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10 Best Ski Resorts in USA, 2023/24

10 Best Ski Resorts in USA, 2023/24 | SnowPak | USA ski resorts | Ski resorts in the United States of America | Skiing in North America
Karl Sander
Written by Karl Sander / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated September 13, 2022

So you’re looking to ski at one of the best? We’ve done the hard work for you. It’s all subjective, of course, but we put forward all the good along with the bad and hope to inspire you to get some epic skiing done this winter!

breckenridge ski resort
Breck in a snapshot

Why Ski Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an extremely popular ski destination with a bustling historic town and laid-back vibe. It's undoubtedly an awesome mountain to ride, but it can also get frustratingly crowded. This isn't surprising given all the things Breck has going for it; affordable lodging, an abundance of slopes and North America's highest lift. The town atmosphere is fun and relaxed, plus there are a ton of shopping, dining, and drinking options to choose from. Accommodation options here are varied and plentiful, with hundreds of hotels and thousands of condo units to stay in. With so much to offer, Breck makes for a great ski resort that suits all budgets.

Known for

Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado with a world-renown ski town

Highlights

  • Breckenridge has tons of activities besides skiing such as dog-sledding and snowmobiling
  • Experience the unforgettable nightlife in this vibrant Colorado ski town
  • Offers a diverse range of resort lodgings from affordable to lavishly high-end
  • Due to its popularity, big crowds at the resort are a pain

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 10 2023
  • Closing Date: May 07 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 167 km (2.5 hour drive)
breckenridge ski resort
Breck in a snapshot

Why Ski Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an extremely popular ski destination with a bustling historic town and laid-back vibe. It's undoubtedly an awesome mountain to ride, but it can also get frustratingly crowded. This isn't surprising given all the things Breck has going for it; affordable lodging, an abundance of slopes and North America's highest lift. The town atmosphere is fun and relaxed, plus there are a ton of shopping, dining, and drinking options to choose from. Accommodation options here are varied and plentiful, with hundreds of hotels and thousands of condo units to stay in. With so much to offer, Breck makes for a great ski resort that suits all budgets.

Vail ski resort and town
Vail is as much about the mountain as it is the town

Why Ski Vail

Vail is one of the most visited resorts in the US, with crowds flocking for their immensely huge ski area and impressive picture-perfect European style village filled with infinite dining, lodging and apres ski activities! All that acreage offers up a nice variety of terrain, spread across a front-side dominated by green and blue groomers and back bowls where incurable powder hounds head for glades, bumps, and steeps. Some might find this resort oozes corporate and contrived feels compared to more authentic towns like Breckenridge, but with heated sidewalks, we're not complaining! But beware, it has one of the most expensive walk-up lift tickets in the country!

Known for

Vail is world-famous for its extensive terrain, legendary back bowls and top notch guest experience

Highlights

  • Vail boasts the largest ski area in Colorado giving skiers generous terrain choice
  • Vail’s charming ski town offers endless dining and shopping options
  • One of the best luxurious experiences in Colorado
  • Large crowds and premium price tags are also factors to consider when choosing Vail

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 22 2023
  • Closing Date: Apr 21 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Eagle County Regional Airport - 55 km (50 minute drive)
Denver Intl. Airport - 193 km (2.5 hour drive)
Vail ski resort and town
Vail is as much about the mountain as it is the town

Why Ski Vail

Vail is one of the most visited resorts in the US, with crowds flocking for their immensely huge ski area and impressive picture-perfect European style village filled with infinite dining, lodging and apres ski activities! All that acreage offers up a nice variety of terrain, spread across a front-side dominated by green and blue groomers and back bowls where incurable powder hounds head for glades, bumps, and steeps. Some might find this resort oozes corporate and contrived feels compared to more authentic towns like Breckenridge, but with heated sidewalks, we're not complaining! But beware, it has one of the most expensive walk-up lift tickets in the country!

aspen highlands mountain views
Aspen needs no introduction

Why Ski Aspen Snowmass

Aspen is the ultimate ski destination for the rich and has evolved into four separate ski areas: Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. They're all linked by a shuttle system, accessible with a single ticket, and clustered around one of the greatest ski towns in the world. Aspen is truly the king of après-ski with endless dining and nightlife options! It's also one of the few ski resorts in Colorado where you won’t be affected by altitude sickness. For all the glitz and glamour that brings celebrities here, Aspen does come at a price, especially if you want to stay closer to the slopes.

Known for

Aspen has four distinctive ski areas on one lift ticket clustered around a famous Colorado ski town

Highlights

  • Upscale and lively Colorado town with tons of food and shopping
  • Access to four ski areas on one lift ticket
  • One of the most varied ski and snowboard experiences in the state
  • Expensive Colorado ski experience

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport - 13 km (15 minute drive)
Denver Intl. Airport - 354 km (4 hour drive)
aspen highlands mountain views
Aspen needs no introduction

Why Ski Aspen Snowmass

Aspen is the ultimate ski destination for the rich and has evolved into four separate ski areas: Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. They're all linked by a shuttle system, accessible with a single ticket, and clustered around one of the greatest ski towns in the world. Aspen is truly the king of après-ski with endless dining and nightlife options! It's also one of the few ski resorts in Colorado where you won’t be affected by altitude sickness. For all the glitz and glamour that brings celebrities here, Aspen does come at a price, especially if you want to stay closer to the slopes.

4. Alta

view of alta backside from Sugarloaf
View of Alta's backside from Sugarloaf

Why Ski Alta

Alta is one of the very last resorts in the US to prohibit snowboarders, which makes it famous in some circles and infamous in others. If you're a skier, be prepared to be buried in snow on incredible steeps, chutes, and tree runs. While there is only 890 ha of skiable area, there are plenty of runs for every skier. If that's not enough for you, just upgrade your ticket to ski neighbouring Snowbird as well. Aside from the handful of lodges at the base of its lifts, there's not much of a village at Alta. For folks who like nightlife and shopping along with their skiing, you can consider staying over at Salt Lake City.

Known for

Old school skiers-only mountain with access to Snowbird on the AltaBird pass

Highlights

  • World-class extreme terrain
  • Compact base area is easy to navigate
  • Good beginner terrain
  • Lodging, nightlife, and shopping options are a bit lacking

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 23 2023

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 51 km (40 minute drive)
view of alta backside from Sugarloaf
View of Alta's backside from Sugarloaf

Why Ski Alta

Alta is one of the very last resorts in the US to prohibit snowboarders, which makes it famous in some circles and infamous in others. If you're a skier, be prepared to be buried in snow on incredible steeps, chutes, and tree runs. While there is only 890 ha of skiable area, there are plenty of runs for every skier. If that's not enough for you, just upgrade your ticket to ski neighbouring Snowbird as well. Aside from the handful of lodges at the base of its lifts, there's not much of a village at Alta. For folks who like nightlife and shopping along with their skiing, you can consider staying over at Salt Lake City.

gnarly steep terrain at jackson hole
Nothing beats Jackson Hole

Why Ski Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is infamous for its extreme terrain and steeps with the most continuous vertical in the US. Although it has the reputation of an expert's paradise, recent improvements (including the recently opened Teton lift) have made intermediate terrain easier to access. On the flip side, Jackson Hole is not ideal for first-timers and kids due to the lack of beginner terrain. Crowds can also be an issue, especially on powder days. If you're looking for ski-in/ski-out access, stay in Teton Village which has a handful of bars, if not, the town of Jackson is 20 minutes away with more options for nightlife and shopping.

Known for

Being an expert's playground nestled in the Wild West

Highlights

  • Epic expert terrain
  • Base village filled with restaurants and nightlife
  • Lots of lodging options in base village and cowboy town of Jackson
  • Crowds can be an issue

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 09 2023

Closest airports

Jackson Hole Airport - 40 km (1 hour drive)
gnarly steep terrain at jackson hole
Nothing beats Jackson Hole

Why Ski Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is infamous for its extreme terrain and steeps with the most continuous vertical in the US. Although it has the reputation of an expert's paradise, recent improvements (including the recently opened Teton lift) have made intermediate terrain easier to access. On the flip side, Jackson Hole is not ideal for first-timers and kids due to the lack of beginner terrain. Crowds can also be an issue, especially on powder days. If you're looking for ski-in/ski-out access, stay in Teton Village which has a handful of bars, if not, the town of Jackson is 20 minutes away with more options for nightlife and shopping.

telluride gondola
Going up Telluride Gondola – ready to take on the mountain

Why Ski Telluride

Unlike many resorts on this list, Telluride offers novices the chance to taste the high-alpine from the top of Prospect Express. Experts can hike up to Palmyra Peak and take their pick of intense chutes, while brave intermediates can get their dose of adrenaline on the groomed parts of Revelation Bowl. Top it off with an amazing Wild West town and free gondolas connecting the two base areas, Telluride and Mountain Village. Although the difficulty in accessing Telluride is one of its biggest disadvantages, it helps to keep the crowds away. As a package, Telluride feels like a tucked away piece of ski paradise.

Known for

Telluride has a well-deserved reputation for epic terrain, extraordinary views and excellent skiing facilities

Highlights

  • Located in a historic Colorado western town with jaw-dropping scenery
  • Telluride has the best laid out mountain in Colorado, making it easy to get around
  • Fantastic variety of quality terrain, from gentle groomers to extreme off-piste
  • Difficult to reach from Denver, Colorado

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 26 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Telluride Regional Airport - 13 km (20 minute drive)
Montrose Regional Airport - 113 km (1.5 hour drive)
telluride gondola
Going up Telluride Gondola – ready to take on the mountain

Why Ski Telluride

Unlike many resorts on this list, Telluride offers novices the chance to taste the high-alpine from the top of Prospect Express. Experts can hike up to Palmyra Peak and take their pick of intense chutes, while brave intermediates can get their dose of adrenaline on the groomed parts of Revelation Bowl. Top it off with an amazing Wild West town and free gondolas connecting the two base areas, Telluride and Mountain Village. Although the difficulty in accessing Telluride is one of its biggest disadvantages, it helps to keep the crowds away. As a package, Telluride feels like a tucked away piece of ski paradise.

Views of Lake Tahoe from Squaw Valley
Views of Lake Tahoe from Squaw Valley

Why Ski Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe)

Combining Squaw Valley's premier terrain with Alpine Meadows' powder and views of Lake Tahoe, the two resorts have merged to become Squaw Alpine. Though they're not connected by lifts, you can ski them both on one pass via a short shuttle ride. Famous for its wildly extreme terrain, Squaw Valley is an instant favourite for advanced skiers and riders. The base village has a wide selection for dining, drinking, and shopping choices as well as accommodations. But since it’s one of the most convenient resorts to get to from the populous Bay area, Squaw can draw big crowds meaning packed parking lots and long lift lines. On the other hand, Alpine Meadows is often overshadowed by its legendary neighbour, but it's a fantastic place to ski if you’re looking for great terrain without the crowds! If you can look past the outdated lift system and amenities, Alpine Meadows will not disappoint you.

Known for

Wide variety of extreme terrain, vibrant ski culture and Olympic heritage

Highlights

  • Largest ski resort in California
  • Legendary reputation for high snowfall and notorious steeps
  • High standard of grooming on steep trails
  • Crowds and long lines on powder days

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
  • Closing Date: Jul 04 2023

Closest airports

Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 76 km (50 minute drive)
Views of Lake Tahoe from Squaw Valley
Views of Lake Tahoe from Squaw Valley

Why Ski Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe)

Combining Squaw Valley's premier terrain with Alpine Meadows' powder and views of Lake Tahoe, the two resorts have merged to become Squaw Alpine. Though they're not connected by lifts, you can ski them both on one pass via a short shuttle ride. Famous for its wildly extreme terrain, Squaw Valley is an instant favourite for advanced skiers and riders. The base village has a wide selection for dining, drinking, and shopping choices as well as accommodations. But since it’s one of the most convenient resorts to get to from the populous Bay area, Squaw can draw big crowds meaning packed parking lots and long lift lines. On the other hand, Alpine Meadows is often overshadowed by its legendary neighbour, but it's a fantastic place to ski if you’re looking for great terrain without the crowds! If you can look past the outdated lift system and amenities, Alpine Meadows will not disappoint you.

views of gore range surround Beaver Creek
Views of Gore Range surround Beaver Creek

Why Ski Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is Colorado's newest resort, and it screams luxury both on and off the slopes. On the slopes, expect runs groomed to perfection and efficient lift systems with short lines. Majority of trails are beginner and intermediate runs that offer a scenic and unique skiing experience. Located ten minutes west of its sister resort, Vail, it may be a smaller resort but it also means fewer crowds. Off the slopes, pamper yourself at the base village purposely built for the resort. If you want to relax in extravagance after a day on top-notch groomed slopes, and your budget allows it, you'll have a hard time beating Beaver Creek.

Known for

Beaver Creek is Vail's little sister that offers luxurious pampering

Highlights

  • Beaver Creek is the best ski resort for the ultimate getaway experience with upscale dining options
  • It doesn’t suffer from the same crowds as its bigger sister Vail
  • Top-notch grooming and superb upper terrain for beginners
  • Relatively expensive compared to other Colorado resorts

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 21 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Eagle County Regional Airport - 45 km (30 minute drive)
Denver Intl. Airport - 209 km (3 hour drive)
views of gore range surround Beaver Creek
Views of Gore Range surround Beaver Creek

Why Ski Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is Colorado's newest resort, and it screams luxury both on and off the slopes. On the slopes, expect runs groomed to perfection and efficient lift systems with short lines. Majority of trails are beginner and intermediate runs that offer a scenic and unique skiing experience. Located ten minutes west of its sister resort, Vail, it may be a smaller resort but it also means fewer crowds. Off the slopes, pamper yourself at the base village purposely built for the resort. If you want to relax in extravagance after a day on top-notch groomed slopes, and your budget allows it, you'll have a hard time beating Beaver Creek.

steamboat springs ski resort
Welcome to Steamboat!

Why Ski Steamboat

Steamboat’s claim to fame is its glade skiing - some of the best in Colorado! The tree runs aren't just restricted to experts but are available for all abilities. If this isn't enough, the mountain has a low base elevation which means you won’t get altitude sickness unlike some of the other resorts on this list. But because of this, it doesn't always get a lot of snow and the snow does degrade quicker. For all its rustic charm, the town is far from major airports and not easily accessible so therefore no crowds. But if you can afford the cost of lodging and brave the travel, Steamboat is definitely amongst the best!

Known for

Steamboat is renowned for its trademark “Champagne Powder”, laid-back Colorado ski town and natural hot springs

Highlights

  • Opportunity to unwind in one of the many geothermal hot springs!
  • Located in a small authentic Colorado Western town
  • Best uncrowded ski resort in Colorado
  • A bit further out from Denver

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 22 2023
  • Closing Date: Apr 13 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Yampa Valley Regional Airport - 45 km (40 minute drive)
Denver Intl. Airport - 290 km (3.5 hour drive)
steamboat springs ski resort
Welcome to Steamboat!

Why Ski Steamboat

Steamboat’s claim to fame is its glade skiing - some of the best in Colorado! The tree runs aren't just restricted to experts but are available for all abilities. If this isn't enough, the mountain has a low base elevation which means you won’t get altitude sickness unlike some of the other resorts on this list. But because of this, it doesn't always get a lot of snow and the snow does degrade quicker. For all its rustic charm, the town is far from major airports and not easily accessible so therefore no crowds. But if you can afford the cost of lodging and brave the travel, Steamboat is definitely amongst the best!

epic rugged terrain at snowbird
Epic terrain at Snowbird

Why Ski Snowbird

Snowbird serves up some of the best expert terrain for shredders with steeps and chutes to trees and bowls. Best of all, Snowbird has an efficient lift system and sees dumps of that famous Utah pow on a north-facing aspect, keeping it fresh and light! Unlike Alta, skiers and snowboarders are both welcome although the terrain is not well suited for beginners. If you’ve come for the nightlife, there isn’t much here at Snowbird; certainly not like there is in Park City. The small pedestrian village at the base of the slopes offers few accommodations and dining options but are clean, comfortable, and convenient with top-notch customer service.

Known for

Amazing intermediate and expert terrain with access to Alta on the AltaBird pass

Highlights

  • Great challenging terrain for intermediate and expert skiers
  • Connected to Alta (only good if you're a skier)
  • Efficient lift system and long ski seasons
  • Not suited for beginners along with limited dining, nightlife and lodging options

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
  • Closing Date: May 29 2023

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 51 km (40 minute drive)
epic rugged terrain at snowbird
Epic terrain at Snowbird

Why Ski Snowbird

Snowbird serves up some of the best expert terrain for shredders with steeps and chutes to trees and bowls. Best of all, Snowbird has an efficient lift system and sees dumps of that famous Utah pow on a north-facing aspect, keeping it fresh and light! Unlike Alta, skiers and snowboarders are both welcome although the terrain is not well suited for beginners. If you’ve come for the nightlife, there isn’t much here at Snowbird; certainly not like there is in Park City. The small pedestrian village at the base of the slopes offers few accommodations and dining options but are clean, comfortable, and convenient with top-notch customer service.