5 Best Ski Towns for Solo Travelers — With Cozy Lodges and Excellent Aprés-ski Scenes

Contrary to popular belief, ski trips are ideal for solo travelers, too.

At first glance, it may not seem like the quintessential ski vacation is designed to accommodate solo travelers. The eight-bedroom ski chalets on Airbnb and families crowding around outdoor fire pits in between runs make skiing out to be a group-only activity, but no. There’s a reason for the singles line at the chairlift, after all.

Some destinations are better for solo skiing than others, though. These picks get top marks for everything from ease of getting around (both on the mountain and in town), suitable accommodations, and a solid aprés-ski scene that’s as receptive to the single traveler as it is to the gaggle of bachelorettes seated at the communal table.

Related: The Ultimate Après-ski Guide — From What to Wear to Where to Go

Aspen, Colorado

This Aspen, Colorado, mainstay continues to appeal to visitors from all over the world, thanks to its downtown charm, complete with art galleries, fine food and drink (Clark’s Oyster Bar and French Alpine Bistro are two such standouts), local boutiques, and cannabis shops. Staying in the heart of the action at the always-hip W Aspen means you can skip the rental car and splurge on some new cowboy boots instead.

While Aspen Mountain, or the “town mountain,” will keep both beginner and advanced skiers and riders occupied, free shuttles stop at Snowmass and Aspen Highlands for more powder-filled adventure (the latter is not for newbies). If you’re looking to brush up on your skills and meet other travelers, consider a group ski lesson. Full-day lessons or clinics max out at five people, and surely one group member will know where to relax after the last run. For live music, hit up Belly Up Aspen, an institution that brings big names to the stage.

Stowe, Vermont

If any ski town in the U.S. is reminiscent of Europe, it’s this one in northern Vermont. Bursting with wine bars, breweries, cafes, and boutiques, Stowe is perfectly positioned to charm the individual wanderer. The skiing is not too shabby, either. A first-of-its-kind six-passenger chairlift ushers shredders up Vermont's tallest peak at high speed so they can spend more time on the slopes. Fast-moving singles lines mean solo travelers get there even quicker.

Plan your trip around the annual Winter Rendezvous, Stowe’s LGBTQ+ Pride celebration since the early '80s. Make new friends at activities and events throughout the week, like the pool party held at Trapp Family Lodge. Speaking of lodges: Tälta Lodge is a cozy respite for the individual traveler looking for style and substance that won’t break the bank.

South Lake Tahoe, California

Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe is the ultimate playground for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort is perched on one of Tahoe’s tallest mountains, but it's still very accessible. The shuttle from Reno–Tahoe International Airport to South Lake Tahoe lasts only about an hour. Once you're settled in town, you can take the gondola up the mountain for dining, shopping, and aprés-ski action. Solo travelers may want to check out the 21-room Desolation Hotel, which bills itself as a micro resort.

The casino scene is fairly prominent here, too, and what better place to start up a conversation with strangers than at a low-stakes blackjack table? Whiskey Dick’s Saloon is the place for live music minus the families, but first, reward your sporting efforts with pub fare at Gunbarrel Tavern or a hearty bowl of pasta at the cozy Cafe Fiore. Get caffeinated the next day at Driftwood Cafe, then see how much of Heavenly’s 4,800 skiable acres you can conquer before lunchtime.

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Charlevoix, Quebec

The gorgeous Club Med Quebec Charlevoix (yes, that Club Med) is as welcoming to solo travelers as it is to families. The all-inclusive format means all you need to do is show up; included in a stay at this Quebec mountain resort is a lift ticket, lessons (great for linking up with other solo travelers), and food and beverages throughout your stay.

There’s much more to do here than just ski, though — Club Med guests can choose from 25 activities to add to their itinerary. From yoga and trapeze classes to ice skating, it’s almost impossible to feel lonely here. For aprés-ski craft cocktails, head to Bar Le Chalet and make a point to enjoy at least one supplementary dinner at Le Chalet.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Who says solo travelers shouldn’t splurge on an epic European ski vacation? Vehicle-free Zermatt, easily reached by train from Zurich or Geneva, is about as idyllic as ski villages come. Because this is Switzerland, expect fine chocolates, pastries, and the quintessential fondue to fuel your epic runs. A lunch reservation for one at the rustic-chic Chez Vrony serves a dual purpose: midday ski break and the best Matterhorn viewing on the mountain.

After the lifts close, the town entices with live music (check out Schmuggler Höhle, which also doubles as a pizzeria, and Papperla Pub, where the glühwein flows). This being Europe, the breakfast buffet is likely to impress no matter which hotel you choose, but stylish travelers know Schweizerhof Zermatt checks all the boxes.

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