The Best Ski Resorts in the US and Canada: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
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For our 38th annual Reader’s Choice Awards, voters weighed in on their favorite ski resorts in North America—including the US and Canada. Colorado once again dominated the US side of ski resorts this year, with 11 making our top 30; and three of the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass making the top 10 for the second straight year. But don’t discount the East Coast, which for the first time in years had two resorts break into the top 10, and Canada, which saw two newcomers this year—both indie ski areas with homegrown spirit and excellent terrain. From Whistler to Whitefish, and Tamarack to Telluride, these ski resorts were picked by our readers as the best in North America for their trails, lodges, lifts, and après-ski scenes. Whether you’re a groomer snob, powder hound, or après connoisseur, these ski resorts ticked all your boxes.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Snowbird Ski Resort35. Snowbird, Utah
If great snow and challenging terrain are your top priorities, Snowbird is your dream mountain. Nearly three quarters of the mountain is covered in expert and intermediate runs, and Utah’s famed dry snow consistently averages more than 500 inches a year. You can get off-piste with Snowbird Mountain Guides and Powderbird’s guided helicopter and snowcat adventures. Families will love the Kids Freeloader Pass program, which gives anyone ages 18 and under a free season pass when linked to an adult pass. If you want a social scene, head to Park City. Snowbird’s amenities are limited, but there are some gems like retro-inspired SeventyOne and the Aerie, a gastropub with a serious wine list located at the Cliff Lodge. Readers applaud that the resort now produces nearly 100 percent of its power on-site, making it one of the greenest ski resorts in North America.
Where to stay: The ski in-/ski-out Cliff Lodge has a rooftop pool and hot tub.
Stats: 11 lifts for 140 trails. One-day lift tickets from $184; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
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Elizabeth Carmel/The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe34. Northstar California, California
Nestled among the trees in the majestic Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar is a favorite of Bay Area families, who come for the beginner and intermediate-friendly terrain and upscale experiences. An average annual snowfall of more than 350 inches, plus a sheltered backside that can still be skied when winds shut down higher-elevation resorts in the area, make this one of Tahoe’s more reliable resorts when it comes to snow conditions. Tricksters can take advantage of more than a half-dozen terrain parks and half pipes. Every Thursday through Monday, plan to head to the East Ridge Trail by 1:30pm to line-up for a glass of complimentary bubbly at Tahoe’s only ski-up, mountain-view champagne bar, Tost. Families love the ice-skating rink and tubing in the heart of the village.
Where to stay: Located mid-mountain, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is hands-down the prime luxury stay with its ski-up barbecue station, 17,000 square-foot slopeside spa and excellent kids programming.
Stats: 20 lifts for 100 trails. One-day lift ticket from $76; on the Epic Pass.
Bradley Smith/Courtesy Heavenly Mountain Resort, California33. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
With nearly 5,000 acres of diverse terrain, Heavenly offers the best of both California and Nevada terrain including wide-open cruisers and 1,600-foot chutes. Sparkling Lake Tahoe views, plus an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, make Heavenly a dream getaway for East Coasters. The unique Skyline Trail is a must-do run, taking in majestic mountain landscapes, flat valleys, and lake panoramas. Plus, the Heavenly Village is located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, surrounded by snow-based activities, restaurants, and fun events throughout the winter season. If the views of Lake Tahoe inspire you on the slopes, a trip to the shore is just minutes away.
Where to stay: Basecamp South Lake Tahoe is just a four-minute walk to the gondola and offers a variety of rooms from bunks to luxe tents. Zalanta Resort at the Village is steps away from Heavenly Village and residence-style rooms include gourmet kitchens and private balconies.
Stats: 28 lifts for 97 trails. One-day lift ticket from $76; on the Epic Pass.
Waterville Valley Resort32. Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire
Waterville Valley Resort is a year-round destination located just two hours north of Boston. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Waterville Valley offers authentic mountain getaways at an affordable price. As New Hampshire's Family Resort, visitors enjoy family-friendly après ski parties, premier youth ski programs, full-service on-mountain childcare, plus free ski resort shuttle services. Waterville Valley is also known as the cross-country ski hub of the Northeast, with over 71+ km of Nordic trails, groomed daily for skate and classic skiing.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Waterville Valley, Town Square Condominiums have plenty of room for the whole family, with expansive living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and multiple bedrooms. The Silver Fox Inn is an affordable alpine B&B, offering complimentary homemade breakfast, cozy bedrooms, plus friendly and attentive staff.
Stats: 12 lifts for 62 trails; One-day lift tickets from $68.
Sherri Harkin/Tamarack Resort31. Tamarack Resort, Idaho
Tamarack’s primarily east-facing slopes receive an average of 300 inches of snowfall. Readers love the diversity of terrain. The mountain’s 1,530 acres deliver everything from open bowls and steeps to high-speed corduroy groomers and natural tree-skiing areas, plus challenging backcountry and three terrain parks. A vibrant alpine-style village adds to the appeal. Tamarack’s Nordic trail system features 15-plus miles of paths for classic or skate skis, snowshoes or fat bikes to wind through open meadows and woodlands while enjoying mountain-high views in every direction. The dog-friendly trails are groomed daily and are open every day from dawn to dusk. New for the resort’s 20th anniversary winter season is the opening of the Mid-Mountain Lodge featuring panoramic views over the mountain, village, and Lake Cascade.
Where to stay: Tamarack Resort features accommodations ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses plus amenities such as a pool, hot tubs and gear valet. The Lodge at Osprey Meadows is steps from the lifts and has studios and two- and three-bedroom condos.
Stats: Seven lifts for 50-plus runs. Average one-day ticket price $110; on the Indy Pass.
Alex Potemkin/Getty30. Blue Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania
Originally known as Little Gap Ski Area when it opened in 1977, the resort changed its name in 1989 to better reflect the grandeur of our mountain. With a vertical drop of 1,082 feet, Blue Mountain boasts the highest elevation in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a beginner or experts, you’ll find the perfect challenge on the mountain’s 40 trails. You can conquer 15 green, 6 blue, 16 black diamond, and 3 double black diamond trails across 171 acres of the region’s most varied terrain. Home to the East Coast’s largest snowmaking system, the mountain has some of the most open terrain in the mid-Atlantic region. For lunch with gorgeous views, pop into Slopeside Pub & Grill for wood-fired pizzas and hearty sammys like chicken cheesesteaks.
Where to stay: Blue Mountain-area Airbnb rentals are the way to go here.
Stats: 15 lifts for 40 trails; One-day lift ticket from $48.
Kjell Linder/Getty29. Palisades Tahoe, California
With an average annual snowfall of 450 inches and 300 sunny days, Palisades Tahoe— formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows—is considered the Spring Skiing Capital of the US, with corn snow well into July in good years. Two sprawling ski areas, Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, are connected via a 15-minute shuttle, encompassing 6,000 acres. Alpine Meadows is known for its crowd-free, hike-to back bowls and top-to-bottom groomers, while the steeply pitched vertical terrain of the Olympic Valley side is the stomping ground of hard-charging pros. Base villages clearly cater to a food-loving crowd, with restaurants specializing in everything from banh mi to tacos.
Where to stay: The ski-in, ski-out Resort at Squaw Creek has spacious penthouses and three swimming pools.
Stats: 42 lifts for more than 270 trails. One-day lift tickets from $99; on the Ikon Pass.
ANDREW MAGUIRE/Courtesy Keystone Resort28. Keystone Resort, Colorado
Thanks to its easy access from Denver, Keystone is one of Colorado’s most family-friendly resorts, with a Kids Ski Free program and the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort. The terrain, however, isn’t just for kids. With three mountains and five above-tree-line bowls Keystone is a winter playground for all-levels of skiers and riders. Last winter, Keystone elevated its on-mountain experience with the brand-new Bergman Express lift, making 550 acres of high alpine terrain accessible and approachable to a wide variety of skill levels (rare for above treeline terrain!). Now, transformations are underway in its River Run Village with the highly anticipated ski-in, ski-out Kindred Resort, slated to open in summer 2025. Keystone is also one of the state’s few resorts that offers night skiing. The action goes beyond schussing down the slopes. Families love the variety of activities offered: snow tubing, sleigh rides, ice skating, and cross-country skiing at the Keystone Nordic Center.
Where to stay: Founded as an 1800s stagecoach stop, Ski Tip Lodge remains one of the ski industry’s most historic buildings; the charming B&B is known for its excellent food and intimate fireside après scene.
Stats: 21 lifts for 140 trails. One-day lift tickets from $107; on the Epic Pass.
Courtesy Taos Ski Valley27. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Hard-core skiers who live for hike-to terrain and super steeps have always been fans of Taos Ski Valley. But recent resort investments, including a revitalized base area with an ice-skating rink, upgraded snowmaking and grooming, and improvements to beginner and intermediate terrain have made this New Mexico mountain destination way more family friendly. Taos Ski Valley leans into sustainability, equity, and inclusivity as the only ski resort in the world to be B-Corp certified, and one of a few to be Certified CarbonNeutral®. The challenging terrain of Kachina Peak and the moguls of Al’s Run are the big draw for experts. For dining, the Bavarian is an institution known for its brats and German beers (they also host a sleigh ride dinner during the winter), and newcomer Corner Office gives the state its first natural wine bar. Down days are far from dull thanks to surrounding cultural attractions including the Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay: Located adjacent to Lift 1, The Blake offers a variety of accommodation options that include hotel rooms, suites, penthouses, and condos; decor blends rustic European architecture with one of North America’s finest collections of Southwestern art, including original works by Georgia O’Keeffe.
Stats: 13 lifts for 110 trails. One-day lift tickets from $115; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
Daniel Milchev/Getty26. Crested Butte, Colorado
The southwest Colorado resort is one of few in North America that really does offer wide-ranging terrain for every kind of skier and rider. Spanning 1,547 acres and topping out at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet, more than a third of Crested Butte's terrain is dedicated to beginner and intermediate skiing and riding, with the most popular green trails to give beginners more space to make turns. Meanwhile, nearly two thirds of that acreage is dedicated to insanely steep advanced and extreme terrain serviced by some of the best lifts in the country. Fat biking is a great alternative to downhill skiing; Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association grooms a number of areas around town and the Crested Butte Nordic Center maintains nearly 35 miles of trails that can be accessed from downtown.
Where to stay: It’s hard to beat the location of the Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Crested Butte’s base area, just steps from the lifts and a free town shuttle. Ski-in/ski-out Elevation Hotel & Spa has an on-site ski rental shop, a sprawling spa, and spacious rooms.
Stats: 15 lifts for 165 trails. One-day lift tickets from $107; on the Epic Pass.
Winter Park25. Winter Park, Colorado
The longest continually operating resort in Colorado, Winter Park Resort is a Rocky Mountain favorite for its varied terrain and consistent snowfall (more than 352 inches a year). It’s also one of Colorado’s most accessible mountains. Located just 67 miles west of Denver, it’s an easy drive from the airport. This season, the resort debuts a new snowmaking system that will more than double its snowmaking capacity. Families will find tons of value this season. Kids can nab a free ski or snowboard rental with a three-day adult gear rental package and every kid 14 and younger who signs up for a Winter Park Ski and Ride School lesson gets a free lift ticket for the day. In the base village, Sundog Taproom is the new hotspot for craft brews and cocktails.
Where to stay: Zephyr Mountain Lodge has studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos with full kitchens. In town, Gravity Haus Winter Park offers co-working spaces as well as a gear demos and rentals. A-Frame Club is an Instagram-sensation with its 31 A-Frame cabins and historic saloon.
Stats: 23 lifts, 171 designated trails and 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain. One-day lift tickets from $108; on the Ikon Pass.
Courtesy Steamboat24. Steamboat, Colorado
Spanning six peaks and nearly 3,000 acres in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat is revered for its tree skiing, trademarked Champagne Powder snow, and family-friendly amenities. But many folks keep coming back for its deep Western roots and a down-home vibe that extends from the mountain to the town. A multiyear, multimillion-dollar redevelopment has reimagined Steamboat. The base area now features a second gondola that can take skiers and riders from the base to the top in 13 minutes, plus there’s an ice rink, and a food hall. Beginners can hone their skills mid-mountain at the terrain-based learning area, while experts can test their mettle on 655 new acres of challenging terrain in Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon.
Where to stay: The Steamboat Grand, beloved for its massive heated pool and hot tubs, is fresh off a renovation, while the ski-in/ski-out Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas are conveniently located next to Christie Peak Express. GravityHaus recently renovated the former slope-side Ptarmigan Inn with its signature sustainable touches, plus a new fitness center and restaurant.
Stats: 21 lifts for 171 trails. One-day lift tickets from $115; on the Ikon Pass.
Courtesy Stowe Mountain23. Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Stowe’s 485 acres are loaded with mostly intermediate terrain, though there’s some variety of runs for everyone else, including easy greens and double black diamonds—which make it an all-around favorite for best skiing in the northeast. Stowe’s two peaks, Spruce and Mount Mansfield, are also easy to jump across with a connecting lift, which means even more options before ending the day in one of Vermont’s most picturesque ski towns.
Where to stay: The quirky, authentically Austrian Trapp Family Lodge (yes, owned by the actual Von Trapp family of the Sound of Music), where the hills are really alive with the resort’s own backcountry and cross-country ski trails. Stowe Field Guide Lodge from Lark Hotels has a great location in the heart of downtown.
Stats: 12 lifts for 116 trails. One-day lift tickets from $98 to $219; on the Epic Pass.
Benjamin Young/Alamy22. Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont
Okemo eschews the rugged New England ski spirit and fully embraces a more pampered approach to skiing the Northeast, with heated seats and wind-proof orange bubbles on the Sunburst Six lift, farm-fresh restaurants, and DIY S’mores at the base. An excellent ski school, mellow terrain, impeccable grooming, and fun kids’ programs make Okemo a family favorite. With the highest snowmaking efficiency amongst all ski resorts in Vermont (at 98%), conditions are almost always fantastic.
Where to stay: The Jackson Gore Inn at the Jackson Gore base area has 28 ski-in/ski-out rentals. Main + Mountain Motel, a stylishly updated, 13-room motel in Ludlow, is just one mile from the ski area and has the town's best cocktail bar.
Stats: 20 lifts for 121 trails. One-day lift tickets from $104; on the Epic Pass.
Big Sky Resort21. Big Sky, Montana
Over the past decade, a major transformation has been underway at Big Sky. The first thing you register when you buckle in at Big Sky is the complete lack of crowds. Its 5,850 skiable acres add up to about an acre per skier on average, so it’s not uncommon to have an entire run to yourself. The next thing you'll notice is that is Big Sky takes its chairlifts seriously — the resort's four core chairlifts, including the new Madison 8, feature weatherproof bubbles and heated seats and the new Lone Peak Tram, which debuted in December 2023, is getting a luxe upgrade this winter. Its bottom terminal will be wrapped in a stunning all-glass dome with Louvre-like architecture. The mountain has the most consistent powder dumps in the Northern Rockies, which blanket 4,350 vertical feet from Lone Peak and more than 2,300 acres of beginner and intermediate slopes. And now it’s easier than ever to get to nearby Bozeman, with nonstop flights from 19 US cities, including a new route from Washington D.C., and JetBlue Mint service from Boston and New York City.
Where to stay: The Summit Hotel in Mountain Village is steps from the resort’s base area and has a front-row seat for the morning alpenglow on Lone Mountain. The Montage Big Sky, the area’s first five-star resort is in the Spanish Peaks area boasts a massive spa, Northern Italian restaurant, and après-ski raclette cart.
Stats: 39 lifts for 320 trails. One-day lift tickets from $56; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective Pass.
John Bellenis/Killington Mountain Lodge20. Killington, Vermont
Spanning 3,000 acres in the Green Mountains, The Beast of the East starts the season under new ownership. Purchased by a group of local investors, Killington operations will remain unchanged, while the mountain itself will see $30 million in improvements over the next two seasons. The second highest peak in Vermont, Killington holds the distinction of the longest season in the East, firing up its snow guns early and keeping the lifts spinning on the man-made Superstar “glacier,” regularly into June. From endless cruisers such as Great Eastern, to legendary bump runs like Outer Limits, skiers and riders of all ability levels can find something to love. The expansive Woodward Mountain Terrain Park network offers ample options for freestyle fanatics. In addition to Killington’s six peaks, visitors can also explore near-by Pico Mountain on the same lift pass. This season Killington visitors can look forward to improved snowmaking, exceptional views via the cow-powered K-1 Gondola (utilizing a methane composter), and the convenience of the industry’s largest electric vehicle charging hub.
Where to stay: Killington Grand Resort Hotel is the closest accommodations to the slopes, with a convenient ski-bridge to the chairlift, heated outdoor pool and cafe where guests can purchase samples of honey from Killington’s own on-site apiary. The Mountain Inn is also a popular option and has lovely views. Down the road, the Killington Mountain Lodge is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, or book one of the action-sports themed rooms at the Mountain Sports Inn.
Stats: 22 Lifts for 155 trails, plus 7 lifts for 57 trails at Pico. One day lift tickets from $82; on the Ikon Pass
- Lautaro Salas Ané/EyeEm/Getty
19. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
America’s largest ski area, Park City Mountain is also one of its most accessible: Its 7,300 acres, six terrain parks, and 330 trails are only half an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport. Park City continues to be rated one of our readers' favorites, thanks to its varied terrain spread across two mountains and a buzzy downtown that has top-notch après-ski spots like ski-in High West Distillery. During the peak winter season, serious overnight grooming efforts ensure that approximately 130 trails are pure corduroy every morning. On especially cold days, visitors can warm up in the Orange Bubble Express, a bubbled and heated chairlift at neighboring Canyons Village.
Where to stay: The 153-room Pendry Park City has the only rooftop pool and bar in town, while the Waldorf Astoria Park City is the place to be for five-star service. For something more intimate, the stylish 12-room Washington School House Hotel is less than a five-minute walk from the Town Lift and serves a heavenly breakfast.
Stats: 42 lifts for 330-plus trails. One-day lift tickets from $116; on the Epic Pass.
Ashley Voykin/Jess Kuzik/RED Mountain Resort18. Red Mountain Resort, British Columbia
Red is known for some of the best gladed tree skiing in the country thanks to its volcano-shaped peaks with 360-degree descents and nearly 3,000 vertical feet. But with two major expansions in the last 11 years, the resort has been able to add several hundred acres of more intermediate terrain across three lift-accessed peaks. Much of it parallels more advanced terrain, allowing for groups with different ability levels to easily stay together.
This season, the resort is bringing back its popular pay-per-run Mt Kirkup Cat Ski Operation on the weekends. After a long day of slopes, kick back at Rafters Lounge, voted the top après bar in Canada.Where to Stay: The Crescent debuts this December, just steps from the chairlift. The Josie Hotel is a ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel and boasts a cool on-snow patio. Constella, a collection of six cabins on the backside of the mountain which can sleep up to five. Guests have access to a clubhouse and dinner is included with a stay.
Stats: 8 lifts for around 119 runs across 3,850 skiable acres. One-day lift ticket from $139; on the Ikon Pass.
Danny Holland/Unsplash17. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Aptly nicknamed the Big One, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has some of the most challenging skiing in all of North America. Despite its deserved hard-core reputation, there are plenty of intermediate runs off the Bridger Gondola, and the Eagle’s Rest lift whisks beginners to the two-year-old, mid-mountain Solitude Station Learning Center. The new Sublette lift cuts ride time from eight to four minutes while climbing 1,600 vertical feet to
access to intermediate and expert terrain just below Rendezvous Bowl. If you take the tram up Rendezvous Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with see-forever views and be sure to pop into Corbet’s Cabin for a famous waffle. Both Teton Village and the nearby town of Jackson offer a ton of honky tonk après-ski diversions (the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is legendary) as well as seriously good dining options.
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, Hotel Terra, the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, and Amangani are classics, while the eight-suite, tram-side Caldera House is perhaps the resort’s most exclusive slope-side stay. In town, family-run Rusty Parrot has finally re-opened and is the current hotspot. Hotel Jackson brings city-level sophistication to the mountains, while the Cloudveil, a 100-room Autograph Collection hotel, is the only hotel on Jackson’s historic Town Square. Located halfway between town and the mountain, the Virginian offers a variety of room configurations, including bunk rooms, and is known for its rowdy karaoke nights.
Stats: 14 lifts for 133 trails. One-day lift tickets from $93; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
Getty16. Mont-Tremblant, Québec
Northwest of Montreal in the gorgeous Laurentian Mountains, Mount Tremblant rises 2,116 feet, covers 755 acres, and, even with its gladed terrain, seems quaint compared to most contenders on this list. But Tremblant brings exactly what you wish for from a European-inspired ski resort in French-speaking Quebec: a pedestrian village with boutiques at the foot of the mountain, ski events like Tremblant’s 24h and the Tremblant World Cup, and Le P’tit Caribou, a rowdy après-ski hotspot with a lake-facing terrace and bars upon which people are known to dance until 3 a.m. Major snowmaking investments mean the slopes are guaranteed to be good.
Where to stay: For ski-in-ski-out access, stay at the 314-room Fairmont Tremblant is fresh off a $9 million revamp, including a renovated outdoor terrace, with year-round heated pools and outdoor fireplace areas. The hotel’s gold floor was also completely transformed over the summer as was the ski in/ski out exit leading to the Lower Equilibre trail. Request a balcony room at The Sommet des Neiges hotel to enjoy spectacular views. If you prefer to be close to the shops and restaurants of the village, book Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant. Just a short walk to the ski lifts, the hotel has one of the area’s best spa facilities and debuts a new upscale restaurant this season.
Stats: 14 lifts for 102 trails. Multi-day lift ticket from $135; on the Ikon Pass.
Getty15. Breckenridge, Colorado
For the skier and rider who wants it all, it’s hard to do better than Breck, where vintage-cool ski town charm meets big-mountain views and terrain. The connection between mountain and town is ever present, with the resort’s Five Peaks serving as the backdrop to historic Main Street. Plus, with an abundance of walk-to-lift accommodations, the BreckConnect Gondola, making it easy to go car-free. On-mountain, there are nearly 3,000 skiable acres spread across the resort’s Five Peaks, and some of the country’s best lift-accessible high-alpine terrain, including the highest chairlift in North America. The resort has benefitted from three new chairlifts in the past three years, most recently completing the evolution of their popular Peak 8 base area last winter with the new Five SuperChair. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sea-level, Breck consistently offers great snow conditions well into the spring, with a season that runs into May. For a wild and whacky good time, check out the resort in early December when the whole town comes together to pray to the Norse God of Snow at Ullr Fest, Dec. 12-14, 2024.
Where to stay: Geared to the modern adventurer, 60-room Gravity Haus is one of the best properties in town for easy access to the slopes on Peak 9 and Main Street, with a Japanese-inspired onsen, performance-focused gym, and in-house adventure company. For slope-side luxury, the original ski-in/ski-out stay at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place, has roomy condos and kid-friendly amenities like a two-lane bowling alley. The Carlin, a Euro-style inn, has just four, Scandi-minimalist suites set above two of the town's best eateries.
Stats: 35 lifts for 187 trails. One-day lift tickets from $140 on the Epic Pass.
Courtesy Beaver Creek14. Beaver Creek, Colorado
Arguably the most luxe ski experience in the United States, Beaver Creek takes pampering to the extreme, with perks big and small—think complimentary, just-baked chocolate chip cookies handed out in the base area daily at 3 p.m. The culinary experience is unparalleled, with three on-mountain fine dining cabins—Beano’s, Zach’s, and Allie’s—a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant, Citrea, in the village, and the kid-favorite Candy Cabin at the top of the Strawberry Park Express lift. The grooming is immaculate. Families love McCoy Park, a learning area with 17 trails of natural, groomed glades, plus snowshoe and cross-country areas. Beaver Creek’s frills get all of the attention, but the mountain boasts serious steeps, like its famous Birds of Prey, which will host the men’s and women’s Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races this December.
Where to stay: Favorites include The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley; The Pines Lodge, a RockResort; the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa; and The Osprey, a RockResort. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch recently completed a three-year renovation that includes the addition of a stellar Japanese restaurant.
Stats: 26 lifts for 167 trails. One-day lift tickets from $116; on the Epic Pass.
Banff Sunshine Village13. Banff Sunshine, Alberta
Banff Sunshine sits on the Continental Divide at an altitude of 7,200 feet, only a short 20-minute drive from the town of Banff. With over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, there's no shortage of runs to explore. From cruisy groomers off the Strawberry Express to the world-famous freeride zones of Wild West and Delirium Dive, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Banff Sunshine is one of Canada's longest non-glacial ski seasons, starting in early November and lasting all the way through to late May. This season, guests can warm up riding the new Super Angel heated bubble lift.
Where to Stay: Ski-in/ski-out Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the resort’s only hotel, and offers great value.
Stats: 12 lifts for 137 runs. One-day SkiBig3 lift tickets from $132; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
Getty12. Aspen Highlands, Colorado
Of the four mountains that make up Aspen Snowmass, the ultimate rite of passage is here at Aspen Highlands’ massive Highland Bowl. Here’s how to do it: Hike some 45 minutes to the top of the bowl, soak in rewarding 360-degree views that include the twin-peaked Maroon Bells and own the drop into almost 2,500 feet of steep bowl skiing. Reward yourself at mid-mountain with the Merry-Go-Round’s signature Boomerang Burger, topped with onion rings, pastrami bacon and grilled cheese buns.
Where to stay: The Little Nell has a new spa and stellar restaurant.
Stats: Five lifts for 144 trails. One-day lift tickets from $179; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
Nathan Hindman/Sonnenalp Vail11. Vail, Colorado
Perhaps the winning ticket for 5,317-acre Vail isn’t just that it's big, but that 3,000 of these acres span the mountain’s seven legendary Back Bowls, made up mostly of intermediate-to-advanced and ungroomed terrain, plus some killer vertical—the Forever trail in Sun Down Bowl, for example, drops a thrilling 1,850 feet. On bluebird days, head to the huge outdoor space at Belle’s Camp in Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, where outdoor picnic tables provide the perfect sun-soaked lunch break experience. The spot is a local favorite for pairing a bring-your-own backpack lunch with panoramic views of the nearby Tenmile and Sawatch mountain ranges, and Mount of the Holy Cross, one of Colorado’s tallest peaks. This season the F&B scene heats up with the debut of Avanti Vail, a $4 million food hall concept at the Golden Peak base.
Where to stay: Perennial favorites include the Bavarian-inspired Sonnenalp Hotel; the Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Lionshead Village; The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort; and The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort. Gravity Haus Vail is the place for après ski with its glitzy bar Slope Room, while the high-touch Four Seasons Resort Vail has upped its game with a new spa and outpost of hit Denver restaurant, Tavernetta.
Stats: 31 lifts for 195 trails. One-day passed from $116; on the Epic Pass.
Courtesy Sun Valley Resort10. Sun Valley, Idaho
Welcome to a slice of history: Developed by businessman and politician W. Averell Harriman in the mid 1930s, Sun Valley Resort marked the first destination winter resort in the US, and beginner-friendly Dollar Mountain was the first in the world to install chairlifts. Bald Mountain, the larger of the resort’s two hills, upped its expert terrain in 2020 with the opening of the Sunrise terrain expansion, an additional 380 acres of advanced tree skiing accessed from the top of Seattle Ridge. The resort’s Warm Springs enhancement opened last season, adding new and speedier lifts, improving skier circulation and lift access to the Frenchman’s terrain network from the Warm Springs base. This season sees the completion of the much-anticipated Seattle Ridge upgrade, improving uphill efficiency by 20% with a new detachable six-person Doppelmayr chairlift. Mark your calendar: Sun Valley Resort will host the best athletes in the world at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in March 2025. Reaching Sun Valley is easier than ever this season with six consistent nonstop flights from six cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Where to stay: The well-heeled crowd stays at old-world Sun Valley Lodge . For a downtown address, look to the buzzy Limelight Hotel Ketchum, which boasts a lively après scene like its sister outposts in Aspen and Snowmass, or the Hotel Ketchum, a former motel turned modernist mountain stay.
Stats: 17 lifts for 120-plus trails. One-day lift tickets from $75 to $233; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
Getty9. Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta
The largest of the SkiBig3 resorts in UNESCO-designated Banff National Park, the “friendly giant of Canadian skiing” earns its keep with 4,200 acres spanning four different mountain faces and a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs from every chair. Here’s what else makes it a dream for all walks of skiers: steeps backed by an awe-inspiring wilderness, bowls dusted in famously dry powder, four terrain parks for beginners to experts, and long cruisers—one of which winds on for five miles. The ‘West Bowl’ is a freeride playground with some 480 wilderness acres to explore. And the recent addition of the Juniper Express Quad provides an ideal learning zone for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders looking to advance their skills. The Pipestone Express six-person heated lift is on track for its grand opening this season. Once spinning, skiers and riders will have faster access to West Bowl and some of the best front and backside terrain at Lake Louise.
Where to stay: Located lakeside in Banff National Park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise looks like a fairytale castle and offers an authentic fondue experience in its Walliser Stube restaurant. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Post Hotel & Spa has a saltwater pool and is known for its extensive wine cellar and talented culinary team. At the intimate Baker Creek Lodge, guests can choose between log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces or spacious lodge suites, some with kitchens and whirlpool tubs.
Stats: 11 lifts for 164 runs and back bowls. One-day SkiBig3 lift tickets from $132; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
Photo by Ryan-Bonneau/Courtesy Telluride8. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride rises above the rest with its unrivaled allure. It encompasses a healthy mix of adventurers, artists and entrepreneurs, and a gorgeous location set within a box canyon of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks. Its nearly 2,100 acres of terrain includes 44 acres of expert and advanced-level terrain around the recently upgraded state-of-the-art Lift 9. Ever wanted to heli-ski? Telluride Helitrax can take you to more than 200 square miles of high alpine skiing. Or, grab the kids and shake things up with some guided snowshoeing. A free, eight-mile pedestrian gondola eliminates the need for a vehicle, connecting the quaint mountain village and historic downtown in a 13-minute ride, while also providing ski access. Heated standalone gondola cabins and cozy yurts will provide extra al fresco dining areas throughout the resort. And getting here has never been easier—daily direct flights to Montrose Airport MTJ from major markets like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York and Phoenix, along with daily direct-to-Telluride flights from Denver and Phoenix.
Where to stay: The Madeline Hotel & Residences, an Auberge Collection Hotel is the most stylish stay on the mountain. The owner of Dunton Hot Springs has a cozy townhouse a five-minute walk from the gondola in town and they recently took over Lumiere on the mountain.
Stats: 19 lifts for 149 trails, with Galloping Goose being the longest at 4.6 miles. One-day lift tickets are $245 all season long, $260 for holidays and blackout dates. On the Epic Pass.
Getty7. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Part of Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods touts the largest ski area in New Hampshire with 464 acres of skiable terrain, including a terrain park and a summit elevation of 3,100 feet, all surrounded by the woods of the White Mountain National Forest. Reader’s love features including the state’s only eight-passenger gondola and stunning on-mountain Rosebrook Lodge with its killer views of the Presidential Range. New investments in grooming and snowmaking technology will ensure the slopes are always perfect this winter. Bonus points for Bretton Woods come with award-winning snowmaking and grooming, a robust 62-mile Nordic trail network for skiing and snowshoeing, a year-round canopy tour with 9 ziplines and a dedicated system of winter fat bike trails.
Where to stay: The historic Omni Mount Washington Resort.
Stats: 10 lifts across 63 trails and 35 glades. One-day lift tickets from $97.
Getty Images6. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Renowned for its 360-degree views of the Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park, and the Northern Rockies, this family-friendly resort in northwestern Montana boasts nearly 3,000 acres of terrain. Experienced skiers and riders enjoy bobbing through the forested sections, and the many groomed trails offer a memorable experience for guests of all skill levels. Recent infrastructure improvements, including a six-person chairlift and a second conveyor carpet for beginning skiers and riders makes it even easier to explore. And readers commend the ample parking. Break for lunch at the Summit House, at an elevation of 6,817 feet, or grab a pint at the iconic Bierstube. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA/GPI) is only a 30-minute drive from the resort, and the S.N.O.W. Bus shuttle service offers free rides between the resort and downtown Whitefish, which is home to loads of great cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Where to Stay: The Kintla Lodge offers ski-in, ski-out access.
Stats: 11 lifts for 111 named trails. One-day lift tickets from $110.
Courtesy Camelback Mountain Resort5. Camelback Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania
A winter haven for East Coasters, this Poconos resort’s snow-making capacity could cover the George Washington Bridge with one foot of snow in 24 hours. The mountain’s 900-foot vertical drop is great training before venturing to bigger mountains in the West. More than half of the mountain, however, is covered in beginner-friendly greens. Families love the amenities, including one of the country’s largest snow-tubing park, an indoor water park, and a plethora of dining options including ski-in/ski-out Trail’s End Pub & Grille, known for its nachos, buffalo wings, Philly-style sandwiches, hot pretzels, craft beer, and cocktails.
Where to stay: Camelback Lodge, the only ski-in/ski out resort in the Poconos, recently refurbished 453 guest rooms that come in 16 different configurations including bunk rooms and a suite that can sleep up to 14 guests.
Stats: 14 lifts for 39 trails. One-day lift tickets from $70.
Getty4. Aspen Mountain, Colorado
While the Aspen Mountain ski area is only one-fourth the size of Snowmass (without a single beginner run), it's beloved by intermediate and advanced skiers who say it skis like a much bigger mountain once you know its secrets. And the new Hero’s terrain expansion—the first significant addition to Aspen Mountain since the opening of the Silver Queen Gondola in 1985—increases Aspen Mountain’s skiable acreage by more than 20 percent. A new, high speed quad chairlift will access the more than 150 acres of challenging new runs. Even hardcore locals score first tracks just so they can nab oatmeal pancakes at Bonnie’s, Aspen’s legendary mid-mountain eatery. For the hottest après-ski scenes, head to the Snow Lodge at the St. Regis, the sister of Montauk’s famed Surf Lodge, or Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell.
Where to stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, and the Limelight Hotel Aspen, remain area favorites. The Gant Aspen, tucked just a few blocks from the gondola plaza, offers apartment-style lodging with kitchens. Aspen Street Lodge, in the heart of downtown, is a ten-room buyout property perfect for families or groups of friends. The Mollie is an indie newcomer with a rooftop pool and bar and great restaurant.
Stats: Nine lifts for 127 trails. One-day lift tickets from $179; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective Pass.
Getty3. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
In recent years, Whistler Blackcomb has grown into the largest destination ski resort in North America, known for unmatched big mountain skiing and snowboarding. With 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers, there's easily enough mountain to keep you on new runs through the entire six-month regular season. The pistes offer a wide range of difficulty, making this the perfect place for beginners, adrenaline junkies, and everyone in between. And the debut of the new high-speed six-person Jersey Cream chairlift will significantly reduce wait times and increase uphill capacity in Blackcomb Mountain’s high-traffic mid-mountain area this season. Whistler’s après-ski scene is just as legendary as its slopes. The Roundhouse Umbrella Bar is the hot spot on the slopes; in the village, head to the Garibaldi Lift Company for outdoor drinks around a firepit. This December, the resort will co-host the first-ever winter adaptive sports Invictus Games.
Where to stay: The 519-room Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the base of Blackcomb Mountain hosts live music in its buzzy Mallard Lounge, and has outdoor barrel saunas and a heated pool. The all-suite Westin Resort & Spa is a short walk from Whistler Village gondola and FireRock Lounge is a cozy spot for après ski. A short walk to the Creekside lifts, Nita Lake Lodge is known for its top-notch spa and rooms that feature basalt-rock fireplaces, heated floors, and double soaker tubs.
Stats: 37 lifts for more than 200 marked trails. One-day lift tickets average $165; on the Epic Pass.
Courtesy Deer Valley Resort2. Deer Valley, Utah
One of three “ski-only” resorts in the country, Deer Valley is made for families who love to ski together and are willing to spend top dollar for the experience. The resort’s “your wish is our command” customer service is worth the splurge. It's also easy to access, located under 40 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport in Park City. Major investments are underway to ensure the experience keeps getting better. As part of the ambitious Expanded Excellence project, the resort will debut three new chairlifts, over 300 new skiable acres, several new ski runs, and 500 additional parking spots this season. The resort’s world-class dining rivals its exceptional skiing. You’ll want a reservation to secure a table at newcomer Cast & Cut, where the menu features steakhouse classics and fresh seafood, like whole Thai sea bass.
Where to stay: Fresh off a renovation, Montage Deer Valley remains the epitome of luxury with its 35,000- square-foot spa and rooms and suites that feature fireplaces and soaking tubs. The ski-in/ski-out St. Regis Deer Valley is known for its one-of-a-kind funicular which transports people 230 vertical feet in 90 seconds as well as The Vintage Room. This beloved après spot located slopeside off the Deer Hollow Run has champagne service, a raw bar, a raised VIP area, and shimmering chandeliers that reflect the pristine powder outside. Now managed by Auberge Resorts Collection, Goldener Hirsch is Deer Valley’s new darling, with 18 newly renovated rooms in the main inn and 40 two and three-bedroom residences connected to the inn by a glass walkway. Grand Hyatt Deer Valley opens this season in the newly expanded Deer Valley East Village area.
Stats: 24 lifts for 122 trails. One-day adult lift tickets from $189 on the Ikon Pass.
Courtesy Daniel Bayer/Snowmass1. Snowmass, Colorado
The most expansive of Aspen Snowmass’s four mountains also has the most lift-served vertical feet of terrain in the U.S., with a 4,406-foot elevation drop and enough variation to make it an all-around hit with families. Investments in the Snowmass Base Village have turned it into a social hub complete with an ice-skating rink and great dining venues. An on-mountain dining options rival what you’d find in Europe. Sam’s transports skiers to the Italian Dolomites with a menu featuring rigatoni Bolognese and Negroni spritzes, while the new Alpin Room takes its cues from the Alps, with dishes such as schnitzel and tartiflette. This season, a historic log cabin accessible by foot off of Snowmass’s new Coney Express Lift will serve lunch, après cocktails and will host evening snowcat dinners.
Where to stay: Located in the Base Village, the Limelight Snowmass is known for its lively après scene and boasts the state’s highest indoor climbing wall, while the Viceroy Snowmass the most luxe stay on the slopes, with a serious spa and a recently renovated restaurant from star chef Richard Sandoval.
Stats: 21 lifts for 98 trails. One-day lift tickets average $179 on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.
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