Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The United States is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering a wide variety of terrain, features and activities for visitors.
Here are some of the best places to ski in the USA!
1. Vail, Colorado:
Vail is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world and for good reason. With more than 5,000 skiable acres and a vertical drop of over 3,000 feet, Vail offers something for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. If you are a beginner then you’ll want to head to The Front Side of Vail because that’s where 18% of beginner terrain is found. There are green runs from the top to the bottom, and the Sourdough Express lift in the middle of the mountain gives you a fun selection of green runs that gently introduces you to the sport of skiing.
That’s not all the Front Side has to offer as it has several black diamond runs that are perfect for more experienced skiers looking for more challenging terrain. Once you’ve had your fun on the Front Side, it’s time to pack up and head to the back of Vail, where you’ll find the Blue Sky Basin.
Here lie 665 acres of terrain that is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers. What this means is that there’s a lot for everybody in Vail, from the expert level down to the family whose just getting their first taste of skiing.
2. Squaw Valley, California:
Squaw Valley is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders in the western United States. Voted the ‘Best Ski Resort’ in NA for the third year in a row by USA Today, it is a world-renowned location for skiing and snowboarding. Located in North Lake Tahoe, California, and spanning over 6,000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, it welcomes plenty of skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels annually.
Equipped with over 65% beginner and intermediate terrain as well as legendary steeps, there’s plenty of fun to be had! This location sees an annual average of 450 inches of snowfall and about 300 days of sun, it provides one of the longest skiing and snowboarding seasons in the country, hence being named the Spring Skiing Capital.
3. Aspen, Colorado:
Aspen is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the United States, and for good reason. The resort has four ski areas (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass) which offer a wide variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
Believe it or not, March is the best time to ski in Aspen because that’s when you get longer, sunnier days which gets you more time on the powder trail. Ski lifts also extend their operations for the extra hour of daylight savings. This month also lets you experience the snowiest months of the year so you get plenty of fresh, fluffy snow under the beautifully clear blue skies to accompany you on your fun.
March also marks the official start of spring so after a hard day on the slopes, you can head right into the cabin which often includes guest DJs with great drinks and food to be had. Finally, Spring is the best time to enjoy the best savings. Following the prime skiing season of winter, you can find many deals and discounts on gear rentals and lift passes.
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming:
Jackson Hole has been consistently voted as one of the best skiing and snowboarding spots in the USA. If you want to get down to business and ski or snowboard as fast as you can, then you’ll want to take the Aerial Tram. Lovingly known as “the red heli” or “big red”, it can take you (and about 99 other people) to the top of Rendezvous Peak in just 12 minutes. This is no small feat considering the peak is 10,450 feet high!
While Jackson Hole usually attracts intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders, 50% of its terrain is dedicated to beginner slopes so there’s really something for everybody here. Another great reason to ski here is how close the slopes are to the closest airport. It takes about 36 minutes to whisk you from the airport to Teton Village where the ski resort is you’ll get to see spectacular views of the mountain as you’re landing.
5. Breckenridge, Colorado:
Breckenridge is known for its family-friendly slopes, but it is also a haven for higher-skilled skiers and boarders. Make no mistake about it, this is a huge area dedicated to winter sports with about 2908 acres, 187 trails, and five peaks to choose from.
It’s best to understand the layout of the area before picking your accommodations because ideally, you’d want to stay as close to the trail that you’re suited for, as possible. If you’re a beginner skier or you’ve brought along your brood of younglings with you, it’d make more sense to stay closer to the beginner trails as you probably won’t be needing the ski lift as often as other skiers.
6. Park City, Utah:
Park City Mountain is where the bulk of the runs are located, with about 7,300 skiable acres including powder, moguls, and trees. The area is so massive that there is little chance of you having to take the same trail twice a day even if you were there from dawn to dusk!
You’ll be staying in one of the two resorts located in the area and both resorts offer free guided tours with mountain hosts. If you’re looking to relax before hitting the slopes and want to better understand the terrain, this is one of the best ways to do it.
In conclusion, the United States offers a wide variety of ski resorts for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. From the rugged terrain of Jackson Hole, Wyoming to the exclusive slopes of Aspen, Colorado, there is a ski resort for every taste and budget. It’s always a good idea to check out the ski conditions, terrain and amenities before booking your trip!
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