The 10 best ski resorts in the Rockies

The Rockies offer some of the best skiing in the world. No, seriously. With ‌25 peaks extending over 14,000 feet (just in Colorado alone!), it’s no wonder people come from all over the world to sample what this range offers.

Known for bottomless powder – kept light and fluffy by the altitude and the cold – Rocky Mountain ski resorts are perfect for freeriding and pow surfing. But thanks to their sheer scale and structure, they also make the ideal environment for learners and recreational riders of all abilities. There really is a resort for everyone when you’re talking about the Rockies.

However, we’ve whittled down the hundred-plus resorts to our top 10 favorites. It was no easy task, but we’ve selected a range of ski destinations across the US that offer something special. So, if you’re ready to be inspired, read on. 

Top 10 ski resorts in the Rockies

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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort needs little introduction. While it may not have the sheer number of trails or top elevation as other resorts on this list, that doesn’t detract from its status as freeride central. You’ll discover some of the most epic, challenging, and powder-filled terrain in the entire US here. With half of the mountain marked as advanced and a vertical of over 4,000 feet to sink your edges into, few resorts offer the number of thrills per minute that J-Hole does. So let’s check out exactly what you’ll get from this epic resort and where to ride it.

Those looking for beginner terrain will find plenty of green runs around the base, along with designated slow and learner areas. The best blue trails can be found from the top of the Après Vous Quad Chair, with runs like Werner and Teewinot providing a great introduction to Jackson Hole’s famous terrain. There’s also some great intermediate terrain rideable from the Bridger Gondola. This provides access to the Casper Bowl, too, if you want to target gnarly chute riding. However, the Aerial Tram opens up the most extensive terrain for those with the skills to tackle it.

Heading left off the tram puts you in Rendezvous Bowl and right above the world-famous Corbet’s Couloir. If you want backcountry, head left until you find the Cody and Rock Springs Bowl gates. Or, you can stay in-bounds and hit Cheyenne Bowl, Bernie’s Bowl, or Laramie Bowl, which have great terrain with a mix of trees and open riding. As you’re coming down through Rendezvous, going skier’s left under the tram will take you into Tensleep, Cirque, and Headwall – all offer amazing technical riding.

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Telluride Ski Resort is self-named the state’s premier heli-skiing destination. But even inside its gates, the lift and hike-accessible terrain is abundant and stunning. With 25 feet of annual snowfall and a mix of open and treed terrain, there’s something for everyone. The hardcore earn-your-turns enthusiasts will be rewarded heavily for the extra effort. At the same time, the sprawling lift-accessible terrain will please those who want to get the most bang for their buck.

Around the base, there are designated learner zones and green trails. Heading up on the Village Express 4 lift will give intermediates plenty of opportunity to explore the extensive blue-graded terrain. Linking into the Polar Queen Express lift will take you to the midpoint, where many other blue trails await. The Prospect Bowl is also very low-angled and protected, meaning this terrain is perfect for those looking to improve their riding, too. There’s no doubt Telluride is one of the best-rounded mountains in the Rockies for skiers of all abilities.

However, for those with a nose for adventure, the Plunge, Apex, and Gold Hill Express lifts are your gateways to the best terrain on the mountain. Whether you want to head over the ridge into the expansive backcountry or just experience the best of the steep and deep, you really can’t go wrong. The Gold Hill Express opens up the Gold Hill Chutes, legendary among Telluride regulars. Though, a short hike off the Prospect Express will open up the Black Iron Bowl and the Palmyra Basin, which has the best stash on the mountain.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, is the largest resort in the US, and many would claim the best, too! With nearly 30 feet of snowfall per year — along with hundreds of trails, an excellent vertical, some of the best freestyle terrain and parks in the world, and enough mountain for riders of all skill levels to thrive on – it’s no wonder Park City is so highly regarded.

You’ll find a dedicated learner area at the Park City Mountain Village base, where those strapping in for the first time will have plenty to ride. You’ll discover freestyle terrain here, too. Just a lift ride away on the Eagle and Eaglet Chair, you’ll have access to a plethora of blue terrain that can easily be lapped on the King Con Express chair – ideal for really improving quickly. There’s also plenty of intermediate terrain to explore from the Canyons Village base station. And, as with most resorts, the higher you travel, the more technical the terrain. From the McConkey’s Express and Jupiter Lifts, you’ll find the best unmarked but lift-accessible black and double black trails – and plenty of pow to go with it.

If you like to earn your turns, jump on the Quicksilver Gondola and hike left along the Pinecone Ridge trail to ride a host of rarely touched pow lines, all draining down into Thaynes Canyon. Or, if you want a longer descent, head up the Ninety-Nine 90 Express to sample some of the best freeride descents on the mountain. And, if you’ve still got gas in the tank, take the Super Condor Express, and hike to the Murdock Bowl, where wide-open pow fields await.

Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

The legendary Vail Ski Resort is perhaps one of the best ski resorts in Colorado and the whole of the Rockies! One of the largest in the US with over 5,000 inbound acres to explore, serviced by nearly two hundred lifts, there’s so much terrain on offer that every rider will be utterly satiated. And at less than an hour from Denver International Airport, Vail is also one of the most accessible resorts. But where are the best stashes hiding? We’re glad you asked.

With three separate bowls, Vail truly is vast. Beginners will have the most to ride in the main area. Around the base is a dedicated learner zone and lift called the Gopher Hill Lift. But you’ll also find easy ways down and marked slow zones from Eagle’s Nest and Wildwood, with plenty of green and blue trails zig-zagging the whole mountain. From Two Elk Lodge, there’s also a slow zone and green trails running towards the base, so learners will have lots to enjoy as they progress to the more hair-raising terrain Vail offers. The Highline Express and Northwoods Express lifts should be the first port of call for this, with plenty of blacks on hand as you disembark.

However, the Back Bowls provide the most adrenaline-pumping stuff, with each lift serving up endless advanced marked and unmarked terrain. And with Vail’s nearly 30 feet of snow per year, this place is a true powder paradise. From the Orient Express lift, head down Silk Road and then up Mongolia to access some of the finest powder in the resort. Then, when you’re ready to head back, just follow the home trail down to the base of the Skyline Express lift to link back to the main ski area.

Snowbird, Utah

Snowbird gets an insane amount of snow. A twinned resort, Snowbird butts up to Alta and delivers a combined area of over 4,500 acres. Regarded as having some of the finest expert and freeriding terrain in the US, those looking to get their blood pumping should definitely think about adding Alta and Snowbird to their next ski vacation list. But it’s not all extreme terrain, as Snowbird also has plenty to ride for those just starting out.

The aptly named Baby Thunder Family Area is a network of trails with a dedicated lift that makes getting on snow extremely easy. Lots of low-angled terrain provides the ideal environment for honing your skills. And, once you’re ready to head higher, take the Mid-Gad lift, which has a midway unloading point and gives access to longer green trails and the mountain school learning area. From the top of Mid-Gad and Gad 2, there are also blue trails to enjoy, meaning you can ski a good portion of the mountain as soon as you have the basics dialed in.

For those looking for tougher terrain, heading higher provides it in spades. From the Hidden Peak, you can choose any direction and have an excellent time. For a real challenge, though, head under the lift to get into Upper Cirque and Great Scott, or traverse the ridge and drop into Upper Mach Schnell for a long, hair-raising descent. For something further off the beaten track, head right off Gad 2 to ride Temptation Chutes and Boundary Bowl, then stay left as you ride down, aiming for Defiance Ledge and Mushroom Land – two less frequented pow stashes that always have the goods.

Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

When anyone asks you about ski resorts in Wyoming, we all leap to J-Hole. But if you had to name another, could you? Well, answer Grand Targhee Resort. In the shadow of Grand Teton, this Wyoming resort is home to 2,602 acres of amazing terrain, which receives 41 feet of snow every year! There’s plenty of riding for all levels, as well as guided snowcat adventures and powder cat skiing. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to Jackson Hole, you don’t have to look far.

From the base, there’s a great low-angled beginner area, and Kids’ Fun Zone with a dedicated lift called the Shoshone. However, once you have a little more confidence, you’ll be glad to know you can take either of the two main lifts and ride the whole mountain from the top on blue trails. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can find black trails all over. Off the left side of the Sacajawea lift, you’ll access excellent little double black descents like Toilet Bowl and Das Boat, which drop you into some awesome technical tree skiing.

If you catch the Dreamcatcher lift, jump on the Teton Vista Traverse onto Mary’s Nipple (actually the name of the peak), and drop in here for some excellent powder skiing. Or, go the other way along the Headwall Traverse to access the Blackfoot Traverse and zones like Powder Cache and Lost Warrior, where the best stash on the mountain hides. And, if that doesn’t tantalize, zip over to the south side of Peaked Mountain to enjoy the long black descents over there.

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley is the southernmost ski resort on this list, but don’t let that fool you. With an insane top elevation and vertical, and a 25-foot annual snow record, Taos may be overlooked but it is definitely underrated. With a brilliant mix of bigger and more advanced terrain, there’s plenty for riders of all levels to enjoy. However, advanced riders with freeriding in mind will certainly wring the most out of this resort, thanks to the shape of the valley and the mighty Kachina Peak.

For those starting out, the dedicated learner area at the base has several short lifts to help get those reps in. From the top of the Al’s Run lift, head down the greens on offer, follow White Feather to the bottom or level up onto Porcupine if you’re ready. Lift 8 will also serve up a couple of longer blues to aid progression. As you move higher, you can take Honeysuckle from the top of Lift 2, linking into Lower Patton and Rubenzahl for one of the longest green runs available anywhere in the Rockies.

Once you’ve graduated to blacks, you can head right off the top of Lift 2 and ride the chutes here in the legendary West Basin, heading as far as the Wonder Bowl, Muse Bowl, and the Wild West Groves – a rarely ridden zone that’s known for its deep powder. Taking Lift 3 and then the Kachina Peak Lift will get you to 12,481 feet and give you unfettered access to insane runs. As you ski down, bearing right puts you on Main Street, and it’s here you’ll find some epically long descents – especially if you stick near the ridgeline and pick your way down through the chutes there. Certified psychos only, though!

Big Sky Resort, Montana

The only Montana resort in this list, Big Sky is‌n’t perhaps the best-known ski destination in the Rockies. And that’s pretty crazy, considering it’s one of the largest in the US, has a 4,350-foot vertical, 300 trails, and 33 feet of annual snowfall. Plus, Big Sky has some of the best high-altitude freeride terrain in the world, with dozens of chutes and technical lines, as well as a full top-to-bottom descent from the very peak of Lone Mountain, which is tram accessed. But it’s also perfect for beginners. Honestly, don’t sleep on Big Sky!

With two distinct zones (the main resort and the South Face), riders are well taken care of. Beginners can enjoy the family zone around the base and cruise a long green down from the top of Swift Current 6 once ready to enjoy more of the mountain. For those hunting thrills, head for Lone Mountain and take it all in. Once up, you can ski down the North Summit Snowfield, which is triple black graded. Yeah. From there, well, the choice is yours, with uber-technical chutes dropping back down into the Alpine. Or, opt for Big Couloir into the bowl, and enjoy some of the deepest powder you’ve ever experienced.

For a simpler double black entry to this bowl, head off the south side, taking Yeti Traverse into the Gullies Traverse to get to The Gullies, delivering you back to The Bowl and the north side. If you want to keep heading south, take Lenin or just zip down Dictator Chutes. If this is too much, follow signs for Liberty Bowl, a single black diamond. From the Yeti Traverse, you can also access the backcountry Dakota Bowl. The South Side is full of amazing stash. Hanging Valley is full of awesome lines, as is the Bavarian Forest. But, honestly, everywhere here is insane, and you’ll need weeks – if not months – to ride it all!

Schweitzer, Idaho

Schweitzer is an often overlooked ski resort thanks to its ‘middling’ stats. It’s less than half the size of Park City, has fewer than 100 marked runs, and just a top elevation of 6,400 feet. Is it even worth visiting? Hell yes. Schweitzer is an insane resort with lots of awesome terrain to explore, including the Outback Bowl, a low-angled, pow-filled playground perfect for high-speed party laps. And the best part is that this place is never busy. We can’t figure out why, though!

Beginners will get their fill on the Happy Trails beginner zone, serviced by its own chair and magic carpet. This means you can learn in peace without dodging skiers coming back to the base, as this zone is actually below the main resort, making it super easy to learn on! Once you’ve got your turns dialed, head up the Basin Express and jump onto the blues that await. Midway is perfect for progression, but there are lots of blues hidden in here for you to explore. There are also blue cat tracks that link the lifts to the bottom, so it’s worth heading up to the Sky House for lunch with a view!

Advanced riders can take their pick. The Chutes coming down off the South Ridge are excellent fun when there’s fresh powder. However, Schweitzer is also known for its steep groomers, so be sure to lap those to get some wind in the holes of your helmet! Head to Backside Bowl for the most fun, though. Ride North Ridge and then catch the T-Bar up, dropping into the bowl off to the right of it as you exit. You’ll find so much great terrain and lots of fresh pow – even days after a dump. Then, rip down through Snow Ghost and Have Fun for the best low-angled glade riding around. And if that’s not enough, hook left off the top of Stella to enjoy more amazing terrain full of natural hits and features. 

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado

Wolf Creek Ski Area is definitely a curve ball on this list. With resorts like Breck and Copper being passed over, Wolf Creek needs to have something pretty special. And in our opinion, it does! Spread out across one entire face, there’s so much on offer here, and it’s mostly deep powder and untouched lines! While there’s lots for learners to sample around the base, capable skiers – especially those who aren’t afraid of a little traversing – will find the most to enjoy here.

If you’re starting off, Wolf Creek isn’t the best choice. But there are still designated learner zones around the parking lot, and a dedicated chair and magic carpet to help you progress. For those with a firmer grasp of the sport, jump on either of the two lifts from the parking lot and head left or right. Lots of great zones hide away below the lifts – like Patina and The Pitch for tight tree riding and the Waterfall Area for gnarly steeps and technical riding. However, the real goods await when you take a little walk, exploring the likes of Bonanza and Boundary Bowl. Or, if your legs are extra fresh, explore Alberta Peak Bowl and the gnarly Peak Chutes below!

The best stashes hide off the beaten track, though. Take the Alberta Lift and then go left above Knife Ridge and Dog Chutes — both stellar in their own right — and keep going until you reach Horseshoe Bowl. It’s less frequented and deeper over here – just what you’re looking for! Then, head skier’s right, traversing across Sidewinder and Camino Del Monte Sol until you drop into Spooner Hill, the locals-only zone. Just make sure not to straight-line it as the Alberta Lake sits below, along with a lengthy hike out! Bear left as you go down to ensure you make it back to the Charity Jane Express lift. Then, do it all again!

FAQs

Where are the Rocky Mountains?

The Rockies are an extensive range that runs through multiple states and countries. Beginning in New Mexico, they spread through Colorado and Utah, into Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, before running along the border of British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, stretching almost to the border of the Yukon. They cover some 3,000 miles and span six states.

Why are the Rockies so good for skiing?

The Rockies are a huge range full of tall peaks. The renowned skiing is thanks to a combination of high altitude and high precipitation. This creates light, dry, cold, and fluffy powder that doesn’t clump, making it perfect for riding. They’re also a fantastic mix of low-angled Montane Zone, mid-angled Sub-Alpine, and steep and technical Alpine and Snow Zones, meaning their terrain accommodates riders of all levels.

Is skiing in the Rockies good for beginners?

Some resorts are better than others. However, generally, ski resorts in the Rockies are quite large. So, most resorts have good beginner and intermediate terrain and facilities.

Which resorts are the easiest to access?

Thanks to their proximity to international airports, the three most easily accessed resorts on this list are Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort and Snowbird, just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. Plus, Colorado’s Vail Ski Resort,  just over an hour from Denver International Airport.

Which resorts get the most snow?

Snowbird in Utah is the snowiest resort on this list, with 42 feet of annual snowfall, closely followed by Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming, which receives 41 feet. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is just behind with 38 feet, closely followed by Wolf Creek Ski Area in Colorado with 36 feet. These resorts receive significant snowfall throughout the season and are totally snow-sure.

Which resorts are best for freeriding?

Big Sky Resort in Montana has probably the best in-bounds freeriding on this list, closely followed by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. However, because of the shape of the Rockies, all the resorts here have excellent freeriding. In Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area is especially strong, and Snowbird is the ideal choice in Utah.

Wrapping up

So, that’s it! A tall order indeed to whittle down to the 10 best ski resorts in the Rockies. But we did it. You might agree or disagree, and there are certainly some obvious choices here. However, hopefully, you’ll have discovered a few new resorts, too! 

There’s never time to ride them all, but we can certainly try. So, limber up, fuel up, and get ready for winter – because it’s always just around the corner!

Related reading:

• The 11 best ski resorts in Colorado
• Men's ski clothing / Women's ski clothing
• The 10 best ski resorts in Utah