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The 10 Best Ski Resorts in North America, 2023/24

The 10 Best Ski Resorts in North America, 2023/24
Karl Sander
Written by Karl Sander / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 23, 2022

Looking to ski on some of the best slopes in the world but not sure where to start looking? With so many great resorts in the US and Canada, it can be hard to pick. We’ve ranked our favourite resorts in North America to help find the perfect fit for you!

You'll love Breck's awesome slopes and laid-back vibe!

Why Ski Breckenridge

If you’re looking to have the big-name ski resort experience without breaking the bank, Breckenridge is for you! With plentiful accommodation options at varied prices and endless shopping, dining and drinking spots, Breck can suit all budgets. In terms of the skiing, it’s an awesome mountain to ride with close to 200 trails for all abilities and North America’s highest lift! As an extremely popular ski destination, it’s no surprise that the resort can get frustratingly crowded. But if you can get past the long lines, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the bustling but laid-back vibe at Breckenridge!

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)
You'll love Breck's awesome slopes and laid-back vibe!

Why Ski Breckenridge

If you’re looking to have the big-name ski resort experience without breaking the bank, Breckenridge is for you! With plentiful accommodation options at varied prices and endless shopping, dining and drinking spots, Breck can suit all budgets. In terms of the skiing, it’s an awesome mountain to ride with close to 200 trails for all abilities and North America’s highest lift! As an extremely popular ski destination, it’s no surprise that the resort can get frustratingly crowded. But if you can get past the long lines, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the bustling but laid-back vibe at Breckenridge!

Ski at the largest resort in North America!

Why Ski Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler-Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, ticks all the boxes for the ultimate ski holiday experience. You’ll be skiing for days exploring over 200 runs across two mountains that total 3,307 ha of skiable terrain! There’s terrain to accommodate all levels as well as inbounds backcountry, bowls, glaciers, tree trails and five terrain parks! It’s rated one of the best ski resorts in the world for a reason but with that title comes big crowds. The bustling Whistler village comes alive particularly at night, with an abundance of dining experiences, shopping boutiques and art galleries along the pedestrian-only path. Skiing at Whistler can get expensive, but there are varied accommodation options available.

Known for

Largest ski resort in North America with the ultimate ski village

Highlights

  • Massive variety of incredible terrain
  • Easy to access from Vancouver
  • Full of amenities and après ski to keep everyone well entertained
  • Expensive place to ski and crowds can be an issue

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Invalid Date(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Invalid Date(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Vancouver Intl. Airport - 137 km (2 hour drive)
Ski at the largest resort in North America!

Why Ski Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler-Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, ticks all the boxes for the ultimate ski holiday experience. You’ll be skiing for days exploring over 200 runs across two mountains that total 3,307 ha of skiable terrain! There’s terrain to accommodate all levels as well as inbounds backcountry, bowls, glaciers, tree trails and five terrain parks! It’s rated one of the best ski resorts in the world for a reason but with that title comes big crowds. The bustling Whistler village comes alive particularly at night, with an abundance of dining experiences, shopping boutiques and art galleries along the pedestrian-only path. Skiing at Whistler can get expensive, but there are varied accommodation options available.

One of the most popular resorts in the US

Why Ski Vail

Vail’s huge ski area and charming European style village has made it one of the most visited in the US! Its 2,152 ha of skiable terrain makes it the largest in Colorado, and the separated ski areas help to spread the crowds out. The front-side of the mountain is dominated by green and blue groomers and the back bowls have glades, bumps and steeps to explore. Vail has one of the most expensive walk-up lift tickets in the country and the town can feel slightly contrived compared to authentic towns like Breckenridge. Nonetheless, its infinite dining options, lodging, apres-ski activities and heated sidewalks make it a must-visit ski destination!

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)
One of the most popular resorts in the US

Why Ski Vail

Vail’s huge ski area and charming European style village has made it one of the most visited in the US! Its 2,152 ha of skiable terrain makes it the largest in Colorado, and the separated ski areas help to spread the crowds out. The front-side of the mountain is dominated by green and blue groomers and the back bowls have glades, bumps and steeps to explore. Vail has one of the most expensive walk-up lift tickets in the country and the town can feel slightly contrived compared to authentic towns like Breckenridge. Nonetheless, its infinite dining options, lodging, apres-ski activities and heated sidewalks make it a must-visit ski destination!

Skiing down Aspen Highlands

Why Ski Aspen Snowmass

Famous for the glitz and glamour that attract celebrities here, Aspen rules the après-ski scene with endless dining and nightlife options! Its upscale reputation does come with a price tag, especially if you’re looking for ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Aside from having one of the greatest ski towns in the world, there are over 300 trails across four separate ski areas: Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. They’re all linked by a shuttle system and are accessible with a single ticket. And if you’re one to experience altitude sickness you won’t need to worry thanks to Aspen’s low elevation!

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)
Skiing down Aspen Highlands

Why Ski Aspen Snowmass

Famous for the glitz and glamour that attract celebrities here, Aspen rules the après-ski scene with endless dining and nightlife options! Its upscale reputation does come with a price tag, especially if you’re looking for ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Aside from having one of the greatest ski towns in the world, there are over 300 trails across four separate ski areas: Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. They’re all linked by a shuttle system and are accessible with a single ticket. And if you’re one to experience altitude sickness you won’t need to worry thanks to Aspen’s low elevation!

5. Alta

A skiers only paradise!

Why Ski Alta

Traditional skiers can enjoy the mountain all to themselves, as those pesky snowboarders aren’t allowed at Alta! Despite being one of the smaller resorts on this list with only 890 ha of skiable terrain, experienced skiers will love the incredible steeps, chutes and tree runs. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of runs for every skier and you can also ski neighbouring Snowbird by upgrading your ticket. If you’re looking for a charming ski village this isn’t it, but Salt Lake City is just a 40 minute drive away and is a good choice for more accommodation options, nightlife and shopping.

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)
A skiers only paradise!

Why Ski Alta

Traditional skiers can enjoy the mountain all to themselves, as those pesky snowboarders aren’t allowed at Alta! Despite being one of the smaller resorts on this list with only 890 ha of skiable terrain, experienced skiers will love the incredible steeps, chutes and tree runs. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of runs for every skier and you can also ski neighbouring Snowbird by upgrading your ticket. If you’re looking for a charming ski village this isn’t it, but Salt Lake City is just a 40 minute drive away and is a good choice for more accommodation options, nightlife and shopping.

The ideal resort for expert skiers and riders 

Why Ski Jackson Hole

An expert’s paradise, Jackson Hole is known for the most continuous vertical in the US! Recent improvements to lifts have made intermediate terrain easier to access, however the resort remains infamous for its extreme terrain and steeps. If you’re a beginner or travelling with kids, you’ll struggle to find enough beginner trails and crowds can also be an issue on the 1,012 ha of skiable terrain. Teton Village offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation and a handful of bars, but the town of Jackson is also just a 20 minute drive away with more nightlife and shopping options.

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)
The ideal resort for expert skiers and riders 

Why Ski Jackson Hole

An expert’s paradise, Jackson Hole is known for the most continuous vertical in the US! Recent improvements to lifts have made intermediate terrain easier to access, however the resort remains infamous for its extreme terrain and steeps. If you’re a beginner or travelling with kids, you’ll struggle to find enough beginner trails and crowds can also be an issue on the 1,012 ha of skiable terrain. Teton Village offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation and a handful of bars, but the town of Jackson is also just a 20 minute drive away with more nightlife and shopping options.

Wide slopes that are perfect for beginners 

Why Ski Telluride

One of Colorado’s well kept secrets, Telluride is located in a western town full of character. The difficulty in accessing Telluride comes at the benefit of keeping the crowds away and being a great place for beginners to learn on the wide, uncrowded runs. But what Telluride is really known for is its exceptional advanced terrain. Experts can get their dose of adrenaline by hiking up to Palmyra Peak and taking their pick of intense chutes. The two base areas, Telluride and Mountain Village, are connected by free gondolas making it easy to get around. The Wild West town combined with extraordinary mountain scenery makes Telluride a picture-perfect ski destination!

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)
Wide slopes that are perfect for beginners 

Why Ski Telluride

One of Colorado’s well kept secrets, Telluride is located in a western town full of character. The difficulty in accessing Telluride comes at the benefit of keeping the crowds away and being a great place for beginners to learn on the wide, uncrowded runs. But what Telluride is really known for is its exceptional advanced terrain. Experts can get their dose of adrenaline by hiking up to Palmyra Peak and taking their pick of intense chutes. The two base areas, Telluride and Mountain Village, are connected by free gondolas making it easy to get around. The Wild West town combined with extraordinary mountain scenery makes Telluride a picture-perfect ski destination!

Two for one! Ski at both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows on the same lift pass

Why Ski Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe)

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have merged to become Squaw Alpine, with a whopping 2,428 ha of skiable terrain in total. Despite not being connected by lifts, you can enjoy what both resorts have to offer on one pass via a short shuttle ride. Squaw Valley is a favourite amongst the advanced, with wildly extreme terrain. The base village has tons of lodging, dining and shopping choices, but the convenient location from the Bay area draws big crowds. If you’re after powder and quieter slopes and aren’t bothered about amenities, Alpine Meadows has some great terrain too!

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)
Two for one! Ski at both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows on the same lift pass

Why Ski Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe)

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have merged to become Squaw Alpine, with a whopping 2,428 ha of skiable terrain in total. Despite not being connected by lifts, you can enjoy what both resorts have to offer on one pass via a short shuttle ride. Squaw Valley is a favourite amongst the advanced, with wildly extreme terrain. The base village has tons of lodging, dining and shopping choices, but the convenient location from the Bay area draws big crowds. If you’re after powder and quieter slopes and aren’t bothered about amenities, Alpine Meadows has some great terrain too!

It's all about luxury on and off the slopes at Beaver Creek!

Why Ski Beaver Creek

If luxury and pampering is what you’re after, look no further than Beaver Creek! As Colorado’s newest resort, visitors can enjoy expertly groomed runs and efficient lift systems. Although a lot smaller than its sister resort Vail, you can enjoy fewer crowds and short lines to maximise your time skiing the scenic trails. It’s a great resort for intermediate skiers, with plenty of blue and red runs. Off the slopes, you can relax in extravagance at the purpose-built village that’s full of restaurants, shopping and activities. The top-notch ski experience here isn’t cheap, so keep that in mind when considering 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)
It's all about luxury on and off the slopes at Beaver Creek!

Why Ski Beaver Creek

If luxury and pampering is what you’re after, look no further than Beaver Creek! As Colorado’s newest resort, visitors can enjoy expertly groomed runs and efficient lift systems. Although a lot smaller than its sister resort Vail, you can enjoy fewer crowds and short lines to maximise your time skiing the scenic trails. It’s a great resort for intermediate skiers, with plenty of blue and red runs. Off the slopes, you can relax in extravagance at the purpose-built village that’s full of restaurants, shopping and activities. The top-notch ski experience here isn’t cheap, so keep that in mind when considering Beaver Creek.

Enjoy fewer crowds at Steamboat

Why Ski Steamboat

With rustic western charm and almost no crowds, Steamboat is a must-visit amongst the larger US resorts. What makes this resort unique is having some of the best glade skiing in Colorado, and tree runs for all abilities! Steamboat’s low base elevation affects the snow quality and it's less accessible from major airports. But this means you won’t have to spend hours in line for the lifts like the other resorts on this list. Not to mention, a relaxing soak in one of the geothermal hot springs after a day on the slopes can make the travel worth it!

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)
Enjoy fewer crowds at Steamboat

Why Ski Steamboat

With rustic western charm and almost no crowds, Steamboat is a must-visit amongst the larger US resorts. What makes this resort unique is having some of the best glade skiing in Colorado, and tree runs for all abilities! Steamboat’s low base elevation affects the snow quality and it's less accessible from major airports. But this means you won’t have to spend hours in line for the lifts like the other resorts on this list. Not to mention, a relaxing soak in one of the geothermal hot springs after a day on the slopes can make the travel worth it!