Best
Peaks Overall
The rank-order of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.
#1 in the Northern Rockies
Jackson HoleTeton Village, WY
Teton Village, WY
MOUNTAIN SCORE
80
- Extremely demanding terrain
- Snow quality
- Crowd flow on non-tram lifts
- Breathtaking scenery
- Lack of beginner and low intermediate terrain
This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation. Beginners need not apply.
#2 in the Northern Rockies
Big SkyBig Sky, MT
Big Sky, MT
MOUNTAIN SCORE
73
- Snow quality
- Size
- Diverse terrain for all ability levels
- Extremely demanding expert runs
- Breathtaking scenery in upper mountain areas
- Ease of navigation
- Slow or issue-prone lifts in some areas
- Crowd flow under stress-case conditions
- Inconvenient or impractical on-mountain facilities
- Limited or difficult extreme terrain access
- Tram access an extra-cost add-on
This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a number of logistical problems persist.
#3 in the Northern Rockies
Sun ValleyKetchum, ID
Ketchum, ID
MOUNTAIN SCORE
72
- World-class family-oriented terrain
- Stunning upper-mountain bowls
- Top-of-the-line facilities
- Lower crowds than other Rockies resorts
- Charming slopeside town
- Less reliable snowfall and conditions than other Rockies resorts
- Very little consistently open expert terrain
- No lodging directly on-site
This Idaho mountain offers a world-class terrain experience for families, but snow and conditions are not as consistent as at other Rockies resorts. Despite a recent terrain expansion, the mountain still isn’t ideal for experts.
#4 in the Northern Rockies
Grand TargheeAlta, WY
Alta, WY
MOUNTAIN SCORE
71
- Excellent snow quality
- Incredible glade terrain
- Consistent conditions
- Limited crowds
- Local feel
- Modest footprint and vertical drop
- Perennially foggy conditions
- Limited expert terrain
This Wyoming resort isn’t the largest or craziest out there, but it offers incredible snow and a distinctive, remote vibe.
#5 in the Northern Rockies
WhitefishWhitefish, MT
Whitefish, MT
MOUNTAIN SCORE
70
- Distinctive glade terrain
- Reasonable crowds
- Lively nearby town
- Available night skiing
- Value
- Perennial low-visibility conditions
- Modest vertical compared to other destinations
- Flat terrain in certain areas
- Occasional extreme cold spells
This northern Montana resort isn’t the biggest out there, but as far as independent ski resorts go, it’s hard to beat.
#6 in the Northern Rockies
SchweitzerSandpoint, ID
Sandpoint, ID
MOUNTAIN SCORE
69
- Standout off-piste near-treeline terrain
- Limited lift lines
- Local feel
- Value
- Frequent low-visibility conditions
- Occasional rain spells
- Extremely limited beginner terrain
- Convoluted backside lift setup
Despite its remote location and modest size, this Idaho panhandle resort offers a few solid advantages for destination-goers, especially during peak times.
#7 in the Northern Rockies
Snow KingJackson, WY
Jackson, WY
MOUNTAIN SCORE
60
- Formidable tree and mogul terrain
- Local feel
- Spectacular town views
- Low lift ticket prices
- Small footprint
- Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
- Inconsistent snow conditions on back side
This small, local Wyoming resort offers cheap lift tickets and demanding slopes—and has seen significant revitalization for the 2021-22 season. But a number of shortcomings still make the mountain less than ideal for beginner and intermediate visitors.
#8 in the Northern Rockies
Sun Valley - Dollar MountainSun Valley, ID
Sun Valley, ID
MOUNTAIN SCORE
53
- Beginner-oriented experience
- Competitive terrain parks
- High-speed lift service in most areas
- Unconventional treeless topography
- Lack of crowds
- Small footprint
- Very short vertical drop
- Extremely variable openings for advanced trails and Elkhorn zone
Sun Valley’s beginner zone is way too small and variable to warrant a trip to on its own. But for those in town already, its unconventional footprint may be worth stopping by.