Hotel Le Mottaret for 7 nights from £1,199 per adult and £999 per child, including return flights from London Gatwick, transfers, and half-board accommodation. The hotel is conveniently located near the slopes and offers family rooms. This package is available for departures on 14 February 2026.

Best for Adrenaline Seekers - CMH Heli-Skiing, British Columbia, Canada

As the world’s first and largest heli-ski operator, CMH Heli-Skiing offers access to over 3 million acres of untracked power in British Columbia’s remote backcountry. Perfect for thrill seekers, guests are transported via helicopter to untouched terrain and can expect to stay in one of 11 wilderness lodges, including the legendary Bugaboos and Monashees. This is perfect for advanced skiers transitioning into backcountry skiing.

One pass can unlock it all. With access to over 50 top-tier resorts around the world, the Ikon Pass has become a go-to for skiers looking to explore further afield without the faff of multiple bookings. From the deep bowls of Aspen to the high-altitude party scene in Ischgl, all of the destinations below are on the pass - now it’s just a question of where to point your skis. www.ikonpass.com