Best

Peaks Overall

The rank-order of Rockies ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.

#1 in the Rockies

Alta, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-tier snow quality and accumulation
Breathtaking mountain aesthetic
Terrain diversity
Local feel

    –   Cons

Lack of reasonably-priced lodging
Ban on snowboarders

This Utah resort prohibits snowboarding and offers limited slopeside lodging, but it receives some of the best, most consistent snow anywhere in North America.

See our review →

#2 in the Rockies

Teton Village, WY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Extremely demanding terrain
Snow quality
Crowd flow on non-tram lifts
Breathtaking scenery

    –   Cons

Lack of beginner and low intermediate terrain

This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation. Beginners need not apply.

See our review →

#3 in the Rockies

Snowbird, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-tier snow quality and accumulation
Diverse terrain, including extremely demanding expert runs
Innovative mountain logistics

    –   Cons

Limited beginner and low intermediate terrain
Limited on-site lodging

It’s hard to beat this Utah resort’s top-tier snow quality, innovative mountain logistics, and expert terrain.

See our review →

#4 in the Rockies

Banff, AB

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow preservation
Top-tier views
Diverse terrain for all abilities
Extraordinarily long season
One-of-a-kind upper-mountain village
Value

    –   Cons

Occasional extreme cold spells
Long morning lines at base gondola
Terribly designed trail map

This absolutely striking resort has consistent snow and terrain for everyone, although frigid spells are common during the core season.

See our review →

#5 in the Rockies

Vail, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Size
Lift infrastructure
Terrain diversity
One-of-a-kind Back Bowl and Blue Sky Basin aesthetics

    –   Cons

Lack of truly extreme terrain
Ease of navigation

With expansive, diverse terrain and modern lifts, this top-of-the-line resort competes well with the best in the country.

See our review →

#6 in the Rockies

Snowmass Village, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Striking, expansive footprint
Diverse terrain for all abilities
Considerable lift-serviced vertical drop
Widespread on-mountain facilities
High-speed lifts in most areas

    –   Cons

Lift logistics at the main base
Most demanding expert lines hard to find

The largest resort in the Aspen conglomerate is one of the best in Colorado, delivering a well-rounded experience worthy of the asking price.

See our review →

#7 in the Rockies

Huntsville, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse terrain
Top-of-the-line facilities
Striking topography
Local feel
Clear resort signage

    –   Cons

No on-site lodging
Long, slow lifts in some areas
Lack of lift redundancies in Strawberry zone

Despite a lack of on-site lodging, this Utah resort stays competitive thanks to diverse hills, striking peaks, and top-of-the-line facilities.

See our review →

#8 in the Rockies

Beaver Creek, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse beginner and intermediate terrain
Long, demanding advanced terrain, including a range of both groomed and ungroomed runs
Thoroughly modern lift infrastructure

    –   Cons

Price
Lack of above-treeline terrain
Flagrantly moneyed atmosphere in some areas

Despite its family-centric reputation and lack of above-treeline terrain, Beaver Creek delivers an experience that visitors of all ability levels will enjoy. Just don’t expect anything to be cheap.

See our review →

#9 in the Rockies

Telluride, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse terrain for all ability levels
Striking resort scenery
Relatively low crowds
Unique variety of lodging options

    –   Cons

Lower average snowfall than some other Colorado resorts
Variable openings and long hikes required for some extreme terrain
Slow lifts in some areas

Despite its modest size and reputation for extreme terrain, this beautiful, remote resort delivers an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone.

See our review →

#10 in the Rockies

Lake Louise, AB

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic
Extraordinarily long season
Incredible advanced, expert, and freestyle terrain
Crowd management
Value

    –   Cons

Occasional extreme cold spells
Poorly-placed upper-mountain facilities
Slow lifts in some mountain zones
Arduous traverses in many areas

While it sees the occasional extreme cold spell, this Banff resort’s jaw-dropping vistas and varied terrain distinguish it from competitors.

See our review →

#11 in the Rockies

Revelstoke, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Unparalleled vertical drop
High-elevation snow quality
World-class advanced and expert terrain
Astounding views in upper-mountain areas
Value

    –   Cons

Underbuilt lift network
Half-baked beginner and intermediate experience
Variable conditions in lower-mountain areas
Perennial fog
Nearby lodging in short supply
Much more difficult to reach than other destinations

This one-of-a-kind Canadian Rockies resort should be on every expert’s bucket list, but it feels like it hasn’t been developed to its full potential.

See our review →

#12 in the Rockies

Dillon, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow quality
Extremely demanding expert terrain
Lower crowds than other Colorado resorts
Season regularly extends into June

    –   Cons

Slow, wind-exposed lifts
Hiking required for some trails
No on-site lodging
Altitude that can be overwhelming for some

While slow lifts and a lack of on-site lodging may turn some people away, this local favorite offers some of the most extreme terrain in Colorado.

See our review →

#13 in the Rockies

Copper, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Excellent high-alpine terrain experience
Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
Relatively local feel

    –   Cons

Slow, difficult-to-load lifts outside base areas
Altitude that can be overwhelming for some
Lack of lodges in backside areas

This Colorado favorite offers very competitive terrain, but many lifts outside base areas are slow.

See our review →

#14 in the Rockies

Big Sky, MT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow quality
Size
Diverse terrain for all ability levels
Extremely demanding expert runs
Breathtaking scenery in upper mountain areas

    –   Cons

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.

See our review →

#15 in the Rockies

Aspen, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow quality
Isolated feel
Extensive selection of long, demanding expert terrain
Iconic bowl skiing

    –   Cons

Modest footprint
No beginner runs
Scant single-black terrain
Lack of lower-mountain lift redundancies

While modestly sized, this Aspen resort offers a surprisingly local feel and a diverse, demanding expert footprint.

See our review →

#16 in the Rockies

Winter Park, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow quality
Wide variety of tree terrain
Long, demanding mogul runs
Available intermediate bowl terrain
Expansive footprint

    –   Cons

Lack of easily accessible advanced and expert bowl terrain
Crowd flow in some popular areas

Although it can get crowded, this conveniently located Colorado destination has a lot to offer for a wide variety of visitors.

See our review →

#17 in the Rockies

Breckenridge, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Terrain diversity
Conveniently accessible high-alpine bowls
Well-placed mountain facilities
Top-notch terrain park experience

    –   Cons

Ease of navigation
High wind exposure in some areas
Altitude that can be overwhelming for some

This high-elevation resort offers diverse terrain, including conveniently accessible alpine bowls. However, the altitude and navigation logistics will be overwhelming for some.

See our review →

#18 in the Rockies

Kelowna, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Distinctive tree terrain
Family-friendliness
Diverse beginner and intermediate terrain
Well-designed crowd flow
Convenient ski-in/ski-out village

    –   Cons

Perennially overcast, low-visibility conditions
Facilities hard to access from upper-mountain areas
Inconveniently slow lifts in some areas
Lower quantity of extreme terrain than some competitors
Ease of travel from most U.S. cities

It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.

See our review →

#19 in the Rockies

Ketchum, ID

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

World-class family-oriented terrain
Stunning upper-mountain bowls
Top-of-the-line facilities
Lower crowds than other Rockies resorts
Charming slopeside town

    –   Cons

Less reliable snowfall and conditions than other Rockies resorts
Very little consistently open expert terrain
Inconvenient lift logistics in some areas
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.

See our review →

#20 in the Rockies

Grand Targhee

Alta, WY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Excellent snow quality
Incredible glade terrain
Consistent conditions
Limited crowds
Local feel

    –   Cons

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.

See our review →

#21 in the Rockies

Kicking Horse

Golden, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow quality and preservation
Incredible advanced and expert terrain
World-class mountain aesthetic
Long vertical drop
Value

    –   Cons

Poorly-designed lift network
Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
Modestly-sized lift-serviced footprint
Incredibly long laps required to ski or ride key terrain
Much more difficult to reach than other destinations

This Interior British Columbia resort exemplifies the best natural traits of the Canadian Rockies but won’t be for everyone.

See our review →

#22 in the Rockies

Keystone

Keystone, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Solid mix of groomed, mogul, and tree terrain
Top-tier bowl isolation
Diverse freestyle terrain
Night skiing
Available snowcat experiences

    –   Cons

Lack of direct lift access to more than half the resort, including all bowl terrain
Long travel time to and from furthest mountain areas
Less demanding terrain than some competing mountains

This Colorado resort offers unique, enjoyable slopes and a class-leading terrain park, but none of the resort’s expansive bowl terrain is directly lift accessible.

See our review →

#23 in the Rockies

Whitefish

Whitefish, MT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Distinctive glade terrain
Reasonable crowds
Lively nearby town
Available night skiing
Value

    –   Cons

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.

See our review →

#24 in the Rockies

Crested Butte

Crested Butte, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Extremely demanding expert terrain
Iconic topography
Isolated feel
Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
Reasonable ticket prices

    –   Cons

Modest, ordinary footprint for beginner-to-advanced visitors
Lower snow totals than other Colorado resorts
Hiking required for some expert trails
Altitude that may be overwhelming for some

This striking Colorado resort is an expert’s paradise but falls short in terrain quantity for other demographics.

See our review →

#25 in the Rockies

Park City

Park City, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Enormous footprint
Terrain diversity
World-class freestyle experience

    –   Cons

Severely frustrating navigation logistics
Outdated lifts in some areas
Lack of truly extreme terrain

This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.

See our review →

#26 in the Rockies

Panorama

Panorama, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Incredible vertical drop
Stunning surroundings
Strong lift-served snow preservation
Available backcountry-like snowcat experience

    –   Cons

Lower snowfall than other mountains
Narrow footprint
Small on-mountain facilities
Difficult to lap certain areas

This remote Canadian resort brings impressive vertical and a ton of character, but it may not offer quite as well-rounded of an overall mountain experience as some competitors.

See our review →

#27 in the Rockies

Deer Valley

Park City, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Outstanding guest services
Top-tier mountain facilities and infrastructure
Crowd-mitigating cap on ticket sales

    –   Cons

Built-up, artificial mountain aesthetic
Less diverse terrain than other Utah resorts, especially for experts
Inconvenient navigation experience
Ban on snowboarders

While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.

See our review →

#28 in the Rockies

Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Massive footprint
Impeccable grooming
Convenient ski-in/ski-out base village
Modest crowds
Ticket value

    –   Cons

Relatively ordinary footprint for the size
Limited out-of-base facilities
Grueling 21-minute ride time up Burfield Quad
Difficult to get between Mt. Tod and Mt. Morrisey sides
Ease of out-of-province travel

This massive Interior British Columbia resort offers impeccable grooming and a family-friendly footprint but falls short in particularly distinctive terrain.

See our review →

#29 in the Rockies

Schweitzer

Sandpoint, ID

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Standout off-piste near-treeline terrain
Limited lift lines
Local feel
Value

    –   Cons

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.

See our review →

#30 in the Rockies

Powder Mountain

Eden, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Incredible snow preservation
No crowds, even on powder days
Substantial footprint
Available snowcat and bus-serviced skiing
Unique upside-down layout

    –   Cons

Majority of terrain not serviced by lifts
Slow, fixed-grip chairs in lift-serviced areas
Less expert terrain than competitors
No snowmaking
Long journey to facilities from remote resort areas

This Utah resort’s upside-down layout, minimal lift infrastructure, and significant capacity restrictions result in one of the most unusual destination experiences out there.

See our review →

#31 in the Rockies

Solitude

Solitude, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Excellent snow quality
Stunning upper-mountain footprint
Unique terrain options for experienced visitors
Extremely demanding expert lines

    –   Cons

Small footprint compared to destination resorts
Lackluster beginner and intermediate options
Limited on-site lodging
Less-than-ideal lift logistics

The modestly-sized Utah mountain packs a demanding footprint and excellent snow, but true beginner and intermediate terrain offerings are limited.

See our review →

#32 in the Rockies

Brighton

Brighton, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

￼



    +   Pros

Excellent snow quality
High-speed lifts
Distinctive tree terrain for all abilities
Free tickets for children under 10
Access to lift-serviced backcountry
Available night skiing

    –   Cons

Ease of navigation between mountain areas
Lift logistics that result in major chokepoints
Modest footprint and vertical drop

While it isn’t the biggest and can be annoying to get around, this Utah mountain offers exceptional Cottonwoods snow for a bargain—especially for families.

See our review →

#33 in the Rockies

Steamboat

Steamboat Springs, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Distinctive glade terrain
Snow quality
Lively local town

    –   Cons

Frustrating lift logistics, especially to and from the base
Underwhelming bowl terrain
Difficult-to-reach expert terrain

Unintuitive lift logistics and underwhelming bowl terrain hurt an otherwise enjoyable Colorado resort.

See our review →

#34 in the Rockies

Wolf Creek

Pagosa Springs, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-tier snow quality
Excellent glade terrain
Unparalleled early season
Lack of crowds

    –   Cons

Meager vertical drop
No on-site lodging
Limited or impractical beginner terrain

This local ski area offers the highest average snow totals in Colorado, although its vertical drop is short compared to the destinations.

See our review →

#35 in the Rockies

Red Mountain

Rossland, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Sizable footprint
Extremely demanding off-piste terrain
Lack of crowds
Local feel

    –   Cons

Slow lifts in every resort area
Lower snowfall totals than some competitors
Limited beginner and low intermediate terrain

While it lacks creature comforts that typical travelers might expect from a destination ski resort, this Western Canada resort offers a raw, authentic big mountain experience.

See our review →

#36 in the Rockies

Taos

Taos Ski Valley, NM

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Superb snow quality
Extremely demanding expert terrain
Striking, distinctive footprint
Intuitive layout

    –   Cons

Modest footprint
Variable conditions throughout the core season
Limited beginner and intermediate terrain
Slow lifts in many areas
Summit lift rarely open

This New Mexico resort is no substitute for the larger destinations, but it brings a distinct vibe that adventurous travelers will appreciate.

See our review →

#37 in the Rockies

Aspen Mountain

Aspen, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Stunning town views
Enjoyable intermediate cruisers
Demanding advanced and expert terrain
Long vertical drop for the size

    –   Cons

Poorly designed lift system, especially for lower-mountain areas
Modest footprint
No beginner or above-treeline terrain
Lack of lodges on Shadow Mountain side

The oldest Aspen ski area offers incredible views of town on a relatively compact footprint, but the resort could use logistical enhancements in lower-mountain areas.

See our review →

#38 in the Rockies

Fernie

Fernie, BC

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Incredible snow quality on good days
Distinctive high-alpine bowl terrain
Striking, remote footprint
Non-existent lift lines outside holidays

    –   Cons

Variable conditions, especially in March
Lackluster lift network
Outdated facilities
Resort summit almost never open

It’s hard not to love this remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.

See our review →

#39 in the Rockies

Loveland

Dillon, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Easy access from Denver
Heavy annual snowfall
Wide variety of bowl skiing
Price

    –   Cons

Inconsistent conditions due to wind exposure
Slow lifts with no safety bars in many areas
No on-site lodging

This local Colorado ski area doesn’t deliver the same well-rounded experience as destination resorts, but it’s hard to beat the quality for the price on a powder day.

See our review →

#40 in the Rockies

Purgatory

Durango, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Striking, remote location
Family-friendly terrain
Limited crowds
Cozy base village
Free tickets for kids 12 and under

    –   Cons

Modest footprint
Lower snowfall than some other Colorado resorts
Some terrain zones difficult to find or reach
Poorly placed backside lodge

This San Juan resort’s local feel, stunning vistas, and decent variety of terrain make it a strong regional choice for those in the southwest.

See our review →

#41 in the Rockies

Sundance

Sundance, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Stunning views
Low crowds
Upscale, rustic ethos
Available night skiing

    –   Cons

Small skiable acreage
Lack of long runs
Limited parking
Value

This modestly-sized Utah mountain boasts a striking, rustic feel, but most other competitors offer better overall values.

See our review →

#42 in the Rockies

Brian Head

Brian Head, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Stunning red rock topography
Among the most affordable of Utah resorts
Great for advanced-intermediate skiers
Family-friendly terrain and areas
Available night skiing

    –   Cons

Out of the way for a ski-only trip
Short vertical drop
Later daily opening time than most resorts
Crowd flow issues during peak times
Base elevation can be overwhelming for some

This under-the-radar southern Utah destination offers striking terrain at an affordable price.

See our review →

#43 in the Rockies

Snow King

Jackson, WY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Formidable tree and mogul terrain
Local feel
Spectacular town views
Low lift ticket prices

    –   Cons

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.

See our review →

#44 in the Rockies

Mount Norquay

Banff, AB

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Local feel
Incredible views
Lack of crowds
Sheltered footprint

    –   Cons

Small footprint
Lack of extreme and high-alpine terrain
Limited intermediate terrain
Less consistent late season than other nearby resorts

Banff’s town hill is way too small to be a destination in its own right, but it offers a local vibe and empty slopes.

See our review →

#45 in the Rockies

Buttermilk

Aspen, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-tier terrain park experience
High-speed lifts
Family-friendly atmosphere
Colorado snow

    –   Cons

Similar-feeling terrain with very little in the way of challenge
No lift redundancies
Best large terrain park features closed to public for large portions of the season
Value

Aspen’s beginner-centric mountain offers a good learning environment and excellent terrain parks, but the area is otherwise uncompetitive and overpriced.

See our review →

#46 in the Rockies

Eldora

Nederland, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Convenient location
Good snow preservation
Strong terrain park offerings

    –   Cons

Lower snowfall than competing mountains
Small footprint and vertical drop
Lackluster beginner terrain
No on-site lodging
Extremely limited parking

This small Colorado resort is seriously outclassed by destination competitors, but its convenient location makes it a decent day trip option.

See our review →

#47 in the Rockies

Monarch

Salida, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Local feel
Distinctive glades
Continental Divide views
Unique, hike-to Mirkwood expert zone

    –   Cons

Small footprint with diminutive vertical drop
Outdated, low-capacity lift infrastructure
No on-site lodging
No directly-lift-accessed expert terrain
Crowds on Saturdays

This Colorado ski area is way too small and underbuilt to be a destination mountain, but several facets make it a strong regional choice.

See our review →

#48 in the Rockies

Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain

Sun Valley, ID

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Beginner-oriented experience
Competitive terrain parks
High-speed lift service in most areas
Unconventional treeless topography
Lack of crowds

    –   Cons

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.

See our review →

#49 in the Rockies

Ski Cooper

Leadville, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Snow quality
Lack of crowds
Great views of multiple 14ers, and near a great mountain town
Some of the best beginner terrain in the state

    –   Cons

No high-speed lifts
Short vertical drop
Lack of expert terrain
Some frustrating navigation logistics
Altitude that can be overwhelming for some

While most folks won’t want to plan a weeklong vacation here, this modestly-sized hill stands out from the destinations with an easy-to-handle footprint and lack of crowds.

See our review →