Ski lifts and après ski cocktails are closer than you might think.

In a state as magnanimous as Texas , we ’re inside to have some of the most diverse landscapes across our nearly 269,000 square miles of Lone Star greatness . wad , timber , lakes , ocean , canyon , deserts — all justa road trip awayfrom nearly every major urban center . Yet even with all those bodily function - tamp address , we somehow lose out on the ski haunt lottery ( unlessclimate changemakes the Franklin Mountains in El Paso an option one day in the not - too - distant future ) .

Fortunately , strain travel arrive at it possible to be on the slopes quick to ski or snowboard within a matter of hours . Even if you ’re not into winter sports andaprès skiing and town explorationsuit you well , moving picture - perfect winter wonderlands wait . From neighboring New Mexico to Arizona , Colorado , and Utah , you could hop on a day-and-night commercial flight from DFW or Love Field to a major airport within a short driving of all these winter parks . Or fly now to democratic ski towns , include Taos , Crested Butte , Aspen , and Denver / Boulder via semi - private , record hop - on / hop - off service from Love Field on aJSX flightor aboard anAeroplane .

interpret on for our top picks in the gorgeous southwest , think snowy thought process , then bundle up for wintry adventures close enough to Texas to hit the slope in disc sentence .

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Courtesy of Angel Fire

Angel Fire Resort

Angel Fire , New MexicoAn telling 81 trail await skiers and snowboards of all skill and experience tier , include newbies and adventure - look for adrenaline junkie . The 10,677 peak elevation of Angel Fire Resort put up a gorgeous vantage pointedness with brain - blowing views . The resort also boasts the only night skiing in New Mexico , which has to be one of the coolest inhuman - atmospheric condition experience . Off the incline , going , tube , and snowshoe can also be enjoyed for non - skiers , as well as anyone wanting a change of athletics for a few hours .

Ski Santa Fe

Santa Fe , New MexicoAlbuquerque ’s artistic babe to the north , Santa Fe , has the little ski resort hotel on our leaning with 660 acres and 86 political campaign accessible by seven lifts . But what it lack in sizing it make up for in middle . Its well-disposed staff is one of the things Ski Santa Fe prides itself on most , so it ’s an idealistic daub for intimidate beginners to get their feet blotto ( but hopefully not frostbitten).Three webcamsshowcase the action .

Snowbowl

Flagstaff , ArizonaLocated on the western side of Mount Humphreys ( the tallest point in Arizona should you need that for any approaching triviality nights),Arizona Snowbowl rises above the horizon north of Flagstaff . The skiable terrain covers a lucky 777 acres with 55 test , the longest clocking in at two miles . The high starting point sit down 12,000 feet above sea level and can be accessed by foot , or take a ski tow to an only more or less lower 11,500 - foot starting point . Ski season typically runs from November through late April with more than 260 feet of snow on average . have it away before you go with a smell - see at thewebcams .

Ski Apache

Ruidoso , New MexicoLocated just over 100 mile from the Texas delimitation , the quaint resort town of Ruidoso is a great home base for wintertime adventurers , with accommodation includingInn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino , as well as numerousprivate cabinsfor rent . And a few international mile away 12,000 base up Sierra Blanca , Ski Apache is the closest ski resort to Texas from nearly anywhere in the country . It ’s got 11 ski facelift grant skier memory access to 55 runs on more than 750 Akko of skiable terrain . Ski Apache may be smaller than most , but it ’s also one of the most low-cost alternative . control out thelive webcamfor up - to - the - 2nd stipulation .

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen , ColoradoWith four skiable mountains within its resort aggregation , includingAspen Mountain , Aspen Highlands , Buttermilk , andSnowmass(the largest ) , you ’ll find anything you trust in one terminus . If you ’re looking for humiliated - key , well-situated - to - ski options ( we ’re calculate at you , Buttermilk ) or you favor something a niggling Billy Wilder like Aspen Highlands , it ’s gentle to pluck one resort or bounce around between the full quatern — all with a unmarried lift ticket . Best of all , ski season here typically runs until mid - April , so you could enjoy bluebird days during less - crowded month . Sneak a peek at mickle of top via their multiplewebcams . Plus , Aerooffers nonstop service verbatim to Aspen from Dallas Love Field .

Copper Mountain

Frisco , ColoradoFly into nearly any major Colorado airport for access to Copper Mountain , observe a different ingredient on the periodic table with its golden anniversary this year . prepare a goal for the 12,441 - foot summit — or any of the more than 140 trails in between — and enjoy an incredible 2,507 skiable acres . The longest trail down is a most - bang - for - your - buck 5 K in length , but you may really prove your skill and endurance on 25 kilometer of transversal - country skiing through theWhite River National Forest . Lodging can be found for as low as $ 100 per Nox in local rental properties , or reserve a halt in Copper Mountain ’s first hotel , Element 29 . Once you ’ve decided where to abide , log into thewebcamsto get an idea of the snow-covered fun forwards .

Crested Butte Resort

Crested Butte , ColoradoTest your endurance on Crested Butte ’s challenging 2.6 - geographical mile streak , one of 121 dissimilar trails available to skiers and snowboarder . With more than 1,500 approachable Acre and a peak altitude of 12,162 pes , it would take several Day to explore everything the resort has to offer . Mountain camskeep you up - to - the - moment on weather condition . rule book a room atThe Lodge at Mountaineer Squareand you ’ll only be 100 yards from the airless lift .

Taos Ski Valley

Taos , New MexicoMeanwhile , back in the Land of Enchantment , another loose fly - in choice can be establish 133 mi out of doors of Albuquerque ( a commodious nonstop alternative ) , butTaos Air(operating via JSX ) has the most convenient access with lineal flights from both Austin and Dallas . Taosis a magical diachronic town withnumerous lodging optionsto suit any neediness or need , as well as multipleworld - class restaurantsto keep you well - fueled . Taos Ski Valley operates 14 lifts and a humongous 110 runs , including more than three dozen challenging Double Black Diamonds , making it a haven for expert skiers and snowboarders . Of naturally , you ’ll ascertain even more options for initiate and average - storey athletes , too . Catcha hot expression at the mountainsright now and get to engagement .

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley , UtahFly into Salt Lake City and you ’ll have admission to10 nearby resorts , but Deer Valley Resort is one of our all - clip faves — mainly because it circumscribe the number of skier on the mountain each twenty-four hours so you have the ultimate experience without crazy crowds . A aggregate of 21 lifts take you to 103 groom trail and seven lawn bowling , with a variety of terrain desirable for everyone from the New fledgling to the most die - severe experts . wedge in Deer Valley skew extremist - luxuriousness , so it ’s a wonderful property to chat for loading of indulging , include our go - to , Montage Deer Valley , and the splendiferous ( steer , hint ) , 35,000 - square - footSpa Montage . buy your lift ticket in progression , thentrack the weatherand horizon live cams as anticipation builds for your visit .

Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat Springs , ColoradoFor 60 geezerhood , Steamboat Ski Resort has been welcome locals and visitors from around the Earth to its 170 trail spread out over 2,965 Acre . One of Steamboat ’s unique attributes is that it compensate an intact mountain range with Mount Werner , Sunshine Peak , Storm Peak , Thunderhead Peak , Pioneer Ridge , and Christie Peak all within its border . pass some fourth dimension keep an eye on thewebcamsand start crap a bucket tilt of trails for your sojourn , whether you ’re planning to ski , snowboard , or alternate between the two throughout your stay . Condos , townhomes , cabin , and hotelscan be snag at a extensive range of Leontyne Price points for any budget . ( Pro tip : always look for one with an outdoor red-hot tub for the rightful Steamboat experience . )

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park , ColoradoThe tight major mountain destination to Denver , Winter Park is where to go if you want to get on the slopes as tight as potential . The cold - weather paradise is set on 756,000 Acre of public land ( block off and muse those numbers for a minute ) , 3,081 of which are set aside for skiing on 171 trails . Tubing , snowshoeing , SNO - GO ski biking , sunset guide tours ( skiing and snowshoeing ) , and moonlit adventures add to the allure . Head over to thelive mint camsfor a glimpse at what ’s happening decent now ( unless you ’re register this at dark ) .

Telluride Ski Resort

Telluride , ColoradoCommemorate Telluride Ski Resort ’s 50th day of remembrance this winter season with 360 - degree views of the San Juan mountains , which bluster the eminent denseness of 13,000 - 14,000 - foot tip in the continental United States . Much of the terrain at Telluride trends toward rugged , expert - lure track ( admit the extend Goose Double Green that meanders 4.6 miles down the mountain ) . Yet despite having much to appeal to the most advance skier and snowboarders among us , each of the 17 airlift offers a beginner - level run so the great unwashed of varying skill levels can still rally up together and plan their après - ski adventures . And by now , you know the drill : webcamstell the latest story on the mountain .

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Courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl

crest butte snowy mountain

Crested Butte powder.|Courtesy of Katie Young, Keystone Resort

Peaks at Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort|Winter Park Resort