6 Epic Skiing Destinations for your Winter Campervan Trip

Vail, Colorado

Colorado is known for its incredible winter sports destinations, and not too far from Breckenridge is another fantastic ski resort known as Vail. It’s definitely possible to have more than 1 stop on your ski trip.

Located in White River National Forest, Vail has 5,317 acres of skiable terrain for all levels to experience. Even beginner areas have beautiful views, and more advanced skiers can experience the 7 Back Bowls. Blue Sky Basin offers backcountry exploration through playful glades and stunning 360 views of the area’s surrounding peaks.

The alpine village of Vail is lovely, with its heated cobblestone paths. However, accommodation in the village is rather expensive. If you’re keen to have an outdoorsy winter camping experience, the nearby Gore Creek campground is a no-frills backcountry camping experience without hookups, where the sounds of nature will serenade you away from the crowds.

It’s also very plausible to stay in Summit County and make the short drive to Vail for a day of skiing.

Squaw Valley, California

This spot in the Lake Tahoe area transforms into a winter wonderland during the year’s colder months. If you love Lake Tahoe in the summertime, it’s absolutely worthwhile to experience it in winter.

The slopes at Squaw Valley make up 3,600 skiable acres, and the pistes continue a legacy of ski culture and mountain energy dating back to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Explore over 170 trails suitable for different levels and across varied terrain – high altitude slopes, tree skiing, and wide-open bowls are yours to experience.

If you need a change of sport, the famed summertime hikes around Emerald Bay and Cascade Falls become great opportunities for snowshoeing with equally magnificent views.

Since many of the camps in Lake Tahoe close in winter, Coachland RV Park in Truckee makes an excellent alternative for anyone who is RVing.  There are full hookups at each of the 114 sites, as well as free cable and WiFi.

Park City Mountain, Utah

Just a short drive outside of Salt Lake City, this location delivers stunning views, amazing ski resorts, all with small-town charm.

Park City Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in an almost retro setting. The alpine village itself is quaint, with hot chocolate stands aplenty. However, the terrain here is anything but.

Park City is the largest ski resort in the US, with over 7,300 acres. 8 terrain parks serve the total spectrum of ability levels, and 2 halfpipes are available for freestyles. The 3 Kings park would be especially attractive to advanced freestylers with various medium and large jumps, rails, wallrides, boxes, and bonks.

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Utah Olympic Park for self-guided and expert tours of the 2002 competition sites.

It’s particularly easy to get to the pistes from your campervan if you stay at Park City RV Resort; it’s just minutes away from Park City Mountain. You’ll have all you need for a comfortable stay with full hookups as well as a heated pool and spa.

Snowbasin, Utah

Snowbasin is a hidden gem, often overlooked in Utah, but it has amazing powder and fewer crowds. It’s one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, and yet, it remains a top 10 in SKI magazine thanks to the thorough upkeep and service.

This ski resort hosted parts of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and you still have the chance to ski down the same routes as the athletes on the Olympic Legacy trails. Another run highlight would be between DeMoisy Peak and Strawberry Peak; it offers incredible views and 2,500 ft of vertical.

When you’re not out on the pistes, Snowbasin’s gondolas provide a spectacular ride, along with a tram service, making Snowbasin a very visitor-friendly resort.

Just a short distance from Snowbasin is the town of Ogden, the perfect place to stay that gives you easy access to the slopes and the convenience of nearby stores and restaurants. Try Century RV Park; it’s open year-round with full hook-up gravel and concrete sites.

Big Sky, Montana

One of the largest ski resorts in North America, Big Sky offers 5,800 acres of snowy wonderland for the avid skier. Plus, the varied terrain has something to please everyone, whether you’re a beginner or heading down black diamond slopes.

Trademarked as “The Biggest Skiing in America,” you won’t be disappointed at the world-class runs and facilities at Big Sky. Plus, there are many other winter activities if your legs need a break – Yellowstone National Park is just nearby, a great way to hit 2 bucket list destinations at once.

There are a few campgrounds nearby. The Inn on the Gallatin located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon is just a half-hour drive from Big Sky. Sites have full hookups, and you are guaranteed a charming stay right on the river’s edge.

Mount Bachelor, Oregon

Located near the town of Bend, this mountain offers a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding options for visitors and locals alike in the Cascade Range.

Mt. Bachelor is Oregon’s biggest ski area with 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain. Those with a need for speed will love the 3,365-foot vertical drop. Overall, Mt Bachelor is known for high altitudes; steep slopes from the height of 9,000 feet are ideal for expert skiers looking for exhilarating 360 rides down.

Skiing can’t get nearer to your doorstep, as Mount Bachelor offers RV sites in their parking lot for get-togethers after a day of skiing and winter sports. Wake up to glorious mountain sun thanks to their overnight parking options, including electrical hook-up sites. Make sure to reserve in advance on their website!

Mount Hood, Oregon

Just 67 miles from Portland, you’ll find where most of Oregon’s skiing is done – off the stratovolcano Mt. Hood. You can expect to drive just 90 minutes from the city to experience an incredible big mountain escape. Several ski areas like Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur, and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl call this special part of the Mt Hood National Forest home.

At Mt. Hood Meadows (the biggest in Mt. Hood), all levels of skiers and snowboarders will find something to enjoy. There are over 80 slopes with a snow stretch of 9 kilometers for a feel of endless white magic. Plus, get everywhere you need while experiencing great views with their 11 chairlifts through the ski resort.

It is possible to camp out at Mt. Hood Meadows as they have up to 14 overnight RV parking spaces (without hookups). The resort even has Vanlife events annually!

However, for more convenient winter camping, try Mt. Hood Village RV Resort, which is just a short drive away from Mt. Hood Meadows and a stroll away from Timberline Lodge. With over 300 wooded RV sites, it has all the amenities you might need.

Breckenridge, Colorado

This huge ski resort is located within Summit County, just about 2 hours drive from Denver. Thanks to its convenient location and extensive selection of nightlife and dining venues, this mountain town draws sizeable crowds.

A little tip is to try and visit in January – you have the chance to get special rates and less crowded pistes. The month of January is the coldest, which means lots of fresh powder as well. As a bonus, the town celebrates Ullr Fest in January – a funky celebration with costumed parades that pay homage to the Norse snow god.

Skiers have the opportunity to explore 5 gorgeous peaks at Breckenridge, with a huge variety for different levels of ability within their 187 trails and 2,908 acres. Plus, be ready to experience some amazing vistas on your way up the pistes with the highest lift-served terrain in North America at 12,500 ft.

After a full day out on the slopes, Tiger Run Resort will definitely provide a more than comfortable stay for you and your campervan. All RV sites at this premier RV resort have heated water lines, hook-ups, plowed sites, and a breathtaking view. Laundry facilities and hot tubs are also available.

Whistler Blackcomb, Vancouver, Canada

This incredible location is just a skip across the border to get to world-class slopes, especially ideal for anyone living in Seattle. Whistler draws crowds from around the world every ski season to its slopes just north of Vancouver.

The pedestrian-only Whistler Village is a destination unto itself with its scale and number of shops and eateries. However, the two mountains here are the main attraction with over 200 official trails; it is the largest ski destination in North America. The resort opens up a vast area of unmarked backcountry access in the Garibaldi Provincial Park for deep snow adventures for advanced skiers.

A perfect home for you and your campervan is conveniently minutes away from Whistler at Riverside Resort. They have winterized RV sites equipped with full hookups and complementary comfort stations with heated floors and hot showers.

Hopefully, you’ve got plenty of inspiration for your next winter adventure!

Since winter camping is different from regular camping in the summertime, just in case, here are some tips on navigating Vanlife in the winter to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Conveniently rent a campervan with Travelers Autobarn in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. Explore all you want with unlimited miles and roadside assistance anytime you need.

Here are a few other articles you might find helpful for your winter campervan road trip.

Top 5 Winter Road trips for Camping Enthusiasts
Top Campervan Getaways for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Best National Parks for a Campervan Winter Getaway
https://www.travellers-autobarnrv.com/safety-tips-for-winter-camper-van-trips/