The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. (2025)

In the throes of deciding where to ski this winter? We’ve been there. From trying to find resorts with terrain appropriate for everyone to figuring out where to stay, eat, and play, planning a ski trip is complicated. The amount of moving parts is overwhelming, even for experienced skiers and travel pros.

       See the Full Resort Guide 2025 Results: Top 50 Resorts in the North America

One thing is certain. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be, and that will translate directly into the type of vacation experience you have. To that end, we collected thousands of data points from knowledgeable ski travelers like you during our annual Reader Resort Survey, and parsed through every single one to produce our resort rankings. The list below represents the top-ranking ski resorts across the country, from New York’s Adirondacks to the snowy peaks of the Wasatch. We hope it helps you make some wise decisions for you and yours this ski season.

2025’s Top 22 Ski Resorts in the United States

No. 22: Sugarbush Mountain Resort, Vt.

Offering classic New England skiing with perfect glades and plenty of challenging terrain, this northern Vermont resort is steeped in ski history.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 18
• Strengths: Challenge, Family Friendly
• Weaknesses: Snow, Value
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Survey respondents praise this northern Vermont destination as a place that has a lot of things going for it. It’s more remote than most of the other Vermont resorts, so crowds are rarely a consistent problem. There’s some seriously difficult terrain to test your skills on, as well as plenty of blue cruisers and meandering greens, making Sugarbush ideal for groups of mixed abilities. And the mountain ops crew knows when to groom and when to let a good thing be. “They do just the right amount of grooming and leaving natural terrain alone,” piped one reader. The place is not cheap, earning itself a low-value ranking, and it also took some shots for not making enough snow during last year’s stingy winter. Partiers looking for a hopping after-dark scene might want to go elsewhere. Said one Sugarbush skier: “This is definitely a resort for those looking to stay AWAY from the noisy bar scene and the rowdy college crowds.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Sugarbush is a gem in the heart of Vermont. With two connected mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, there are a lot of trails. Lift lines move fast with longest waits on busiest days being under five minutes. A lot of varied terrain from double diamond steeps covered with moguls to wide groomed cruisers for honing in those carving skills. Some of the lifts could use upgrades. Many Western resorts have nice modern fast lift systems. Sugarbush has a few detachable quads, and the rest are ’70s- and ’80s-era old-fashioned lifts.”

No. 21: Snowbird Resort, Utah

Big-mountain skiing on some of the best and most challenging terrain in the Wasatch.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 13
• Strengths: Snow Quality, Challenge
• Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Après
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

There’s a reason that hardcore skiers love Snowbird, and battle the masses in Little Cottonwood Canyon to get there every winter. Actually, make that two reasons: The rad terrain and the light fluffy powder. “The Bird delivers on all the most important aspects of skiing,” one skier reported, “vis as vis snow quality, challenging terrain, and lifts.” Readers weighed in on Snowbird’s “scary-hard” vertical and reminisced about the deepest powder days of their lives spent in Mineral Basin and the Gad Chutes.

Take Our 1-Minute Snowbird Video Tour

Consider yourself warned: Traffic is bad in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and if you’re not staying overnight in the small village, you might want to make other plans to ski, especially on a powder morning. “There were multiple days this season where I was unable to get up the canyon in time to get a parking spot,” one Snowbird skier said. Once you do get up there, keep your expectations in check when it comes to village amenities. It’s pretty bland, according to one survey respondent: “Not much of a “feel” at the resort. Nothing unique in terms of bars, restaurants, and nightlife…” All the more reason to get to bed early so you’re well rested for another banner day on the slopes. “Snowbird’s terrain is overwhelming in such a good way.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“As many people say, “The ’Bird is the Word.” When I moved to Utah, I heard about all the resorts and the second I drove into Little Cottonwood Canyon I knew I was going to be getting a pass to Snowbird. The amount of absolutely insane terrain at this resort is truly unmatched and it’s exactly what I look for. Something that’s going to help me to progress as a skier to be the best I can possibly be without being limited by any terrain.”

No. 20: Jay Peak Resort, Vt.

Remote Jay Peak is worth the trek thanks to some of the best natural snow in the East.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 16
• Strengths: Snow, Value
• Weaknesses: Grooming, Access
• Pass: Indy

Jay Peak is in rebuilding mode after settling the EB-5 visa fraud case. It’s now under the ownership of Pacific Resorts Group, which spent last winter focusing on solidifying staffing and keeping the wheels on the bus. A very small drop in the rankings tells us that the skier experience has remained unaffected, and remote Jay Peak, close to the Canadian border, is still a go-to for the best powder this side of the Mississippi at a cost that won’t empty your bank account. Readers confirmed that you don’t come for the grooming, a speedy lift network, or five-star dining, and god knows it’s not easy to get here, but if you’re looking for East Coast adventure in a compact yet rowdy and authentically Vermont package, Jay Peak is a good bet. “Great mountain, always has the most snow in the northeast, very friendly and caring staff who appreciate the local culture.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

”Jay is special. The snow and terrain are the best in the east for advanced skiers but the whole mountain is accessible to kids. Resort add-ons like the water park and climbing mean there are no bad days even when there’s a wind hold. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners, best for intermediate and up.”

No. 19: Crested Butte, Colo.

Located just far enough off the I-70 people-mover, Crested Butte is an underrated gem with hardcore skiing anchored by an eclectic ski town.

• Last Year’s Ranking: n/a
• Strengths: Challenge, Value
• Weaknesses: Access, Lifts
• Pass: Epic

“Crested Butte feels like the (hidden) crown jewel of Vail Resorts’ Colorado portfolio,” wrote one adept reader. “This place has something special, with everything from lap-able family terrain to the hardest skiing in the Colorado Rockies.” That comment sums up the place pretty nicely, and hits on Crested Butte’s assets perfectly: super challenging runs up high—we’re talking some knee-knocking chutes and couloirs—mellow groomers down below, all complemented by a funky, fun ski town oozing with personality. Bonus: It’s far enough off of the I-70 super-highway to deter daytrippers and keep crowds in check.

Readers sounded off about the aging mountain infrastructure, nudging management to replace some of the slower, rickety lifts. They also would like to see more, and better, dining options on the mountain. But you know when “move the mountain closer” is a common request, they must be doing something right.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Snow is the best we’ve skied in Colorado. Terrain has a great mix, but the challenging stuff is the best of the best. Big storms kept us longing for more. The bluebird days are some of the best we’ve had. The town of Crested Butte is charming and friendly, albeit pricey, but there are plenty of options between town and the mountain village for affordable fare and lodging. Free bus system was great!”

No. 18: Gore Mountain, N.Y.

An Adirondacks ski area where the skiing comes first, visit Gore for all the terrain, great views, and none of the drama or flash.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 14
• Strengths: Lifts, Value
• Weaknesses: Après, Nightlife
• Pass: SKI3

Humble, state-owned Gore enjoyed an almost 10-spot jump up the East rankings this year, and if the reader comments are any indication, it’s largely because Gore is a place that knows its core customers and gives them just what they’re looking for, no more, no less. The ski area located inside Adirondacks State Park doesn’t have flashy amenities—the closest lodging is in North Creek, a couple of miles away. But it does boast an efficient lift network, several stashes of truly expert terrain, and enough cruisers and beginner slopes to keep families busy all winter. “Great value for the money,” commented one Gore skier. “Gore is a mountain for those interested in skiing at all levels, not a place to go to party.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Gore is a hidden gem with as much terrain as a Vermont resort but without the crowds. Visitors should know that parking can be rough on the weekends and that there’s no ski-in/ski-out lodging. I recommend Gore to families and those looking for an East Coast experience without the cost and crowds.”

No. 17: Jackson Hole, Wyo.

An expert- and extreme-skiing mecca with a lively and authentic town, Jackson Hole earns its reputation as a bucket-list destination.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 15
• Strengths: Challenge, Nightlife
• Weaknesses: Family, Grooming
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Jackson Hole has one of the most loyal fan bases in all of skidom. “Skiing in Jackson is a remarkably unique experience,” said one such skier. “From the moment you board your first upper mountain lift, you know there is enough terrain to challenge even experts for a lifetime.” Indeed, it’s the extreme and expert terrain that the resort is known for, as well as the Hobacks access for backcountry skiers, but this year’s comments made sure to mention the expansive intermediate slopes too, filled with wide cruisers and more mellow pitches for those less inclined to throw themselves down iconic Corbet’s Couloir. “I was always intimidated by what I had heard about Jackson Hole, but as an intermediate skier I loved the large number of trails I was able to ski,” said one reader.

Take Our 1-Minute Jackson Hole Video Tour

Survey gripes were par for the course for Jackson Hole, and included being difficult and expensive to fly to and high prices around the resort for food and drinks. It is a destination resort, and the town of Jackson is 12 miles from the ski resort, where visitors can find plenty more options for dining, après, and nightlife. “ JH is the whole package as far as being a fun ski resort with great après-ski at the resort and a great downtown with awesome dining and nightlife.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“With a local airport, Jackson Hole is relatively easy to get to. The mountain certainly lives up to its reputation of having plenty of tough terrain and the lift layout makes it easy to navigate. The slopeside accommodations in the Village really are slopeside. It was a short walk from our hotel’s ski valet to the lifts—no fussing with buses. We skied midweek in March, and lift lines were short once you got from the base to mid-mountain. Got more than enough skiing in.”

No. 16: Cannon Mountain, N.H.

Test your skills at this no-frills, state-owned White Mountains ski area steeped in history, character, and authenticity.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 12
• Strengths: Value, Challenge
• Weaknesses: Dining, Lodging
• Pass: Indy

People who love Cannon Mountain, love Cannon Mountain. The place has a bit of a cult following. “This place is for people looking for classic, no-bones-about-it skiing,” declared one Cannon skier. “Old-school East Coast skiing at its best,” commented another. The state-run ski area with no frills at all—and we mean no lodging, meager dining, and absolutely no nightlife of any kind—is a place where grizzled old skiers come to lap the gnarly terrain off the aerial tram, but it also has some mellow slopes for families as well as blue cruisers challenging enough to prepare you for the black diamonds at other ski areas. Readers think management can do better when it comes to the upkeep of the day lodge and the limited skier services on offer, but they don’t hold that against this storied old piece of ski history.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“When it snows, it’s one of the best mountains in the East. It has a wide variety of terrain and its history within the ski industry is awesome. The lodging infrastructure needs a major update.”

No. 15: Sun Valley, Idaho

Home to a fast and steep mountain, this Idaho gem always pleases vacationers with its unique ambience, excellent guest service, and laid-back and authentic town of Ketchum.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 5
• Strengths: Local Flavor, Dining
• Weaknesses: Challenge, Snow Quality
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Despite posting up in the West’s Top 10 for the last handful of SKI’s Resort Guide rankings—including several at the No. 1 spot—Sun Valley still has a lot of mystique. It’s pretty far off the beaten path and not the easiest to get to, which certainly helps it from becoming overrun. Readers praised the resort for its excellent service and attention to the vacation experience, pointing out that all of the amenities in the ski village are complemented by the nearby town of Ketchum, which unlike Aspen or Jackson Hole, is less of a ritzy vacation spot and more of a real place where people live. “Ketchum is a really enjoyable and relatively inexpensive ski town,” shared one survey respondent. “Bars and restaurants aren’t swarmed and have actually good food.” “I love the super relaxed vibe in Ketchum,” said another.

The slopes, split between the main runs at Baldy Mountain and Dollar Mountain’s learning terrain, are perfectly manicured, earning high marks in the grooming category. Readers commented that Baldy’s long, fall-line slopes were made for high-speed carving. Skiers advised that the resort isn’t known for its massive snowfall, but that the mountain ops crew can be trusted to make the best of what they have. “When it’s a low snow year, Sun Valley makes up for it with its amazing grooming and snowmaking, holiday ambiance all year long and many things to do outside of skiing,” opined one Sun Valley visitor. “When it’s a high snowfall year, the mountain doesn’t feel crowded making for epic turns with friends and family on a powder day.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“First time to Sun Valley and we really enjoyed it. I’d describe it as a happy medium between Park City and Telluride. Fun town and great skiing, although the snow wasn’t as good as we had hoped in late January. Could have stayed right on the mountain, but we enjoyed staying in town with an easy bus to the lifts. Didn’t even need to rent a car.”

No. 14: Sunday River, Maine

Two new world-class lifts set the tone this season at Sunday River, where the adventurous is yours for the taking.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 10
• Strengths: Snow, Grooming
• Weaknesses: Access, Parking
• Pass: Ikon

Two big lift upgrades have made an impression on SKI readers, who bumped Sunday River up in the rankings this year. The Jordan 8, a new-last-season high-speed eight-person bubble lift, had the desired effect of ferrying more skiers out of the base and up onto the slopes at a much faster pace than its predecessor. And this season, a high-speed six-person chair debuts, and will serve some of the upper mountain slopes. That’s a lot of new lift capacity. Sunday River is longer than it is tall, so there’s a whole lot of acreage for weekend crowds to spread out. There are also multiple base areas with lodging, dining, après, and skier services, making Sunday River a one-stop destination.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Of the resorts in the East that I have spent a lot of time at, Sunday River is easily the top three for folks who aren’t interested in groomed cruisers. I love that Sunday River has so much natural terrain, both on and off-piste. Too many resorts groom everything, every day. Sunday River has so much acreage that they can leave a lot of it untouched. This is a mountain for strong, aggressive skiers. Folks who just want to cruise around on groomers can skip it.  I recommend Sunday River to anyone who likes to challenge themselves in a wide variety of terrain.”

No. 13: Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

After not making the rankings last year, Solitude rebounded big thanks to abundant snow and a chill, downhome vibe.

• Last Year’s Ranking: n/a
• Strengths: Snow Quality, Value
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Après
• Likelihood to Return: 5/30
• Pass: Ikon

Every year, there’s one resort that boomerangs back onto the rankings at a surprisingly high slot. This year, it’s Solitude. After failing to rank in the Top 30 in the West last year, the Big Cottonwood Canyon resort made a statement in the rankings this year. Readers weighed on what they love about this place, including the quantity and quality of snowfall, the bang for the buck, and “really interesting and varied terrain.” Shared one Solitude aficionado: “It’s a humble resort with terrain for all. This place is fun for everyone, from those who want to huck cliffs to those who are just learning.”

Like the rest of its neighboring ski areas, crowding is an issue here, and survey respondents griped about parking reservations and weekend volume making it hard to get up and out of the base area without waiting in long lift lines. Midweek visits, on the other hand, proved much different. “Solitude midweek really offers actual solitude for locals. Such a dream to be able to drive up for a few hours midweek!” But what really seemed to resonate with visitors was the lack of pretension and the community spirit. “Nice local vibe,” shared one reader. “It doesn’t feel too corporate, which was refreshing.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Greatest snow on Earth! Although Solitude is not a huge resort it has amazing terrain, especially intermediate and above. If you want a destination that has consistent powder days, this is one of the top spots to be. It snowed almost every night we were there the last week of December. We woke up to deep powder every morning. Amazing!”

No. 12: Killington Resort, Vt.

Come for the Access Road party scene, but stay for the excellent terrain variety, world-class snowmaking, and the longest season in the East.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 8
• Strengths: Après, Terrain Variety
• Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Value
• Pass: Ikon

The largest resort in the East is very well-liked and appreciated by SKI survey respondents. It may have a reputation as a party-hearty type of place that caters to those looking to get their groove on, and establishments such as the Wobbly Barn do deliver, but there’s much more to this place. Killington ranks high in Terrain Variety, with enough different types of trails across its 1,500 acres to keep all skiers busy. Readers are happy with the snowmaking efforts at the resort and are particularly impressed with how early in the season the resort is able to open as well as how late they stay open in the spring. It’s not a cheap place to vacation, but there are enough skier amenities at the different base villages to keep skiers fed and watered. And there’s always the Access Road after the slopes close for those who enjoy Killington’s special brand of après and nightlife.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“I love the size and variation of the terrain, as well as the ability to park right at a lift. It’s a big mountain with a local feel. I do wish they would limit day ticket sales to keep crowds down.”

No. 11: Telluride Ski Resort, Colo.

Arguably the most beautiful ski resort in North America, Telluride’s biggest weakness might well be its greatest asset.

• Last Year’s Ranking: n/a
• Strengths: Terrain Variety, Après
• Weaknesses: Access, Value
• Likelihood to Return: 2/30
• Pass: Epic

Is Telluride the ultimate destination resort? Its biggest fans certainly think so, and offer some pretty convincing commentary. “Telluride is never crowded, has insane terrain for all types of skiers and easily the best views in the Lower 48,” said one. “Everything from steep, bumps, trees, chutes, hike to, and mellow groomers,” shared another. “ I love how you can spend all day on some rugged mountain terrain and ski right into town. You can even belly up to the bar in your gear for the rest of the night and not feel out of place.”

Telluride’s high scores in terrain variety, challenge, and overall satisfaction bolster its argument, while a poor showing in the access category highlights the remote San Juan resort’s biggest weakness: It’s a very long trip from pretty much everywhere. Telluride has a small airport with limited service; the next-closest airport is Montrose, 65 miles away. (Denver is a six- to seven-hour drive in the winter.)

But once you’re there, Telluride is one of the easiest resorts to get around. The town gondola ferries skiers back and forth between downtown and the mountain village, and the walkable, bustling town of Telluride is packed with excellent dining, shops, nightlife, and all sorts of lodging options. “Telluride never disappoints. The views from the town and the mountain are just breathtaking! At times I would look around and couldn’t believe I was in a place this beautiful.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“This was our third year in a row traveling from the East Coast to Telluride and it quickly became our big trip of the season, spending a week there.  Flights to Montrose over winter make getting here relatively easy, and once there, it’s the nirvana of ski resorts.  Great mountain with lots of wonderful runs, good hike-to terrain, modern lifts that make getting high vert days a breeze, the best on-mountain dining (Yes, sir, I WILL have another glass of champagne at Alpino Vino), and it simply has the most gorgeous mountain views that there are.  Please just do all of us Telluride fans a favor and don’t publish this review so that it doesn’t turn into Aspen.”

No. 10: Bretton Woods, N.H.

No resort in the East puts so much time and effort into ensuring the best snow surface for its guests, no matter whether Mother Nature plays nice or not.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 6
• Strengths: Snow, Grooming
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Challenge
• Pass: White Mountain Super Pass

“Best grooming and snowmaking in the Northeast,” or some version of that sentiment, was consistent throughout this year’s reader comments. Bretton Woods continues to impress skiers with its dedication to a high-quality snow surface. So when Mother Nature refuses to cooperate, like most of last winter, you can count on Bretton Woods to not let that get in the way of a good time on the slopes. People also like the quaint base village, but warn that it’s not packed with options when it comes to nightlife and après. But for families looking for a relaxing and fun-packed ski vacation where they’ll feel genuinely welcomed, this N.H. resort is a perfect pick. “Despite the lack of snow on the East Coast, Bretton Woods was able to pull off a fabulous season. The conditions were always better than expected, with tons of hard work from the groomers.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“The scenery is flat-out gorgeous. It’s so far north that the snow is better than at most Vermont mountains. The Mount Washington Hotel is fantastic. It’s a long trip but it’s worth it.”

No. 9: Grand Targhee, Wyo.

You can’t do much better than this low-key ski area for deep pow and rad terrain at affordable prices.

• Last Year’s Ranking: n/a
• Strengths: Snow Quality, Local Flavor
• Weaknesses: Lodging, Access
• Likelihood to Return: 4/30
• Pass: Mountain Collective

Readers described Grand Targhee as a “local hill” a couple dozen times throughout our survey comments, and while they’re not wrong, its 2,600 skiable acres and No. 2 ranking for snow hint at another side of the story. “Amazing small local ski area vibe with big mountain terrain,” summed up one Targhee skier. “Love this place,” added another. “Low-key vibe with amazing snow and terrain for all abilities.” Indeed, not exactly a mom-and-pop with a rope-tow type of operation. To the contrary, Grand Targhee’s fans rave about its vast bowls, excellent glades, and miles of groomers perfect for cruising and taking in the expansive Teton views.

The ski area gets dinged for not having a ton of expert terrain, but it’s there if you know where to look. Those in the know would direct you to the glades and technical steeps off of Mary’s Nipple. It’s no Corbet’s Couloir, but that world-class resort is just over Teton Pass. “A hidden gem,” wrote one Targhee skier who’d like to keep it that way. “Do not come here.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Great family ski trip destination with no wait time for lifts, excellent and varied intermediate and advanced terrain and plenty of snow! If you need to get away into town, it’s a short drive. The scenery of the Tetons is amazing and the drive from Jackson Hole to this resort was fun too.”

No. 8: Sugarloaf Resort, Maine

Spirited Sugarloaf serves up adventurous terrain with a side of down-home authenticity and genuine friendliness.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 4
• Strengths: Challenge, Terrain Variety
• Weaknesses: Access, Family Friendly
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Sugarloaf’s many strengths really resonated with readers in this year’s survey. The comments were filled with praise about the Maine resort’s terrain—both its diverse offerings and the plethora of expert areas. Readers are gushed about the mountain’s adventurous spirit and how they never get bored searching out new areas to explore. “This is a great place for intermediate through expert skiers, and people who love that classic vibe of skiing with more amenities than your typical local mountain,” commented one ’Loaf skier. The other thing evident from the comments is that Sugarloaf is a friendly and welcoming place: “Everyone’s looking out for each other and just enjoying their time on the trails,” wrote one survey respondent. “People aren’t selfish and pushy like at other busier resorts.” It’s not easy to get to, and it’s not a particularly fancy place, but if casual dining, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and friendly Down East service are on your agenda, you’ll like what Sugarloaf has to offer.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Grooming is great even if the weather hasn’t been cooperative. There are condos close to the lifts and lift lines are quick. Great ski school for all levels. Trails for all abilities with cat skiing and trees if you want it. Have been coming as a group for many, many years. It’s still a good value, but not as good as it once was. Could use more varied restaurants with more affordable pricing, although the present offerings are good. It would be nice if the shops stayed open at least one evening during the week a little later.”

No. 7: Alta Ski Area, Utah

The ultimate skier’s mountain, Alta is unabashedly what it is, and doesn’t try to be anything else.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 13
• Strengths: Snow Quality, Challenge
• Weaknesses: Parking, Nightlife
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

If pressed to pick a single bucket-list resort where all skiers must experience in their lifetime, SKI readers would choose Alta. Why? First, the snow. From the quality of the light, fluffy flakes that fall in this region of the Wasatch to the sheer amount of it—the annual average is 546 inches per winter—it’s evident why Alta ranks No. 1 for its snow quality. “I’ve never experienced that much snow,” exclaimed one powder-happy respondent. Good thing there’s top-notch terrain to enjoy it on.

Although Alta has a reputation as an expert’s hill, many people called out this misconception in the survey comments, going even further to say that the ski area’s copious intermediate cruisers are often empty, as everyone is powder-chasing on the steeps and in the bowls. One thing that sets Alta apart from the rest of the resorts on this list is that it’s for skiers only; no snowboarders permitted. The policy adds a distinctly different vibe, one that was highly lauded by SKI’s largely two-plank audience. “No snowboarders to bulldoze the snow down the steeps!” exclaimed one skier. “It’s nice to have a snowboard-free enclave,” commented another.

But even the lack of snowboarders hasn’t relieved the parking congestion and the traffic that backs up in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Unless you’re staying in one of the five slopeside lodges, plan to contend with the long red snake that winds up Route 210, the only access to the ski area, on weekends, holidays, and powder days. Despite the slog to get there, SKI readers are nonplussed, giving Alta the No. 1 rank for Likelihood to Return and No. 2 for Overall Satisfaction. “Alta is amazing. Felt like we were back at what skiing is all about.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Best old-school ski resort in the country, hands down. Some of the best, empty groomers for beginners, and never-ending steeps for more advanced skiers. Everyone there just flat-out loves skiing and is willing to help newcomers learn their way around.”

No. 6: Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vt.

This unique destination that caters to families also boasts some of the best expert terrain in the Northeast.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 4
• Strengths: Family Friendly, Challenge
• Weaknesses: Dining, Après
• Pass: n/a

The northern Vermont resort offers its own formula of family ski vacation meets hardcore skier vibes with its amenity-filled village at the base of some of the toughest slopes in the East. The lifts are still slow, the base is pretty quiet in the evenings, and its location is a haul from pretty much anywhere, but that also keeps crowds in check. So does the fact that this is one of the few major resorts that have yet to join a multipass such as Epic or Ikon, a detail that its devotees appreciate. Come for the steeps or the nightly family entertainment—or both. Smuggs has got you covered.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Smuggs continues to focus on what it does best. Great family resort, an awesome ski school, great service, friendly people, a variety of terrain to please novices and experts alike, the best value, and nice, local flavor.  Mother Nature is not always cooperative, but Smuggs’ mountain operations do a great job making snow and working the trails.”

No. 5: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Exuding its own unique Southwestern flavor, Taos boasts rad technical terrain that draws skiers from all over the globe.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 9
• Strengths: Challenge, Value
• Weaknesses: Après. Grooming
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

There are many colorful ways to describe the biggest and most well-known ski area in New Mexico. “Taos is a four-letter word for STEEP!” was one reader’s phrase of choice. For another survey participant, it’s “real old-school skiing.” No matter the words, the message comes across crystal clear in our Reader Resort Survey: Skiers who take the time to get to know this family-owned gem known for its expert terrain and spicy, southwestern vibe fall in love with its unique offerings.

Nabbing the top ranking in Terrain Challenge, Taos’ marquee steeps, including the big-mountain vertical on Highline Ridge and the hike-to technical terrain in West Basin, presents some of the toughest in-bounds skiing you’ll find on the continent. “Every time we rode the chairlift, we were pointing at more and more steep lines we wanted to boot up to and go check out,” said one happy skier. Still, Taos is surprisingly family friendly. Part of that is its manageable size—1,294 skiable acres—combined with its independent ownership and traditional European-style programming, including all-inclusive Ski Weeks and the old-school, Bavarian charm of the slopeside Blake Hotel.

Those in the know warned that skier amenities are not a selling point at Taos. The small mountain village has limited beds and only a few restaurants. They also say that visitors would be remiss to overlook spending some time in the town of Taos, home to the historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s one of the oldest inhabited indigenous settlements in North America. At the end of the day, Taos’ idyllic mix of snowy peaks and spicy chiles dazzles visitors winter after winter. “Fantastic expert skiing, one-of-a-kind local charm and feel,” summed up one aficionado. “Alpine village meets Land of Enchantment.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“The expert terrain is unreal. I don’t think I’ve skied anywhere steeper. The quality of the snow is so chalky, and it holds up incredibly well given the north facing chutes and dry air. The culture and vibe are one-of-a-kind.”

No. 4: Saddleback Mountain, Maine

Making its debut in the rankings, this remote and wild Maine ski area wins hearts with its fast lifts, natural terrain, and old-school ambience.

• Last Year’s Ranking: n/a
• Strengths: Local Flavor, Lifts
• Weaknesses: Access, Après
• Pass: n/a

New to the ranking this year, Saddleback didn’t land near the top of this list because of its convenience. The drive up from Farmington into Rangeley can be winding and bumpy. It’s probably why people’s overall satisfaction ranked high, but their likelihood to return is middle of the pack. It’s great for families who want to hit the grocery store and basecamp at the condo or powder nuts who want to churn bumps until their legs fall off.

That said, you won’t hear many complaints about the conditions, crowds (soft bumps even two or three days after snowfalls), or lifts. The high-speed quads are brand-new since the mountain reopened in 2020, and that same private equity money has spurred new slopeside condos, a refreshed and homey base lodge, and a swath of newly cut glades that are both expansive and easy to run laps through. If you’re an expert skier and don’t have a good time in Casablanca, we don’t know what to tell you, because, as one reader exclaimed, “Casablanca Glades are the single best spot on any mountain in America.” Disembarking the Kennebago Quad and heading left gives you a breathtaking view of Maine’s lakes and hills, along with gnarly option after gnarly option to drop into. Want to let ‘em rip? Tight Line is among the straightest, steepest trails in the East. Want to get lost? See if you can make it all the way over to Muleskinner. Then see what’s on the other side. “An amazing large mountain that has a small mountain feel,” summed up one happy Saddleback skier. “It’s like the East Coast version of A-Basin.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Old-school vibe. No flashy mountainside hotels. Just snow, woods. and you. Love it here and will definitely return.”

No. 3: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.

With four mountains to choose from and one of the continent’s most iconic ski towns, Aspen Snowmass just might be the most well-rounded ski resort on this list.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 7
• Strengths: Terrain Variety, Nightlife
• Weaknesses: Value, Parking
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

It’s fair to say that Aspen Snowmass’s glitzy reputation precedes it. But it would be unfair to buy into the idea that this place is one-dimensional or only for the wealthy. The truth is that the town of Aspen and its four disparate mountains offer one of the most well-rounded ski vacations out there, with terrain for all skill levels and amenities for all budgets—despite what you might have heard. “The on-mountain dining was not shockingly expensive relative to other ski resorts, but was way better quality,” opined one reader.

Take Our 1-Minute Aspen Snowmass Tour

One of its biggest strengths is in the diversity of the ski experience, thanks to four different mountains combined under one lift ticket. Between the sustained steeps at Aspen Mountain, the family-friendly groomers at Snowmass, the hike-to bowl skiing at Highlands, and Buttermilk’s beginner terrain, it’s no surprise that the resort ranked No. 2 in Terrain Variety. After several seasons’ worth of upgrades to Snowmass, both on the mountain and in the fast-growing village, last season saw the addition of the Hero’s terrain at Aspen Mountain, which added 153 acres of expert chutes and glades. The Aspen faithful will always come for Aspen Highlands, though, known for its marquee hike-to Highland Bowl, a bucket-list experience for experts. “The terrain at Aspen Highlands, including the bowl, is enough for the most extreme skier,” said one skier in the know.

The resort’s lowest score was for access; there’s a small airport that can very pricey to fly to, and the resort is a four-hour drive from Denver in the winter. On the plus side, it keeps the crowds in check. “I’ve been going to Aspen for 60 years,” shared one Aspen fan. “It’s the standard by which any other ski vacation is judged.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Aspen Snowmass is the most complete ski resort I have ever experienced. Countless miles of amazing skiing between the four mountains with almost zero lines, followed by the best and finest bar and dining scene in the Rockies. You can’t beat the experience, plus most chairlifts are very fast and well maintained.”

No. 2: Mad River Glen, Vt.

The top resort in the East is made for skiers, by skiers, and is home to the most exciting and extreme terrain in the country.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 2
• Strengths: Challenge, Value
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lifts
• Pass: n/a

With a new spot at the top of the rankings, Mad River Glen proves that a ski area need only be true to itself to excel, even in today’s be-everything-to-everyone culture. MRG is a skier’s mountain in the literal sense—it’s owned and operated by its skiers. The terrain is steep and untamed; come to test your skills and grab adventure by the horns, because aside from skiing, there’s little else to do here. The skier services are pretty meager—you won’t starve but don’t expect much in the way of dining or après. There’s also no nightlife and no lodging at the mountain. And the long, slow lifts, including the iconic single chair, give you plenty of time to rest up before your next run. The hardcore MRG skiers wouldn’t have it any other way. “There is something special about the single chair, with your thoughts all to yourself, contemplating your last run or your next, how lucky you are to be doing something you love.”

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Mad River Glen is owned and operated by skiers and as such, does everything possible to make the experience completely FOR the skiers. It only charges enough to maintain sustainability, occasionally limits ticket sales to avoid overcrowding, and has some of the best food of any ski area at very reasonable prices. (Where else can you get a great burger for $8.50?) Although its bumper sticker, “SKI IT IF YOU CAN,” sounds intimidating, it really means: If you can get here, by all means, ski it. There are plenty of beginner and intermediate groomed trails, and for the more extreme skiers, trails like Fall Line and Paradise along with hundreds of acres of maintained woods will challenge the best.”

No. 1: Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Clinching the No. 1 spot in this year’s ranking, Snowbasin’s combination of expansive terrain, modern lifts, and attentive service and amenities won over SKI readers.

• Last Year’s Ranking: 3
• Strengths: Access, Lifts
• Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
• Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

The notion that the No. 1-ranked ski resort in North America could be considered a “best-kept secret” or a “hidden gem” seems inconceivable. Yet those are the words that filled Snowbasin’s comment section in our annual SKI Reader Resort Survey. While it’s true that the Wasatch Back ski resort isn’t a household name, survey data pinpoints exactly why Snowbasin resonates with people: The resort combines easy access, a fast lift network, and reliable snow coverage with great customer service that’s focused on the quality of the ski experience. In an age where crowded slopes and long lift lines dominate the conversation every winter, this effort didn’t go unnoticed. “The staff is friendly and you can tell they love to work there,” commented one Snowbasin skier.

With the second-highest score in the Value category, readers also feel that they’re getting what they pay. From the relative lack of crowds—holidays excepted—to the quality of the on-mountain food and the variety of terrain on offer, Snowbasin exceeded readers’ expectations. Case in point: Last season’s new DeMoisy Express six-pack lift is the resort’s 13th lift—third in the last five years—and doubles the uphill capacity in the popular, intermediate-focused Strawberry area. “The terrain at Snowbasin is hands-down some of the best in Utah,” shared one survey respondent. “The grooming, guest service, and on-mountain lodges and food are all top-notch.”

Also garnering rave reviews, interestingly, are the bathrooms, which are marble-adorned and always sparkling. That’s because Snowbasin, which originally opened in 1939, doubled in size in the late 1990s after it was designated a venue for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. In addition to terrain expansions onto three more peaks, the resort got new, upscale facilities, including the massive, national-park-style day lodges with their bougie bathrooms. With the 2034 Winter Games returning to the region, we can expect to see even more upgrades as Snowbasin is slated to host all of the Alpine skiing events once again.

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“Big-mountain skiing with a family-owned, local vibe. Outstanding terrain, lodges, and lifts. (Please don’t tell anyone!)”