Best Ski Resorts in North America
Selecting a ski resort can be harder with so many great resorts to choose from. North America has multitudes of ski resorts and most of them have comparable facilities such as childcare, ski school for kids and adults, lodging options, infrastructure, etc. It is the factors like snow quality, diversity of terrain, scenic location, après-ski culture, and nightlife define the character of each resort.
In the end, picking the best ski resort is a subjective decision and depends on a few essential practicalities such as accessibility and budget and your preference for the terrain. I have put together a list of some of the best ski resorts in North America based on recommendations from avid skiers or riders and personal experiences to help you find the best match for you and your family.
COVID Note: Some resorts have announced their opening dates and started offering tickets. There are limits of tickets and restaurants dine-in to follow safety guidelines. Please check their websites for the latest updates.
Affordable Ski Resorts
- Taos, New Mexico
- Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
- Bridger Bowl, Montana
- Big White Mountain, British Columbia
- Copper Mountain, Colorado
- Powder Mountain, Utah
- Squaw Valley – Alpine Meadows, California
- Sunshine Village, Alberta
- Mt Hood, Oregon
- Winter Park, Colorado
Mid Range Ski Resorts
- Alta, Utah
- Crested Butte, Colorado
- Big Sky, Montana
- Steamboat, Colorado
- Heavenly, California
- Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia
- Park City, Utah
- Breckenridge, Colorado
- Grand Targhee, Wyoming
- Lake Louise, Alberta
Luxury Ski Resorts
Affordable Ski Resorts
Taos Valley, New Mexico
Recommended by: Taos is my personal favorite. We love its low-key, super-friendly atmosphere and excellent blue and black runs. Kachina Peak and terrific terrain park are the exciting part of Taos ski experience.
Once a tiny copper mining town, Taos Ski Valley is hiding at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Favorite among locals, it is a charming, no-frills, friendly resort with New Mexican vibes.
Highlights:
- Expert and Intermediate levels terrain
- Fun Terrain park
- Friendly, laid-back ski-culture
- Breathtaking panoramic views from Kachina Peak
- Snowshoeing options for non-skier in the group
- Proximity to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 1,2,94 acres
- Marked trails – 110
- Longest run – 5 miles
- Average annual snow – 300 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Santa Fe – 100 miles
- Albuquerque – 159 miles
Taos Ski Valley Airport Shuttle Service available from Santa Fe and Albuquerque airports, advance booking required.
Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
Recommended by: A friend and previous resident of Idaho, he preferred it over popular Sun Valley for its uncrowded and challenging terrain, and wonderful snowshoeing trails for his non-skier wife.
Opened in 1963, it is a vision of a dentist from Spokane, Washington, who wanted a ski destination closer to home. Unlike its big brother Sun Valley, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a delightfully small, peaceful, and unpretentious ski resort. It is considered one of the best resorts for families and just right runs for intermediate and advance levels.
Highlights:
- Intermediate and advance levels terrain
- 32 miles for Nordic and snowshoeing trails
- Three excellent terrain parks to choose from
- Options for cat-skiing and heli-skiing
- Three terrain parks, one especially for kids
- Beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,900 acres
- Marked trails – 92
- Longest run – 2.1 miles
- Average annual snow – 300 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Spokane – 88 miles
Bridger Bowl, Montana
Recommended by: This comes with rave reviews of my friend, who has been skiing at Bridger Bowl for almost all her life.
Bridger Bowl Ski Resort is known as “cold smoke” among the skiers for its light and fluffy snow. It is a family-friendly resort with a small-town vibe, rated among the best in the US. Those who hike up “The Ridge” are rewarded with steep chutes and open powder fields.
Highlights:
- Advance and expert levels terrain with some beginner runs
- Great off-piste trails
- Considered one of the best affordable resort
- Great snow quality
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,000 acres
- Marked trails – 105
- Longest run – 1.5 miles
- Average annual snow – 350 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Bozeman – 25 miles
Big White Mountain, British Columbia
Recommended by: We skied last winter at Big White, and love it instantly. We fell in love with snow ghosts lined runs, overall quality, and of course Candian politeness, obviously! We will definitely go back once the borders get open.
Big White Ski Resort is located in scenic British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and offers terrains for all levels of skiers and riders. A family-owned and operated ski resort is a great winter destination for family fun and more time on the slopes rather than in lift-lines. Where else can you ski along with the “snow ghosts”, snow blasted trees shaped into ghost-like forms.
Highlights:
- The majority of runs are for the beginners and intermediate levels
- Amazing runs through trees aka snow ghosts
- Lots of activities for non-skiers like snowshoeing, tubing, skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and horse-drawn sleigh rides
- Award-winning children center
- Great options for ski-in ski-out lodging
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,765 acres
- Marked trails – 119
- Longest run – 4.5 miles
- Average annual snow – 295 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Kelowna – 55 miles
Airport shuttles are available with advance booking.
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Recommended by: Jarrod Heil. He writes about his travels at RambleAroundTheWorld.com.
Nestled between two of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts, Copper Mountain Ski Resort is often overlooked by those who don’t know the beauty it holds and the pristine powder that lies on its groomed slopes. Copper is best known for its naturally-divided terrains, allowing skiers and riders to enjoy the mountain at their own pace. Copper Mountain is extremely family-friendly and caters to non-skiers and snowboarders as well with many affordable restaurants, coffee shops, delis, and local hangout spots in East Village and Center Village.
Highlights:
- Diverse terrain to make every skill level happy
- Great piste runs for advanced and expert skiers and riders
- Less-crowded Colorado ski resort
- Options of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing
- Quieter village compared to neighboring resorts
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,490 acres
- Marked trails – 140
- Longest run – 2.8 miles
- Average annual snow – 300 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Denver – 75 miles
Summit Express, which is Copper’s own shuttle bus runs between Denver airport and the resort.
Powder Mountain, Utah
Recommended by: My husband’s friend, who skis at Pow Mow with his family and friends for its powder, terrain, and affordability.
It is a surprise how locals managed to keep this large Powder Mountain Ski Resort a secret. Affionationtely called Pow Mow, it is a refreshingly undeveloped ski resort with affordable options for those looking for pure winter fun and fewer crowds. Given the size of the area, lifts are limited.
Highlights:
- A perfect mix of terrain for all the levels
- One of the best places to ski through trees
- The large skiable area feels almost crowd-free on the slopes
- Options of cat-skiing to access pristine bowls and powder
- Terrain parks
- Relaxed and friendly vibes
- No nightlife
- A bit slower lifts
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 8,484 acres
- Marked trails – 154
- Longest run – 3.5 miles
- Average annual snow – 400 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Salt Lake City – 56 miles
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, California
Recommended by: My friend, a reckless skier, who had skied all the resorts of Lake Tahoe and Squaw is among his top favorites. He loves it for its piste and off-piste runs, as well as for fine wines at the village.
Squaw Valley is known for its Olympic heritage and local flavor. It expanded its area by joining forces with Alpine Meadows in 2011. Snow quality and quantity of Squaw Valley – Alpine Meadows Ski Resort make every skier and rider happy.
Highlights:
- A mix of terrains to satisfy all skill levels
- One of the best terrains for expert skiers and riders
- Great trails for all seeking to level up their skill gently
- Access to two mountains
- Five fun and challenging terrain parks for all levels
- Lively après-ski at the European-inspired village
- Plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries to explore
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 6,000 acres
- Marked trails – 245
- Longest run – 3.2 miles
- Average annual snow – 430 inches
Nearest airport:
- Reno-Tahoe – 48 miles
Resort shuttles are available at the airport with prior reservations.
Sunshine Village, Alberta
Recommended by: My husband’s friend, a budget-conscious advanced skier with three snowboarders in the family.
Sunshine Village is the highest in the Canadian Rockies in a breathtaking backdrop of Banff National Park. Sunshine Village has three mountains – Goats Eye, Lookout Mountain, and Mount Standish. Goat’s Eye has mostly expert terrain with bumps and glades. Lookout Mountain has a mix of terrain for all levels. Mount Standish has mostly beginner terrain. A few trails have some flat zones.
Highlights:
- Trails for intermediate, advanced, and expert levels
- Snow quality is generally better compared to the other Banff resorts
- Four impressive terrain parks
- On mountain lodging is available
- Gets crowded on weekends
- Not much nightlife scene, unless you are staying at Banff
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 3,358 acres
- Marked trails – 145
- Longest run – 5 miles
- Average annual snow – 360 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Calgary – 160 miles
Mt Hood Meadows, Oregon
Recommended by: Nick and Val, they share their travel stories at WanderingWheatleys.com. Besides the trails, they also love Alpenstube Restaurant for its collection of craft beers brewed at Pacific Northwest. Try Nick’s favorite drink – Mogul Masher, made with hot chocolate, 151-proof rum, and Rumpleminze. It’s the perfect treat after a day on the mountain!
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Oregon. It offers a variety of runs – from bunny slopes for the kids to hair-raising double black diamond runs in Heather Canyon. There are several terrain parks and a half-pipe if you’re feeling reckless. Due to its proximity to Portland, slopes get busy during weekends.
Highlights:
- A variety of runs including lots of expert terrains
- Impressive views of the Cascade Mountains (on clear days)
- Great terrain parks
- Don’t mind a bit of the wet snow that is common on Mt. Hood
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,150 acres
- Marked trails – 87
- Longest run – 3 miles
- Average annual snow – 430 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Portland: 64 miles
- Bend: 96 miles
- Salem: 104 miles
Winter Park, Colorado
Recommended by: Pooja Shah, she writes about her travels at FeelsLikeLife.com.
Winter Park Resort is among the best family ski resorts in Colorado for its diverse terrain of glades, wide-open cruisers, moguls, chutes, and terrain parks. It is equipped with modern amenities and the village has lodging options to suit all budgets. Mary Jane Mountain is known for its tree skiing, moguls, and alpine bowls. The beautiful scenery of the Rockies is an added bonus.
Highlights:
- Great trails for all levels
- Diversity and variety of trails for intermediate to expert levels
- Excellent snow quality
- Seven terrain parks
- Very family-friendly with plenty of activities geared for families
- Relaxed après-ski and nightlife
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 3,081 acres
- Marked trails – 166
- Longest run – 4.9 miles
- Average annual snow – 320 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Denver – 90 miles
- Aspen – 180 miles
Mid Range Ski Resorts
Alta, Utah
Recommended by: Alta is our top favorite, we have been skiing here when kids were still crawling, now they elegantly shred double black diamond runs. Alta has the BEST snow. We have met skiers from Norway, France, and other far places who come to Alta for its snow quality. Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge is our preferred option to stay.
Operational since 1939, Alta Ski Resort is one of the oldest ski resorts in the USA with its old-fashioned traditions. It is for skiers only with a deep-rooted ski-culture blended with romantic nostalgia. It has the best and fluffiest snow anywhere in North America. On-mountain lodging includes gourmet multi-course dinner and breakfast. Overall it is considered one of the best value ski resorts.
Highlights:
- The best powder for intermediate and expert levels
- Excellent off-piste trails, one of the best in the country
- Pure skiing experience, i.e. zero nightlife, no museums, no galleries, shopping at the village
- The other side of the mountain is Snowbird resort for snowboarders in your group
- Wonderful ski school for kids and adults
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,614 acres
- Marked trails – 119
- Longest run – 1.3 miles
- Average annual snow – 547 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Salt Lake City – 32 miles
Alta shuttle provides transportation to and from the airport with advance booking.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Recommended by: My friend in Colorado who loves to ski at Crested Butte with his family for its snow quality and great ambiance. Perhaps the real reason is Platino rum, the best white rum in the world, made at Montanya Distillers. No kidding, World Rum Awards in England awarded it the best title.
Crested Butte Ski Resort is a great destination for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy some of the country’s most extreme terrain. Expert and advanced skiers come to this rather tucked away resort for its terrain of bowls, cliff drops, steep and rocky chutes, and tree glades. Top of all this, it has a laid-back atmosphere and the stunning Rocky Mountains scenery.
Highlights:
- Excellent terrain for advanced and expert skiers and riders
- Great snow quality
- Far less crowded than other Colorado resorts
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 1,547 acres
- Marked trails – 121
- Longest run – 2.6 miles
- Average annual snow – 300 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Gunnison-Crested Butte – 31 miles
- Montrose – 95 miles
- Denver – 142 miles
Big Sky Resort, Montana
Recommended by: My daughter’s coach, who is an expert skier and gushes about its off-piste terrain and really big mountain.
Big Sky Ski Resort offers a vast area to ski and rides especially for intermediate levels. It also has plenty of activities for non-skiers in the group. The views of three states (Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho) and two national parks (Yellowstone and Grand Tetons) from the top of Lone Peak Tram (11,166 feet) are simply beyond words. On-mountain restaurants are limited. The town is on the quieter side at night time.
Highlights:
- Diverse trails for intermediate levels
- Challenging off-piste trails for advance and expert levels
- Great snow quality outside of Colorado and Utah
- Due to its big size, it feels mostly uncrowded
- Options of non-skiing activities such as ziplining, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, dog sledding, and sleigh rides
- Proximity to West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 5,800 acres
- Marked trails – 317
- Longest run – 6 miles
- Average annual snow – 400 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Bozeman – 50 miles
Steamboat, Colorado
Recommended by: A friend from Colorado, who has skied at Steamboat several times and loves the variety of glades on the mountain and relaxed western charm of the village.
Established in 1963, Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the coolest resorts. Its unique aspen glades are considered one of the best tree skiing in North America. The area has a rich western heritage and cowboy vibe. It’s one of Colorado’s best family-friendly ski resorts.
Highlights:
- The best tree skiing
- Perfect runs for intermediate and advance levels
- Causal ski town not a touristy-type
- Affordable ski-in ski-out condo options
- Ski lessons from Steamboat Olympians
- 3-day women’s clinic taught by Steamboat’s best coaches
- Fun tubing hill for the entire family
- groomed trails for nordic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,965 acres
- Marked trails – 169
- Longest run – 3 miles
- Average annual snow – 350 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Yampa Valley – 20.4 miles
- Eagle – 59 miles
- Aspen – 88 miles
- Denver – 123 miles
- Grand Junction – 130
Heavenly, California
Recommended by: Alissa, she writes about her travels at ExploringWild.com.
Heavenly Ski Resort is one of the largest and most varied ski resorts in the Tahoe area, which is saying a lot since this scenic region is home to over a dozen resorts. Heavenly stands out for its high-quality terrain, affordable nearby accommodation, dramatic views over Lake Tahoe itself, and vibrant nightlife.
Highlights:
- Variety of ski runs mostly for intermediate and advanced levels
- Good mix of trees, bumps, chutes, and other advanced terrains
- A wide range of nearby motels and vacation rentals to choose from
- Offers one of the best nightlife and après-ski
- Options of tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing
- The beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 4,800 acres
- Marked trails – 97
- Longest run – 5.5 miles
- Average annual snow – 360 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Reno – 58 miles
- Sacramento – 116 miles
- San Francisco – 200 miles
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Recommended by: Christina Pfeiffer, she blogs about her travel experiences at Travel2Next.com. She also suggests not to miss the free Fire and Ice Show on Sunday nights. It is held at Whistler Village base between Whistler & Excalibur Gondolas.
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is one of the most popular winter resorts in Canada. Whistler has terrain for all levels and is suitable for beginners to expert skiers. Whistler has two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, and a range of family-friendly places to stay. Whistler was the official skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Highlights:
- Best overall ski and snowboard terrain for all levels
- Advanced and expert on-piste and off-piste terrain
- Five excellent terrain parks
- Option of heli-skiing
- State of the art lift infrastructure
- A great destination for the family vacation
- Lots of fun winter activities to do besides skiing in Whistler
- Vibrant après ski scene
- Polite and friendly Canadian culture
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 8,170 acres
- Marked trails – 200+
- Longest run – 7 miles
- Average annual snow – 467 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Vancouver – 84.3 miles
- Bellingham – 126 miles
- Seattle – 231 miles
Park City, Utah
Recommended by: A family friend, who has been skiing at Park City with family and friends for more than decades.
Park City is the largest ski resort in the USA, also known for Sundance Film Festival besides skiing and snowboarding. This former mining town was the host for the Winter Olympics Games in 2002. All kinds of lodging options are available including ski-in and ski-out. An excellent resort for families with lots of off-slope activities and shopping experience.
Highlights:
- 50% of trails are intermediate levels
- 13 bowls and eight terrain parks for advanced and expert levels
- Tubing, cross-country, and snowshoeing
- Skiing tour of abandoned mining buildings
- Excellent ski school and childcare makes it a great family resort
- Bustling après-ski and nightlife scene
- Known for its shopping experience
- Great options for fine dining
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 7,300 acres
- Marked trails – 341
- Longest run – 3.5 miles
- Average annual snow – 355 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Salt Lake City – 36 miles
Park City Shuttle is available from the airport with advance booking.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Recommended by: Another personal favorite! Breckenridge is my son’s fav (after Alta), he is an advanced skier and loves glades and terrain parks besides hot chocolates and croissants at La Française.
From well-groomed greens to epic above-treeline slopes spread over five peaks, makes Breckenridge Ski Resort truly a great experience. Founded in 1859 by a gold prospector, it still has the Victorian-era charm partly responsible for its unique Breck-vibes. It is one of the top-rated ski resorts in the USA.
Highlights:
- An authentic ski town with chill-vibes
- Best beginner terrains
- Great school for kids
- A decent mix of trails for intermediate and advanced levels
- First-rate terrain park
- Skiing through aspen groves
- Laid-back nightlife scene
- Crowded during weekends
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,908 acres
- Marked trails – 187
- Longest run – 3.1 miles
- Average annual snow – 357 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Denver – 105 miles
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Recommended by: My a family friend, he is an advanced skier and a die-hard fan of Grand Targhee for its snow, terrain, views, lifts, people, food…. and the list goes on.
The Grand Targhee Ski Area is spread over three mountains – Fred’s Mountain, Peaked Mountain, and Mary’s Nipple full of powder bowls, sparse trees, and glades. If you are looking for amazing powder outside of Utah, this resort is for you. The quality of snow is exceptional here along with the gorgeous scenery of the Grand Tetons. It is one of the best value ski resorts.
Highlights:
- Excellent terrain for beginners and intermediates
- Top-rated advanced off-piste terrain
- The best snow quality outside of Utah
- Deep and light powder
- Less crowded and not on Ikon or Epic pass
- Cheaper than Jackson Hole
- Backcountry access for those looking for a challenge
- Quieter with almost no nightlife
- Proximity to two iconic National Parks – Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,602 acres
- Marked trails – 97
- Longest run – 2.7 miles
- Average annual snow – 500 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Jackson Hole – 17 miles
- Idaho Falls – 59 miles
Lake Louise, Alberta
Recommended by: Rhonda Krause, she writes exclusively about Alberta at AdventureAlberta.ca.
Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the biggest in Banff National Park. All ski resorts in Alberta have the most gorgeous scenery. Lake Louise resort spans four mountain faces and has a long ski season, typically operating for six months of the year.
Highlights:
- The jaw-dropping scenery of Alberta adds to the experience
- Diverse terrain for all levels with a mix of glades, chutes, and bowls
- Other activities such as tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding.
- A quiet, small mountain town with not much nightlife
- Family-friendly with daycare and ski school facilities
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area- 4,200 acres
- Marked trails- 145
- Longest run- 5 miles
- Average annual snow- 179 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Calgary- 125 miles
- Edmonton- 276 miles
Luxury Ski Resorts
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Recommended by: Our super-busy couple friends, who enjoy groomed cruisers, fine restaurants, amazing spas, and the shopping experience. Not to mention all the celebrities they have bumped at Aspen.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is one of the most scenic mountain towns in North America surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and breathtaking panoramic vistas. A top-notched ski resort has the best of everything from lodging, lift infrastructure, ski terrains, and nightlife. Aspen has four ski resorts – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Aspen Snowmass; and all operate on the same lift ticket.
Highlights:
- Variety of slopes for intermediate levels
- Challenging piste terrain for advanced levels
- A vibrant après-ski and nightlife scene – fine dining, high-end shopping, museums, and funky galleries
- Ski-in and ski-out lodging options
- Glitz and glam of celebrities
- Family-friendly destination to keep all ages engaged
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 3,342 acres
- Marked trails – 98
- Longest run – 5.3 miles
- Average annual snow – 300 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Aspen – 6.8 miles
- Grand Junction – 126 miles
- Denver – 230 miles
Vail, Colorado
Recommended by: My friend, he is hooked to Vail, because of its bowls and taught his kids to ski on the slopes of Vail. Being budget-minded he finds accommodation outside of Vail resort to bring down the overall cost and reduce shopping temptations.
Vail Ski Resort’s legendary back bowls span around 3,000-acres and are the nation’s largest collection of open bowls. It has a great mix of trails for beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers and snowboarders,
Highlights:
- A good mix of trail and options of powder skiing
- Advanced piste trails and famed Back Bowls
- High-end hotels, great restaurants, spas
- Disney-like feel about the mountain town with heated cobblestone streets
- Long lines for lifts
- Bustling après-ski and nightlife scene
- Family-friendly activities and ski school
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 5,317 acres
- Marked trails – 196
- Longest run – 4 miles
- Average annual snow – 360 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Eagle-Vail – 35 miles
- Denver – 121 miles
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Recommended by: This is my second favorite, you already know the top one! For my daughter, it is on par with Alta. She is an advanced skier. Besides terrain, she is completely fascinated by the charm of Telluride and its scenery.
Telluride, a mining outpost set amidst picturesque mountains leaves a deep impression on every visitor – skiers and nonskiers alike. Besides the charming old town and striking scenery, Telluride Ski Resort offers great runs for beginners and intermediates; and challenges experts with its difficult terrain which can be accessed by walking up and by helicopter. Telluride is one of the most intriguing towns with history seeped in its every inch.
Highlights:
- Diverse trails for the beginner or intermediate skiers or snowboarders
- Piste trails for advanced levels
- The option of heli-skiing in expert-only terrain
- Excellent lift infrastructure
- Relatively less crowded than other Colorado ski resorts
- A fun experience for the whole family
- Best ski-in and ski-out lodging, though expensive
- Great on-mountain restaurants for breakfast and lunch
- Lodging in town to suit most budgets
- Charming historic town to enjoy après-ski
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,000 acres
- Marked trails – 148
- Longest run – 4.6 miles
- Average annual snow – 167 inches
Nearest Airports:
- Montrose – 65 miles
- Denver – 354 miles
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Recommended by: One of our adventurous friends, he loves the thrill of skiing down from high elevations and real grand views.
Jackson Hole Ski Resort earned a reputation among extreme skiers for its adrenaline rushing slopes. Recently some expansion work was completed to offer trails to beginner and intermediate skiers as well. The incredible beauty and vastness of the Jackson Hole region with rugged trails and miles of open space is an extraordinary experience.
Highlights:
- Take your skills to a new level
- Great piste and off-piste trails for experts
- Beginners and Intermediate levels trails are available now
- A laid back, un-crowded atmosphere (during weekdays)
- Gorgeous views and proximity to Grand Tetons National Park
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,500 acres
- Marked trails – 133
- Longest run – 10 miles
- Average annual snow – 450 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Jackson – 2 miles
Deer Valley Ski Resort, Utah
Recommended by: A family friend, she loves it for being skiers ONLY and its excellent ski-school for kids. She has little patience with long lines and like the way Deer Valley controls its crowd efficiently.
For those seeking a luxurious and true skiing experience, Deer Valley Ski Resort is a perfect resort. This upscale resort is spread across six mountains and has hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. With a high price tag, you get an urbane ambiance, exceptional customer service, great amenities, and superb infrastructure.
Highlights:
- Well-groomed trails for beginners and intermediate levels
- Glades and moguls for expert levels
- Decent après-ski and nightlife scene with plenty of options for fine dining
- With limits of daily lift tickets, it is never overcrowded
- Pure skiing experience
Mountain Facts:
- Total skiable area – 2,026 acres
- Marked trails – 103
- Longest run – 2.8 miles
- Average annual snow – 300 inches
Nearest Airport:
- Salt Lake City – 38 miles
A shuttle from and to the airport is available by advance booking.
Park City is only 3 miles away from Deer Valley.
Happy and safe skiing!
