15 Best Ski Resorts in North America For an Epic Winter Trip.
Having carved my way down countless slopes across these renowned resorts, I’ve distilled what makes each of my top ski destinations shine. From the hush of powder underfoot to the allure of apres-ski vibes, selecting the right ski haven is both an art and a science. Drawing from years of experience and meticulous comparisons, let me guide you to your ultimate winter retreat.
While some vacationers focus on expert terrain, others prioritize apres or ski schools for the family. In balancing diverse terrains with distinct atmospheres, I’ve developed a keen sense of matching skiers with their dream destinations. Leveraging years of expertise and nuanced insights, I’m here to steer you toward a winter escape that resonates with your soul.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Nestled in Canada’s Coast Mountains, Whistler is a two-hour drive north of Vancouver but well worth the drive. Whistler Blackcomb boasts an unbeatable combo of vast terrains, scenic beauty, exceptional restaurants, nightlife, and après. With over 8,000 acres to explore and a vibrant pedestrian village, Whistler truly has something for everyone.
Deer Valley, Utah
Famous for its high-end five-star services, Deer Valley pampers guests with valets, groomed-to-perfection slopes, and luxury lodging, but the costs for tickets and amenities match. The resort keeps crowds minimal by limiting ticket sales, ensuring visitors get more space to ski and snowboard. On a fresh-powder day, Deer Valley will always have the shortest lift lines because of their daily caps.
Aspen Highlands, Colorado
Where powder meets prestige. Aspen Highlands dazzles with its famous Highlands Bowl (a small hike) and the sophisticated charm that Aspen town brings. A spot for skiing as well as people-watching. Aspen checks all the boxes.
Snowbird, Utah
With some of the most challenging terrains in North America, Snowbird offers adrenaline-packed adventures. Personally, my favorite varied terrain in the continental US. Famous for its deep powder, back bowls, and long season, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a real mountain challenge, but be warned, there is not much of a village at the base of the resort. Snowbird is only recommended for those who prioritize skiing over all else.
Breckenridge, Colorado
At a soaring elevation, Breckenridge offers long runs and a historic town charm. Its diverse trails cater to beginners and experts alike, making it a family favorite. Breckenridge is a bit more casual and less expensive than its parent company’s resort, Vail, shortly nearby.
Revelstoke, British Columbia
Tucked in British Columbia, Revelstoke is renowned for its massive vertical drops and powder-filled bowls. Perfect for thrill-seekers, it’s a hidden gem in the Canadian Rockies. Revelstoke is another personal favorite for those looking for challenging terrain, while the old railroad town of Revelstoke has authentic charm and has seen development in recent years.
Snowmass, Colorado
Just a stone’s throw from Aspen, Snowmass is vast and varied, offering something for everyone. Its spacious slopes and family-friendly amenities make it a top pick for family getaways. For those who want to stay in Aspen but are looking for a larger mountain with a mix of beginner to expert terrain, Snowmass is the answer.
Big Sky, Montana
True to its name, Big Sky offers expansive terrains under Montana’s big blue sky. A gorgeous mountain with high-end modern lifts and advanced terrain, Big Sky has seen a huge amount of property development in the past decade, so expect to wait a bit of time on lift lines on powder days.
Solitude, Utah
As the name suggests, Solitude offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. It’s a haven for those looking to escape to the mountains and enjoy quiet runs- especially advanced runs in the glades (trees).
Park City / Canyons, Utah
Merging luxury with sport, Park City has both world-class skiing and a lively town atmosphere. With its film festival fame and top-tier slopes, it’s the place where Hollywood meets the mountains. After merging with the neighboring resort, Canyons, several years ago, the combined terrain is the largest ski resort in the US.
Telluride, Colorado
Secluded in a picturesque box canyon, Telluride offers unmatched views and pristine slopes. Its historic charm and high-end amenities are sure to captivate any visitor. Featuring a gondola that connects the old town to the resort town, guests can ride for free between the two locations until midnight during the winter season.
Steamboat, CO
Known as ‘Ski Town, USA,’ Steamboat springs to life with its renowned champagne powder. Plus, after a day on the slopes, the town’s natural hot springs are a delightful retreat. While Steamboat does offer a great option, the dated infrastructure sometimes means lines are a bit longer than other resorts.
Jackson Hole, WY
Not for the faint of heart, Jackson Hole tempts experts with its rugged terrains and jaw-dropping steeps. It’s the place where pros come to play. I love Jackson Hole, but it’s not the best option for beginners.
Crested Butte, CO
A unique blend of challenging terrains and quirky town vibes, Crested Butte is often called “the last great Colorado ski town.” Its untouched beauty and off-the-beaten-path make it a cherished destination. Similar to Jackson Hole, Crested Butte focuses on advanced and expert terrain and offers extreme in-bound terrain such as “the headwall” and “the peak.”
Killington Resort, Vermont
The list could not be complete without one East-Coast option- which is hands-down Killington. Killington boasts long seasons and a vast array of trails. As the largest resort in the Eastern US, it promises diverse adventures for skiers of all levels. While not known for its Après, Killington boasts famous nightlife at several long-time haunts, including establishments such as The Pickle Barrel and The Wobbly Barn.
Josh Dudick
Josh is the owner and lead writer at Daily Wisely. His career has taken him from finance to blogging, and now shares his insights with readers of Daily Wisely.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh has over 15 years of experience on Wall Street, and currently shares his financial expertise in investing, wealth management, markets, taxes, real estate, and personal finance on his other website, Top Dollar Investor.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business.