Experience the best skiing and snowboarding in the US as you explore the terrain of Taos Ski Valley or find out why Aspen Snowmass is considered a celebrity-favorite.
With the cold season slowly taking over, you’re most likely starting to plan out winter activities for the holidays. Of all the possibilities that brings, there’s little that can compete with the thrill of carving up the slopes through fresh powder by day and enjoying the atmosphere and apres-ski by night!
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Whether you’re planning for a family trip or going solo, there is something on offer for everyone. Different ski resorts have their distinct terrains with varying levels of difficulty. Some resorts have more terrain dedicated to the experts and pro skiers, while others have the majority of terrain more suitable for beginners.
That said, most resorts offer enough of a mix of runs and cater to beginner skiers and snowboarders right through to advanced, meaning that groups of varying skill levels can still all have their fair share of exciting and heart-pounding escapades.
With so many to choose from, narrowing down the best ski resorts in the USA can be difficult. To help you decide where to spend your vacation, we’ve put together a list of our favorites.
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Out of all the ski resorts and mountain ranges in the US, Telluride Ski Resort should be high on your list. With breathtaking scenery and exciting skiing, Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado is one of the world’s best ski resorts for both skiers and snowboarders.
Beginners and intermediates are also very much welcome on this ski hill as almost 60 percent of its runs are made for aspiring skiers.
However, suppose you consider yourself a pro and are looking for something extraordinary and adventurous. In that case, you’re in luck as this mountain range also features extreme terrains that’ll make your heart pound. Heli-skiing is an option, where the skier is released from a helicopter to see more of what Telluride has to offer, like high alpine basins, cirques, and summits.
Telluride Ski Resort offers more than 2000 total skiable acres with 148 trails to make your vacation worthwhile and keep your adrenaline pumping. With the Palmyra Peak at 13,320 feet, highly experienced skiers can experience wild adventures using intense chutes. But, if you’re not up to that level of challenge, you can also opt for the Revelation Bowl at 12,515 feet high.
After the amount of adventure poured into your day at one of the best US mountain ranges, The Fairmont Heritage Place is a great place to stay. Considered one of the best ski lodges in town, this rustic European-style resort is the perfect location to get that much needed R&R.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
If you’re a skier who is always seeking the next big thrill, Taos Ski Valley, located in the mountains of Sangre de Cristo, New Mexico, could be on your list for the best resorts in the USA. With most of its trails dedicated to the expert skiers and snowboarders, Taos Ski Valley is considered one of the best mountains in the US, with untouched bumps and drops on unmatched hike-to-terrain.
Skiers can also indulge in some New Mexico sunshine and hike up to the Kachina Peak at 12,482 feet elevation. With over 1,200 skiable acres, Taos Ski Valley displays diverse skiable terrain suitable for both beginners and professionals.
While you’re in the area, reserve a place to stay at The Blake, located at the heart of the resort. There, you’ll have incomparable access to the resort’s slopes and the hotel’s outstanding amenities. Since it’s situated in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, The Blake is incorporated with the mountain’s rich culture.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
With a total of 2,500 skiable acres, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one big snow resort you shouldn’t miss. Found in Wyoming, this destination should be on your list of best mountain ranges in the US because it has 133 trails for your skiing adventures and a fantastic view.
Ten thousand four hundred fifty feet above the ground, you can take the Aerial Tram up and have a taste of their waffles with mouth-watering toppings.
Experience some of the best skiing in the Western US with what Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers. Noted for its deep snow, well-organized lift system, and epic steeps, this resort offers world-class terrain.
Known as one of the best resorts in the US, you’ll find cliffs, trees, groomers, and chutes—to name a few. Around half of the mountain is rated for intermediates, at 40%, and beginners, at 10%.
One of the best places to stay if you decide to go skiing at Jackson Hole is at Four Seasons Resort. The fun doesn’t end in skiing as you can still do outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and rafting in this resort. They also offer an in-house spa and other much-needed amenities.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Known as the ski resort of the rich and famous, Aspen Snowmass, located in Colorado, would be high on any list of the best ski resorts in North America. This legendary ski hill has been hosting skiers and snowboarders for over 70 years now.
During this period, Aspen Snowmass has updated into four different ski areas, namely, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen highlands. All combined makes for one of the best mountain ranges in the USA.
Since this ski resort seems to be the go-to resort of the celebrities, it can be a bit pricey. However, it’s a celebrity-favorite ski resort for a reason. All skiers, both beginners, and pros are welcome. The resort features easy-to-run slopes up to heart-pounding extreme terrains. With over 5,550 skiable acres and 362 trails, Aspen Snowmass is a vast snow resort.
If you decide to take a rest from the adrenaline rush, Aspen boasts its high-end après ski bar for you to relax and have a drink or two. Get your groove on and hit up the nightlife at Ajax Tavern for all-out dancing or Ullr Nights, and participate in their festivities.
Stay at The Little Nell, which sits just at the base of Aspen Mountain. With their upgraded rooms, you’ll feel right at home as you gaze out at the beautiful view.
Breckenridge, Colorado
One of the most visited and considered one of the best resorts in the USA, Breckenridge – or simply Breck – is house to a range of runs with different difficulty levels.
Breck is one of the ski resorts that is comprised of various peaks. So, if you’re out to have one of the most extreme days of your life, then go on a tour with a Breck Guide and explore all the five mountains. On the other hand, if you want to take a day off skiing and have a somewhat laidback experience, your best bet is to have a tour of nature in the forest accompanied by a ranger.
With a total of 2,908 skiable acres, Breckenridge will let you experience the best skiing in the US with 187 total trails ranging from easy ski slopes perfect for beginners up to extremely steep terrains dedicated to the experienced skiers. Featuring the Imperial Express Super Lift, discover how it feels to be 12,480 feet above the ground and enjoy North America’s highest lift.
With five different peaks, you’ll have lots of options to explore Breck’s ski mountains. Boasting its high chutes, lots of groomers, and expansive bowls, you won’t run out of new terrain to explore.
At the end of your adventurous day, kick off your boots at One Ski Hill Place. Owned by RockResorts, this ski-in/ski-out lodge will take care of your paraphernalia with their numerous storage and locker rooms. One Ski Hill has condominium-style guest rooms with all the things you need, including high-speed internet.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
If you’re on a hunt for the best ski resorts on the East Coast, check out Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont. Although the total skiable area is relatively small compared to the others on this list, Stowe is jam-packed with exciting terrains that are enough to make your heart skip a beat.
With 116 total trails and a nice variety of runs, beginners and intermediate skiers would consider it one of the best mountain ranges in the US.
But of course, experts and professionals won’t be forgotten. Included in Stowe’s various ski slopes are ungroomed terrain and double black diamonds. The resort has two peaks which boast beautiful scenery. Mt. Mansfield is the state’s highest mountain. Stowe is one of the best ski resorts in the East Coast area and a great winter vacation option.
While you’re in the area, book a room at Trapp Family Lodge. This lodge displays an authentic Austrian ambiance and offers outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and biking trails.
Big Sky Resort, Montana
With a wide area to ski and board, various ranges of terrain, and a magnificent view that will leave you in awe, Big Sky Resort does not fall short in giving you pure fun and entertainment.
With a stretch of 5,850 acres available for skiing, the Big Sky Resort proves that it’s one of the best ski resorts in the world and one of the best mountain ranges in the USA. It has 300 trails, which are perfect for skiers from beginner to advanced.
Thanks to an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, Big Sky features stable ski mountains with outstanding ski conditions. One of the best things to do, aside from skiing, is to chill while viewing two national parks from the top of the Lone Peak Tram.
If heart-racing activities are more your thing, gain an aerial view of the forest and enjoy the resort’s zip line at 150 feet above the ground.
At the end of a long day skiing, adventurers can sit back and relax in the Mountain Village, where you can have a tasty treat in one of their eateries. The lift area is situated right by the Huntley Lodge, a ski-in/ski-out lodge offering classic and comfortable rooms and delightful restaurants.
Are you going skiing as part of a bigger adventure? Check out our epic National Parks Road Trip Guide to the Western USA!
