These legendary ski capitals of America may be well known, with plenty of surprises every season, both on and off the mountain.

Big Sky, Montana

Prestige: Double Black Diamond Terrain. Surprise: New montage Big Sky significantly expands options for families and beginners. On the Mountain: Experience European-style skiing with a guide after get off work, enjoy a canard à l’orange meal at the 8800 restaurant at Mount Everett, and ski back under the stars. Cross Country Skiing: Montage Big Sky has its own beginner area, ice rink, tubing hill and snowshoe trails: family paradise. After: Mountain Village’s glass-enclosed Vista Bar serves craft cocktails and offers views of the Butte.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Reputation: Extreme ski proving ground. Surprise: The backcountry terrain is a paradise for freestyle snowboarders (Grand Teton is enchantingly snow-covered). On the Mountains: When you entertain your teens on skis arranged by the Caldera House Hotel with Shaun White, you’ll get instant cool parenthood. Off-Piste: Guests of the newly renovated Four Seasons Jackson Hole can take a one-day tour to track the elusive gray wolf. Après: Virginian (“Virg”) lively salon reopens under new owners.

Aspen, Colorado

Reputation: A visible mountain where your ski attire is more important than your skills. Surprise: no bling in the back heat (challenging terrain on the backside of Aspen Mountain). On the Hill: Explore the backcountry with local legend Chris Davenport, who will teach you about safety in the wild. Cross-country skiing: The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies features work by Bauhaus designers. Postscript: Hunter S. Thompson’s old pub, Woody Creek Tavern, has been lovingly remodeled; Gonzo’s press conference agrees.

Alaska

Reputation: Low-key; you’re here for a vertigo-inducing run. Surprise: In January, operator Third Edge Heli debuted its own exclusive cabin, Eagle’s Nest. On the Hills: Their private tours in five different ranges of wilderness are all custom so families can request softer terrain. Cross-country skiing: Let the helicopter land at the nearby Alyeska resort to soak and steam at its new Nordic spa. After: Sip a few bottles of Cristal at the spa’s Two Trees Bistro while tasting an Alaskan “seacuterie.”