Best

Peaks Overall

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

#1 in the United States

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 United States

Teton Village, WY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

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

    –   Cons

Limited 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 United States

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 United States

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 →

#5 in the United States

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 →

#6 in the United States

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 →

#7 in the United States

Huntsville, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-of-the-line facilities
Striking topography
Diverse intermediate and advanced terrain
Crowd flow

    –   Cons

No on-site lodging
Long, slow lifts in some areas
Less extreme terrain than some competitors

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 United States

Beaver Creek, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse below and near-treeline terrain
Exceptional longevity of certain expert runs
Modern lift infrastructure
Thoughtfully-designed on-mountain facilities

    –   Cons

Price
Lack of true 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 United States

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 →

#10 in the United States

Dillon, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

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

    –   Cons

Hiking required for some trails
No on-site lodging
Slow lifts in some areas
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 →

#11 in the United States

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 →

#12 in the United States

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 →

#13 in the United States

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 →

#14 in the United States

Keystone, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Solid mix of groomed, mogul, and tree terrain
High-alpine bowl terrain for all ability levels
Uniquely-designed footprint
Night skiing

    –   Cons

Long travel time to and from furthest mountain areas
Smaller lift-served footprint than many competitors
Very limited true expert features

This Colorado resort offers unique, enjoyable slopes and finally boasts lift-serviced high-alpine bowls, but it still falls somewhat short in its lift-served footprint size and expert terrain.

See our review →

#15 in the United States

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 →

#16 in the United States

Mammoth Lakes, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Substantial footprint
Diverse variety of terrain
World-class terrain park setup
Breathtaking rock-lined landscapes
Phenomenal spring-skiing experience

    –   Cons

Variable weather patterns resulting in inconsistent conditions
Poorly-designed on-mountain signage
Lift chokepoints at some junctions

This massive resort offers a highly competitive experience only hours from Southern California, although variable weather patterns may not make it the best place to fly to.

See our review →

#17 in the United States

Olympic Valley, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Wide variety of demanding expert terrain
Unique topography
Lively base village
Top-notch spring skiing experience
Large overall footprint

    –   Cons

Wind exposure, especially on beginner and low-intermediate terrain
Serious congestion issues in some areas
Variable openings for lower-elevation expert terrain
Impractical lift link between Palisades and Alpine sides
Considerable access road traffic on weekends and holidays

Two of Tahoe’s best ski areas have now been linked as one continuous lift-served destination, but the resort still functions as two separate mountains in many ways.

See our review →

#18 in the United States

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
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 →

#19 in the United States

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 →

#20 in the United States

Steamboat

Steamboat Springs, CO

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Distinctive glade terrain
Snow quality
Sizable footprint
Lively local town

    –   Cons

Less striking footprint than some competitors
Underwhelming bowl terrain
Ease of access to expert terrain

While it’s not the most striking ski resort in the world, standout tree terrain and significant recent lift and terrain improvements help this northern Colorado resort hold its own against the other destinations.

See our review →

#21 in the United States

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 →

#22 in the United States

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 →

#23 in the United States

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. Reasonable ticket prices counterbalance limited terrain offerings for other demographics.

See our review →

#24 in the United States

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 →

#25 in the United States

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 →

#26 in the United States

Mount Bachelor

Bend, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

One-of-a-kind 360-degree footprint
Substantial acreage
High-speed lift service across all areas
Distinctive freestyle experience
Easy to get between front-facing mountain areas
Proximity to town of Bend

    –   Cons

Extremely inconsistent openings for upper mountain, backside, and expert terrain
No on-site lodging
Variable conditions across different mountain areas
Arduous hikes or runouts from backside terrain
So-so facilities
Annual snow totals have decreased considerably in recent years

Inconsistent openings for its most unique terrain seriously hurt this massive Oregon resort’s practicality as a destination ski area.

See our review →

#27 in the United States

Heavenly

South Lake Tahoe, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic
Diverse terrain, including an abundance of glades and intermediate groomers
Ample mountain facilities
Size

    –   Cons

Frustrating navigation logistics
Long, painfully slow lifts in some areas
Lackluster beginner terrain
Difficult egress from some expert terrain

This Lake Tahoe area offers some of the most beautiful slopes we’ve seen anywhere. A few logistical problems diminish the resort’s size advantage.

See our review →

#28 in the United States

Kirkwood

Kirkwood, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

One-of-a-kind extreme terrain
Local feel
Breathtaking mountain aesthetic
Low crowds
Snow quality for Lake Tahoe

    –   Cons

Slow lifts in most areas
Serious wind exposure that leads to regular wind holds
Many resort areas inaccessible for beginners and intermediates
Limited on-mountain facilities
Subpar resort signage

This relatively undeveloped mountain isn’t for everyone, but its striking aesthetic, local feel, and extreme terrain are tough to match.

See our review →

#29 in the United States

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 in 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 →

#30 in the United States

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
Extremely limited 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 United States

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 United States

Brighton

Brighton, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Excellent snow quality
High-speed lifts
Distinctive tree terrain for all abilities
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 United States

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 →

#34 in the United States

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 →

#35 in the United States

Crystal

Crystal Mountain, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Remarkable annual snowfall
Wide variety of demanding expert terrain
Available on-site lodging
Sizable footprint for Washington state
Striking surrounding scenery

    –   Cons

Wet, inconsistent snow
Poorly designed crowd flow logistics
Low-visibility conditions throughout winter months
Hiking required to reach several expert areas
Limited or impractical on-mountain facilities in some areas

Despite some notable lift capacity shortcomings, this decently-sized resort offers one of the most well-rounded experiences in Washington state.

See our review →

#36 in the United States

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Twin Bridges, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse bowl and tree terrain
Excellent freestyle experience
Local feel

    –   Cons

No on-site lodging
Expert terrain is unpatrolled and subject to particularly variable openings

While it can’t boast the same crazy lake views, striking terrain, or expansive base village as some other Tahoe areas, this moderately-sized resort offers reasonable prices and a local feel.

See our review →

#37 in the United States

Mount Baker

Deming, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-tier snowfall
Remote, local feel
Extraordinary surrounding scenery
Truly demanding in-bounds terrain
Easy sidecountry access

    –   Cons

Very limited groomed terrain
No lodging within 30 miles of the area
Heavier powder than some other resorts
Somewhat variable early-season conditions
Terrain, lifts, and base facilities partially closed on weekdays
Overcast skies most days

While it doesn’t even try to offer a true resort experience, this remote Washington area receives truly astounding snowfall totals each season and offers some of the most extreme terrain in the state.

See our review →

#38 in the United States

Northstar

Truckee, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Excellent grooming operations
Easily skiable woods
High-speed lifts
Unique terrain park experience

    –   Cons

Merely ordinary terrain diversity
No expert or above-treeline slopes
Variable glade terrain openings
Commercialized, moneyed feel

This family-friendly resort offers excellent grooming and a top-tier terrain park, but expert and above-treeline terrain is lacking.

See our review →

#39 in the United States

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 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 United States

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 United States

Bear Valley

Bear Valley, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Varied and surprisingly challenging terrain
Impressive views
Isolated feel with low crowds
Unique and interesting mountain layout

    –   Cons

Dated lift infrastructure and facilities
Poor resiliency in key mountain areas
Large proportion of terrain footprint is not lift-served

This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.

See our review →

#42 in the United States

Sugar Bowl

Norden, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Terrain for all ability levels
Extremely demanding expert footprint
Unique, rock-formed landscapes
Snow quality for Tahoe
Vintage gondola

    –   Cons

Short vertical drop
Modest footprint
Flat runouts in some areas
Some expert terrain almost never open

This California resort can’t match the acreage and vertical drop of competing Tahoe mountains, but it stands out with trails for all ability levels and an extremely demanding expert footprint.

See our review →

#43 in the United States

Mount Rose

Reno, NV

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

High-quality snow
Unique glade terrain
Demanding Chutes expert terrain
Views of Reno

    –   Cons

Horrendous wind exposure, leading to lift shutdowns and scoured slopes
Modest footprint
Limited lake views
Variable openings for Chutes expert area

Despite its high elevation, a number of shortcomings detract from this Nevada mountain’s appeal as a destination resort.

See our review →

#44 in the United States

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 →

#45 in the United States

Mount Hood Meadows

Mt Hood, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Unique high-alpine terrain for all ability levels
High-speed lift service
Progressive freestyle setup
Extremely challenging expert footprint
Striking mountain vistas
Available night skiing

    –   Cons

Windswept, icy conditions at times
Extremely inconsistent openings for high-alpine terrain
Large crowds, especially when high-alpine areas are closed
Extensive hiking required to reach some terrain
Arduous catwalk out of expert Private Reserve area

Mount Hood’s largest ski resort boasts diverse terrain and a reasonably large footprint. High-alpine areas are subject to extremely variable openings.

See our review →

#46 in the United States

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 →

#47 in the United States

Killington

Killington, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Size for Vermont
Terrain diversity
Lift infrastructure
Snowmaking operations

    –   Cons

Lift logistics that lead to large crowds in popular areas
Ease of navigation

Size, snow quality, and terrain diversity make this East Coast mountain incredibly appealing, but navigation could be easier.

See our review →

#48 in the United States

Stowe

Stowe, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Demanding expert terrain
Snow quality for Vermont
Modern lifts in most major areas
Ease of navigation

    –   Cons

Crowd flow
Impractically placed Mansfield base facilities

Despite a few logistical flaws, this classic Vermont resort holds its own against the best on the East Coast.

See our review →

#49 in the United States

49 Degrees North

Chewelah, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Local feel
Low crowds
Lighter snow than Washington resorts further west

    –   Cons

Modest vertical drop
Limited true beginner terrain
Slow lifts in most areas

Despite its dated lift infrastructure and rural setting, this Northeast Washington resort offers impressive intermediate and advanced terrain at a reasonable price.

See our review →

#50 in the United States

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 →

#51 in the United States

Stevens Pass

Skykomish, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Generous snow accumulation
Diverse advanced and expert terrain
Competitive terrain park experience
Available night skiing
Local feel

    –   Cons

Perennial foggy, low-visibility conditions
No on-site lodging
Limited parking and inconvenient overflow lots
Short vertical drop
Very little beginner terrain
Limited on-mountain facilities outside base area

Despite limited parking and a short vertical drop, this modestly-sized Washington ski area punches above its weight thanks to generous accumulation and demanding terrain. Clear skies are rare due to perennial fog.

See our review →

#52 in the United States

Jay Peak

Jay, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Top-tier East Coast snow accumulation
Excellent glade terrain
Extraordinary expert chutes
Striking footprint
Fewer crowds than resorts further south

    –   Cons

Frequent wind holds
Lackluster snowmaking and grooming
Extraordinary cold spells throughout the core season
Slow or uncomfortable lift rides aside from tram
Long drive from major metropolitan areas

Vermont’s northernmost resort offers class-leading snow and expert terrain, but resiliency issues hurt it against more convenient competitors.

See our review →

#53 in the United States

China Peak

Lakeshore, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Low crowds
Sunny slopes
Solid intermediate-to-advanced terrain for the size
Easy access from Fresno

    –   Cons

Slow lifts
Limited beginner terrain
Variable snowfall totals
Lift ticket prices

While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.

See our review →

#54 in the United States

Sugarbush

Warren, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse terrain, including demanding expert and backcountry runs
Breathtaking mountain aesthetic
Local feel

    –   Cons

Lack of snowmaking on some trails, especially expert terrain, that leads to inconsistent conditions
Limited beginner terrain
Long distance between the two resort sides

This charming Vermont resort offers diverse, demanding terrain and a local feel. However, the best expert runs aren’t always open.

See our review →

#55 in the United States

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 →

#56 in the United States

Timberline Lodge

Government Camp, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Year-round ski season
World-class terrain parks
Distinctive high-alpine snowfields
Rustic, historic lodge
High-speed lifts
Available night skiing

    –   Cons

Resort never spins 100% of lifts, with high-alpine areas closed during the winter and lower elevations closed during summer
Inconsistent conditions during winter months
Very little true advanced and expert terrain
Lift logistics that result in chokepoints and long lines

North America’s only four-season outdoor ski resort provides a one-of-a-kind summer experience but fails to stand out during the core winter season.

See our review →

#57 in the United States

Sugarloaf

Carrabassett Valley, ME

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Size
Intuitive layout
One-of-a-kind East Coast bowl and sidecountry terrain
Local feel
Advance-purchase value

    –   Cons

Extremely variable openings for most unique terrain
Frequent wind holds and cold spells
Ordinary-feeling terrain on main resort face

Maine’s largest ski area is a competitive East Coast choice, but it’s a hard sell against more conveniently-located alternatives.

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#58 in the United States

Bretton Woods

Bretton Woods, NH

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Upscale feel and resort infrastructure
Family-friendly slopes, including glade terrain
Modest crowds
Stunning Mount Washington views

    –   Cons

Short vertical drop
Lackluster advanced and expert terrain

This Mount Washington-adjacent ski area offers the most upscale ski resort experience in New Hampshire, but its lack of advanced and expert terrain is a serious drawback.

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#59 in the United States

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.

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#60 in the United States

Diamond Peak

Incline Village, NV

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Excellent lake views
Superb grooming operations
Lack of crowds
Impressive freestyle terrain
Unique off-piste glade areas

    –   Cons

Small, exceptionally narrow footprint
Slow lifts in many areas
Somewhat limited on-mountain facilities
Variable conditions, especially in glade terrain
Day ticket prices

This Tahoe mountain will impress many visitors with breathtaking lake views, but its terrain and amenities are no match for the area’s better-known destination resorts.

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#61 in the United States

Homewood

Homewood, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic, including astonishing lake views
Excellent glade terrain
Extraordinary accumulation in good seasons
Low wind exposure compared to other Tahoe resorts

    –   Cons

Inadequate resiliency measures for bad seasons
No direct lift operations in some areas on weekdays
Slow lifts, some of which don’t have safety bars, in many areas
Very limited on-mountain facilities
Frustrating traverses to get to or from many trails

While this Tahoe hill can’t hold its own overall against the destination resorts, it boasts an astonishing, one-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic.

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#62 in the United States

Sunday River

Newr, ME

Newry, ME

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Size
Reliability for East Coast
Unique-feeling mountain pods
Available chondola and bubble lifts

    –   Cons

Lack of long terrain
So-so expert footprint
Slow lifts in some areas

One of New England’s largest, most reliable ski resorts is held back by a so-so vertical drop and less intense terrain than some competitors.

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#63 in the United States

Stratton

Stratton Mountain, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Lift infrastructure
Impeccable resort signage
Size and terrain for southern Vermont
Snowmaking and grooming operations

    –   Cons

Crowds
Commercialized feel
Inconvenient overflow parking
Lack of true expert terrain

This southern Vermont mountain delivers an ideal family experience thanks to excellent grooming and easy navigation, but you’ll be giving up some snow and terrain quality for the location.

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#64 in the United States

Whiteface

Wilmington, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Terrain diversity
Truly extreme, naturally formed Slides runs
Long vertical drop
Phenomenal resort views

    –   Cons

Extraordinary susceptibility to wind problems and lift shutdowns
Inconsistent trail openings in some places, especially the Slides
Slow, wind-exposed lifts in some areas
Frigid on-mountain conditions

Severe wind problems and unreliable trail openings detract from one of the most unique, challenging resorts on the East Coast.

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#65 in the United States

Dodge Ridge

Pinecrest, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Ease of access from Bay Area
Family-friendly footprint
Lower traffic than Tahoe resorts

    –   Cons

Primitive snowmaking system, leading to inconsistent terrain openings
Slow lifts
No on-site lodging

The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.

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#66 in the United States

Saddleback

Rangeley, ME

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Striking aesthetic for the East Coast
Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
Lack of crowds

    –   Cons

Small footprint
Underwhelming facilities
Limited on-site lodging for smaller groups

This remote Maine mountain delivers a combination of natural beauty, empty slopes, and reasonably well-rounded terrain that’s tough to match elsewhere in the Northeast.

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#67 in the United States

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.

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#68 in the United States

Alpental

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

High annual snowfall
Convenient location from Seattle
Incredible advanced and expert terrain
Striking on-mountain scenery
Limited lower-mountain night-skiing

    –   Cons

Small footprint
Extremely limited beginner and intermediate terrain
No lift redundancies, leading to horrendous weekend and holiday crowds
Limited, capacity-constrained facilities
Wet, inconsistent snow quality
Perennial fog during peak winter months

This small resort offers incredible advanced and expert terrain close to Seattle. However, weekend crowds are a major problem.

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#69 in the United States

Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley, NH

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Local feel
Unique upper mountain setup
Ski racing and freestyle culture
Convenient on-mountain lodges
Close proximity to Boston

    –   Cons

Limited beginner and expert terrain
No true ski-in/ski-out lodging
Lower snow totals than some competitors
Upper mountain accessed only by t-bar

Despite a modest footprint size, this New Hampshire resort offers a compelling set of strengths for those driving up from Boston.

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#70 in the United States

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.

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#71 in the United States

Smugglers' Notch

Jeffersonville, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Remote, beautiful footprint
Local feel
Variety of distinctive terrain
Reasonably-priced lift tickets

    –   Cons

Archaic, low-capacity lifts
Lackluster snowmaking operations
Beginner zone poorly connected with other resort areas
Long drive from major Northeast cities

Ancient lifts and lackluster resiliency measures hold back a staple of the northern Vermont skiing scene.

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#72 in the United States

Pico

Mendon, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Low crowds
Local feel
Straightforward footprint
Available ski-in/ski-out lodging

    –   Cons

Modest footprint
Secondary lifts that don’t operate consistently
Closed on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Intermediate trail congestion at summit

This central Vermont mountain gets overshadowed by bigger competitors, but it offers decent terrain and an escape from the crowds.

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#73 in the United States

Cannon

Franconia, NH

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Local feel
Modest crowds
Striking surrounding scenery
Extremely demanding expert runs

    –   Cons

Profound wind exposure
Inconsistent expert terrain openings
Limited beginner terrain
Slow lifts in some areas
Very limited on-site lodging

While it lacks the most modern infrastructure and sees inconsistent conditions, this state-owned New Hampshire ski resort offers unique terrain and low crowds.

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#74 in the United States

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.

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#75 in the United States

Mount Shasta Ski Park

McCloud, CA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Views of the Southern Cascades, especially up toward Shasta itself
Surprisingly reliable cover thanks to large snowmaking system and deep snowpack
Diverse selection of intermediate terrain, including glades and short bowls
Easy access to great backcountry

    –   Cons

Lack of true advanced and expert terrain
Slow lifts
So-so grooming
Separate peaks make for short lappable vertical drop
Major hassle to get to and from new expansion area

The only decently-sized California ski area north of Tahoe offers limited lift lines and stunning views of the Southern Cascades, but it’s hurt by uncompetitive infrastructure and a bizarrely-integrated recent expansion.

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#76 in the United States

Okemo

Ludlow, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Lift infrastructure in most major areas
Wide variety of beginner and groomed terrain
Size for southern Vermont

    –   Cons

Lack of expert terrain
Lift logistics at the main base area
Crowds during peak times

This family-friendly mountain boasts modern lifts and a wide variety of groomers, but expert terrain is lacking. Crowding has gotten worse in recent seasons.

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#77 in the United States

Mount Snow

West Dover, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Intuitive physical layout
Challenging terrain for southern Vermont
Unique freestyle mountain face
Snowmaking operations

    –   Cons

Crowds
Outdated lift infrastructure in some areas
Less unique terrain and lower snowfall than resorts further north

This popular resort delivers a lot for southern Vermont but struggles to handle crowds in some areas.

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#78 in the United States

Mount Ashland

Ashland, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Surprisingly extensive advanced and expert terrain
Local feel, both on the mountain and at the base lodge
Great views of surrounding area
Ease of access from Ashland

    –   Cons

Tiny size
Comparatively small annual snowfall for region
Difficult progression from beginner to intermediate slopes

This southern Oregon resort suffers from its tiny size and dated infrastructure, though surprisingly extensive advanced terrain and great views help it stand out among local resorts.

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#79 in the United States

Wildcat

Gorham, NH

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Stunning Mount Washington views
Long, consistent vertical drop
Straightforward layout

    –   Cons

Profound wind exposure
Small footprint
No on-site lodging

One of the tallest, most stunning ski resorts in New Hampshire is held back by a modest footprint size and significant wind exposure.

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#80 in the United States

Eagle Point

Beaver, UT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Distinct, remote footprint
Strong advanced terrain
Low crowds
Value

    –   Cons

No lift connection from western to eastern half of the resort
Slow lifts
Modestly-sized footprint
Lower snowfall than resorts further north

Utah’s most remote ski area is also arguably its quirkiest, with some frustrating logistics but a unique, local feel that’s hard not to appreciate.

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#81 in the United States

Mount Hood Skibowl

Government Camp, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Local feel
Low crowds
Extensive night-skiing footprint
Advanced bowl terrain
Beginner terrain off every lift

    –   Cons

Ancient, difficult-to-load chairlifts
No daytime operations on weekdays
Limited acreage and vertical drop
Lower-quality snow than higher-elevation Hood resorts
Variable openings for expert Outback area

This small, no-frills mountain offers less crowded slopes and extensive night skiing close to Portland.

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#82 in the United States

Summit at Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

High annual snowfall
Convenient location from Seattle
Extensive selection of bunny hills
Available night skiing

    –   Cons

Wet, heavy snow
Meager vertical drop
Slow lifts with no safety bars in many areas
I-90 highway background noise
Summit East closed on weekdays

Really more of a large hill than a mountain, this area offers a solid learning environment for Seattle-area residents. Destination-goers should look elsewhere.

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#83 in the United States

Loon

Lincoln, NH

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Strong snowmaking
Modern lifts
Wide variety of intermediate terrain
Close proximity to Boston

    –   Cons

Packed on weekends
Cramped gondola cabins
Limited advanced and expert terrain
No trail connection between North and South Peak sides

This popular New Hampshire resort offers a competitive lift fleet and excellent snowmaking, but other mountains offer more unique terrain and better crowd management.

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#84 in the United States

Mad River Glen

Waitsfield, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Extremely demanding expert terrain
Local, uncommercialized feel
One-of-a-kind single chair

    –   Cons

Small footprint
Extremely limited snowmaking, leading to large terrain closures throughout the season
Slow, low-capacity lifts
Ban on snowboarders

With very limited snowmaking and a ban on snowboarders, this small Vermont mountain is about as raw as it gets for the Northeast.

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#85 in the United States

Gore

North Creek, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Standout glade terrain
Lower crowds than other East Coast resorts
Value

    –   Cons

Lackluster on-mountain maintenance
Strange resort layout
Lower snowfall than Vermont resorts
No on-site lodging

New York State’s largest ski resort stands out with excellent glade terrain, but it can’t match the snow quality or on-mountain infrastructure of the best East Coast mountains.

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#86 in the United States

Bromley

Peru, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Ease of navigation
Sunny, south-facing slopes
Local feel
Low crowds

    –   Cons

Small footprint
Lack of difficult terrain

While much smaller and less diverse than Vermont’s major destinations, this local-feeling hill will satisfy families thanks to easy navigation and low crowds.

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#87 in the United States

Bolton Valley

Richmond, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Strong regional snowfall
Lack of crowds
Excellent tree terrain
Available night skiing
Easy access to lift-accessed backcountry terrain

    –   Cons

Small footprint
Limited vertical drop
Slow lifts
So-so snowmaking, leading to unreliable trail openings throughout the core season

This Vermont mountain is too small and undeveloped to compete with the state’s most popular destinations, but its combination of local, uncrowded slopes and strong natural snowfall may do the trick for some.

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#88 in the United States

Holiday Valley

Ellicottville, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Strong snow totals and snowmaking
Diverse layout for the size
Value

    –   Cons

Short vertical drop
Some crowd flow and navigational issues

Strong natural snowfall and varied terrain make this Western New York resort a strong local option, but a short vertical drop and complicated layout prevent it from competing with bigger East Coast destinations.

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#89 in the United States

Magic Mountain

Londonderry, VT

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Diverse slopes for the size
Demanding terrain for southern Vermont
Low on-piste skier density
Value

    –   Cons

Limited snowmaking across all levels of trails, leading to widespread thin cover
Modest footprint
Utilitarian, run-down vibe
Slow lifts
Closed on most off-peak weekdays

This modestly-sized mountain doesn’t have the refinement to compete with the destinations, but it’s hard to beat for the challenge and value in southern Vermont.

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#90 in the United States

Attitash

Bartlett, NH

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

High-speed lifts
Strong intermediate terrain
Available ski-in/ski-out lodging

    –   Cons

Lackluster snow totals
Inconsistent grooming
Limited beginner and expert terrain

This New Hampshire resort offers pleasant terrain and fast lifts, but it doesn’t especially stand out when it comes to the overall experience.

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#91 in the United States

Windham

Windham, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Strong regional snowfall
Lack of crowds
Excellent tree terrain
Available night skiing
Easy access to lift-accessed backcountry terrain

    –   Cons

Compact, basic footprint
Crowds hard to avoid on weekends and holidays
Freeze-thaw cycles can disrupt conditions throughout the season
Value

This Catskill resort can’t beat out the true East Coast destinations in snow, acreage, or terrain diversity, but it lacks some of the major issues that plague nearby competitors. Peak ticket values are among the worst of any North American ski area.

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#92 in the United States

Hunter

Hunter, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Reliable snowmaking
Ease of navigation
High-speed lifts in major areas

    –   Cons

Horrendous crowding issues on weekends and holidays, even at bunny hill lifts
Small, relatively basic footprint
Some mountain areas almost never open

High-speed lifts, reasonably varied terrain, and proximity to New York City make this Catskill mountain an appealing choice on paper. However, poor crowd management really hurts the overall experience.

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#93 in the United States

Belleayre

Highmount, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Strong snowmaking
Only gondola in the region
Fewer crowds than some competing mountains

    –   Cons

Vanilla footprint, even for the Catskills
Scarce advanced and expert terrain
Inadequate facilities for the demand
No on-site lodging

This Catskill mountain offers family-friendly terrain and reasonable crowds for the region, but a few factors make it a tough sell for those planning a weekend getaway.

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#94 in the United States

Peek'n Peak

Clymer, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Impressive snow totals and snowmaking
Charming, Tudor-style hotel and facilities
Available night skiing
Strong lift redundancies
Value

    –   Cons

Small footprint and short vertical drop
Undistinguished slopes
Lack of even remotely challenging terrain
Aging lifts in need of a refresh
For such a small resort, requires a surprising number of lifts to traverse from end to end

This Western New York ski resort offers a good value for beginners, but the mountain lacks the challenge or aesthetic to compete with many other East Coast resorts.

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#95 in the United States

Plattekill

Roxbury, NY

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

Exceptionally low crowds
Local feel
Strong advanced terrain for the region

    –   Cons

Small footprint and vertical drop
Limited grooming and snowmaking
Lackluster beginner terrain
Ancient lifts
Closed on off-peak weekdays

The Catskill region’s northernmost ski hill offers surprisingly strong advanced terrain, but infrastructure and grooming operations are severely lacking.

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#96 in the United States

Big Snow American Dream

East Rutherford, NJ

MOUNTAIN SCORE

    +   Pros

One-of-a-kind indoor skiing complex
Year-round skiing and riding
Learning-oriented slope setup
Proximity to New York City and suburbs

    –   Cons

Extremely small, repetitive footprint
Lack of even modestly challenging terrain
Crowd management
Commercialized feel

North America’s only indoor ski resort can’t provide terrain that’s remotely close to a real mountain, but it offers unparalleled reliability, year-round skiing, and a great environment to learn.

See our review →