Which ski resort in North America suits you best?

Refer to our insider’s guide for the region’s most favored destinations, along with some hidden gems.

Skiing in North America means embracing expansive runs, stunning forested glades, and some of the softest, deepest, and most enchanting snow imaginable.

Imagine endless snow days on the West Coast, ideal powder in the Rockies, and numerous ski and snowboard havens nestled in the mountains in between. As you plan your next winter adventure, let this list guide your choice.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

The atmosphere: Expansive runs, challenging terrain, no pretense, Led Zeppelin

Experiencing the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram is electrifying; it’s the most renowned lift ride in the USA. This 100-passenger gondola features music selected by the operator—think AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and classic rock anthems. As you ascend, enjoy sweeping views of the terrain that awaits you: steep couloirs, fantastic glade skiing, and spacious bowls.

Jackson Hole is quite isolated, so all you have here is the mountain. And that’s perfectly fine with us.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

The scene: Stylish individuals with plenty of wealth…and their mountain-conquering offspring

Aspen has maintained its status as a premier ski destination for over 50 years. This glamorous former mining town offers fantastic runs suitable for nearly every family member, along with four distinct mountain areas. Buttermilk is renowned as one of the best beginner hills in the country, complete with excellent instructors at the ski and snowboard school.

However, you can also anticipate incredibly steep slopes, deep chutes, and stunning bowls in the Aspen Highlands and Snowmass areas. A short hike to the summit of the 12,392ft (3777m) Highlands Bowl rewards you with what many consider the finest inbounds runs in the United States.

Once you've finished on the slopes, the focus shifts to fashion, exquisite dining, and the arts. You’d better dress to impress.

Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

The vibe: Epic powder days, heli-skiing, close to the city

With over 200 marked runs and an impressive 8,171 acres (33 sq km) of terrain—featuring 16 expansive alpine bowls and three glaciers—Whistler-Blackcomb is potentially the largest ski resort in the western hemisphere. The resort's Peak 2 Peak gondola holds the title of the highest and longest in the world, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of racing down the slopes that hosted many alpine events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Serious skiers and snowboarders will revel in the heavy coastal powder and lengthy runs, while families will be drawn to the kids' forts and lively village atmosphere. Just 78 miles (125 km) from the vibrant city of Vancouver, you'll find plenty of nearby cultural attractions to explore, too.

Alta, Utah, USA

The vibe: The lightest powder around, and skiers who aren't fond of snowboarders

Alta has plenty to offer, especially for skiers, as snowboarding is still not permitted here. With an astounding 550 inches of snowfall each year, the snow here is some of the driest and dreamiest you'll ever experience, thanks to its location in Utah.

The après-ski scene is quite low-key, but you’ll be too busy to party, given the 2,000 feet (609 meters) of steep vertical drop and 2,614 acres (10.5 sq km) of terrain to explore. Plus, many ski scenes from the 1980s classic film Better Off Dead were shot on these slopes. As Charles de Mar says in the movie: “This is pure snow. Have you any idea what the street value of this mountain is?”

Palisades Tahoe, California, USA

The vibe: Nostalgic charm and California sunshine

Nestled near the sparkling shores of Lake Tahoe, home to the largest collection of ski resorts in the United States, this notable mountain (formerly Squaw Valley) was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It maintains a retro feel while providing a variety of terrain for everyone, featuring steep runs like KT-22 and an impressive terrain park with jumps, rails, and freestyle areas galore.

With 30 lifts facilitating movement across 4,000 skiable acres, be mindful that California snow is often dubbed “Sierra Cement” because it can harden quickly after falling. However, it also comes in generous amounts, with 3-foot snowfalls not unusual. Palisades lets you flaunt your style and California vibe, and since Santa Cruz is only five hours away, why not ski and surf on the same day?

Vail, Colorado, USA

The vibe: Après-ski fun and exhilarating wide runs

For an exciting and upscale skiing experience, look no further than Vail, Colorado. This expansive resort boasts some of the finest bowl skiing in the western United States. From the mountain’s backside, enjoy an endless expanse of wide, treeless terrain, abundant powder, and hidden gems known only to locals. After that, head to Blue Sky Basin for forest skiing and some thrilling short steeps that will send shivers down your spine.

Vail caters to both young party-goers and families alike. The resort’s front side offers a wealth of beginner and intermediate terrain, and the Tyrolean-style village (constructed in the mid-20th century) features an excellent array of fun bars, upscale restaurants, and chic shops.

Honorable mentions

Big Sky, Montana, USA: Epic super-steep slopes…and, of course, vast skies. Telluride, Colorado, USA: Stunning vistas, gourmet dining, and celebrity sightings. Taos, New Mexico, USA: Green chile, cornice drops, art galleries, and no lift lines. Mammoth, California, USA: Eastern Sierra’s solitude. Copper Mountain, Colorado, USA: Insane hike-to-terrain and fantastic downhill runs.

Worth a peak

Check out these smaller, lesser-known resorts that deliver exceptional powder without the pretentious vibe of their larger rivals.

Wolf Creek, Colorado, USA: Natural hot springs and massive snowfalls. Silverton Mountain, Colorado, USA: One chair lift, 1800 acres (728 hectares) of terrain, and no beginners allowed. Whitewater, British Columbia, Canada: Endless snow and fantastic backcountry runs. Kirkwood, California, USA: Thrilling chutes, towering cornices, and ample natural half-pipes. Alyeska, Alaska, USA: A relaxed, local favorite for powder enthusiasts. Crystal Mountain, Washington, USA: Huge snow dumps and plenty of steep terrain.