The Greatest Ski Resorts within the U.S.

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Within the throes of deciding the place to ski this winter? We’ve been there. From looking for resorts with terrain applicable for everybody to determining the place to remain, eat, and play, planning a ski journey is difficult. The quantity of transferring components is overwhelming, even for knowledgeable skiers and journey professionals.

       See the Full Resort Information 2025 Outcomes: High 50 Resorts within the North America

One factor is definite. The extra you recognize, the extra ready you’ll be, and that may translate straight into the kind of trip expertise you will have. To that finish, we collected 1000’s of knowledge factors from educated ski vacationers such as you throughout our annual Reader Resort Survey, and parsed by way of each single one to provide our resort rankings. The record beneath represents the top-ranking ski resorts throughout the nation, from New York’s Adirondacks to the snowy peaks of the Wasatch. We hope it helps you make some sensible selections for you and yours this ski season.

2025’s High 20 Ski Resorts in america

No. 20: Sugarbush Mountain Resort, Vt.

Providing basic New England snowboarding with excellent glades and loads of difficult terrain, this northern Vermont resort is steeped in ski historical past.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 18
• Strengths: Problem, Household Pleasant
• Weaknesses: Snow, Worth
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Survey respondents reward this northern Vermont vacation spot as a spot that has numerous issues going for it. It’s extra distant than many of the different Vermont resorts, so crowds are hardly ever a constant downside. There’s some severely troublesome terrain to check your abilities on, in addition to loads of blue cruisers and meandering greens, making Sugarbush ultimate for teams of combined skills. And the mountain ops crew is aware of when to groom and when to let an excellent factor be. “They do exactly the correct quantity of grooming and leaving pure terrain alone,” piped one reader. The place is just not low-cost, incomes itself a low-value rating, and it additionally took some pictures for not making sufficient snow throughout final yr’s stingy winter. Partiers in search of a hopping after-dark scene would possibly need to go elsewhere. Stated one Sugarbush skier: “That is undoubtedly a resort for these seeking to keep AWAY from the noisy bar scene and the rowdy faculty crowds.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Sugarbush is a gem within the coronary heart of Vermont. With two related mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, there are numerous trails. Raise strains transfer quick with longest waits on busiest days being below 5 minutes. Numerous assorted terrain from double diamond steeps lined with moguls to broad groomed cruisers for honing in these carving abilities. A number of the lifts may use upgrades. Many Western resorts have good fashionable quick elevate methods. Sugarbush has a number of removable quads, and the remaining are ’70s- and ’80s-era old school lifts.”

No. 19: Crested Butte, Colo.

Positioned simply far sufficient off the I-70 people-mover, Crested Butte is an underrated gem with hardcore snowboarding anchored by an eclectic ski city.

• Final Yr’s Rating: n/a
• Strengths: Problem, Worth
• Weaknesses: Entry, Lifts
• Go: Epic

“Crested Butte feels just like the (hidden) crown jewel of Vail Resorts’ Colorado portfolio,” wrote one adept reader. “This place has one thing particular, with the whole lot from lap-able household terrain to the toughest snowboarding within the Colorado Rockies.” That remark sums up the place fairly properly, and hits on Crested Butte’s belongings completely: tremendous difficult runs up excessive—we’re speaking some knee-knocking chutes and couloirs—mellow groomers down beneath, all complemented by a cool, enjoyable ski city oozing with persona. Bonus: It’s far sufficient off of the I-70 super-highway to discourage daytrippers and maintain crowds in test.

Readers sounded off concerning the getting old mountain infrastructure, nudging administration to exchange among the slower, rickety lifts. In addition they wish to see extra, and higher, eating choices on the mountain. However you recognize when “transfer the mountain nearer” is a typical request, they should be doing one thing proper.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Snow is one of the best we’ve skied in Colorado. Terrain has an incredible combine, however the difficult stuff is one of the best of one of the best. Huge storms saved us eager for extra. The bluebird days are among the greatest we’ve had. The city of Crested Butte is charming and pleasant, albeit expensive, however there are many choices between city and the mountain village for inexpensive fare and lodging. Free bus system was nice!”

No. 18: Jay Peak Resort, Vt.

Distant Jay Peak is well worth the trek because of among the greatest pure snow within the East.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 16
• Strengths: Snow, Worth
• Weaknesses: Grooming, Entry
• Go: Indy

Jay Peak is in rebuilding mode after settling the EB-5 visa fraud case. It’s now below the possession of Pacific Resorts Group, which spent final winter specializing in solidifying staffing and maintaining the wheels on the bus. A really small drop within the rankings tells us that the skier expertise has remained unaffected, and distant Jay Peak, near the Canadian border, remains to be a go-to for one of the best powder this facet of the Mississippi at a value that received’t empty your checking account. Readers confirmed that you just don’t come for the grooming, a speedy elevate community, or five-star eating, and god is aware of it’s not simple to get right here, however in the event you’re in search of East Coast journey in a compact but rowdy and authentically Vermont bundle, Jay Peak is an effective wager. “Nice mountain, at all times has essentially the most snow within the northeast, very pleasant and caring employees who recognize the native tradition.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

”Jay is particular. The snow and terrain are one of the best within the east for superior skiers however the entire mountain is accessible to children. Resort add-ons just like the water park and climbing imply there are not any dangerous days even when there’s a wind maintain. I wouldn’t suggest it for inexperienced persons, greatest for intermediate and up.”

No. 17: Jackson Gap, Wyo.

An authority- and extreme-skiing mecca with a vigorous and genuine city, Jackson Gap earns its repute as a bucket-list vacation spot.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 15
• Strengths: Problem, Nightlife
• Weaknesses: Household, Grooming
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Jackson Gap has one of the loyal fan bases in all of skidom. “Snowboarding in Jackson is a remarkably distinctive expertise,” stated one such skier. “From the second you board your first higher mountain elevate, you recognize there may be sufficient terrain to problem even consultants for a lifetime.” Certainly, it’s the acute and skilled terrain that the resort is understood for, in addition to the Hobacks entry for backcountry skiers, however this yr’s feedback made certain to say the expansive intermediate slopes too, crammed with broad cruisers and extra mellow pitches for these much less inclined to throw themselves down iconic Corbet’s Couloir. “I used to be at all times intimidated by what I had heard about Jackson Gap, however as an intermediate skier I liked the big variety of trails I used to be in a position to ski,” stated one reader.

Take Our 1-Minute Jackson Gap Video Tour

Survey gripes had been par for the course for Jackson Gap, and included being troublesome and costly to fly to and excessive costs across the resort for meals and drinks. It’s a vacation spot resort, and the city of Jackson is 12 miles from the ski resort, the place guests can discover loads extra choices for eating, après, and nightlife. “ JH is the entire bundle so far as being a enjoyable ski resort with nice après-ski on the resort and an incredible downtown with superior eating and nightlife.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“With an area airport, Jackson Gap is comparatively simple to get to. The mountain actually lives as much as its repute of getting loads of powerful terrain and the elevate format makes it simple to navigate. The slopeside lodging within the Village actually are slopeside. It was a brief stroll from our lodge’s ski valet to the lifts—no fussing with buses. We skied midweek in March, and elevate strains had been quick as soon as you bought from the bottom to mid-mountain. Bought greater than sufficient snowboarding in.”

No. 16: Gore Mountain, N.Y.

An Adirondacks ski space the place the snowboarding comes first, go to Gore for all of the terrain, nice views, and not one of the drama or flash.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 14
• Strengths: Lifts, Worth
• Weaknesses: Après, Nightlife
• Go: SKI3

Humble, state-owned Gore loved an virtually 10-spot bounce up the East rankings this yr, and if the reader feedback are any indication, it’s largely as a result of Gore is a spot that is aware of its core prospects and offers them simply what they’re in search of, no extra, no much less. The ski space situated inside Adirondacks State Park doesn’t have flashy facilities—the closest lodging is in North Creek, a few miles away. However it does boast an environment friendly elevate community, a number of stashes of really skilled terrain, and sufficient cruisers and newbie slopes to maintain households busy all winter. “Nice worth for the cash,” commented one Gore skier. “Gore is a mountain for these curious about snowboarding in any respect ranges, not a spot to go to celebration.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Gore is a hidden gem with as a lot terrain as a Vermont resort however with out the crowds. Guests ought to know that parking may be tough on the weekends and that there’s no ski-in/ski-out lodging. I like to recommend Gore to households and people in search of an East Coast expertise with out the associated fee and crowds.”

No. 15: Solar Valley, Idaho

Dwelling to a quick and steep mountain, this Idaho gem at all times pleases vacationers with its distinctive atmosphere, wonderful visitor service, and laid-back and genuine city of Ketchum.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 5
• Strengths: Native Taste, Eating
• Weaknesses: Problem, Snow High quality
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Regardless of posting up within the West’s High 10 for the final handful of SKI’s Resort Information rankings—together with a number of on the No. 1 spot—Solar Valley nonetheless has numerous mystique. It’s fairly far off the overwhelmed path and never the best to get to, which actually helps it from changing into overrun. Readers praised the resort for its wonderful service and a spotlight to the holiday expertise, stating that all the facilities within the ski village are complemented by the close by city of Ketchum, which not like Aspen or Jackson Gap, is much less of a ritzy trip spot and extra of an actual place the place individuals dwell. “Ketchum is a extremely satisfying and comparatively cheap ski city,” shared one survey respondent. “Bars and eating places aren’t swarmed and have truly good meals.” “I really like the tremendous relaxed vibe in Ketchum,” stated one other.

The slopes, break up between the principle runs at Baldy Mountain and Greenback Mountain’s studying terrain, are completely manicured, incomes excessive marks within the grooming class. Readers commented that Baldy’s lengthy, fall-line slopes had been made for high-speed carving. Skiers suggested that the resort isn’t recognized for its huge snowfall, however that the mountain ops crew may be trusted to make one of the best of what they’ve. “When it’s a low snow yr, Solar Valley makes up for it with its superb grooming and snowmaking, vacation ambiance all yr lengthy and lots of issues to do exterior of snowboarding,” opined one Solar Valley customer. “When it’s a excessive snowfall yr, the mountain doesn’t really feel crowded making for epic turns with family and friends on a powder day.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“First time to Solar Valley and we actually loved it. I’d describe it as a cheerful medium between Park Metropolis and Telluride. Enjoyable city and nice snowboarding, though the snow wasn’t pretty much as good as we had hoped in late January. May have stayed proper on the mountain, however we loved staying on the town with a straightforward bus to the lifts. Didn’t even must lease a automotive.”

No. 14: Cannon Mountain, N.H.

Take a look at your abilities at this no-frills, state-owned White Mountains ski space steeped in historical past, character, and authenticity.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 12
• Strengths: Worth, Problem
• Weaknesses: Eating, Lodging
• Go: Indy

Individuals who love Cannon Mountain, love Cannon Mountain. The place has a little bit of a cult following. “This place is for individuals in search of basic, no-bones-about-it snowboarding,” declared one Cannon skier. “Outdated-school East Coast snowboarding at its greatest,” commented one other. The state-run ski space with no frills in any respect—and we imply no lodging, meager eating, and completely no nightlife of any sort—is a spot the place grizzled previous skiers come to lap the gnarly terrain off the aerial tram, but it surely additionally has some mellow slopes for households in addition to blue cruisers difficult sufficient to organize you for the black diamonds at different ski areas. Readers suppose administration can do higher on the subject of the maintenance of the day lodge and the restricted skier companies on supply, however they don’t maintain that towards this storied previous piece of ski historical past.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“When it snows, it’s among the best mountains within the East. It has all kinds of terrain and its historical past throughout the ski business is superior. The lodging infrastructure wants a serious replace.”

No. 13: Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

After not making the rankings final yr, Solitude rebounded large because of plentiful snow and a chill, downhome vibe.

• Final Yr’s Rating: n/a
• Strengths: Snow High quality, Worth
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Après
• Probability to Return: 5/30
• Go: Ikon

Yearly, there’s one resort that boomerangs again onto the rankings at a surprisingly excessive slot. This yr, it’s Solitude. After failing to rank within the High 30 within the West final yr, the Huge Cottonwood Canyon resort made an announcement within the rankings this yr. Readers weighed on what they love about this place, together with the amount and high quality of snowfall, the bang for the buck, and “actually fascinating and assorted terrain.” Shared one Solitude aficionado: “It’s a humble resort with terrain for all. This place is enjoyable for everybody, from those that need to huck cliffs to those that are simply studying.”

Like the remainder of its neighboring ski areas, crowding is a matter right here, and survey respondents griped about parking reservations and weekend quantity making it onerous to rise up and out of the bottom space with out ready in lengthy elevate strains. Midweek visits, then again, proved a lot totally different. “Solitude midweek actually gives precise solitude for locals. Such a dream to have the ability to drive up for a number of hours midweek!” However what actually appeared to resonate with guests was the dearth of pretension and the neighborhood spirit. “Good native vibe,” shared one reader. “It doesn’t really feel too company, which was refreshing.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Biggest snow on Earth! Though Solitude is just not an enormous resort it has superb terrain, particularly intermediate and above. If you would like a vacation spot that has constant powder days, this is without doubt one of the high spots to be. It snowed virtually each night time we had been there the final week of December. We woke as much as deep powder each morning. Superb!”

No. 12: Sunday River, Maine

Two new world-class lifts set the tone this season at Sunday River, the place the adventurous is yours for the taking.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 10
• Strengths: Snow, Grooming
• Weaknesses: Entry, Parking
• Go: Ikon

Two large elevate upgrades have made an impression on SKI readers, who bumped Sunday River up within the rankings this yr. The Jordan 8, a new-last-season high-speed eight-person bubble elevate, had the specified impact of ferrying extra skiers out of the bottom and up onto the slopes at a a lot quicker tempo than its predecessor. And this season, a high-speed six-person chair debuts, and can serve among the higher mountain slopes. That’s numerous new elevate capability. Sunday River is longer than it’s tall, so there’s an entire lot of acreage for weekend crowds to unfold out. There are additionally a number of base areas with lodging, eating, après, and skier companies, making Sunday River a one-stop vacation spot.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Of the resorts within the East that I’ve spent numerous time at, Sunday River is well the highest three for folk who aren’t curious about groomed cruisers. I really like that Sunday River has a lot pure terrain, each on and off-piste. Too many resorts groom the whole lot, on daily basis. Sunday River has a lot acreage that they’ll depart numerous it untouched. This can be a mountain for robust, aggressive skiers. Of us who simply need to cruise round on groomers can skip it.  I like to recommend Sunday River to anybody who likes to problem themselves in all kinds of terrain.”

No. 11: Telluride Ski Resort, Colo.

Arguably essentially the most lovely ski resort in North America, Telluride’s greatest weak spot would possibly effectively be its biggest asset.

• Final Yr’s Rating: n/a
• Strengths: Terrain Selection, Après
• Weaknesses: Entry, Worth
• Probability to Return: 2/30
• Go: Epic

Is Telluride the final word vacation spot resort? Its greatest followers actually suppose so, and supply some fairly convincing commentary. “Telluride isn’t crowded, has insane terrain for every type of skiers and simply one of the best views within the Decrease 48,” stated one. “Every thing from steep, bumps, timber, chutes, hike to, and mellow groomers,” shared one other. “ I really like how one can spend all day on some rugged mountain terrain and ski proper into city. You possibly can even stomach as much as the bar in your gear for the remainder of the night time and never really feel misplaced.”

Telluride’s excessive scores in terrain selection, problem, and general satisfaction bolster its argument, whereas a poor displaying within the entry class highlights the distant San Juan resort’s greatest weak spot: It’s a really lengthy journey from just about all over the place. Telluride has a small airport with restricted service; the next-closest airport is Montrose, 65 miles away. (Denver is a six- to seven-hour drive within the winter.)

However when you’re there, Telluride is without doubt one of the best resorts to get round. The city gondola ferries skiers backwards and forwards between downtown and the mountain village, and the walkable, bustling city of Telluride is full of wonderful eating, retailers, nightlife, and all types of lodging choices. “Telluride by no means disappoints. The views from the city and the mountain are simply breathtaking! At instances I might go searching and couldn’t imagine I used to be in a spot this lovely.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“This was our third yr in a row touring from the East Coast to Telluride and it shortly turned our large journey of the season, spending per week there.  Flights to Montrose over winter make getting right here comparatively simple, and as soon as there, it’s the nirvana of ski resorts.  Nice mountain with a number of great runs, good hike-to terrain, fashionable lifts that make getting excessive vert days a breeze, one of the best on-mountain eating (Sure, sir, I WILL have one other glass of champagne at Alpino Vino), and it merely has essentially the most beautiful mountain views that there are.  Please simply do all of us Telluride followers a favor and don’t publish this evaluate in order that it doesn’t flip into Aspen.”

No. 10: Killington Resort, Vt.

Come for the Entry Highway celebration scene, however keep for the superb terrain selection, world-class snowmaking, and the longest season within the East.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 8
• Strengths: Après, Terrain Selection
• Weaknesses: Household Pleasant, Worth
• Go: Ikon

The most important resort within the East may be very well-liked and appreciated by SKI survey respondents. It could have a repute as a party-hearty kind of place that caters to these seeking to get their groove on, and institutions such because the Wobbly Barn do ship, however there’s rather more to this place. Killington ranks excessive in Terrain Selection, with sufficient several types of trails throughout its 1,500 acres to maintain all skiers busy. Readers are proud of the snowmaking efforts on the resort and are notably impressed with how early within the season the resort is ready to open in addition to how late they keep open within the spring. It’s not an inexpensive place to trip, however there are sufficient skier facilities on the totally different base villages to maintain skiers fed and watered. And there’s at all times the Entry Highway after the slopes shut for individuals who take pleasure in Killington’s particular model of après and nightlife.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“I really like the dimensions and variation of the terrain, in addition to the flexibility to park proper at a elevate. It’s a giant mountain with an area really feel. I do want they might restrict day ticket gross sales to maintain crowds down.”

No. 9: Grand Targhee, Wyo.

You possibly can’t do significantly better than this low-key ski space for deep pow and rad terrain at inexpensive costs.

• Final Yr’s Rating: n/a
• Strengths: Snow High quality, Native Taste
• Weaknesses: Lodging, Entry
• Probability to Return: 4/30
• Go: Mountain Collective

Readers described Grand Targhee as a “native hill” a pair dozen instances all through our survey feedback, and whereas they’re not fallacious, its 2,600 skiable acres and No. 2 rating for snow trace at one other facet of the story. “Superb small native ski space vibe with large mountain terrain,” summed up one Targhee skier. “Love this place,” added one other. “Low-key vibe with superb snow and terrain for all skills.” Certainly, not precisely a mom-and-pop with a rope-tow kind of operation. On the contrary, Grand Targhee’s followers rave about its huge bowls, wonderful glades, and miles of groomers excellent for cruising and taking within the expansive Teton views.

The ski space will get dinged for not having a ton of skilled terrain, but it surely’s there if you recognize the place to look. These within the know would direct you to the glades and technical steeps off of Mary’s Nipple. It’s no Corbet’s Couloir, however that world-class resort is simply over Teton Go. “A hidden gem,” wrote one Targhee skier who’d prefer to maintain it that manner. “Don’t come right here.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Nice household ski journey vacation spot with no wait time for lifts, wonderful and assorted intermediate and superior terrain and loads of snow! If you could get away into city, it’s a brief drive. The surroundings of the Tetons is superb and the drive from Jackson Gap to this resort was enjoyable too.”

No. 8: Bretton Woods, N.H.

No resort within the East places a lot effort and time into guaranteeing one of the best snow floor for its visitors, irrespective of whether or not Mom Nature performs good or not.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 6
• Strengths: Snow, Grooming
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Problem
• Go: White Mountain Tremendous Go

“Greatest grooming and snowmaking within the Northeast,” or some model of that sentiment, was constant all through this yr’s reader feedback. Bretton Woods continues to impress skiers with its dedication to a high-quality snow floor. So when Mom Nature refuses to cooperate, like most of final winter, you’ll be able to rely on Bretton Woods to not let that get in the best way of an excellent time on the slopes. Individuals additionally just like the quaint base village, however warn that it’s not full of choices on the subject of nightlife and après. However for households in search of a soothing and fun-packed ski trip the place they’ll really feel genuinely welcomed, this N.H. resort is an ideal decide. “Regardless of the dearth of snow on the East Coast, Bretton Woods was in a position to pull off a wonderful season. The circumstances had been at all times higher than anticipated, with tons of onerous work from the groomers.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“The surroundings is flat-out beautiful. It’s to this point north that the snow is best than at most Vermont mountains. The Mount Washington Lodge is incredible. It’s an extended journey but it surely’s value it.”

No. 7: Alta Ski Space, Utah

The final word skier’s mountain, Alta is unabashedly what it’s, and doesn’t attempt to be the rest.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 13
• Strengths: Snow High quality, Problem
• Weaknesses: Parking, Nightlife
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

If pressed to select a single bucket-list resort the place all skiers should expertise of their lifetime, SKI readers would select Alta. Why? First, the snow. From the standard of the sunshine, fluffy flakes that fall on this area of the Wasatch to the sheer quantity of it—the annual common is 546 inches per winter—it’s evident why Alta ranks No. 1 for its snow high quality. “I’ve by no means skilled that a lot snow,” exclaimed one powder-happy respondent. Good factor there’s top-notch terrain to take pleasure in it on.

Though Alta has a repute as an skilled’s hill, many individuals referred to as out this false impression within the survey feedback, going even additional to say that the ski space’s copious intermediate cruisers are sometimes empty, as everyone seems to be powder-chasing on the steeps and within the bowls. One factor that units Alta other than the remainder of the resorts on this record is that it’s for skiers solely; no snowboarders permitted. The coverage provides a distinctly totally different vibe, one which was extremely lauded by SKI’s largely two-plank viewers. “No snowboarders to bulldoze the snow down the steeps!” exclaimed one skier. “It’s good to have a snowboard-free enclave,” commented one other.

However even the dearth of snowboarders hasn’t relieved the parking congestion and the visitors that backs up in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Except you’re staying in one of many 5 slopeside lodges, plan to cope with the lengthy pink snake that winds up Route 210, the one entry to the ski space, on weekends, holidays, and powder days. Regardless of the slog to get there, SKI readers are nonplussed, giving Alta the No. 1 rank for Probability to Return and No. 2 for General Satisfaction. “Alta is superb. Felt like we had been again at what snowboarding is all about.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Greatest old-school ski resort within the nation, fingers down. A number of the greatest, empty groomers for inexperienced persons, and endless steeps for extra superior skiers. Everybody there simply flat-out loves snowboarding and is prepared to assist newcomers study their manner round.”

No. 6: Sugarloaf Resort, Maine

Spirited Sugarloaf serves up adventurous terrain with a facet of down-home authenticity and real friendliness.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 4
• Strengths: Problem, Terrain Selection
• Weaknesses: Entry, Household Pleasant
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Sugarloaf’s many strengths actually resonated with readers on this yr’s survey. The feedback had been crammed with reward concerning the Maine resort’s terrain—each its numerous choices and the plethora of skilled areas. Readers are gushed concerning the mountain’s adventurous spirit and the way they by no means get bored seeking out new areas to discover. “This can be a excellent spot for intermediate by way of skilled skiers, and individuals who love that basic vibe of snowboarding with extra facilities than your typical native mountain,” commented one ’Loaf skier. The opposite factor evident from the feedback is that Sugarloaf is a pleasant and welcoming place: “Everybody’s searching for one another and simply having fun with their time on the paths,” wrote one survey respondent. “Individuals aren’t egocentric and pushy like at different busier resorts.” It’s not simple to get to, and it’s not a very fancy place, but when informal eating, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and pleasant Down East service are in your agenda, you’ll like what Sugarloaf has to supply.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Grooming is nice even when the climate hasn’t been cooperative. There are condos near the lifts and elevate strains are fast. Nice ski college for all ranges. Trails for all skills with cat snowboarding and timber if you would like it. Have been coming as a gaggle for a lot of, a few years. It’s nonetheless an excellent worth, however not so good as it as soon as was. May use extra assorted eating places with extra inexpensive pricing, though the current choices are good. It might be good if the retailers stayed open at the least one night throughout the week a bit later.”

No. 5: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Exuding its personal distinctive Southwestern taste, Taos boasts rad technical terrain that pulls skiers from all around the globe.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 9
• Strengths: Problem, Worth
• Weaknesses: Après. Grooming
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

There are lots of colourful methods to explain the most important and most well-known ski space in New Mexico. “Taos is a four-letter phrase for STEEP!” was one reader’s phrase of selection. For one more survey participant, it’s “actual old-school snowboarding.” Irrespective of the phrases, the message comes throughout crystal clear in our Reader Resort Survey: Skiers who take the time to get to know this family-owned gem recognized for its skilled terrain and spicy, southwestern vibe fall in love with its distinctive choices.

Nabbing the highest rating in Terrain Problem, Taos’ marquee steeps, together with the big-mountain vertical on Highline Ridge and the hike-to technical terrain in West Basin, presents among the hardest in-bounds snowboarding you’ll discover on the continent. “Each time we rode the chairlift, we had been pointing at increasingly more steep strains we needed besides as much as and go try,” stated one joyful skier. Nonetheless, Taos is surprisingly household pleasant. A part of that’s its manageable measurement—1,294 skiable acres—mixed with its unbiased possession and conventional European-style programming, together with all-inclusive Ski Weeks and the old-school, Bavarian attraction of the slopeside Blake Lodge.

These within the know warned that skier facilities should not a promoting level at Taos. The small mountain village has restricted beds and just a few eating places. In addition they say that guests can be remiss to miss spending a while within the city of Taos, residence to the historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s one of many oldest inhabited indigenous settlements in North America. On the finish of the day, Taos’ idyllic mixture of snowy peaks and spicy chiles dazzles guests winter after winter. “Unbelievable skilled snowboarding, one-of-a-kind native attraction and really feel,” summed up one aficionado. “Alpine village meets Land of Enchantment.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“The skilled terrain is unreal. I don’t suppose I’ve skied wherever steeper. The standard of the snow is so chalky, and it holds up extremely effectively given the north going through chutes and dry air. The tradition and vibe are one-of-a-kind.”

No. 4: Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vt.

This distinctive vacation spot that caters to households additionally boasts among the greatest skilled terrain within the Northeast.

• Final Yr’s Rating: n/a
• Strengths: Household Pleasant, Problem
• Weaknesses: Eating, Après
• Go: n/a

The northern Vermont resort gives its personal system of household ski trip meets hardcore skier vibes with its amenity-filled village on the base of among the hardest slopes within the East. The lifts are nonetheless sluggish, the bottom is fairly quiet within the evenings, and its location is a haul from just about wherever, however that additionally retains crowds in test. So does the truth that this is without doubt one of the few main resorts which have but to affix a multipass comparable to Epic or Ikon, a element that its devotees recognize. Come for the steeps or the nightly household leisure—or each. Smuggs has acquired you lined.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Smuggs continues to deal with what it does greatest. Nice household resort, an superior ski college, nice service, pleasant individuals, quite a lot of terrain to please novices and consultants alike, one of the best worth, and good, native taste.  Mom Nature is just not at all times cooperative, however Smuggs’ mountain operations do an incredible job making snow and dealing the paths.”

No. 3: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.

With 4 mountains to select from and one of many continent’s most iconic ski cities, Aspen Snowmass simply may be essentially the most well-rounded ski resort on this record.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 7
• Strengths: Terrain Selection, Nightlife
• Weaknesses: Worth, Parking
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

It’s truthful to say that Aspen Snowmass’s glitzy repute precedes it. However it could be unfair to purchase into the concept that this place is one-dimensional or just for the rich. The reality is that the city of Aspen and its 4 disparate mountains supply one of the well-rounded ski holidays on the market, with terrain for all ability ranges and facilities for all budgets—regardless of what you might need heard. “The on-mountain eating was not shockingly costly relative to different ski resorts, however was manner higher high quality,” opined one reader.

Take Our 1-Minute Aspen Snowmass Tour

Certainly one of its greatest strengths is within the range of the ski expertise, because of 4 totally different mountains mixed below one elevate ticket. Between the sustained steeps at Aspen Mountain, the family-friendly groomers at Snowmass, the hike-to bowl snowboarding at Highlands, and Buttermilk’s newbie terrain, it’s no shock that the resort ranked No. 2 in Terrain Selection. After a number of seasons’ value of upgrades to Snowmass, each on the mountain and within the fast-growing village, final season noticed the addition of the Hero’s terrain at Aspen Mountain, which added 153 acres of skilled chutes and glades. The Aspen devoted will at all times come for Aspen Highlands, although, recognized for its marquee hike-to Highland Bowl, a bucket-list expertise for consultants. “The terrain at Aspen Highlands, together with the bowl, is sufficient for essentially the most excessive skier,” stated one skier within the know.

The resort’s lowest rating was for entry; there’s a small airport that may very expensive to fly to, and the resort is a four-hour drive from Denver within the winter. On the plus facet, it retains the crowds in test. “I’ve been going to Aspen for 60 years,” shared one Aspen fan. “It’s the usual by which some other ski trip is judged.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Aspen Snowmass is essentially the most full ski resort I’ve ever skilled. Numerous miles of fantastic snowboarding between the 4 mountains with virtually zero strains, adopted by one of the best and best bar and eating scene within the Rockies. You possibly can’t beat the expertise, plus most chairlifts are very quick and effectively maintained.”

No. 2: Mad River Glen, Vt.

The highest resort within the East is made for skiers, by skiers, and is residence to essentially the most thrilling and excessive terrain within the nation.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 2
• Strengths: Problem, Worth
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lifts
• Go: n/a

With a brand new spot on the high of the rankings, Mad River Glen proves {that a} ski space want solely be true to itself to excel, even in at this time’s be-everything-to-everyone tradition. MRG is a skier’s mountain within the literal sense—it’s owned and operated by its skiers. The terrain is steep and untamed; come to check your abilities and seize journey by the horns, as a result of apart from snowboarding, there’s little else to do right here. The skier companies are fairly meager—you received’t starve however don’t count on a lot in the best way of eating or après. There’s additionally no nightlife and no lodging on the mountain. And the lengthy, sluggish lifts, together with the long-lasting single chair, offer you loads of time to relaxation up earlier than your subsequent run. The hardcore MRG skiers wouldn’t have it some other manner. “There’s something particular concerning the single chair, together with your ideas all to your self, considering your final run or your subsequent, how fortunate you’re to be doing one thing you’re keen on.”

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Mad River Glen is owned and operated by skiers and as such, does the whole lot attainable to make the expertise utterly FOR the skiers. It solely fees sufficient to take care of sustainability, sometimes limits ticket gross sales to keep away from overcrowding, and has among the greatest meals of any ski space at very cheap costs. (The place else are you able to get an incredible burger for $8.50?) Though its bumper sticker, “SKI IT IF YOU CAN,” sounds intimidating, it actually means: If you will get right here, by all means, ski it. There are many newbie and intermediate groomed trails, and for the extra excessive skiers, trails like Fall Line and Paradise together with lots of of acres of maintained woods will problem one of the best.”

No. 1: Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Clinching the No. 1 spot on this yr’s rating, Snowbasin’s mixture of expansive terrain, fashionable lifts, and attentive service and facilities received over SKI readers.

• Final Yr’s Rating: 3
• Strengths: Entry, Lifts
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
• Go: Ikon, Mountain Collective

The notion that the No. 1-ranked ski resort in North America might be thought of a “best-kept secret” or a “hidden gem” appears inconceivable. But these are the phrases that stuffed Snowbasin’s remark part in our annual SKI Reader Resort Survey. Whereas it’s true that the Wasatch Again ski resort isn’t a family identify, survey information pinpoints precisely why Snowbasin resonates with individuals: The resort combines easy accessibility, a quick elevate community, and dependable snow protection with nice customer support that’s centered on the standard of the ski expertise. In an age the place crowded slopes and lengthy elevate strains dominate the dialog each winter, this effort didn’t go unnoticed. “The employees is pleasant and you may inform they like to work there,” commented one Snowbasin skier.

With the second-highest rating within the Worth class, readers additionally really feel that they’re getting what they pay. From the relative lack of crowds—holidays excepted—to the standard of the on-mountain meals and the number of terrain on supply, Snowbasin exceeded readers’ expectations. Living proof: Final season’s new DeMoisy Categorical six-pack elevate is the resort’s thirteenth elevate—third within the final 5 years—and doubles the uphill capability within the standard, intermediate-focused Strawberry space. “The terrain at Snowbasin is hands-down among the greatest in Utah,” shared one survey respondent. “The grooming, visitor service, and on-mountain lodges and meals are all top-notch.”

Additionally garnering rave evaluations, curiously, are the bogs, that are marble-adorned and at all times glowing. That’s as a result of Snowbasin, which initially opened in 1939, doubled in measurement within the late Nineteen Nineties after it was designated a venue for the 2002 Salt Lake Metropolis Olympics. Along with terrain expansions onto three extra peaks, the resort acquired new, upscale amenities, together with the huge, national-park-style day lodges with their bougie bogs. With the 2034 Winter Video games returning to the area, we are able to count on to see much more upgrades as Snowbasin is slated to host all the Alpine snowboarding occasions as soon as once more.

Most Insightful Reader Remark

“Huge-mountain snowboarding with a family-owned, native vibe. Excellent terrain, lodges, and lifts. (Please don’t inform anybody!)”