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Northern Rockies

Best in the West 2018: Terrain Variety

The results of our reader-ranked survey of the top 10 resorts for terrain variety in Western North America.

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No. 1: Jackson Hole, WY

“The variety of terrain is simply incredible, definitely the best you can find anywhere without having to go out of bounds.”

Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

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No. 2: Whistler Blackcomb, BC

“You could ski here for years and not touch all of the terrain. A great resort for everyone, from first-timers expanding their skiing ability to old-timers enjoying the challenges that come with a wide variety of terrain on two mountains.”

Photo courtesy of Blake Jorgenson, Whistler Blackcomb.

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No. 3: Snowbird, UT

“Every direction you look, every run you take, takes your breath away in the scope of its beauty and variety.”

Photo courtesy of Matt Crawley, Snowbird Ski Resort.

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No. 4: Big Sky, MT

“It’s BIG! There’s so much terrain and something to offer everyone.”

Photo courtesy of Jeff Engerbretson, Big Sky Resort.

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No. 5: Alta, UT

“Alta is amazing: the terrain options are endless and it gets the snow to make skiing all of it more than possible.”

Photo courtesy of Colton Rice, Alta Ski Area.

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No. 6: Aspen Highlands, CO

“Highlands has really varied terrain that manages to accommodate all abilities.”

Photo courtesy of Dan Bayer.

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No. 7: Taos, NM

“Really high quality terrain on a mountain that’s great for all levels.”

Photo courtesy of Taos Ski Valley.

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No. 8: Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, CA

“No matter the weather, the amazing amount and diversity of terrain means there’s always something good to ski.”

Photo courtesy of Keoki Flagg.

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No. 9: Mammoth, CA

“Mammoth has the most varied terrain of any mountain in the west. From plenty of runs for first-timers to tons of runs for the extreme skiers, it has it all.”

Photo courtesy of Mammoth Mountain.

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No. 10: Telluride, CO

“Bountiful terrain for beginners, intermediates, and experts so all levels can enjoy the mountain at their own pace.”

Phot courtesy of Brett Schreckengost, Telluride Ski Resort. 

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