9 of the Best Ski Resorts in the United States
The United States is a huge country with many types of terrain and temperatures. It has many areas that have very cold temperatures making them great for snowfall and many mountainous areas that make them perfect for skiing.
There are many different types of ski resorts that cater to every type of skier or snowboarder. In fact, the best ski resorts in the United States are spread out over the whole country and not in one particular state.
This means that there are many different ski resorts, each with its own unique qualities. Because of this, there are many ski resorts to choose from. Whether you want a family friendly resort with plenty of beginner trails or a more advanced mountain with steep terrain, there is a place for everyone!
The ski season in the United States is generally from November to April as this is when the temperatures are at the coldest and therefore the snow is at its best.
The ski resorts in the United States are some of the best in the world. If you are looking for a place to go skiing, then we have got the list of the best ski resorts in America!
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Park City Resort
Park City Resort is a ski resort near Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It was founded in 1963 and has 330 trails for all skill levels including beginner, intermediate and expert.
The resort has over 70 kilometres of trails and a vertical drop of 3,200 feet. Park City Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, being set on 7,300 acres, with 10,026 ft of elevation it also makes it the largest in the whole country!
With 6 terrain parks and 43 lifts to service the area, the resort is a great place to spend your next ski holiday.
The resort is also home to many non-skiing activities which mean there is also something to do even when you are off the slopes. With several restaurants, shops, bars and other entertainment venues. It is also one of the best ski resorts for beginners as it is extremely family orientated.
In order to get to this resort, the closest airport is Salt Lake City International Airport. From here it is a 45 minute drive.
This is recommended as public transport takes up to 3 hours in comparison due to the mountainous region. The resort has a number of accommodation options on site which range from luxury chalets to more budget friendly hotels.
Accommodation nearby Park City Resort:
Deer Valley Resort
Just across from Park City Mountain Resort, you will find Deer Valley Resort. The two resorts are only a 10 minute drive away from each other meaning you can enjoy the two if you really wanted on your ski trip. The smaller resort of the two, Deer Valley is set on 2,026 acres of land and has 103 runs to choose from.
It was voted number 1 for the best ski resort in America back in 2021. The resort is well known for its luxury accommodation and is the most expensive resort in America. It has a luxurious reputation and is a top contender for being one of the most best and expensive ski resorts in the entire world.
The highest point of the mountain range of Deer Valley Resort is Bald Mountain at 11,943 feet. It has a vertical drop of 3000 feet and has a variety of different runs for all levels of skiers.
Deer Valley is also known for its large amount of snowfall each season with almost 223 inches falling on average each year. If you are looking to find one of the best u.s. ski resorts then Deer Valley seems like an obvious choice.
Accommodation nearby Deer Valley:
Jackson Hole Resort
Jackson Hole Resort is the largest ski area in Wyoming, with more than 130 runs and a vertical drop of 3,139 feet. If you are looking for intermediate or advanced mountain experience, look no further than Jackson Hole.
It is also a great option for beginners as its snowpack is much less variable than other resorts, so you can count on fresh powder every day. With its massive snowfall, world-class terrain and convenient location, Jackson Hole is one of the best places in the country to ski.
Jackson Hole Mountain has a reputation for being relatively uncrowded and known primarily only among experienced skiers and boarders, there are few other resorts where you can get away from it all while still having plenty of good options for food and entertainment.
Being such an amazing place to ski means that there is no shortage of ways to get there: whether it is driving yourself or taking a bus from Jackson Hole Airport, getting there will not be difficult.
Accommodation nearby Jackson Hole Resort:
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort is the best ski resort in Montana and is set within 3,000 acres of terrain. It has a vertical drop of 2,353 feet and an elevation of 6,817 feet. It has got the best snow, the most terrain, and some of the best customer service you will find anywhere.
What really makes it stand out as one of America’s top ski resorts is its terrain park, it has more options than most other resorts around. If you are looking for a family-friendly place to go skiing or snowboarding with your kids, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers an excellent experience at prices that will not break the bank.
This year round destination offers a variety of ski and snowboard lessons, from private lessons to group lessons with an instructor. If you are looking for some après ski fun, the resort has a full range of activities on offer too with many bars, restaurants and nightlife options.
The ski resort is only a 30 minute drive from the Glacier Park International Airport so it is easily accessible.
Accommodation nearby Whitefish Mountain resort:
Snowmass Mountain
Aspen Snowmass Mountain is a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It is located in Pitkin County and features 98 trails covering 3,342 acres with a 4,406 vertical drop.
The area of Aspen is renowned for its wealthier clientele and therefore the ski resort is a popular destination for celebrities and high profile individuals. The area is also home to the famous Aspen Mountain.
Aspen Snowmass is one of the best ski resorts in colorado and is a great resort for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
The ski area has a variety of terrain for all abilities and is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. The Snowmass Base Village features shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities located at the base of the mountain and making for an enjoyable experience.
The ski resort is extremely accessible with the closest airport being Aspen Pitkin County Airport. This is only a 10 minute drive away. Alternatively, you can take public transport straight to the ski resort from the airport which is a 25 minute travel time.
Accommodation nearby Snowmass Mountain:
Palisades Tahoe
Palisades is the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, offering skiers and snowboarders 6,000 acres of skiable terrain. Palisades’ Tahoe reaches a base elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level and offers a peak summit elevation of 9,050 feet.
The resort has 270 runs with its longest run being over three miles long. The nearest airport to the resort is Truckee Tahoe Airport which is a 20 minute car journey away.
The ski resort was formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. A resort with a storied history, Squaw Valley has been home to some of the most pivotal moments in skiing’s history.
The 1960 Winter Olympics took place here. In September 2021, the resort changed its name to Palisades Tahoe in respect of the heritage of the indigenous local people.
Accommodation nearby Palisades Tahoe:
Beaver Creek
Another one of the best ski resorts in u.s. for families is Beaver Creek as it offers something for everyone. The resort has everything from groomed slopes to steep chutes and tree runs, offering a little something for beginners and experts alike.
The mountain is also known for its vast variety of terrain, with 100 runs for all levels. This means that Beaver Creek resort is ideal for families looking to try out their first time on skis or snowboards while still being able to visit challenging slopes if they are more advanced skiers/boarders.
There are so many things to do after skiing at Beaver Creek such as eating great food at restaurants like Beaver Creek Chophouse or Blue Moose Pizza Beaver Creek. You can go shopping at the many stores and boutiques, plus there are lots of après-ski activities around the area.
Accommodation nearby Beaver Creek:
Vail Ski Resort
Right next to Beaver Creek you will find Vail Ski Resort. This ski resort is known for its steeps and powder, so it is a great place for advanced skiers who like to challenge themselves.
If you are looking for some challenging slopes, this is the place to go. Vail Ski Resort is a great place to spend your day, but you can also visit Vail Village. This village has many shops and restaurants where you can find souvenirs or just have a nice lunch.
The resort covers 5,317 acres, with 195 runs and a vertical drop of 3,450 feet. Vail Ski Resort opens in November and stays open until later than usual at the start of May.
This is because the resort has now got one of the largest snowmaking systems in skiing after a huge investment was made. In order to get to the ski resort, the closest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport.
This is approximately a 40 minute car journey away or just over an hour by public transport options.
Accommodation nearby Vail Ski Resort:
- Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
- The Sebastian – Vail
- The Wren at Vail by East West Hospitality
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado, with a vertical drop of 3,398 feet and an area of 2,908 skiable acres over 4 terrain parks. The resort has 187 runs for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy along with the tallest chairlift in the whole of North America.
The resort also has a variety of restaurants and bars for guests to enjoy, as well as a ski school and equipment rental facilities. The main town of Breckenridge is a large area filled with even more facilities than the ski resort offers.
The town is filled with restaurants, bars and shops for guests to enjoy before or after their ski trip. The best time to visit is November to April time as the snowfall is at its best.
The nearest airport to the resort is Eagle/Vail Regional Airport which is 71 miles away. It takes around one and a half hours travel time to then reach the resort from the airport.
Alternatively, there is Denver International Airport (DIA) which is 106 miles away but provides more international flights. This is further afield so takes around a 2 hour car journey to reach your destination. There are other forms of public transport available if you do not have a car.
Accommodation nearby Breckenridge Ski Resort:
- Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
- The Sebastian – Vail
- The Wren at Vail by East West Hospitality
With so many ski resorts around the country, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best and therefore it can be hard to choose one. These are all great places to spend your winter vacation with friends and family, whether you are an experienced skier or just getting started.
The resorts are all welcoming and offer a variety of amenities to make your stay more comfortable. The resorts offer a variety of activities for all ages, plus also provide plenty of fun for non-skiers.
These include indoor pools, saunas, hot tubs, restaurants, bars, nightlife and more. If you are looking for an adventure with friends or family, these are some of the best places to go!
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