Take a Swing on One of the 7 Most Scenic Golf Courses in Ski Country

When Mark Twain called the game of golf “a good walk spoiled,” he most certainly wasn’t referring to mountain golf, where the stunning setting is surely worthy of a leisurely saunter—with clubs or without. After all, it’s no coincidence that some of the most beautiful courses are located at or near ski resorts.

We’re no golf pros here at SKI, but we can appreciate the opportunity to soak in the setting while taking a stroll along a scenic 18. Here are seven ski-country golf courses with amazing mountain settings.

Trail Creek Course, Sun Valley, Idaho

• 18 Holes
• 6,968 Yards
• Par 72

The Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Trail Creek Golf Course is Sun Valley’s signature course, so named because it crosses Trail Creek seven times just on the first half of the course. Look for bunkers and stream carries, as well as amazing views of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Spruce Peak Resort, Stowe, Vt.

• 36 Holes
• 6,411 Yards
• Par 72 

Stowe’s main golf course, Spruce Peak, hits an elevation of 1,800 feet while affording views of towering Mt. Mansfield, the resort’s Spruce Peak, and lush Green Mountain beyond. Set on a former turn-of-the-century dairy farm, the course’s back end is set around Peregrine Lake, offering a challenging and scenic way to up your game. 

Telluride Golf Club, Colo.

• 18 Holes
• 6,546 Yards
• Par 70

Telluride is one of the prettiest spots in North America, so it stands to reason that its golf course would be among the most scenic. Telluride Golf Club doesn’t disappoint, with one of the highest elevations of any course in the world: 9,417 feet. What’s more, the thin air makes your ball go farther (though it might also take your breath away, so consider yourself warned).

Devil’s Knob, Wintergreen, Va.

• 18 Holes
• 6,576 Yards
• Par 72

This Ellis Maples-designed course is the highest in Virginia at 3,800 feet, and is known for its challenging narrow fairways and amazing Blue Ridge Mountain setting. Devil’s Knob’s elevation also ensures cooler temps in the dog days of summer. Plan to come in autumn for some of the most lovely fall colors.

Edgewood Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Calif.

• 18 Holes
• 7,532 Yards
• Par 72

It’s not at one of the area ski resorts, but this lakeside course is undeniably one of the prettiest in the region. Set at 6.200 feet right at Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, the course was designed to never let you forget where you are. Designed by George Fazio and updated by his renowned golf-architect nephew Tom Fazio, the Edgewood course is known for a mix of challenge and surprise features around every corner.

Sugarloaf Golf Club, Maine

• 18 Holes
• 6,910 Yards
• Par 72

The first six holes of the back nine on this scenic Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course dot the banks of the Carrabassett River. Jones Jr. called the feature Sugarloaf Golf Club’s “string of pearls.” What’s more, golfers should be prepared to spot tons of wildlife, including moose, hawks, coyote, minks, and even the occasional black bear. 

Fairmont Banff, Banff, Alb.

• 18 Holes
• 6,938 Yards
• Par 71

Any list of mountain golf courses needs to include the epically stunning course at the Fairmont Banff Springs. The 18-hole course designed by Stanley Thompson wends along the Bow River beneath snow-tipped peaks of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain in Alberta’s unforgettable Canadian Rockies. Known for its challenge and scenery, this course should be on any golf enthusiast’s bucket list when the borders are open for travel once again.

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