1. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Best time to visit: Jan-March, June-Sept, Dec
- Vail Ski Resort is a premier ski destination located near the town of Vail, where it is renowned for being one of the largest ski resorts in the world and the second largest single mountain ski resort in North America
- The highest point at Vail reaches 11,570 feet (3,527 meters), and caters to various skill levels from beginners to advanced skiers
- Vail Ski Resort also boasts a village atmosphere among the mountain scenery, with numerous dining options, shops, and accommodations
Featured in The Best of Colorado
2. Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, Dec
- Aspen/Snowmass is a renowned winter resort complex consisting of four distinct ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands
- Each mountain offers unique terrain and experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels
- Aspen/Snowmass is known not only for its skiing but also for its remarkable scenery, luxury accommodations, and wide range of winter activities
Featured in The Best of Colorado
3. Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah
- Snowbird Ski Resort is a premier ski and summer destination located in Little Cottonwood Canyon
- It is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, averaging over 500 inches annually
- It features Utah's only Aerial Tram, providing views of the surrounding mountains
- In addition to winter sports, Snowbird offers summer activities such as hiking, mountain coasters, and tram rides
Featured in The Best of Utah
4. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Best time to visit: Jan-March, Dec
- Park City Mountain Resort is a premier ski resort located in Park City
- It is renowned as the largest ski resort in the United States, boasting over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, which includes more than 300 trails and 38 lifts
- Park City Mountain was a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics and is set to host events for the 2034 Winter Olympics
Featured in The Best of Utah
5. Telluride Ski Resort, Mountain Village, Colorado
- Telluride Ski Resort is a premier ski destination located in the San Juan Mountains, that spans over 2,000 skiable acres and features a diverse range of terrain suitable for all skill levels
- The resort is renowned for its scenery and has been rated as one of the top ski resorts in North America by various publications
- It is located near the historic town of Telluride and the modern alpine community of Mountain Village
- In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Telluride offers a variety of winter activities, including snowmobiling and heli-skiing
Featured in The Best of Colorado
6. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, Wyoming
Best time to visit: Jan-June, Dec
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a ski resort at Teton Village, in the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains
- It is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley and is known for its steep terrain and large continuous vertical drop of 4,139 ft (1,262 m)
- Half of the terrain is rated expert, 40% intermediate, and only 10% beginner
- It appears frequently in the media as one of North America's most expensive ski resorts
Featured in The Best of Wyoming
7. Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, Colorado
- Beaver Creek Resort is a premier alpine ski destination located near Avon, renowned for its meticulously groomed ski runs, and atmosphere that caters to skiers of all levels
- The resort features an alpine village with fine dining options and shopping
- In addition to winter sports, Beaver Creek is a popular summer destination, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and high-altitude golf
Featured in The Best of Colorado
8. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Nov-Dec
- Breckenridge Ski Resort is a prominent alpine ski destination located in Breckenridge, recognized for its extensive skiable terrain, covering approximately 2,908 acres across five peaks, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the United States
- Breckenridge is notable for having the highest chairlift in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,840 feet
- Originally a mining town, Breckenridge has transformed into a world-renowned winter sports destination
- Breckenridge Ski Resort also has a vibrant town atmosphere with dining, shopping, and various winter activities
Featured in The Best of Colorado
9. Deer Valley, Utah
- Deer Valley Resort is a premier ski destination located in the Wasatch Range, in Park City
- Deer Valley is renowned for its upscale services, including ski valets, gourmet dining options, and elegant day lodges
- Deer Valley offers a unique skiing experience that caters exclusively to skiers, and snowboarding is not permitted
- The resort has hosted numerous elite skiing competitions, including events during the 2002 Winter Olympics
Featured in The Best of Utah
10. Steamboat Ski Resort, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Best time to visit: Jan-March, June-Aug, Dec
- Steamboat Ski Resort is a prominent ski area located in Steamboat Springs, known for its excellent skiing conditions
- Steamboat is famous for its Champagne Powder, a light and dry type of snow that enhances the skiing experience
- The area has a rich history in winter sports, with an 84-year Olympic heritage, contributing to its reputation as a training ground for future Olympians
Featured in The Best of Colorado
11. Big Sky Resort, Montana
- Big Sky Resort is a prominent ski resort located in Big Sky, renowned for its extensive skiable terrain, which range from groomed trails to challenging descents
- It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America
- In addition to winter sports, Big Sky offers summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and zipline tours
- The resort is set against the backdrop of the Greater Yellowstone Region, providing a picturesque environment for outdoor activities
Featured in The Best of Montana
12. Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, California
- Palisades Tahoe is a ski resort in the western United States, located in Olympic Valley
- It was the host site for the 1960 Winter Olympics
- The Palisades Tahoe resort is the largest skiing complex in the Lake Tahoe region, and is known for its challenging terrain
Featured in The Best of California
13. Sun Valley, Idaho
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, June-Sept, Dec
- Sun Valley is a resort city located in Blaine County, renowned as one of the premier ski destinations in the United States
- The city is part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great spot for stargazing
- Historically, Sun Valley attracted many celebrities and elite athletes, contributing to its reputation as a luxurious getaway
- Today, it continues to be a destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer visitors looking for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures
Featured in The Best of Idaho
14. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
- Taos Ski Valley is a prominent alpine ski resort located in Taos County, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- It offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding
- The area combines outdoor activities with rich Native American and Spanish cultural influences
- While it is primarily known for winter sports, Taos Ski Valley also offers summer activities like hiking and mountain biking
Featured in The Best of New Mexico
15. Keystone Resort, Colorado
- Keystone Resort is a prominent ski resort located in Keystone, renowned for its extensive skiing and snowboarding opportunities
- The resort features three main mountains: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback, along with five bowls that cater to various skill levels
- The resort features a wide range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to condos, along with award-winning dining experiences
- Keystone is one of the few resorts that offers night skiing, allowing guests to enjoy the slopes after dark
Featured in The Best of Colorado
16. Purgatory Resort, Colorado
- Purgatory Resort is a ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains, approximately 25 miles north of Durango
- Established in 1965, it offers a diverse range of winter and summer activities, making it a year-round destination
- In addition to winter sports, Purgatory offers mountain biking, a mountain coaster, and an alpine slide during the warmer months
Featured in The Best of Colorado