There are nearly 500 ski resorts in the U.S., which makes it hard to choose the very best, but there are some that are so enticing they attract skiers and boarders from across the globe. If you’d like to glide down the top slopes, expect to find some of the very best experiences among these options.
Vail Mountain, Colorado
America’s second largest ski resort is its most popular, drawing over 1.6 million to experience what’s often called “ski nirvana.” It offers a wide variety of terrain, with something for every skier, including countless miles of groomed runs on the mountain’s face, as well as backcountry areas for experts: Blue Sky Basin and Back Bowls. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum which celebrates the evolution of snow sports and the history of the area.
If you find it hard to tear yourself away as so many often do, you might want to check out the properties for sale in the area, or if you want to be able to enjoy city amenities while being a relatively short drive from the mountain, Colorado Springs real estate.
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
This northern Utah resort is famous for hosting the alpine giant slalom and snowboarding events in the 2002 Winter Olympics. There’s a good reason it was chosen – it boasts fantastic powder for some of the best skiing on Earth along with a variety of mountain zones that make it ideal for skiers of all abilities and ages. There are many other ways to play in the snow here as well, including riding the toboggan-style cars on the Alpine Coaster. You’ll zoom through over a mile of curves and loops at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour while taking in the magical winter wonderland scenery.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Located in spectacular Jackson Hole Valley, this resort is especially popular with extreme skiers. It hosts the legendary Corbet’s Couloir, an expert run that kicks off with a 30-foot drop. Half of its trails are expert runs; however, it offers plenty of variety and terrain of casual skiers and families too. The scenery here is out-of-this-world, and in the nearby town of Jackson you’ll find all sorts of activities, attractions and culinary delights.
Sugarbush Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont
If you’re looking for a resort closer to the east coast, Sugarbush is one of the best, with experienced skiers often attracted to its expert-level slopes. While there is plenty of challenging topography, including Mount Ellen which boasts one of the largest continual vertical drops in the region at 2,600 feet, with over 100 trails, novice and intermediate skiers will have lots to choose from as well.