Looking for some epic skiing? Are you willing to travel to find the perfect powder? Then prepare to feel totally stoked, because we’ve done the hard work for you of identifying the 10 best ski resorts in the USA.
10. Snowbird
A 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird offers an awesome, challenging terrain for intermediates and experts. However, it has a few cons: It isn’t suited to beginners. Some other downsides to the resort are limited dining, nightlife, and lodging options. Season length: November 24 to May 22.
9. Steamboat Ski Resort
Forty minutes from Yampa Valley Regional Airport, or 3.5 hours from Denver International Airport, Steamboat has runs suitable to all abilities. It’s famed for glade skiing. It has a lower base elevation than other resorts on this list. Thus, it gets less snow and the snow degrades quicker. It’s Colorado’s best-uncrowded ski resort. Season length: November 23 to April 14.
8. Beaver Creek Resort
Featuring luxury and upscale dining options, Beaver Creek is often called Vail’s little sister without the crowds. It’s 30 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport or 3 hours from Denver International. It features superb upper terrain for beginnings and top-notch grooming for experts. The lift lines are short. Season length: November 23 to April 14.
7. Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows)
Palisades Tahoe combined Squaw Valley with Alpine Meadows to become the largest ski resort in California. It’s legendary for its high snowfall and wildly extreme terrain. It’s a favorite for advanced skiers. Expect crowds and long lines on powder days. But escape crowds at Alpine Meadows. It’s 50 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Season length: November 27 to June 3.
6. Telluride Ski Resort
The best laid out mountain in Colorado, it features epic terrain and facilities. While it has intense chutes for experts, it also offers a high-Alpine run for novices. It’s difficult to reach from Denver, but that keeps crowds away. It’s 20 minutes from Telluride Regional Airport or 1.5 hours from Montrose Regional Airport. Season length: November 28 to April 5.
5. Jackson Hole
Famous for its extreme terrain and steeps, it features the most continuous vertical in the US. It has a reputation as an expert’s paradise. However, recent improvements have opened access to intermediate terrain. Its two major cons are crowds and no terrain for kids or beginners. It’s located one hour from Jackson Hole Airport. Season length: November 25 to April 9.
4. Alta
This old-school skiers-only mountain also offers access to Snowbird. Snowboarding is prohibited. Here you’ll find world-class extreme terrain, as well as good terrain for beginners. The cons are limited lodging, nightlife, and shopping. It’s located 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. Season length: November 23 to April 24.
3. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
One lift ticket gives you access to four distinctive ski areas, featuring some of the most varied ski and snowboard experiences in Colorado. Altitude sickness isn’t an issue. You’ll find endless dining and nightlife options. One downside is it’s expensive. It’s 15 minutes from Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport or 4 hours from Denver. Season length: November 22 to April 19.
Read More: Viral Packing Trick Gets Orlando Passenger Banned from Flight
2. Vail Ski Resort
World-famous for its extensive terrain choices, Vail boasts the largest ski area in Colorado. This ski town offers endless dining, lodging, and shopping options. However, that luxury comes with premium price tags and large crowds. It’s 50 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport or 2.5 hours from Denver International. Season length: November 16 to April 21.
Read More: 10 Full-Size Liquids You Can Bring Through Airport Security
1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
This world-renowned ski town offers a diverse and plentiful range of lodgings from affordable to lavishly high-end. There are abundant dining, drinking, and shopping options. Unfortunately, its enormous popularity brings lots of crowds. Besides skiing, there’s also dog sledding and snowmobiling. It’s 2.5 hours from Denver International Airport. Season length: November 12 to May 8.
Read More: The 10 Busiest Airports in the United States
