Top 12 Best Mountains To Ski in the US
- Written by
- On Thursday, February 2, 2023
If you’re searching for the best mountains to ski in the US, then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re searching for luxurious resorts, family-friendly activities, adorable mountain towns, or simply the most epic runs, here’s our list of the best mountains to ski in the US.
While each of these mountains offers appeal for nearly any type of skier, we’ve categorized them to help narrow your search for the best mountains to explore this winter season!
Best Overall Mountains To Ski
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge offers a down-to-earth, welcoming atmosphere with a huge variety of long runs to enjoy whether you ski or snowboard. Established in 1859, the town has been beautifully maintained with a Victorian-era charm that will have you coming back time and time again. Including 5 peaks, 187 trains and 2,908 acres to explore, Breck - as the locals call it - does not disappoint.
Peak 9 is perfect for beginners with a long green run located near town, Peak 10 is a playground for experts, and the other three peaks offer tons of options for intermediate skiers and snowboarders alike. Conveniently near tons of local ski destinations including Copper Mountain, Keystone, Winter Park, and Vail, Breckenridge actually boasts the highest lift-served terrain in North America.
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Park City, Utah
One of the largest ski resorts in the county, Park City is simply put, massive. With 17 different peaks and 7.300 acres, you have almost unlimited options. Catering to all levels but geared toward intermediate and beginner riders, the long, rolling runs are epic. Owned by Vail Resorts like Breckenridge, you can pick up an EPIC pass and hit up both mountains in the same season!
Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, Park City also has an impressive historic Main Street to enjoy for a bite to eat and entertainment after the slopes. You can even take a tour of the abandoned mine downtown or go for a romantic sleigh ride.
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Best Beginner Mountains to Ski
Canaan Valley, West Virginia
Located in Davis, WV, Canaan Valley is perfect for beginners because an impressive 20% of all trails are suited for beginners, plus they have a tubing park so if it turns out skiing isn’t for you after your lessons, you’ve still got a fun activity to partake in on your vacation!
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Big Sky, Montana
Kill two birds with one stone by visiting Yellowstone National Park nearby and then heading over to Big Sky Mountain for some snow sports. 15% of the runs are classified as easy, with a total of 317 runs. The remote location and stunning views make it an unforgettable visit, but does contribute to a larger price tag. However, you’ll also find smaller crowds at Big Sky which means it’s easier for beginners to learn on the wide slopes.
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Best Expert Mountains to Ski
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you’re looking for steep and extreme terrain, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the place to go. The mountain has tons of chutes, cliffs, and open powder bowls and it’s home to the famous Corbet’s Couloir. The ski resort averages 458 feet of snow each year. You can also easily access the mountain’s expert and backcountry terrain with the Aerial Tram, also known as big red.
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Telluride, Colorado
Boasting the highest concentration of 13,000 foot peaks in the country, Telluride is an old mining town and said to be home of the first bank ever robbed by the infamous Butch Cassidy. The top of the resort is the hub of the expert and advanced terrain trails including Spiral Stairs and Mine Shaft. And of course you’ll see the most amazing views from the top peaks!
Best Family-Friendly Mountains to Ski
Steamboat Resort, Colorado
At Steamboat in Colorado, kids 12 and under ski for free if their parent or guardian buys a 5-day lift ticket package! And with more than 2,900 acres of snow covered terrain to explore, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained for a truly epic ski week.
The Snowsports Ski School teaches kids what to do on the slopes, and Old Town Hot Springs provides plenty of fun activities once you’re done on the mountain as well.
Stowe Mountain, Vermont
We suggest visiting Stowe Mountain and staying at Smugglers’ Notch Resort if you’re looking for the best family-friendly ski vacation. There are three different mountains to explore at Smugglers’ Notch, and 116 ski trails out of Stowe Mountain Resort including a dedicated beginners mountain, Spruce Peak.
The most fun part however is all of the family-friendly extras at Smuggler’s Notch like the nightly bonfire with hot chocolate, fireworks every Thursday night and glow tubing on Tuesdays where you can night sled under LED lights!
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Best Luxury Resort Mountains to Ski
Aspen, Colorado
World renowned, Aspen Snowmass is perhaps the most luxurious ski resort in the country. Brimming with Victorian buildings and top notch hotels, it’s the destination of choice for celebrities to vacation during the winter. If you’re looking for the most luxurious resort within Aspen, we suggest The Little Nell. It’s the only 5-star, 5-diamond ski-in ski-out resort in the area and it’s perfectly positioned so you can ski the best mountains in Aspen.
Vail, Colorado
Arguably the most stylish mountain resorts in the US, Vail resembles a picture perfect Bavarian village. Featuring an amazing selection of fine dining restaurants and upscale bars, Vail also boasts the largest single ski mountain in North America. Offering more than 5,289 acres of downhill and cross-country trails, Vail has beautiful sunny days throughout winter for amazing skiing conditions.
Best Terrain Parks
Mammoth, California
Mammoth’s terrain parks are officially legendary thanks to “Mammoth Unbound,” providing over a dozen areas for all levels to progress on freestyle terrain. A great resort for snowboarders specifically, they have open bowls, an efficient lift system, and it’s fairly easy to navigate. Each base lodge has its own designated “fun zone” for learning terrain and the “Unbound Playgrounds' introduce mini boxes and jumps that get taller and longer as you progress.
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Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park has several different amazing options including the Rail Yard which is designed for advanced riders who want a challenge. It has a total of 25 rails, 16 jumps, and a super-pipe with various lines. You’ve also got Kendrick where freeriders can hone their skills before taking on Rail Yard, and Discovery Park for beginners.
Whether you’re an expert at tricks or want to hone your skills, Winter Park is a great place to go!
Ready to set down roots in your favorite mountain town? Search cabin homes for sale in your favorite ski destinations today!
