The 15 Best Skiing and Snowboarding Resorts in North America

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Having recently celebrated 50 years since opening as a ski resort, Jackson Hole is still going strong as a popular skiing and snowboarding destination. It is famous for its challenging terrain with a good level of snowfall every year. The resort has also seen the introduction of a new fast ski lift which has really made a big difference here, helping the resort become one of the most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations in the region.

Aspen Highlands, Colorado

Revered by many for having some of the best skiing in Colorado, the Aspen Highlands has some great routes that are suitable for beginner, intermediate, and experienced skiers and snowboarders. The Highland Bowl is one of the most beautiful and challenging areas of all. The four mountain area is served by an excellent ski lift network. Aspen (the town) is within reach which has all of the facilities you might need, along with the vibrant social scene too.

Revelstoke, British Columbia

With a good selection of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, experienced riders will be drawn by the highest level of vertical descent to be tackled in North America, and a 5,620 feet drop to be enjoyed.

There are good ski lifts available, while the charming town provides visitors with a warm welcome. There is even the option to take heli-skiing trips if you fancy getting a view of the ski areas from the air before hitting the snow.

Vail, Colorado

One of the longest established ski and snowboarding resorts in North America, Vail was explicitly built as a ski resort. It is modeled on the Bavarian mountain villages that are found in the European highlands, giving it a lovely atmosphere. In terms of the snow, there are 193 trails and seven official skiing bowls to be enjoyed; there is also a superpipe for those snowboarders who are looking to show off their tricks and hone their skills.

Sun Valley, Idaho

The skiing slopes here are on Bald Mountain, with a vertical drop of 3,400 feet to attract visitors to the area. The slopes are largely sheltered from the wind, which helps to keep a good, stable skiing area. Along with the challenging slopes of Bald Mountain, there are some beginner and intermediate routes on the adjacent Dollar Mountain. There are a great uphill transporter and a terrain park too.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Less than a hundred miles from Vancouver, this huge resort has a vast area of skiing and snowboarding terrain to enjoy. It also usually draws the highest number of skiing and snowboarding visitors every year, topping 2 million people during the season.

The infrastructure to support the resort is great with plenty of ski lifts, and also the highest and longest unsupported cable car span in the world. The accommodation, restaurants, and bars in the town make for a wonderful place to stay too. The area regularly hosts competitive skiing and snowboarding events.

Stowe, Vermont

With two mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak providing the slopes in this resort, the great ski lifts and gondola linking the two mountains makes for easy transport around the slopes.

There are some very nice luxury accommodations available for visitors here. Over half of the routes here are suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while there is a reasonable range of expert routes too to really give visitors plenty of areas to explore during their trip.

Big White, British Columbia

One of the great attractions here is that as well as the 2,549 feet of vertical drop on the slopes; there are also several slopes here that are illuminated. This is the largest night skiing area to be found in Western Canada.

There are 16 separate ski lifts that help people to get to the top of the slopes, while there are a small number of extreme routes that take the challenge to the next level for those who breeze through the expert routes. There are wonderful panoramic views from the higher reaches of Big White Mountain. The area offers a good range of accommodation, along with a terrain park and a snow tubing course.

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

In the summer, the New Mexico sun makes this a warm and pleasant place to be, during the winter, it is a snowy paradise high in the mountains. It is in a beautiful snow bowl that is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. This is ideal for those who have good skiing experience, with just over half of the 110 trails graded as expert. There are snowmaking facilities on the beginner and intermediate slopes.

Deer Valley, Utah

This resort is one of the few remaining resorts in the United States that does not permit people to use snowboards on the slopes, but for those who enjoy skiing, there is a wonderful range of slopes here. It has good snowmaking options and the right equipment to provide well-maintained ski slopes.

The resort itself is luxurious and upmarket, with great food and drink and plenty of accommodation options that will help to ensure a comfortable stay.

Lake Louise, Alberta

This resort has one of the largest areas that can be skied at any resort in North America, with 145 marked trails for everyone from beginners up to experienced skiers and snowboarders. It has an excellent series of off-piste options too.

The views of the stunning Canadian scenery are truly breathtaking, while the resort has accommodation ranging from top-end luxury through to dormitory beds in the local hostel.

Lake Placid, New York

With the beautiful surroundings of the Adirondack Mountains, this resort was home to many of the winter sports that played a role in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. It has a range of trails for all skiing abilities, while experts will love the chance to ski the highest vertical drop on the east coast of the United States.

There are plenty of other winter sports to enjoy here during your visit too. The beautiful lakes provide a great area for hiking, and there is also a great range of accommodation, restaurants, and bars here too.

Monterreal, Mexico

The only real ski resort to be found in Mexico, Monterreal will usually experience snow that can be skied during December and January. There is a dry slope there if there isn't enough snow for skiing. While it doesn't have the variety to be found in resorts further north in the United States and Canada, it is still an interesting prospect if you fancy skiing somewhere a little different.

Sun Peaks, British Columbia

This great resort sees visitors skiing along routes flanked by snow-covered trees. There are some great trails available, including the thrilling downhill racing areas, along with some good cross country options if you like to mix it up and go Nordic skiing as well.

The village has an interesting range of accommodation, roads, and paths designed for skiers to get in and out of their hotels. There is a nice selection of restaurants, bars, and a club to keep you entertained if you like to enjoy the nightlife too.

Telluride, Colorado

A balanced range of routes here means that it is a resort that is great for groups of skiers of varying abilities. It has a treeless bowl which is another attractive terrain feature for those visiting to enjoy the powder.

The historic town is home to the first bank that Butch Cassidy robbed in the days of the old west. The mountain village where most skiers stay was built specifically to meet their needs, meaning it is easy to get around on your skis.