Skiing Out West For the First Time: Must-Know Tips
Planning to ski or ride out West for the first time this winter? Well, no matter how many runs you’ve mastered at your favorite regional mountain, heading to the alpine big leagues of North America can feel like stepping into a completely different atmosphere. The sheer vertical drops, vast bowl terrain, ridiculous lines, and dizzying altitude can be enough to catch even the most veteran skiers off guard.
But have no fear—because we’re about to break down why people all over the world fly out West to experience what are arguably some of the best ski resorts in the world, and we are going to provide some tips along the way. Whether you are a first time skier or expert shredder, we hope you have all the information you need to book your tickets by the end of this article!
Resort Size and Vertical Drop
How many lifts make up your typical regional destination? Three? Five? Ten? Well, even at just a medium-sized ski resort out West, five lifts might just comprise a single REGION of the entire resort. Yes, the sheer size of a resort out West will often be quite a bit larger than a resort in the East, and will plainly dwarf a typical Midwest or Mid-Atlantic resort. The biggest Western resorts are true giants, with multiple peaks, ridges, and valleys throughout the footprint. First time visitors out West may find that a weekend trip will allow you to explore just a section of a mountain, with the full resort taking days—or even weeks in some cases—to fully touch.
The sheer size of these destinations makes for some plainly unique circumstances when it comes to the availability of ski terrain. Not only are these resorts larger, but they’re also taller, and this manifests in the sheer length of the runs one can explore out here. The destination resorts out West typically have vertical drops of three or even four thousand feet, with trails that can be miles long and allow for extended descents. For comparison, a two-thousand foot vertical drop is often viewed as competitive in the Northeast, and only one ski resort in the Midwest—Terry Peak in South Dakota—has a vertical drop of over one thousand feet. At some resorts, it can take three or four lifts to get to the top, whereas at a typical regional destination, it takes one or maybe two max.
Proximity to Other Resorts
And if the primary resort you choose to visit isn’t enough, another basic but key piece of information that is often overlooked by first time travelers is that many ski resorts are neighbored by additional resorts in close proximity. This makes it much easier to explore multiple mountains in a single trip than one might expect. This is even true compared to closely-connected resorts in the Northeast, which may be generally close in proximity to one another but lack the well-designed highways and interstates to facilitate a convenient trip between these mountains. This allows for a skier or rider to experience unique terrain that resorts typically “tout” without much effort.
Unique Terrain Types
Bowl Skiing
Now let's take a little bit of a deeper dive into the various types of terrain you will encounter out West. And the first one that will shock you if you’ve only skied in the East before is above-treeline bowl skiing. Bowl skiing—which gets its name because the lack of trees resembles a giant bowl—encompasses a large portion of the available terrain out West that caters to a variety of skier abilities. There’s a reason why bowl skiing is looked so highly upon, from Vail’s “Legendary Back Bowls” to even the most “average” bowl run out West, you are almost guaranteed to experience something unique.
Wide open bowls, like this one found at Vail, are one unique terrain feature of the West you usually won’t find in the East.
Bowl skiing offers an expansive, open landscape, often mostly or completely devoid of trees, giving skiers and riders the freedom to carve wide turns down natural, often ungroomed slopes. Unlike the typically structured trails of typical resorts, bowls provide a sense of adventure, with their range of snow conditions and challenging terrain. The vast majority of popular destination resorts out West contain at least some wide open bowls, although thanks to their unconcealed nature and sun exposure, they tend to become tracked out quickly at large destination resorts.
Glade Skiing
But bowls aren’t the only distinct type of terrain you’ll find out West. Even in their below-treeline areas, destination resorts west of the Mississippi also stand out for their glades. Resorts in the Rockies and other parts of the West are home to much wider-spaced trees than one would typically find at a regional destination, and in many cases, every tree area in between the defined trails is practically skiable. Large pine and fir trees make up large portions of the topography, but the trees you really have to ski to believe are the aspens, which, thanks to their exceptionally wide spacing and light-tan color, feel like they’re out of a movie scene. Many resorts out West also stand out for areas right near the treeline, where skiers and riders can often enjoy the best of both worlds—open bowls and tree-lined glades—providing picturesque glade skiing without the technical demands often associated with such terrain.
Tree terrain, or glades, especially in stands of aspens, provide unique skiing opportunities, such as this run at Colorado’s Steamboat.
Trail Rating Differences
One notable difference in terrain out West is the sheer difference in difficulty calibrations compared to other parts of the United States. Although a trail out West might carry the same green circle, blue square, or black diamond designation as ones on the East Coast, the actual experience may seem far more intense. Many experienced visitors will note that a blue-rated trail out West would often be classified as a black-diamond in the East. This is in large part due to the generally steeper slopes, longer vertical, and sustained focus and energy required of western mountains, and the shifting of the Overton window of terrain ratings to account for that. If you’ve really only skied in the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic, you might be surprised in how much the trails vary in terms of difficulty; unlike the perennially groomed slopes at many mountains in those regions, grooming on more advanced trails is often rare, and at some mountains out West, not a single run above blue-square in difficulty receives grooming attention. Even some blues may be ungroomed out West—this circumstance is exceptionally uncommon in more regional areas.
Differences in Expert and Extreme Terrain
Expert terrain is also almost completely different out West in the West in terms of features and challenges. Typically, the hardest resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec use the double-black terrain rating to denote obstacles such as rocks, tree stumps, and perennial ice or thin cover. At smaller Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, or East Coast resorts, a double-black terrain rating may only reflect that the run is the steepest at the mountain, but still be relatively tame in the grand scheme of things. In comparison, terrain out West denoted as expert typically offers better conditions than some of these Eastern regions, but on the whole, involves much more technical terrain. At the hardest Rockies and West Coast resorts, double-black and extreme terrain may require mandatory air, straightlining, or even no-fall zones. Massive cliff faces are common expert territory in the western part of North America—this would almost never be the case on the East Coast. These circumstances make a ski trip out West home to some of the most dangerous in-bounds skiing and riding in the world. In fact, in some cases, you can’t even access the hardest runs without signing a liability waiver and bringing avalanche gear.
Cliff-riddled expert terrain, such as this terrain at Jackson Hole, is one draw for expert skiers or riders heading out West.
Hike-To Terrain
One other big surprise to a ski trip out West—at most resorts, a handful of terrain areas are not directly served by lifts and require some hiking to reach. This circumstance is exceptionally rare at more regional mountains back East. These areas are often home to advanced or expert terrain, and they usually see a fraction of the traffic of other resort areas. In many cases, areas like these are too technically challenging to build a lift to, although in some cases, resorts will purposefully leave an area as hike-to only to keep traffic down, preserve conditions, or keep guests away from extremely technical terrain who have no business doing it.
High Altitude
But even if you think you’re up for the challenges of the most daunting slopes out West, you won’t want to even touch this type of terrain before considering the immediate and significant change in altitude. Many seasoned skiers still often feel the effects of elevation that these massive mountains have to offer, even if they’ve been to the region multiple times. Many resorts in the Rockies, including most of the popular destinations in Colorado and several in Utah, Wyoming, and Montana, sit at altitudes well above 10,000 feet, which tend to be much higher than many other ski areas located around the world. The thinner air means there’s less oxygen available, which can lead to quicker fatigue, shortness of breath, and even altitude sickness if you are not careful.
Ski Towns Out West
But once you’re adjusted to the altitude, one of the most exciting aspects of western skiing is the size and vibrancy of the towns surrounding the ski resorts themselves. Places such as Aspen, Park City, and Jackson Hole aren’t just ski destinations—they’re bustling towns with their own culture, nightlife, and an abundance of dining, shopping, and non-ski related activities. Even if a resort doesn’t have a true town, it might still have a sprawling base village with plenty to do for your entire trip. This is extremely rare in Eastern and Mid-Atlantic parts of the country, where the best “towns” are really just access roads or glorified base villages. Many visitors will be shocked to find that these towns themselves often draw just as much attention as the ski areas.
Resort towns, such as Jackson in Wyoming, provide unique night life opportunities.
While the allure of the town is strong, balancing your time between skiing and exploring the local culture can be tricky. One key tip is to spend a good amount of time once you are off the slopes to unwind and enjoy the après-ski scene. Many of these towns offer events once the lifts are closed, or even just a fun atmosphere to enjoy while sitting at a bar or restaurant. It is also common for night-time events to take place, so ask some locals where the best spots to hang out at night are! One thing you might notice while hanging out at a bar at elevation is that your alcohol tolerance may seem significantly lower, so be sure to hydrate and not over-drink.
On-Site Lodging
Choosing where to stay can have a big impact on your trip. Staying in the heart of the town offers easy access to nightlife and restaurants, making it a great option if you want to immerse yourself in the ski town vibe. However, prices may be surprising to you if you are at a destination resort. Even when booking far out in advance, you may be shocked to find that rooms per night are commonly over $400 dollars. If you really want to treat yourself, slopeside lodges that offer ski-in ski-out accommodations provide instant access to the lifts, however they come at a hefty price. Finally, many Airbnb options are available at a cheaper expense, due to so many people having vacation homes. So, it is definitely common to find a house or condo to split with a group of friends at a great rate.
Snowy access roads, such as US-2 at Stevens Pass, can make driving stressful for those not used to squalls. Almost every ski area in the west will require some amount of driving to access them.
Getting There
But while the ski towns out West are generally a lot more impressive than those of more regional destinations, many first-time visitors will be shocked to find that Denver and Salt Lake City are not actual ski towns. In fact, especially when it comes to Colorado, landing at the airport is not the end of your journey, and getting to the final ski destination can take a couple hours, and that’s assuming conditions are good. The easiest thing to do is often to take a shuttle service from the airport, but this can be expensive and makes it tough to do a midway pit stop to adjust to the altitude. If proximity to the airport is important to you, certain destinations in Utah and Wyoming will probably be the best choices.
Driving Risks
Many visitors to an out West ski resort will decide to rent a car for maximum flexibility. However, there are some major caveats to doing this. While getting to the major resorts involves seemingly-inoffensive highway driving when conditions are good, snow squalls—or intense, short bursts of heavy snowfall, often accompanied by strong winds—can severely limit visibility and create whiteout conditions, making driving very hazardous. In addition, substantial snow events over the course of longer periods of time can make prompt clearing of highways—including major interstates—near impossible. These circumstances can be especially shocking to a first time vacationer given how much bigger in magnitude these events typically are than in the East. During snow squalls or other storm events, motor vehicles are required to either have 4WD or AWD, appropriate snow tires, or chains. Normal rental car companies do not provide chains or snow tires for their cars, so getting a car with 4WD is essential for your trip. Not only do you risk inadequate traction if a snow squall hits, but you also risk an extremely hefty fine, with some dominions charging nearly $1,000 if you violate this rule. If the extra safety of 4WD doesn’t convince you to pay the premium for an appropriately-equipped rental car, the prospect of paying such a high fine certainly should.
Lift lines, such as this one at Whistler, are common at many of the largest ski areas out West, but if you know the ski area you can find places to avoid the crowds.
Crowd Flow
Okay, so traffic can be a thing on the roads for your ski trip out West. But even though they’re generally larger, more remote, and often home to more lift infrastructure, the resorts out West themselves often attract significant crowds during peak times. Several popular mountains can involve waits of half an hour or more on busy weekends and holidays, which isn’t too far off from the waits you’ll find at many popular regional spots. In fact, many locals won’t even debate skiing on a holiday or peak weekend. The slopes often fill up around mid-morning, with the busiest times being between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Unless it’s a powder day (if you don’t know what a powder day is, we’ll cover that later), the best way to beat the crowds is to head out early and catch the first chair! Not only will you be one of the first people on top of the mountain, but you can get access to untouched snow, quieter runs, and lap mid mountain lifts. Similarly, skiing in the late afternoon, when many people call it a day and head off to après, is a way to catch a few laps without long lines.
Even at large, popular resorts, there are quieter areas that tend to be overlooked by most skiers. These so-called “hidden” terrain zones are often less accessible or desirable (boot packs, long traverses, slow lifts, etc), but often offer a peaceful retreat from the crowds and even fantastic snow. For example, runs at the far edges of a resort, difficult-to-reach terrain areas, or tucked away glades, can be perfect spots to get away from the crowds. If you’re used to skiing at smaller resorts, this circumstance can be a game-changer, as navigating a larger resort with knowledge of its hidden gems can help lead to a better experience without getting bottlenecked in crowded areas.
While snow falls hard on storm days, sunny days are common between storm cycles, especially at Tahoe resorts like Sugar Bowl.
Weather and Conditions Reliability
Whether you are from the West Coast or not, nearly every winter sports enthusiast knows that weather can make or break a trip. The issue of reliability always causes some unease when booking a trip, especially when in the East, Midwest, or certain other non-destination regions, a bad day can mean plainly unenjoyable conditions or half the mountain being closed. But in general, you will nearly always get enjoyably skiable conditions out West during the core winter season.
In addition, temperature conditions in certain areas out West, especially when it comes to places like Colorado, Utah, and California’s Sierras, tend to be quite a bit milder than more regional destinations in the Northeast and Midwest. When it’s not snowing, temperatures near or even above freezing are not just occasional, but actually the norm. The lower humidity of the Rockies also means that when it is cold, the air draws less heat from your body, making lower temperatures feel more comfortable than some might expect when it’s not windy. And finally, many resorts out West offer surprisingly sunny conditions when it’s not snowing, unlike the perennially overcast conditions many people who have never flown to the Rockies or Sierras have become accustomed to. This makes sunscreen essential for skiing or riding out West, even when temperatures are below freezing.
However, just because the temperature out West is generally milder doesn’t mean you can let your guard down on the slopes. Due to the elevation and unique geography of the Rockies, the weather can also be more fickle than your typical regional mountain. The higher in elevation you go, the more exposed you are to sudden changes in wind and temperature. You might start your day under clear skies, only to find yourself skiing through heavy snowfall or dense fog by afternoon. This circumstance can make a run feel completely different from one hour to the next. Always make sure to check the weather periodically throughout the day, even if it looks clear in the morning.
Temperature changes by elevation can make for some incredibly variable weather, such as thick fog in one mountain area but clear skies in another.
Dressing and Packing for the Slopes
To be ready and prepared for these unpredictable weather shifts, layering is key. Wear moisture wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof outer shell that can handle snow and wind. Although a lot of people don't like to ski with a backpack, carrying extra gear can make your day on the mountain a lot more comfortable. Carrying extra gear, like a face mask and goggles with interchangeable lenses can help with variable conditions. Not to mention, carrying extra hydration or a snack or two can help you skip out on exorbitant lodging food so you can spend the entire day on the slopes.
And the extra preparation may well be worth it, because the aspect that draws winter sports enthusiasts from all around the world to the West is the light, dry snow that you can find at very few places around the globe. Snow totals in general in the Rockies are extremely high compared to other popular destinations across not just North America, but the entire world. Not only are the totals fantastic, but the quality of snow is what most skiers dream of. If you haven't had the chance to experience “blower powder”, it is a bucket list item for any skier or rider. This type of condition creates a sense of floating in the snow that’s almost surreal, allowing for a much more forgiving style of skiing or riding than any typical regional mountain would ever provide for. Many skiers live for a good “pow day,” where soft landings make it easier to be bold and try more daring lines without worrying about hard falls. This all being said, even if you don’t hit a true powder day on your trip out West, there’s usually high-quality snow throughout the core winter season, so you’ll still in all likelihood enjoy an incredible experience. Not hitting perfect conditions on your first trip just provides a good excuse to come back again a second time!
While skiing out west is certainly a bucket list item, costs can add up with tickets costing as much as $300 at areas like Vail, Beaver Creek, and Deer Valley.
Price
So skiing or riding out West might sound pretty amazing at this point, but if you want to make a trip out here work, you probably want to start saving up. That’s because even besides the plane tickets that inevitably add quite a bit to the cost of the vacation—and the cost of certain desirable lodging options we mentioned earlier—resorts out West have a significant premium over those in the East in terms of their price. If you think East Coast lift ticket prices have gotten bad in recent years, just wait until you check the 1-day tickets out West, where it’s tragically common for mountains to now charge over $200 for just a single day of access. Some resorts in Colorado and Utah have even crossed the $300 mark during peak times. Epic, Ikon, and Mountain Collective Pass products can help you save quite a bit of money over the exorbitantly-priced regular-season lift tickets, but they’re off sale in early December.
Local Alternatives to Destinations
But is an exorbitantly expensive ticket absolutely required for your trip out West? Fortunately, there are some cheaper ski areas that still charge much more reasonable rates. More locally-oriented mountains such as Loveland, Monarch, or Bridger Bowl are no substitute for the destinations; you are getting a smaller skiable footprint and giving up some amenities such as high-speed lifts, fancy lodges, and, in many cases, on-site accommodations. However, you’re still getting the same world-class snow and in many cases, distinctive terrain, the region is known for. Many of these more locally-oriented mountains are also accessible through the Indy Pass product.
While skiing out west may have some downsides, the views, snow, terrain, and ski towns put these trips at the top of many skiers and riders list!
Final Thoughts
So a destination ski vacation out West isn’t cheap, but it’s really in a league of its own, especially compared to the smaller resorts in the Midwest and East Coast. Not only do the mountains here offer varied terrain, high-altitude challenges, and a vibrant ski town atmosphere, but they also offer the quality of skiing and riding that people fly from all over the world to experience. Whether you're navigating wide-open bowls, dropping down narrow chutes, or just vibing in town, there’s something out here for every kind of winter sports enthusiast—and if you’ve never been before, get ready to have your horizons expanded.
If you're thinking of heading out West for the first time or you’re a regular looking to find new spots, check out PeakRankings on YouTube. We break down nearly every resort with insights on terrain, snow quality, lodging, and everything else you’ll need to plan your next big adventure on the slopes!
