The United States has some of the best ski resorts in the world. If you want to create the ultimate skiing bucket list, you have to start with these places. Most of the world-class ski resorts are found in the West, but if your travel plans take you to the eastern states, you will find some fantastic places to ski and board.
Let us dive into Best Ski Resorts in the USA!
Palisades Tahoe, California
Filled with world-class ski resorts, the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada welcomes millions of visitors each year. The two largest resorts in the area are Palisades Tahoe (formerly known as Squaw Valley) and Alpine Meadows.
A single lift ticket grants you access to both areas, which are linked by a bus. Palisades is the larger of the two, and its infrastructure from hosting the 1960 Olympics is still there and visible. Weekend crowds can be extreme but the mountain’s tramway, high-speed quads, and gondola keep the lines moving.
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Whiteface takes East Coast winter to a new level with the biggest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains and a section of backcountry terrain that would make a Coloradan feel right at home. There are also ski runs that hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics, which means that you will be gliding down historic slopes.
The real draw to Whiteface is the nearby town of Lake Placid, which has plenty of bars, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. The town’s main attractions are dominated by ski jumps and bobsled runs from the Olympics, but if you don’t like to ski, Lake Placid also boats toboggan chutes, dog sledding, and Nordic ski trails.
Stowe, Vermont
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Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado
Four mountains, all types of terrain, and one ski town make Aspen Snowmass among the best ski destinations on the planet. From Ajax’s local vibe and tree skiing to the family mecca of Snowmass and the steep, open-bowl skiing of Aspen Highlands, this resort will keep anybody engaged and impressed with all there is on offer.
While Aspen is perhaps the archetypal ski town, Snowmass Village has been the site of most of the upgrades in recent years and is worth checking out for new dining, lodging, and off-slope activities, especially if you have kids in tow. And if you’re an expert skier and you haven’t skied Highland Bowl, it’s truly bucket-list worthy.
Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
Sun Valley is like a winter wonderland that’s just far enough off the beaten path to have a magic of its own, from the groomed slopes with amazing Wood River Valley views to sophisticated Ketchum, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars.
Sun Valley Resort is a place that feels like a vacation, with great service on and off the hill and lodging options ranging from the Sun Valley Lodge to the Limelight Ketchum. And the skiing? It’s better than ever this year with the addition of the new Sunrise expansion, 350 acres of new terrain.
Steamboat Resort, Colorado
Serving up a different side of Colorado skiing experience than what’s in the Front Range or in Southwestern Colorado, Steamboat is more cowboy and a little less flashy.
The mountain is known for its cold, powder, and amazing tree skiing, and the resort is in the midst of a multi-year upgrade that includes a gondola, new terrain, and a facelift to the mountain village. The town of Steamboat, down the road, is just the Western-style ski town of postcards, especially if you come during the annual Winter Carnival in January.
Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
When you’re looking for a ski vacation that’s a little bit different than what you are used to at your average resort, Taos is a no-brainer.
It’s got the terrain, the amenities, and the culture to keep you engaged, plus the red and green chile sauces at Orlando’s, in town, are amazing. This place has some great terrain—hike Highline or West Basin Ridge, or ski off the Kachina Chair to find out for yourself.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Deer Valley might have a reputation as a super-exclusive destination, but anyone who’s been will tell you that it doesn’t feel that way at all when you’re there, thanks in large part to the friendly and welcoming staff in skidom.
It also has a reputation for having one of the best foods in the industry. Deer Valley’s groomers are stellar, but so are its glades. And don’t sleep on the Daly Chutes for some really fun—and often empty—steeps on Empire Mountain.
Hello! I’m Sara, a Croatian native. I’ve traveled all over the world and have knocked out some amazing cities and countries off my bucket list.
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