Best in the West 2018: Overall 16-30
The results of our reader-ranked survey ranking the top resorts in Western North America, from 16th through 30th.
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No. 16: Park City, UT (Click for more info)
“Incredibly varied terrain. I skied it over 50 days this year, and 40 last season, and I’m always discovering something new.”
Photo courtesy of Tom Cohen / Park City Resort.
No. 17: Snowbird, UT
“I love Snowbird. I learned here and it is still the best of the Utah resorts. Snow is amazing and the lift upgrades keep things moving. Easy to get to from anywhere in the valley.”
Photo credit: Jay Dash.
No. 18: Mammoth Mountain
“A massive snowfall average, the longest season, the best lift service in the world, and steep runs make it a crown jewel of American skiing.”
Photo Courtesy of Peter Morning / Mammoth Mountain.
No. 19: Winter Park, CO
“It’s a non-pretentious, easily accessible resort. The snow falls and the sun shines more often than it doesn’t. The variety of terrain allows my entire family the opportunity to spend a day cruising or a day full of bumps and powder. The staff is always smiling and eager to accommodate your every need. The fact you get to bypass most of the I-70 rush is just an added bonus! It’s an easy day trip or perfect for a week long getaway. I’ll continue to ski there as my primary locale for years to come.”
Photo courtesy of Winter Park.
No. 20: Grand Targhee, WY
“Grand Targhee stays true with nature and does not bring the hype like other big resorts do. This is why we love The Ghee. Honest prices, the BEST snow conditions at any time and you are removed from the glamour of big resorts. It is all about nature and real skiing.”
Photo Credit Jasper Gibson.
No. 21: Alta, UT
“A company can’t create soul, the skiers at Alta create the soul, something that draws people from all over to come play in the best and deepest snow in the Wasatch. It is such a wonderful community, but it doesn’t have much of a nightlife or easy lodging options.”
Photo credit: Wray Sinclair.
No. 22: Solitude, UT
“Solitude is the best-kept secret of the Cottonwoods! The lift infrastructure needs some work.”
Photo credit: Adam Clark.
No. 23: Copper Mountain, CO
“A local mountain that skis like a big mountain. It’s not the fanciest but it’s also not pretentious, and the skiing is excellent once you know the mountain. It’s great value and family friendly, but the base area feels small and lacks a central theme.”
Photo courtesy of Copper Mountain.
No. 24: Taos, NM
“Lots of expert terrain, not crowded, cozy base area, friendly employees, and the nearby town of Taos is funky and cool! That being said, it has pretty inconsistent snow and is hard to get to.”
Photo courtesy of Taos Ski Valley.
No. 25: Snowbasin, UT
“A spectacular resort, fit for royalty but available to everyone. Best lift system in Utah by far—handles peak crowds with ease. On-mountain lodging is missing.”
Photo courtesy of Snowbasin.
No. 26: Keystone, CO
“From best terrain park in the world to runs for beginners to some rowdy hike-to terrain, Keystone has it all. Could improve upon grooming though.”
Photo courtesy of Richard Spitzer / Vail Resorts.
No. 27: Northstar, CA
“A great resort if you have kids or a group that has a wide variety of skill levels, but if you’re looking for an advanced adult trip this may not be the place for you.”
Photo courtesy of Northstar, California
No. 28: Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, CA
“Between the weather, terrain, and views there is no better mountain. If your primary purpose is to ski, Squaw is the best resort in the U.S., but not ideal for beginners.”
Photo courtesy of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.
No. 29: Brighton, UT
“If you want posh ambience, this is not the place for you, but that’s what I love about Brighton! It’s still a rugged, wild ski resort and the price is unbeatable.”
Photo courtesy of Brighton Ski Resort.
No. 30: Heavenly, CA
“Heavenly was truly named for its view. Somehow, as you ride the lifts, all stress just melts away. The snow is amazing, there is a variety of terrain, and while it is pricey, it’s worth every penny for the experience.”
Photo credit: Preston Schlebusch.
