The United States offers several of the best ski resorts in the world. Most of these are located in the western US around Colorado and Lake Tahoe. Other states which offer great skiing options are Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, and California. These states together present to skiers the best ski resorts in USA.
Apart from the western states, some states in the far northeast also offer challenging ski slopes which are worth visiting. Most of these are situated near Vermont and Maine. Other states also offer scattered skiing options but most attractive skiing hub is the western US.
So, without further ado, let’s look at the top 10 ski resorts in the USA:
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Breckenridge
Situated in Colorado, this is clearly the undisputed winner of the best ski resorts in the USA. With a rich skiing history of more than 50 years, this is one of the most visited skiing spots. The elevation above sea level is approximately 2300 meters.
Several skiing events take place here during winter. Since 2008, top skiers and snowboarders have skied in the Winter Dew Tour. This is a triathlon event and is considered the best in the country. Apart from that, there are Spring skiing festivals, that are held here. This place has produced several Olympic skiers as well.
One of the best places to live in the Breckenridge ski resort, that covers all five peaks of the region. The skiable area is close to 3000 acres. However, it’s not just skiing, you can find many tourist attractions such as shopping centers, restaurants, affordable places to stay, bars, and many such recreational spots.
The only downside of this is also its plus point. It is packed with people. You might not get a quiet or private vacation. In addition, Colorado’s spring nightlife is among the greatest in the country for a fun trip.
Vail
Clearly, Colorado beats all the states singlehandedly, when it comes to the best ski slope in the US. Vail is the biggest one in the state. The town is popular for its hotels, restaurants, and the Vail Film Festival. However, it is one of the most attractive skiing destinations for ski-lovers.
The Vail mountains offer a skiable area of more than 5000 acres. This is raided with close to 200 ski trails full of umpteen ski bowls and 33 ski lifts. Same as Breckenridge, it also has a long skiing history of more than 50 years.
The village has a lot more to offer apart from skiing. Built-in Bavarian style, it is a treat to visit during the Christmas holidays. You may go snowmobiling or ice skating if you don’t like skiing. However, the most attractive piece of locomotion here is the Snowcat! You may enjoy a nice meal in the log cabins or check out the spas. Visit the art galleries, go bowling, or enjoy live music at Apres Ski.
Aspen Snowmass
Yet another one from the land of red rocks, Colorado. This is the land of X Games Aspen one of the most renowned action sports festivals in the world. Also, you may end up being a part of the Audi power of four ski racing contest.
There are several guided tours offered in the region for you to choose from. You may enjoy the Powder tour here if you like to ski in less crowded areas. You may even go for the ACES snowshoe and ski tours or go for NASTAR ski racing course. These tours are good for all ski levels and so even intermediate level trails are available.
Bored with skiing? Why not try the Ullr Nights at Elk Camp? It a winter wonderland party filled with Gondola lift rides, snow biking, live music, delicious meals, Alpine coaster rides, a bonfire with hot chocolate, and s ‘mores and whatnot! You may even go for a snowcat dinner at the Lynn Britt Cabin. There are scores of activities for kids such as tubing so that families can have a wonderful time. In addition, Colorado’s road trip destinations are one of the greatest in the country.
Telluride
One of our last picks in Colorado is Telluride. Unlike many other ski trails, Telluride provides ample opportunities for all ski levels. Beginners will not be disappointed. There are guided tours of almost everything including, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing, Backcountry skiing, winter camps, Heli-skiing, and other amazing options. If you want an adrenalin rush, you can count on Telluride.
Not only does Telluride offer exceptional ski trails, but it also offers picturesque beauty, breath-taking views, and unspoiled scenery. It also offers resort lodging, several restaurant options, and a multitude of non-skiing activities.
Jackson Hole
Moving to the neighboring state of Wyoming, Jackson hole offers one of the most epic expert trails for skiers. You can find one of the best ski slopes in the US at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 50 percent of the terrain is for expert-level skiers while 40 percent is for intermediate level while the remaining is for beginners. Therefore, skiing in Jackson Hole is not for weak hearted folks.
Most of the vacationers prefer booking accommodations in the Teton village which is approximately half an hour away to enjoy more of a nightlife and shopping districts. Paddle boarding in the Snake River is one of the most sought-after activities during the summers. Also, there are some cheap things to do in Wyoming if you visit Jackson Hole. Enjoy your trip while keeping your expenses down!
Alta
Situated in Utah, this is one of the most extreme trails in the whole world. This place is for serious skiers only. There are very little lodging nightlife and shopping options. However, there is one of the best ski schools in the entire US. This means that this area also supports beginners since around 15 percent of the trails are for beginners.
The mountain has a vertical height of approximately 3300 meters, with 547 inches of snow in winters. Spread over 3000 acres, it has 119 runs.
Snowbird
Another one in Utah, Snowbird is an alpine skiing area also suitable for snowboarding. Similar to Alta, this also has a top elevation of more than 3000 meters. In fact, it is connected with Alta via the AltaBird pass. However, you must be an expert skier to access Alta from Snowbird. Most of the trail at Snowbird is for expert and intermediate skiers.
However, in great contrast to Alta, Snowbird has great dining and nonski entertainment options. You may look forward to the Oktoberfest. It is full of fun and frolic with a carnival-style food, brews, games, music and much more. Perfect for a family vacation. It begins in August and goes on until October so, two months of fun is lined up for travelers. There are also several road trip destinations in Utah that will make your holiday unforgettable.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Moving to the far west to the state of California, you will arrive at the skiing areas around Lake Tahoe. One of the best ski slopes in the US is the Squaw Valley. You may go snow tubing or ice-skating on the frozen lake or take a mini snowmobile. These are attractive for children and families. You may even take a guided North Face Mountain tour, one of the best terrains of the region.
One of the most popular activities among skiers and non-skiers in the Aerial team ride. It gives a glimpse of the jaw dropping scenic beauty from as high as 8000 feet. There are plenty of dining, shopping, and lodging options for vacationers. The region is known for BBQ’s, Grills, and Pubs.
Even though, western US has so much more to offer for skiers, the best ski resorts from the Northeast can’t be ignored. So, let’s have a look at a few of those too.
Killington Ski Resort
Most of the best ski slopes in the northeast are situated in Vermont. Killington is spread over 1500 acres and is 4000 feet high. This is mostly for the intermediate level of skiers but offers ample opportunity for beginners and experts. 28 percent of this terrain is suitable for beginners. This mountain is known as the ‘Beast of the East’ and is one of the most visited peaks in the region.
You may even try dog sledding, snow tubing, ice skating, and much more if you are visiting with children. You may even enjoy lovely events at the Paramount theatre. Scenic gondola rides and beast mountain coasters are exciting adventures. Also, there are some cheap things to do in Vermont to make the most of your trip!
Sugarloaf
Right after Killington, Sugarloaf is the second largest ski resort in the east. Only 100 acres smaller than Killington, Sugarloaf is also as high. This offers a lot of adventure skiing options not available in other places. Apart from snowshoeing, cross country skiing and cat skiing, it also offers Fat biking and sno-go ski bikes.
There are several golfing, shopping, and dining options for families and non-avid skiers.
These are our picks of the top 10 ski resorts in the US. We might have skipped a few famous ones in the western US such as Beaver Creek and Steamboat, however, they are no less than those mentioned.
You may find a lot of offers on lodging on newer listing websites such as the rentaltrader.com during peak seasons, so, while booking, check these as well. We hope our selection helps you have a wonderful ski vacation and if you have any further questions or if you want to list your vacation rental on our site, it is easy to upload your photos and descriptions in a matter of minutes. Join the RentalTrader.com revolution!
