Top 15 Ski Resorts in the U.S. for Winter 2025

When choosing the best ski resort in the United States, there are plenty of options for an unforgettable winter vacation. The most popular places offer more than just difficult runs and thousands of acres of mountain to explore. They also have a variety of terrain to fit every ski and snowboard skill level, as well as a robust après-ski culture and plenty of off-mountain activities.

From a six-mile run at Big Sky Resort, which challenges even expert skiers or snowboarders, to the varied terrain at Telluride Ski Resort, perfect for those who are just learning, you really can’t go wrong.

Best for Families: Smugglers’ Notch Resort

About an hour’s drive from Burlington, Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch is a great pick for families, with a range of activities designed for children of all ages. Those between the ages of three and 15 can try kid-friendly ski and snowboard lessons or day camps, while babysitting and daycare services are available for little ones under three.

A program for teens ages 13 to 19 puts on special events like craft classes, karaoke, and video game nights. And if you’d prefer to take on the slopes together, there’s a healthy mix of beginner (17 percent) and intermediate (53 percent) runs to suit groups at different levels.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 8
• Total skiable acres: 1,060
• Total trails: 78
• Longest run: 3 miles

Most Affordable: Brian Head Resort

Located in Southwest Utah, Brian Head Resort offers an affordable option for budget-friendly travelers. Lift tickets start at $19, plus a $10 resort credit (what the resort calls Corduroy Cash) to use per day toward shopping, dining, lessons, tickets, and rentals when you purchase them ahead of time online.

Children ages 12 and under can ski for free thanks to the Power Kids season pass, which can also be used at 10 of Brian Head’s partner resorts throughout the western U.S., as well as two ski resorts in Chile. Save on lodging by checking the website for deals and booking early.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 8
• Total skiable acres: 650
• Total trails: 71
• Longest run: 0.6 miles

Best for Après Ski: Breckenridge Ski Resort

In Colorado, Breckenridge Mountain includes five peaks, ranging in difficulty from rolling hills to steep runs that are not for the faint of heart. A good portion of the trails at Breckenridge Ski Resort are even above the treeline.

For an adventurous day out, test out your backcountry skiing skills or try skinning your way up the mountain. For a slightly tamer experience, try a free naturalist tour on skis, where a ranger will guide you through the forest.

After a thrilling day on the mountain, hit the après-ski scene. Start at T-Bar for drinks with a view of Peak Eight or Sevens for epic views of Peak Seven. Ski over to The Maggie for live music or Cabin Juice Elevated Eatery and Bar for craft cocktails. Coppertop at Beaver Run makes a nice on-mountain option as well, while the rooftop decks at South Ridge Seafood Grill and Fatty’s Pizzeria are popular spots back in town.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 35
• Total skiable acres: 2,908
• Total trails: 187
• Longest run: 3.5 miles

Best for Beginners: Telluride Ski Resort

Telluride Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for those learning to ski or snowboard, with nearly 60 percent of its runs dedicated to beginners and intermediates. Yet the mountain still offers challenging terrain for the advanced among your group.

Thrill seekers can try heli-skiing, where skiers are dropped from a helicopter to explore more than 200 square miles of high alpine basins, cirques, and summits. Plus, you don’t need skis or a snowboard to continue to get your adrenaline fix: try out a guided ice climbing tour or a snowmobile tour for extra adventure points.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 17
• Total skiable acres: Over 2,000
• Total trails: 148
• Longest run: 4.6 miles

Best for Experts: Big Sky Resort

In Montana, Big Sky Resort gets an average of 400 inches of snow each year, offering breathtaking views of three states and two national parks from its scenic Lone Peak Tram. Roughly 50 percent of the trails are geared toward skiers at the advanced and expert levels, with another 29 percent for intermediate skiers and the last 21 percent for beginners.

When you’re done traversing the more than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain — or as much of it as you can handle — explore the mountain on a scenic snowshoe tour or check out nearby Yellowstone National Park from the comfort of a snow coach.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 39
• Total skiable acres: 5,850
• Total trails: 317
• Longest run: 6 miles

Best for Celebrity Sightings: Aspen Snowmass

This popular Colorado ski resort is famous for its celebrity guests, glamorous atmosphere, vibrant culinary scene, and more than 5,700 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s four mountains — Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk — offer everything from easy bunny slopes to runs that will really test your skills and endurance.

Later, rest your legs and have a drink at a luxurious on-mountain après ski bar. Then, head to Ullr Nights, a festive event, or if your adrenaline is still flowing strong, take on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. End your night with some s’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 39
• Total skiable acres: More than 5,500
• Total trails: 42
• Longest run: 5.3 miles

Best for History Buffs: Park City Mountain Resort

Whether you’re gliding down black diamond runs at Park City Mountain Resort or walking down Main Street, you’re sure to have a great winter vacation in Park City. Take a skiing tour of the area’s old, abandoned mining buildings to learn more about its history.

Later, grab an après-ski drink at High West Distillery or Umbrella Bar, and close out the evening with a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 40
• Total skiable acres: 7,300
• Total trails: More than 330
• Longest run: 3.5 miles

Best for European Vibes: Vail

With over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is the second-largest skiing resort in North America. More than half of the terrain is suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders, while 29 percent is geared toward those at the intermediate level, and the remaining 18 percent is beginner-friendly.

Take a break from the resort’s slopes and walk the heated cobblestone streets of the village, where you’ll feel transported to the European Alps, or get your heart pumping with a ride on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, where you’ll zoom 3,400 feet down the mountain.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 32
• Total skiable acres: 5,317
• Total trails: 278
• Longest run: 4 miles

Best for Non-Skiers: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

While Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is known for its steep runs, even non-skiers can enjoy this vibrant mountain town with a Wild West spirit. For a treat with a view, take the Aerial Tram up to the top and stop for a waffle break at 10,450 feet — you’ll find tasty toppings like brown sugar butter and Nutella.

Later, take in Jackson Hole’s wildlife with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, or explore the snowy landscape with a winter fat bike tour.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 16
• Total skiable acres: 2,500
• Total trails: 131
• Longest run: 7.2 miles

Best for Reliving Olympic Glory: Whiteface Mountain

Former Olympic site Whiteface Mountain may have a fraction of the acreage of some of the other destinations on this list, but its diverse terrain — including the largest vertical drop on the East Coast at 3,430 vertical feet — makes up for it. Nearly half of its 94 trails are ideal for intermediate skiers, while 30 percent are for experts, and 24 percent are for beginners.

To relive the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid, you can hurtle down a winding track in an Olympic bobsled. Or, for a more relaxing wintertime adventure, try dog-sledding on frozen Mirror Lake.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 12
• Total skiable acres: 299
• Total trails: 94
• Longest run: 2.1 miles

Best for Backcountry Skiing: Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe Mountain Resort is home to Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and many opportunities for backcountry skiing. Roughly half of its 116 trails are for intermediate skiers and riders, while 29 percent are for experts and 16 percent are for beginners.

If you’re seeking a horizontal way to experience the area, try cross-country skiing on more than 28 miles of groomed trails. After a dose of crisp mountain air, check out the bars and restaurants in Stowe.

The Matterhorn Bar and Grill is a classic après-ski spot with live music. Doc Ponds is known for its burgers and craft beer and Cork specializes in natural wines and sharing plates.

Key Features:

• Total lifts: 12
• Total skiable acres: 485
• Total trails: 116
• Longest run: 3.7 miles

Best for Sunshine and Dry Weather: Sun Valley

This popular ski resort comprises two mountains and boasts sunshine and dry weather throughout the ski season. Take a group or private lesson to improve your skills and techniques, or sign up for helicopter skiing, where you’ll slice into some of the deepest powder around.

Later, relax with a romantic evening horse-drawn sleigh ride to a cabin for dinner — we can’t think of anything more picturesque.

Best Off-the-Beaten-Path: Whitefish Mountain Resort

Just 30 minutes from Kalispell in northwestern Montana, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers a slightly off-the-beaten-path ski destination. It’s easily reachable via Glacier Park International Airport.

Open since 1947, the 3,000-acre resort is nestled in Flathead National Forest and receives an average of 300 inches of snow annually.

Leave time to grab a bite at Summit House Restaurant and Bar, a popular spot located at 6,817 feet. It offers impressive mountaintop views from its outdoor deck.

Farther down the mountain, Base Lodge offers quick eats and coffee. Meanwhile, The Bierstube, Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery, and Ed & Mully’s offer a more substantial après-ski scene.