5 best ski-in/ski-out resorts in the US

— -- For skiers and snowboarders who hate lugging equipment and dealing with packing and unpacking the car, a prime ski-in/ski-out location is a must-have.

Nothing beats the convenience of lounging in your room or by the lobby fireplace and hitting the slopes minutes later.

And here's one better: most high-end hotels offer ski valet service, so the only time you'll have to lift a finger is to adjust your goggles.

Picks in our round-up of the best ski-in/ski-out resorts in the U.S. will appeal to a range of travelers -- from families vacationing with kids to couples looking for a cozy lodge and slope-side dining.

The five-pearl Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe delivers on providing its discerning clientele with top-notch amenities and service. Picture-perfect mountain views can be had from just about everywhere on the property, and its location near Northstar-at-Tahoe resort means skiing out and chilling in a large gondola on the way back. After a day on the slopes, ski valets haul off guests' equipment to clean and store it, then ferry it back on request. There's also a 16,000-square-foot spa, heated outdoor saline pools and three whirlpools, plus several options for fine dining on-site and a bar with sweepings views of the Martis Valley.

The Montage Deer Valley is a great choice for families who want spacious, upscale accommodations and plenty to keep the kids busy. The ski-in/ski-out access makes it easy for parents with first-time skiers who might tucker easily, and the kids' club means adults get alone time for spa-going or fine dining. But the atmosphere is casual at this resort, with several restaurant options, a sizable outdoor pool, and an indoor pool. Apartment-style guest rooms all have flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, and marble bathrooms, and other property highlights include a modern fitness center, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

This family-friendly, classic Vermont ski resort is a smart choice for those who want spacious apartment-style accommodations to self-cater and don't want to sacrifice on a full lineup of property amenities. It's located right at the foot of Sugarbush, and there's certainly no lack of activities off the mountain, with an outdoor heated pool, game room with a kiddie pool, and access to a large fitness center. Free entry to swanky Sugarbush Health & Racquet Club is a bonus. The beautiful round-barn restaurant and bar is a highlight. One of this property's boons is that it has the energetic atmosphere of a large resort, but with just 61 units, it has the feel of a more intimate mountain lodge. All come equipped with full modern kitchens, washer/dryers, fireplaces, and plenty of space to spread out.

When comparing to other hotels in the area, it's tough to beat the impressive features at One Ski Hill Place, situated right on Peak 8. There's an outdoor pool with a whirlpool, fire pit, and mountain views, an indoor pool and kiddie pool, plus a two-lane bowling alley, screening room, and billiards room. The only downside is that some amenities are shared with neighboring resorts. Amenities in its spacious condo-style units is a major highlight, as all have gourmet kitchens with Bosch appliances, gas fireplaces, and marble bathrooms, and upscale extras like iPod docks and large flat-screen TVs with Blu-Ray players.

The Viceroy is perfect for travelers who want a stylish stay and in the center of the action. Decor is rustic-chic, incorporating elements from the natural surroundings in a way that feels upscale and luxurious. It's also situated a six-minute walk from the Village Mall, which is the buzziest spot in town. Features here are excellent, ski-wise and otherwise. The ski lift spans the sky alongside the resort, and there's personalized ski valet service for everything from booking lessons to assistance in gearing up. Standouts include a 7,000-square-foot spa with an attractive lounge, a fitness center with Technogym equipment, and a pool deck with cabanas, a fire pit, and terrific mountain views. Guest rooms have a more modern look than public spaces, all with kitchens and upscale amenities. One of hotel's restaurants has serious designer pedigree, with interiors created by Kelly Wearstler.