Here Comes The Snow
Whether you're carving your way down powdery trails or sipping hot chocolate after a bluebird day, the US is packed with top-tier ski spots. We’ve ranked the 25 best ski destinations in the country—from scenic surprises to elite slopes—to help you plan the ultimate winter getaway.
Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon
This Pacific Northwest gem offers over 2,100 acres of skiable terrain and killer views of Mount Hood. It’s a local favorite with a laid-back vibe, night skiing, and deep powder. Plus, it's just 90 minutes from Portland.
David Prasad, Wikimedia Commons
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
East Coast skiers love Snowshoe for its well-groomed runs and fun après scene. With 1,500 feet of vertical and reliable snowfall, it’s one of the top resorts in the southeast. Don’t miss the sunsets from the summit.
VermontPowderKing, Wikimedia Commons
Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Whitefish is underrated in the best way. It delivers epic tree skiing, minimal lift lines, and jaw-dropping views of Glacier National Park. It's also super affordable compared to more famous resorts, making it a powder hound’s dream.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Taos blends Southwestern charm with steep and technical terrain. It’s perfect for advanced skiers looking to push their limits. After a day on the slopes, enjoy authentic green chile stew in the vibrant artsy village.
Murray Foubister, Wikimedia Commons
Northstar California, Lake Tahoe
This resort combines laid-back California vibes with top-tier grooming and luxury lodging. Located near Lake Tahoe, Northstar has great intermediate runs, tons of sunshine, and a charming village with fire pits and champagne toasts.
Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming
Tucked away in the Tetons, Grand Targhee gets over 500 inches of snow a year. It’s known for deep powder, friendly locals, and scenic glades. The vibe is chill and family-friendly—no crowds, just turns.
Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons
Sugarloaf, Maine
Sugarloaf is the king of East Coast vertical, offering the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in New England. With long cruisers, tough glades, and a loyal local crowd, it’s the pride of Maine winters.
Bubblecuffer, Wikimedia Commons
Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California
Kirkwood’s tagline is “For those who ski hard,” and it lives up to it. With over 2,000 vertical feet and crazy cliff drops, this Lake Tahoe resort is a haven for expert skiers. Bonus: fewer crowds than the neighbors.
Rob Marquardt from Bay Area, CA, US, Wikimedia Commons
Sunday River, Maine
Sunday River stretches across eight peaks and delivers some of the best terrain variety in the East. With night skiing, modern lifts, and snowmaking that rivals the West, it’s a go-to spot for die-hard New Englanders.
Schweitzer, Idaho
Tucked above Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer is one of the biggest ski areas you’ve probably never heard of. It’s got 2,900 acres of terrain, stunning views, and a growing reputation for incredible powder days.
❄SCHWEITZER❄ | Idaho's Largest Ski Resort, Jon Conti
Big Sky Resort, Montana
They don’t call it 'The Biggest Skiing in America' for nothing—Big Sky offers 5,800 acres of terrain and minimal lift lines. Add in Lone Peak steeps, scenic bowls, and a high-speed lift system, and you’ve got a Montana masterpiece.
Jim from Lexington, KY, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah
Solitude flies under the radar but delivers in a big way. Located just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, it’s a powder paradise with tight tree runs, deep bowls, and zero crowds. It’s Utah’s hidden gem.
Baileypalblue, Wikimedia Commons
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Stowe is classic New England skiing with a side of charm. From steep Front Four trails to the cozy village vibe, it’s as scenic as it is snowy. Plus, it’s a foodie paradise with top-notch après eats.
Jared C. Benedict, Wikimedia Commons
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Located near Bend, Mt. Bachelor is a volcano with 360-degree skiing off the summit. It’s big, beautiful, and budget-friendly. With great snow and a strong local scene, it’s a favorite of Pacific Northwest powder hounds.
Miscellaneous contributor, Wikimedia Commons
Winter Park Resort, Colorado
Winter Park is a Colorado classic with a little something for everyone. Beginners love the wide groomers, while experts head straight for Mary Jane’s moguls. The train ride from Denver is a unique bonus experience.
Murray Foubister, Wikimedia Commons
Alyeska Resort, Alaska
Yes, Alaska! Alyeska has jaw-dropping scenery, steep chutes, and northern lights. With nearly 650 inches of annual snowfall and views of the ocean, it’s one of the most unique ski trips you’ll ever take in the U.S.
Alyeska, Alaska: US's Most Surreal Ski Resort?, PeakRankings
Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado
Beaver Creek is fancy with a capital “F”—think heated walkways, free warm cookies, and luxury lodges. But it’s also got gnarly terrain in the Birds of Prey area and smooth groomers for the rest of us.
What I LOVE About Beaver Creek Resort Village in Colorado, Nash Potatoes Outdoor Show
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is for thrill-seekers. Home to Corbet’s Couloir and some of the steepest in-bounds terrain in the country, it’s a legendary spot for experts. The rustic town and cowboy vibes make it even cooler.
Enricokamasa, Wikimedia Commons
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth stays open into July some years thanks to its high elevation and killer snow totals. With tons of terrain and a rad park scene, it’s a favorite for SoCal skiers who want serious vertical with a laid-back feel.
Karissa Kunihira, Wikimedia Commons
Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird has some of the best powder on the planet and gnarly terrain to match. The tram ride to the top is a rite of passage, and when a storm hits, it’s a free-for-all for face shots and first tracks.
Don Ramey Logan, Wikimedia Commons
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen blends glam with legit skiing. It’s actually four mountains, each with a different vibe, from cruisy Buttermilk to rowdy Highlands. Après-ski includes celeb sightings, world-class dining, and maybe a $30 burger—but hey, you earned it.
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Telluride is remote, dramatic, and totally magical. The views are straight out of a postcard, and the skiing is steep and rewarding. The town’s charm is unmatched, with no lift lines and lots of mountain soul.
Steamboat Resort, Colorado
Welcome to Champagne Powder country. Steamboat is known for its fluffy snow, friendly locals, and Western flair. Tree skiing here is legendary, and the après scene is full of cowboy boots and craft beer.
Murray Foubister, Wikimedia Commons
Park City Mountain, Utah
Park City is the largest ski resort in the U.S., with over 7,300 acres of terrain. It’s easy to access, easy to explore, and packed with everything from mellow greens to legit steeps. Plus, Main Street après is elite.
Michelle Maria, Wikimedia Commons
Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Vail is the gold standard. With seven legendary Back Bowls, endless groomers, high-speed lifts, and a sleek Euro-style village, it has something for every skier. It’s expensive, yes—but the sheer scale and snow quality are worth every penny.
Flickr user: Brendan Gray London, UK https://www.flickr.com/photos/grayskull/, Wikimedia Commons
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