Best Ski Resorts in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

The United States is home to a plethora of world-class ski resorts, each offering a unique experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. This guide provides a detailed analysis of some of the top resorts, considering factors such as terrain variety, amenities, pricing, accessibility, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a beginner hitting the slopes for the first time, this guide will help you find the perfect destination for your next ski trip.

Top Tier Ski Resorts

These resorts consistently rank at the top of various lists due to their exceptional offerings across all key categories.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass is not just one mountain, but four distinct ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. This provides an unparalleled variety of terrain, catering to all skill levels. Snowmass alone boasts over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it ideal for long runs and varied experiences. The resort is renowned for its luxurious amenities, including high-end dining, upscale accommodations, and a vibrant après-ski scene. While lift tickets can be pricey, often exceeding $200 per day, multi-day passes and Ikon Pass options can offer some savings. Aspen is easily accessible via the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which is just a short drive from the resort. The resort consistently receives high customer satisfaction ratings for its well-rounded offerings, reliable snow, and high-quality service. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Vast and diverse, with four mountains offering something for everyone.
• Amenities: Luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
• Pricing: Among the most expensive, with lift tickets often exceeding $200 per day.
• Accessibility: Easily accessible via Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently ranks high for its overall experience.

Vail Mountain Resort, Colorado

Vail is another Colorado giant, boasting over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, including its famous Back Bowls, which are a dream for advanced skiers. The front side offers groomers and beginner-friendly runs. The European-style village is packed with upscale lodging, dining, and shopping. Vail also offers excellent ski schools and family-friendly programs. Like Aspen, lift tickets are among the most expensive in the U.S., averaging around $250 per day. The Epic Pass provides better value for frequent skiers. Located about 2 hours from Denver International Airport, Vail is relatively easy to access. Eagle County Regional Airport is also just 30 minutes away. Vail is praised for its vast terrain and high-end amenities but can get crowded during peak times. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Extensive, with the famous Back Bowls for advanced skiers and groomers for beginners.
• Amenities: Upscale lodging, dining, and shopping in a European-style village.
• Pricing: Among the most expensive, with lift tickets averaging $250 per day.
• Accessibility: About 2 hours from Denver International Airport, with Eagle County Regional Airport nearby.
• Customer Satisfaction: Praised for its terrain and amenities, but can be crowded.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is renowned for its steep and challenging terrain, making it a haven for advanced and expert skiers. While it does offer beginner and intermediate runs, they are limited compared to the expert terrain. The Teton Village offers a mix of luxury and mid-range accommodations, along with dining options that range from casual to fine dining. Lift tickets range from $180 to $200 per day, and the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective Pass are accepted here, offering savings for frequent visitors. The resort is 40 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport, which has direct flights from major U.S. cities. Jackson Hole is highly rated for its challenging terrain and stunning natural beauty but receives some criticism for limited beginner options. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Known for its steep and challenging terrain, ideal for advanced skiers.
• Amenities: Mix of luxury and mid-range accommodations, with diverse dining options.
• Pricing: Lift tickets range from $180 to $200 per day.
• Accessibility: 40 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Highly rated for its challenging terrain and natural beauty.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City is the largest ski resort in the U.S., with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. It offers a mix of groomers, tree skiing, and terrain parks, catering to all skill levels. The resort features a lively base village with diverse dining, shopping, and après-ski options. It also has excellent ski schools and family-friendly activities. Lift tickets are priced around $200 per day, but the Epic Pass provides significant savings for frequent skiers. Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is one of the most accessible major ski resorts in the U.S. Visitors appreciate the resort’s size and accessibility but note that it can get crowded during peak times. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: The largest ski resort in the U.S., with diverse terrain for all skill levels.
• Amenities: Lively base village with diverse dining, shopping, and après-ski options.
• Pricing: Lift tickets around $200 per day, with Epic Pass options.
• Accessibility: Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Appreciated for its size and accessibility, but can be crowded.

Other Highly-Rated Resorts

These resorts also offer exceptional skiing experiences and are worth considering for your next trip.

Snowbird, Utah

Snowbird is renowned for its challenging terrain, with 75% of the mountain dedicated to intermediate and expert skiers. The resort also receives over 500 inches of Utah’s famous dry powder annually. While the base village is smaller compared to other resorts, it offers high-quality dining and lodging options. Lift tickets range from $150 to $180 per day, and the Ikon Pass is accepted here. Snowbird is just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it highly accessible. Snowbird is celebrated for its snow quality and challenging terrain but is less ideal for beginners. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Known for its challenging terrain, ideal for intermediate and expert skiers.
• Amenities: Smaller base village but with high-quality dining and lodging.
• Pricing: Lift tickets range from $150 to $180 per day.
• Accessibility: 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Celebrated for its snow quality and challenging terrain.

Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado

Breckenridge offers 2,908 acres of skiable terrain, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. The high-altitude terrain on Peak 8 and Peak 10 is particularly popular with experts. The historic town of Breckenridge adds charm, with plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. Lift tickets are priced around $200 per day, and the Epic Pass is a cost-effective option for frequent visitors. Located about 2 hours from Denver International Airport, Breckenridge is relatively easy to reach. Visitors love the town’s charm and the variety of terrain but note that the resort can get crowded. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, with high-altitude terrain for experts.
• Amenities: Historic town with plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife.
• Pricing: Lift tickets priced around $200 per day, with Epic Pass options.
• Accessibility: About 2 hours from Denver International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Loved for its town charm and terrain variety, but can be crowded.

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley is a skier-only resort known for its meticulously groomed slopes and exceptional customer service. It caters primarily to beginners and intermediates but has some challenging runs for experts. The resort offers luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and a refined atmosphere. Lift tickets are among the highest in the U.S., but the resort limits daily ticket sales to ensure an uncrowded experience. Located just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Deer Valley is highly accessible. It is consistently ranked as one of the top resorts for service and grooming, making it a favorite among families and luxury travelers. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Meticulously groomed slopes, primarily for beginners and intermediates.
• Amenities: Luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and exceptional customer service.
• Pricing: Among the highest in the U.S., with limited daily ticket sales.
• Accessibility: Just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently ranked as a top resort for service and grooming.

Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky offers over 5,800 acres of terrain, including the iconic Lone Peak. It’s ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers, with plenty of wide-open runs and challenging chutes. The resort has a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury lodges. Dining and après-ski options are expanding. Lift tickets are moderately priced compared to other major resorts, and the Ikon Pass provides additional savings. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is about an hour away, making Big Sky relatively easy to reach. Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds, vast terrain, and stunning mountain scenery. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Vast terrain, ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers.
• Amenities: Range of accommodations, with expanding dining and après-ski options.
• Pricing: Moderately priced lift tickets, with Ikon Pass options.
• Accessibility: About an hour from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Appreciated for its lack of crowds, vast terrain, and scenery.

East Coast Standouts

While the West Coast often dominates ski resort discussions, the East Coast has some excellent options as well.

Killington Resort, Vermont

Killington is the largest ski resort in the East, with over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain. It offers a mix of groomers, moguls, and tree skiing. The resort features a lively base area with dining, shopping, and après-ski options. Lift tickets range from $120 to $150 per day, making it more affordable than many Western resorts. Killington is about a 3-hour drive from Boston and 4.5 hours from New York City. Killington is praised for its snowmaking capabilities and terrain variety but criticized for weekend crowds. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Largest ski resort in the East, with a mix of groomers, moguls, and tree skiing.
• Amenities: Lively base area with dining, shopping, and après-ski options.
• Pricing: Lift tickets range from $120 to $150 per day.
• Accessibility: About a 3-hour drive from Boston and 4.5 hours from New York City.
• Customer Satisfaction: Praised for its snowmaking and terrain variety, but can be crowded.

Sugarloaf, Maine

Sugarloaf offers 1,240 acres of skiable terrain, including the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East. The resort has a cozy base village with dining and lodging options that cater to families and groups. Lift tickets range from $100 to $130 per day, with discounts for multi-day passes. Sugarloaf is more remote, requiring a 2-hour drive from Bangor International Airport. Visitors appreciate the challenging terrain and natural beauty but note the resort’s remote location. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Includes the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East.
• Amenities: Cozy base village with dining and lodging options.
• Pricing: Lift tickets range from $100 to $130 per day.
• Accessibility: 2-hour drive from Bangor International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Appreciated for its challenging terrain and natural beauty.

Sugarbush Resort, Vermont

Sugarbush offers classic New England skiing with two connected mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen. It has a mix of groomed trails, glades, and challenging terrain. The resort features cozy lodges, family-friendly dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. Lift tickets are reasonably priced compared to Western resorts, and the Ikon Pass provides access. Located about three hours from Boston, Sugarbush is a convenient option for East Coast skiers. Praised for its charm, efficient lift system, and variety of terrain, Sugarbush is a top choice in the East. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Classic New England skiing with groomed trails, glades, and challenging terrain.
• Amenities: Cozy lodges, family-friendly dining, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Pricing: Reasonably priced lift tickets, with Ikon Pass options.
• Accessibility: About three hours from Boston.
• Customer Satisfaction: Praised for its charm, efficient lift system, and terrain variety.

Value-Oriented Options

For those looking for a great ski experience without breaking the bank, these resorts offer excellent value.

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley is famous for its steep and difficult terrain but also offers trails for beginners and intermediates. It features 111 runs, with a good distribution across skill levels. The resort includes a gondola and access to the 12,450-foot Kachina Peak. Taos Ski Valley is generally more affordable compared to some of the other top resorts, though prices can still be significant. The resort is about a 2.5-hour drive from Albuquerque International Sunport and offers shuttle services. Taos is praised for its challenging terrain, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Known for its steep terrain, but also offers beginner and intermediate runs.
• Amenities: Includes childcare services, ski programs, and various dining options.
• Pricing: Generally more affordable compared to other top resorts.
• Accessibility: About a 2.5-hour drive from Albuquerque International Sunport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Praised for its challenging terrain, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch offers a diverse range of trails, with 78 trails across 360 acres of skiable terrain. It caters to all skill levels, including beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering childcare services, ski programs, and various family activities. Smugglers’ Notch is generally more affordable compared to some of the western resorts, making it a good value for families. The resort is about a 30-minute drive from Burlington International Airport and offers shuttle services. Smugglers’ Notch is consistently rated as one of the best family ski resorts in the country, praised for its family-friendly environment and comprehensive amenities. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Diverse range of trails for all skill levels.
• Amenities: Family-friendly atmosphere with childcare services and ski programs.
• Pricing: Generally more affordable compared to western resorts.
• Accessibility: About a 30-minute drive from Burlington International Airport.
• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently rated as one of the best family ski resorts.

Wolf Creek, Colorado

Wolf Creek offers a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels and is known for its excellent snow reliability and value for money. While specific details on the size of the resort are not always readily available, it is recommended for its affordability. Wolf Creek is accessible by car, with the nearest airport being the Durango-La Plata County Airport, about 1.5 hours away. It is highly regarded for its value for money. (Source)

• Terrain Variety: Variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels.
• Amenities: Essential amenities, including accommodations and dining options.
• Pricing: Recommended for its best value for money.
• Accessibility: Accessible by car, with Durango-La Plata County Airport about 1.5 hours away.
• Customer Satisfaction: Highly regarded for its value for money.

Conclusion

The best ski resort for you will depend on your individual preferences, skill level, and budget. Whether you're seeking the challenging slopes of Jackson Hole, the luxurious amenities of Aspen, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Smugglers' Notch, the United States offers a diverse range of options to suit every skier and snowboarder. This guide provides a starting point for your research, and further exploration of the resorts' websites and reviews will help you make the best choice for your next ski adventure.