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17 Best Ski Resorts in the US to Visit

The ski season is underway, and you’re looking for a new resort to go to that caters to your family. Look no further than these best ski resorts in the US. These resorts are guaranteed to keep your kids, as well as you, entertained and having a blast on the slopes.

The first snowfall of the season always attracts tourists from all over the world. Those who enjoy winters and, by extension, snow are frequently looking for a ski vacation or getaway with their friends and family.

A ski vacation is a wonderful opportunity to discover all that the snowy mountains have to offer, including skiing, snow fun, terrain, lodging in a spectacular resort, and, of course, the ambiance. Either you will take a holiday during New Year’s or early spring break.

Another wonderful thing about skiing in America is that it’s a lot of fun and extremely affordable. These ski resorts, aside from being really magnificent bars, restaurants serving delectable cuisine, and of course the carefree atmosphere of ski towns, also offer a wide range of recreational facilities such as snowshoeing trails.

So here we are with a list of the best ski resorts in the US, which are guaranteed to make your skiing experience memorable.

Best Ski Resorts in the United States

Alta Ski Resort, Utah

Best ski resorts in America

Alta Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, having opened in 1939. This snow-covered resort is located at a high elevation and only skis are allowed for skiing here.

The actual location of the resort is at the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon which is just 25 miles away from the famous Salt Lake City.

The resort offers you the perfect luxurious amenities which comprises both modern and traditional services. The snow here is quite deep and thick which is perfect for terrain skiing.

See Related: The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Best ski resorts in America

The elevation of Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana is rather high. It is only 30 miles from Glacier National Park in Montana, which is well-known throughout the world.

The facility includes around 105 runs and a 3000-acre terrain skiing area that is exclusively available to visitors. Apart from skiing, the facility provides you with a pleasant stay as well as many other great winter activities.

In the winter, you’ll be able to ski down a variety of slopes and enjoy breathtaking views. A highlight of this resort is its proximity to the town center.

They generally do not expect much snowfall in early January but recommend that you check with your travel agent before making any reservations. It normally receives a lot of snowfall, about 300 inches annually.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah

This resort is located in the Wasatch Mountains, only 29 miles away from Salt Lake City. It is one of the best family ski resorts in the United States because it offers a wide variety of activities for both kids and adults.

If you’re looking for a place to Ski, there are around 1000 skiable acres, plus a terrain park for snowboarders and freestyles at this epic spot.

  • Take the family tubing: Snowbird has the only lift-serviced tubing hill in Utah.
  • Ice skate: There is a 6,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink at the top of Snowbird Center
  • Cross-country ski: With over 35 kilometers of cross-country trails, Snowbird is a great place to enjoy this winter activity

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States. This is situated in Park City, Utah, home to multiple world-class ski resorts and vibrant ski culture.

Here’s why it’s great: Deer Valley Resort is a great place to bring your family if you want to enjoy some of the best skiing in the country. The resort has a variety of slopes that are suitable for all levels, so everyone in your family will be able to find something to their liking.

In addition, the resort is home to a kid-friendly ski school with multiple beginner-friendly slopes and a variety of kid-centric activities and amenities such as tubing.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass is an iconic ski resort located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The resort offers 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, with something for everyone from beginner to expert, but is mainly known for having excellent intermediate terrain. This is the second resort on Aspen mountain you can have two different options to choose from during your stay.

Aspen Snowmass is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re looking to stay near Snowmass, there are a variety of great options to choose from.

The Village at Aspen Snowmass is a great place to stay if you want to be right in the heart of all the action. The resort offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a variety of activities for the whole family.

Another great option is the Limelight Hotel, which is also located in the heart of Aspen Snowmass. This hotel offers a variety of room types and suites, as well as a heated pool and spa.

Mammoth Mountain, California

Best ski resorts in America

This quite famous ski resort called the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada and it is one of the highest snow-covered mountains across California and in America as well. 

This is one of the best places to ski in the US as it covers an area of around 3,500 acres which is all skiable and comprises 28 lifts and 151 runs. The varied terrain along with the significant snowfall guarantees that you’ll have some of the best tree skiing, spring skiing, and overall a great experience in California.

The Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort offers you one of the biggest snow recreational resorts that one can ever experience in his lifetime. So, enjoy your next winter vacation at the Mammoth Mountain Resort.

Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Best ski resorts in America

The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is situated on one of the four mountains of Aspen which are covered with thick white snow perfect for your terrain skiing. The snow-covered terrains are generally double-black expert terrain comprising the Highland Bowl.

This Aspen mountain ski and snowboard resort have a lot of things to offer you like beautiful and cozy lodges, luxurious hotels, rental accommodations, and many more resorts and cottages in Aspen and the nearby Snowmass villages.

There are a number of lodges and resorts located near the ski resort that offer everything from skiing and snowboarding to horseback riding.

Winter Park Ski Resort, Colorado

Winter Park Ski Resort, Colorado

The Winter Park Ski Resort in Colorado is quite an iconic and historical ski resort, having been established over 75 years ago. The resort is conveniently located near Denver, making it easy for tourists to visit their holiday destinations.

The ski area is internationally renowned for its ancient and legendary sled ride on Mary Jane Mountain, as well as being considered the finest and most challenging skiing terrain in and around the United States. It’s all between the trees, so it’s a thrill.

Heavenly Ski Resort

Best ski resorts in America

Heavenly Ski Resort is considered one of the highest altitude mountain resorts in the whole state of California and Nevada as well. It is actually located near South Lake Tahoe.

The elevation of the towering snow-covered peak is around 10,067 feet, which is extremely high and challenging in and of itself. This high-elevation ski resort’s stunning panoramic view of one of North America’s largest alpine lakes, it’s out of this world. In the coming winters do visit this amazing ski resort on your bucket list.

Squaw Valley

Best ski resorts in America

The Squaw Valley Ski Resort is located in the Olympic Valley of Northern California and it is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The resort spans over 6,000 acres and features a vertical descent of 3,600 feet.

The Squaw Valley Ski Resort was the host site for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games and it continues to be one of the best places to ski and snowboard for expert skiers and intermediate skiers. In addition, this ski town offers Après ski options as well as other great things to do in the local area.

Big Sky Resort, Montana

Best ski resorts in America

The Big Sky Resort situated in Montana is one of the largest ski resorts in the whole of the United States as the area is spread over 5,750 skiable acres which are fully covered with thick and white snow.

Big Sky Resort was combined with the Moonlight Basin in 2013, after which it became one of the country’s biggest ski resorts. Big Sky has 300 trails, 6 miles of the run, and a depth of 4350 feet which may be quite tough. The drop is in the vertical direction which can actually give you goosebumps for sure.

Skiers and snowboarders that flock to Big Sky Resort each year are attracted to its massive size, variety of terrain, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.

This is the best ski spot in all of Montana given the varied terrain, affordability, and easy access from Bozeman International Airport.

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Keystone Resort, Colorado at Night

The Keystone Resort in Colorado is made up of three mountains and two tiny towns or villages, all of which are located within close proximity to the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Out of the three mountains on which the resort is built, the highest is Outback Mountain which has an altitude of around 11, 980 feet, skiing here is restricted for local tourists and only professional skiers are allowed to do skiing on this mountain.

The resort authorities every year also organize an epic all-day CAT skiing tour in which anybody can participate whether he or she is a professional skier or not.

See Related: Best Romantic Getaway Vacations

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah

Best ski resorts in America

The Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort are in Utah, near Salt Lake City, which is only 27 miles from the resort location. This place receives a record-breaking snowfall every year, with an average of 500-600 inches of snow.

The resort’s authorities have just spent a significant sum of money on a major renovation project. The upgrade of the mountain’s ticketing system, which was recently completed, cost $35 million.

Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat Ski Resort

The Steamboat Ski Resort is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The resort features 2,965 acres of skiable terrain, 165 trails, and a vertical descent of 3,668 feet.

The resort is family-friendly and offers ski school programs for children as young as 3 years old. In addition, the resort has several beautiful and breathtaking scenic views of the Routt National Forest which comprises around five multi-level terrain parks, all of them covered with thick white snow.

The Mavericks are the biggest of the five multi-level terrain parks, with jumps or drops that range from 50 to 7 feet high. The resort also provides several great places options to stay including luxurious lodges to smaller-sized condos.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Best ski resorts in America

Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States. It is owned and operated by the same company that owns and operates the Vail Resort, so you know it’s good!

Every year, more than 1.6 million tourists flock to Breckenridge to experience the excellent skiing vacation that this resort has to offer. If you’re looking for a great family ski resort, look no further than Breckenridge. There are plenty of great lodging accommodations to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay in Breckenridge:

  • Beaver Run Resort – This resort is perfect for families, as it offers ski-in/ski-out access to the ski trail.
  • The Village at Breckenridge – This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more traditional ski town experience.
  • One Ski Hill Place – If luxury is what you’re after, then One Ski Hill Place is the perfect place for you. It offers incredible views of the mountains.
  • The Inn at Breckenridge – This bed and breakfast is a great option for those who want to be close to all the action but still have a cozy place to call their own.
  • The Lodge at Breckenridge – Another great option for luxury seekers, this lodge offers ski-in, ski-out, and a great mountain village experience.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

If you’re looking for a ski resort that caters to families, look no further than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. Known as the best ski resort in Wyoming with endless runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities off the slopes, Jackson Hole is sure to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert. And when you need a break from the slopes, there’s plenty to do off the mountain as well. From dog sledding and sleigh rides to snowmobiling and ice skating, there’s something for everyone at Jackson Hole.

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts absolutely love Jackson Hole. The mountain has a combination of beginner terrain and the most difficult terrain enough to challenge even the most expert skiers in your group. As you ride your tram to the top of the mountain, you’ll feel a rush of excitement with all the skiable acres this resort has to offer.

Jackson Hole’s average daily snowfall in recent years has been 38 feet, according to statistics. Over 2,400 acres are covered at the resort, which includes more than 100 named run areas and multiple terrain parks.

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

People Walking with Snow Shows in Mountains

Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the country. There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages, and the resort is also located in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting for a ski resort than Telluride. The ski resort, like other attractions in the region, is a must-see for tourists. The surrounding mountain scenery is enough to steal your breath away, and the ski resort is no exception.

You’ll be surrounded by towering peaks on all sides when you enter the valley from above. The ski resort has something for everyone, from beginner terrain to some of the most challenging black diamond runs in the country. There are also plenty of intermediate trails for those who want to push their limits without getting too crazy.

In terms of facilities, Telluride has everything you need for a great family ski vacation. The resort has two base areas, Mountain Village and Telluride Town, which are connected by a free gondola.

There are also plenty of lodging options available, so you can find something that fits your budget. And, if you’re looking for some apres-ski opportunities, there are plenty of options available as well.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly ski resort that is also located in a beautiful setting, Telluride Ski Resort is a great option.

See Related: Essential Packing Tips for Vacations

Park City Mountain Village Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Village Resort is the largest ski resort in the United States, boasting 4,300 acres of skiable terrain. The resort offers a wide variety of trails for all levels of skiers and is especially popular with families. This is one of the most well-known ski areas in North America as it was the host of the Winter Olympics.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Park City Mountain Resort also offers a wide range of other activities such as tubing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. There are a number of great places to stay in Park City. Some of the most popular include the following:

  • The Silver Star Resort is a great place for families as it offers ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, along with a range of other amenities such as an outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center.
  • The Canyons Resort is another great option for families as it offers discounted rates on lift tickets when purchased as part of a package with lodging. It also has a wide variety of trails to choose from, making it perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
  • The Grand Summit Hotel is located right at the base of the slopes, making it extremely convenient for guests. It also offers a kids’ program, which provides activities and supervision for children aged 3-12.

Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

Vail Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States. The resort offers 5289 acres of skiable terrain, with 193 trails and 31 lifts. Vail Ski Resort is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

When it comes to family ski resorts, Vail Ski Resort is hard to beat. With its world-class skiing and après-ski scene, your family will never get bored. The resort also offers a variety of activities for kids, including the Ski and Snowboard School, tubing hills, and a kids’ center.

When it comes to things to do in Vail, Colorado, skiing and snowboarding are obviously at the top of the list. But there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy during your stay.

For instance, you can visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens or take a scenic hike. Vail is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Colorado & Places to Visit

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Beaver Creek Resort is located in the Vail Valley of Colorado, and it is one of the most popular ski resorts in the state. It offers a great experience for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert, and it has something to offer for everyone in the family.

Beaver Creek is also one of the most expensive ski spots in America. The varied skiing combined with world-class après-ski opportunities makes Beaver Creek a favorite for families.

The resort has two gondolas that whisk skiers to the top of the mountain, where they can enjoy stunning views of the Rockies. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink at the base of the mountain, making it easy to take a day off of skiing or snowboarding to enjoy the local area.

On certain parts of the mountain, the gullies challenge even the most advanced skiers at all levels. It’s an amazing mountain that anyone can enjoy.

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