The best ski resorts in the US

With 480 resorts across 37 states, how can you narrow down the best 15 ski resorts in the US? Sure, there’s always an element of subjectivity with these lists. But we’ve traveled far and wide, scoured the internet for popular opinion, and rode as many resorts as possible to speak from experience! 

You’ll recognize some must-visit ski resorts. However, you’ll also spot a few curveballs offering truly unique experiences. So, ready to get stoked? Then ride, clip in, and drop into this list of the best ski resorts in the US.

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Top 15 ski resorts in the US

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

Is there anything cooler than riding a dormant volcano? What about one that has nearly 40 feet of snow a year, is Oregon’s largest ski resort, and has a Woodward Mountain Park with 12 zones? Yeah, we thought that might grab your attention. So, we’re kicking off with the mighty Mt. Bachelor!

Mt. Bachelor is a spectacular, unique resort with lots of steep above-the-treeline riding at the top of the mountain. Plus, you’ll find plenty of hike-to terrain and lower-angled trees as you descend. 

No matter what line you take, you’ll enjoy tons of stashes. Catch the Summit lift and make the trek up to the peak. From there, drop into the crater chutes or Backside Bowls. However, the well-hidden stash lies along the ridge traverse, where you can access the West Ridge and Serengeti Plains. Once you tire of endless pow laps, check out the frankly insane park set-up with loads of creative features. Then, head down for a well-earned beer at the West Village Lodge’s Clearing Rock Bar, featuring rows of local craft brews.

Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky Resort, Montana? On a list of the best ski destinations in the US? Hear us out. Big Sky is a criminally overlooked gem that gets more snow than most Colorado resorts, has one of the largest single resort areas in the US, the only Triple-Black-rated inbounds freeriding in the US, and some of the absolute best (and longest) freeride descent routes of any resort … anywhere in the world. It also has a fully-fledged ski-to-mountain village with a plethora of accommodation and dining options, including apartments, homes, and sizable hotels. So, everyone is catered for.

Now, the mountain! Get up to Lone Mountain Peak via the gondola and choose your poison. Big Couloir is the scariest choice, but you can also pick gnarly descents that’ll send you into Deepwater or Stillwater Bowl, going skier’s right off the lift. Or head skier’s left to access Winter Bowl, where the snow really piles up. 

For a mellower route out, take Upper Morningstar. Looking for hidden stash? Hook right onto Never Sweat and slash an epic pow run to the base of the Powder Seeker 6 chair. We bet you’ll rocket straight up for more. 

Alyeska, Alaska

We couldn’t not mention Alyeska Resort, the snowiest resort in the US. While it’s not in the lower 48, Alaska is where to head for something really extraordinary. 

Looking for a bucket-list trip? You’ll have your choice of backcountry and heli-excursions, with zones like Tordrillo and Valdez at your fingertips. But even riding inbounds at Alyeska is going to be life-changing. With an average annual snowfall of 55 feet, this relatively modest resort serves up epic powdery descents. Just don’t forget your puffy because it’s cold here.

The top lift whisks you to just 2,756 feet (840 meters), but there’s lots of inbounds and side-country hike-to terrain, with touring routes taking you up to 3,937 feet (1,200 meters). From here, you’ll find some of the best lift-accessible backcountry in the world. If you’re looking for easy(ish) access terrain, Rueben’s Shoulder and Chump Change are good bets. After more of a challenge? Hike to Glacier Bowl or take on the mighty Headwall zone. From here, follow the High Traverse across to Max’s Chutes, The Fan, and Marshall’s Meadows – endless steep ‘n’ deep trees await.

Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

The legendary Vail Ski Resort had to be included in this list, right? This was where the ski conglomerate Vail Resorts started out. So, it makes sense Vail is the world’s best-equipped resort. 

Split into several ski areas, Vail has everything. You’ll find a sprawling village with accommodation ranging from exorbitantly expensive hotels to budget-friendly hostels. You’ll discover easy-going beer bars and high-end restaurants. And you’ll also unearth riding for beginners and pros, both freestyle and freeride!

The Front Side delivers long cruisey Blues and challenging groomed Black trails. You’ll also discover open powder fields on the higher slopes and plenty of tree skiing. The famous Back Bowls are the place for the best powder riding, though. The Orient Express offers epic runs, and the Mongolia lift connects you to the far reaches, where the best untouched powder awaits. Okay, Siberia Bowl is the main attraction. However, don’t sleep on Rasputin’s Revenge, especially if you like drops and pillows!

Heavenly, Nevada

Heavenly Ski Resort is Jeremy Jones’ favorite Tahoe resort, and that’s good enough for us! It’s got an epic 4,800 acres of rideable area and has something for every type of rider. Apart from its unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe, the terrain is second to none, with 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) of vertical descent available across various routes and trails. The Double-Black gladed chutes are the fastest way to eat this up, accessible off the end of the Milky Way traverse. 

This is serious terrain. So, if you’re looking to keep things chilled, head to the world-famous Milky Way Bowl or hop off the Skyline Trail into the Ski Ways Glades. There, some of the country’s best tree riding awaits. 

Be sure to explore the whole resort, though, as there’s stash everywhere. The Powderbowl Woods are a local secret, along with Stagecoach Woods. And when you’re done ripping it up, kick back with a beer at the Umbrella Bar at Steins before heading down to the base — not before soaking up the views from the Sky Deck, of course!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

A list like this wouldn’t be complete without the legendary J-Hole! On paper, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort doesn’t appear quite as exciting as other resorts. However, if you think that, you’d be dead wrong. 

This freeride mecca soaks up nearly 40 feet of snow annually and is one of the most complete resorts in the world. It has enough expert terrain to host the Natural Selection Tour, Travis Rice’s brainchild, every season. For the beginners among you, there’s plenty of mellow terrain around the base with equally legendary après-ski (some say the best in the US). And for those hunting powdery descents? You need only look up.

A decent introduction to J-Hole terrain is accessible off the top of the Après Vous Quad Chair and the Bridger Gondola. This gives a good route into the Casper Bowl if you’re into chutes. However, the Aerial Tram is where the real fun begins. Head skier’s left to line up Corbet’s Couloir or keep going to the Cody Bowl and Rock Springs Canyon gates. This is serious out-of-bounds stuff, though. So if you’re aiming to keep it a little more chilled, drop into Cheyenne or Bernie’s Bowl, which offer a brilliant mix of open and gladed riding.

Jay Peak, Vermont

Wait, an East Coaster receives 30 feet of snow? Yeah, you’re not misreading it. Jay Peak Resort is the pow capital of the east and has a lot of amazing trails and zones to explore. 

The Aerial Tramway opens up the entire resort, with an uplift capacity of 12,000 riders per hour, going from base to peak in one fell swoop. There’s lots of steep technical riding up high, with the Face Chutes being the easiest and most obvious choice right under the lift.

But we’d encourage you to head left along Vermonter Trail to discover the likes of Kitz Woods and Canyon Land. Alternatively, take skier’s right down Ullr’s Dream to find Beaver Pond Glade, André’s Paradise, and the Everglade. Aim for Staircase Glade if you like pillows and drops. After something quieter? The Jet Triple Chair gives you access to Timbuktu for rarely ridden tree lines.

Mt. Baker, Washington

Mt. Baker is tied with Alyeska as the snowiest resort in the country, so it’s only natural it pops up here. Don’t believe us? Check out the pictures. You’ll need a snorkel to visit and live to tell the tale. 

This epic freeride resort boasts a 150-day season. Plus, you’ll find some of the most off-the-wall après anywhere in the States. This includes weekly ‘Music On The Mountain’ mini-festivals at the base!

As for the riding, Mt. Baker is not short on thrills – despite its modest 1,000 acres. However, you only need to look at its trail map to realize what’s at stake here. We’re talking about exclusion zones plastered with ‘DANGER! CLIFFS’ signs and experts-only lifts. Still, with areas to rip like Oh Zone and Gunners Bowl – and trails like Canuck’s Deluxe and North Face – there’s plenty to do. We recommend taking the Chair 5 and getting into Gabl’s right under the lift. From here, bear skier’s right off the lift and score amazing tree skiing. Just watch out for the — yep, you guessed it! — cliffs.

Wolf Creek, Colorado

If there’s one thing everyone knows about riding in Colorado, it’s that it gets busy. Saturday mornings after a fresh snowfall at Aspen, Vail, Breck, Copper, Telluride? It can be a gong show. So why not set your sights on Wolf Creek, the snowiest resort in the state – and one that flies securely under the radar? 

There’s little in the way of infrastructure here, similar to A-Basin. However, you’ll find many untouched powder lines and epic freeriding to boot. The entire area is best suited to confident riders, but some cruisey Blues exist. 

The focus is on the big stuff, though. To find it, head out to Horseshoe Bowl. This hike-to area serves up a huge pow field like no other. Or, if you really want to get after it, make the pilgrimage out to Camino Del Monte Sol to discover the often untouched Spooner Hill. Here, you can truly take advantage of the 36 feet of annual snowfall!

Park City, Utah

From the snowiest to the largest, the mighty Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, is a behemoth in all senses of the word. And with stellar terrain, a massive trail network, a huge lift system, ski-to accommodation, night skiing, and nearly 30 feet of snow per year, there’s probably no resort on earth quite like it. And definitely not one in the US! 

Park City is also one of the most accessible resorts in the US, just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City Airport. It has a bustling center, including highlights like O.P. Rockwell with its live bands and delicious cocktails; Downstairs, a speakeasy-slash-nightclub with great DJs; and the High West Saloon, the world’s only ski-in, ski-out whiskey distillery, complete with appropriately awesome après-ski.

Let’s not overlook the star of the show, though. Sure, there are cruisey groomers to check out in every corner. However, for those hunting the goods, McConkey’s Express and the Jupiter lifts offer great Double-Black terrain off the Jupiter Peak. You can also ride into Scott’s Bowl for some open pow riding. Want movie-worthy lines? Don’t sleep on Homelite or Sam’s Knob. And we have to mention the Ninety-Nine 90 Express. Hit that for endless pow lines through 94 Turns and the Red Pine Chutes. ‘Epic’ is an understatement. 

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride Ski Resort is the highest resort in Colorado and one of the highest in the world (at an eye-watering 13,125+ feet/4,000+ meters). So, it just had to make the list. 

Being a designated high-altitude playground, you’ll find tons of hidden powdery descents. And with a 300-days-a-year sunshine record to boast about, you’ll likely lap under the sun. Plus, racking up 25 feet of the goods a year means there’s not much in between; it’s either bluebirds or just nuking snow at Telluride. Doesn’t sound too bad, eh?

Now, lift lines can be long. But that doesn’t detract from the experience. Learners will find plenty to do lower down, with many marked trails to explore. But those seeking thrills will want to head high, with the Plunge lift being target number one. However, everything off Gold Hill, Prospect Express, and the Revelation lifts all serve up unreal terrain. Just jump off, point your tips downwards, and enjoy.

Brighton, Utah

Brighton Resort is well known for its snowy conditions. And with a 42-feet snowfall record, it’s easy to see why! Its proximity to Alta, Snowbird, and Park City means you’ll never be short on places to ride, either. 

Now, the mountain is a little better suited to advanced riders, with many lifts offering epic inbounds terrain. The Snake Creek Express jets you into Snake Bowl after a short hike, which always has plenty of pow to go around.

The freestyle terrain also sets Brighton apart from the crowd. You’ll get to it off Thunder Road right under the Crest Express. Brighton claims their parks are the best in the region, which is a big deal considering their neighbor is Park City (the hint is in the name). With kickers, rails, and community-built spots like the world-famous Bone Zone, freestyle isn’t just something Brighton has – it’s part of the resort’s very fabric.

Silverton Mountain, Colorado

One lift? You must be kidding. Well, hear us out. While Telluride is the highest ‘resort’, Silverton Mountain technically takes you higher. However, calling it a resort is a stretch. 

It’s more of a freeride destination. And it was built with one thing in mind: long, powdery descents on the most insane terrain in the world. Outside of Alaska, this is as good as it gets in the US. Just remember, avi equipment is mandatory. And, to open up the mountain, you’ll need to be an experienced tourer. And have a hearty breakfast.

The single lift whisks you to the ridgeline, where so much awaits. Cabin Bowl is the obvious choice, but Mandatory Air and Waterfall are also epic on the back side. Bowling Alley and Twig Snapper are great for tree riding. But if you want to hike, do so with glee. Billboard Chutes are just wild. Want to carry on up the ridge? Open up Hanging Valley and Hidden Valley for truly spectacular 3,887 feet (1,185 meters) vertical descents. There’s never been a better reason to have a GoPro.

Killington, Vermont

Killington Ski Resort is known for a few things: freestyle and après-ski. Yes, this spot is the unofficial capital of post-shred-partying. And the perfect place to blow off steam. 

Killington is home to six terrain parks, a 500-foot-long superpipe, and some of the best gladed riding on the East Coast. And with 21 feet of annual snowfall, there are plenty of pow turns for the intrepid explorer.

You’ll find awesome expert terrain right under the K-1 Express Gondola. Highlights include Anarchy, Big Dipper, and Chop Chop. The parks are also impossible to miss. However, the show’s true star is the daily party going down at the Snowshed Umbrella Bar and the Roaring Brook. Plus, if you’re staying at the Killington Hotel, it’s only a short walk (or stumble!) home!

Timberline Lodge, Oregon

Finally, we have Timberline Lodge in Oregon. At first glance, the trail map might not look like much. But don’t let that put you off. Timberline is special, situated on Mt. Hood, and features a summer snowboard camp. Plus, it’ll treat you to the longest vertical in the United States: 4,540 feet (1,384 meters) from peak to base! Okay, there’s not a lot for beginners here. However, there’s plenty for those seeking pow and park.

Head up on the Magic Mile lift for the upper powder fields. Then, aim for the Palmer lift to reach the steep stuff. Timberline also runs a snowcat to take you even higher (up to 11,245 feet/3,427 meters!). Here, you’ll ride some of the gnarliest terrain around, with a complete panoramic view of the surrounding forests and landscape. 

More into jumps and jibs? Timberline has an unreal park setup, accessible off the Stormin’ Norman chair. You’ll find lines for everyone. However, if you want to get really serious about your freestyle, sign up for Timberline’s Freestyle Training Camp. These happen every summer and are guaranteed to take your skills to new heights (literally!)

Have you found your next ski destination in the US?

Quite a list, huh? Sure, we missed some biggies, such as Aspen, Mammoth, Breck, Deer Valley, Taos Ski Valley, and loads more. Unfortunately, though, we couldn’t include them all. So, instead, we opted for the lesser-known gems.

In fact, our list is perfect if you want to escape the crowds and sample the US’s more unique offerings. Left a ski trip a little late this year? Well, there’s always Mt. Hood’s summer camp in August. Or why not head south of the equator to Chile? For more summer ski ideas, hit up our crew at crew@montecwear.com or check out our South American Ski Resorts and Chilean Ski Resorts guides. That’s pretty much year-round riding!

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