Why you should visit a ski town now, before the snow sticks
For travelers who prefer to remain in hibernation during the winter, it's still not too late to book a fall vacation to a ski resort, before the snow really sticks. After all, not everyone is into shredding fresh powder and living the snow-bunny life. That’s why we’ve rounded up your best options for a last-minute autumn getaway. Get outside — while the temperatures are still tolerable — at these ski resorts around the U.S.
Related: Planning your ski trip with points and miles
Go hiking, biking and fly fishing in Aspen
Aspen Mountain is known for more than just being the nation’s most prestigious winter wonderland. The cozy-yet-upscale small town is a four-hour drive from Denver, Colorado — and also has its own airport, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) — and offers outdoor activities year-round. There’s fly fishing, road biking and more for outdoor enthusiasts looking to adventure before the first snow falls. Or, go for a scenic hike by Cathedral Lake, American Lake, Hunter Creek and Crater Lake, an offshoot of the famous Maroon Bells (a photo opp destination known for its iconic triple-peak mountain lookout). Bookmark a slew of upcoming events scheduled prior to ski season, including several film festivals and screenings; live music; and fall dining deals at restaurants such as Ajax Tavern and Element 47 inside The Little Nell, the French Alpine Bistro, Tatanka, and Kenichi.
When it comes to lodging, now is the best time to stay at the brand-new, centrally located, 88-guest room W Aspen, which ranges from quad-queen bunkbeds to a presidential-style suite. The luxury “Sky High” design features a blend of influences, including those of the 19th-century Ute Indian silver mining movement and the swinging counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s.
Take advantage of rates from $249, or 70,000 points per night, right now before prices leap to $579+ per night (100,000 points) in December. Additionally, stay at the St. Regis Aspen for $319 to $429 per night, or 70,000 points, through November. In December, rooms cost between $599 and $699 per night, or 100,000 points.
Hot air balloons and mine and wine tours in Park City
Park City, Utah, the bustling mountain town located just 25 minutes from Salt Lake City, is a busy destination for fall travelers. For elevated panoramic views above the Kamas Valley, ascend on a hot air balloon over the Wasatch Mountains. If you’re a thrill-seeker, visit Utah Olympic Park, an Olympic training site that offers ziplining, alpine slides, extreme tubing and adventure courses. And, for something a bit more grounded, Park City Yoga Adventures includes standup paddleboading to a geothermal crater for a private session. Food and beverage enthusiasts can visit the Apline Distillery’s Pie Bar for a fun pairing of cocktails and desserts, along with the sommelier-led Fox School of Wine’s Mines & Wines tour around Park City’s historic sites.
Hilton Honors rewards members can secure stays at Waldorf Astoria Park City starting at 72,000 points per night through November, compared with up to 89,000 points beginning in December. And at The Lodge at Blue Sky, An Auberge Resort (which opened last May), guest room views of granite peaks start at $505 in October and November, and leap to $1,500+ per night in December, and $1,075 in January.
Ring in EPIC fall events and Oktoberfest at Peak Resorts
With Vail Resorts’ recent acquisition of Peak Resorts, vacationers headed to the northeast can now enjoy EPIC fall escapes — to Stowe, Okemo and Sunapee, in addition to Mount Snow, Hunter Mountain, Wildcat, Attitash and Crotched. For travelers headed to Okemo, indulge in the ultimate fall foliage viewing experience at Okemo State Forest in Vermont. Hit the fee-free paved Mountain Road, which provides an outstanding ride, bike or walk through the sugar maple-clad forest. Climb the fire tower stairs for 360-degree views of ranges including the Green Mountains, the Taconics and Adirondacks of New York, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Currently, for bookings prior to Dec. 15, travelers can earn a third night free at any Okemo lodging properties.
In Sunapee, just an hour drive from Okemo, celebrate the changing of the seasons on Columbus Day weekend at the Fall Festival. The event invites guests to an inflatable obstacle course, hay rides, sky rides, Adventure Park features and more. The same weekend, the Duck Drop invites visitors to drop rubber ducks on targets from the chairlift, while the Run Into Winter 5k offers a handful of prizes to those taking on the resort’s hiking and ski trails.
Additionally, Mount Snow in Vermont celebrates Oktoberfest — with plenty of beer, schnitzel and pumpkin-painting for the kids — on Columbus Day weekend, with rates as low as $124 at Area Lodge and $144 at Snow Lake Lodge for a two-night stay. Even still, Hunter Mountain engages in Oktoberfest festivities every weekend of the month with rotating themes and more.
Here's a look at where you can find the best fall foliage in the Northeast and beyond.
Zipline through the foliage at Spruce in Stowe
The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont is another incredible venue for leaf-peeping. In fact, guests can hike among the spectrum of fall foliage, or take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, followed by an adrenaline-pumping zipline through the stunning trees. Following the day’s activities, try out The Lodge’s newest progressive wellness offering: T-Shock Cryo Therapy. The Italian treatment allows guests to target individual areas of the body (as opposed to full-body chambers), to alleviate pain, tone the skin and freeze fat. Visitors can currently enjoy the VIP Vermont promotion, where guests can book any luxury guest room, suite or residence for 20% off — this includes the resort fee, breakfast for two and valet parking.
Related: The 7 best starter credit cards
Biking, beers and bratwurst at Gore Mountain
For an active outing in the fresh fall air, Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks of New York offers free mountain biking terrain access to keep skiers busy until the lifts open. Terrain is accessible through Garnet Hill Lodge and North River, as well. The Gore Mountain Harvest Fest is set to unfold Oct. 12 and 13, complete with offerings of bratwurst, seasonal beers, ziplining and more throughout the weekend.
Stay at the Courtyard Lake George starting at $105 per night in October and $96 per night in November (30,000 points per night), versus rate hikes of $171 in December and $232 in January (both 35,000 points per night). The Hilton Home2 Suites by Hilton Queensbury Glens Falls also offers low rates, from $109 in October (29,000 points) and $94 in November (25,000 points), before jumping to $158 per night (40,000 points) in January.
Golf, shop, dine and imbibe in Holiday Valley
Fall in colorful Ellicottville, the home of Holiday Valley, offers plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with the Double Black Diamond Golf Course (open through Nov. 3) and Sky High Adventure Park (open weekends through Oct. 27). The Village welcomes visitors, as well, for shopping, chocolate tasting, dining and imbibing — there are two breweries, a winery and a distillery. Fall highlights include the Ellicottville Fall Festival on Oct. 12 and 13, which accommodates 275 vendors of arts and crafts, festival-style foods, live entertainment and chairlift rides from Holiday Valley Resort, and a ski swap and a birds-of-prey show. Come Nov. 8 and 9, visitors can toast to the Beer and Wine Weekend, complete with a Saturday tasting of 150 pours and a bonfire.
For guests who book at Wingate by Wyndham in Ellicottville, members receive 10% off, while 30,000 points earns you a free night (prices vary on weekdays versus weekends). Additionally, The Inn at Holiday Valley offers reduced fall rates after Oct. 13. Fall weekdays start at $135 (compared to ski season weekdays at $285) and fall weekends start at $186 (compared to ski season weekends at $375).
Bottom line
Popular ski resort destinations often have lots of amenities and convenient lodging that is much more affordable before the snow begins to stick. Luckily, many mountain towns offer a diverse line-up of activities all throughout the year, making fall the perfect time to sneak away to the lodge before it's packed with skiers.
Feature photo by Jeremy Swanson.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.