The 7 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S.

With roughly 500 ski resorts across the U.S., nailing down a destination for a ski vacation is no easy feat. Skiers and snowboarders alike have to consider terrain, lodging, town vibes and off-slope activities. If you’re a beginner, there’s an entirely new set of variables to factor.

That’s where Ski.com comes into play. Our 50+ years of experience in the industry and team of top-notch Mountain Travel Experts know not only what resorts are best for each skier — we can tell you exactly what runs to check off your bucket list. Below are some of their favorite mountains across the U.S. Book a call with an Expert today to find the one that’s right for you and your ski group.

Killington Resort in Vermont - Best for East Coast skiing

Killington Resort in Killington, Vermont, has earned the nickname the Beast of the East, and for a good reason. It’s the largest resort in the East, home to New England's largest vertical drop at 3,050 feet and has the longest ski season on the East Coast. With 1,500 acres of terrain, Killington caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. With an iconic history (it was one of the first resorts to allow snowboarding in the ’80s), strong resort amenities and household-name status, this East Coast classic deserves a spot on your bucket list.

• 1,500 acres of terrain with New England’s longest ski season and largest vertical drop 
• Runs for every skier and snowboarder, including moguls, wide-open groomers, steep expert runs, terrain parks and over a dozen tree-skiing areas
• Award-winning learning programs for beginners of all ages and a dedicated learning area
• A resort where snowboarders can thrive. Killington Resort was one of the first ski resorts to allow snurfing, the precursor to snowboarding, back in the ‘80s
• Activities beyond skiing: snowmobiling, snow tubing, mountain coaster and sleigh rides
• Known as New England’s liveliest après-ski destination, with over 100 restaurants and bars

Where to stay: Killington Grand Hotel, just steps from the mountain, this property has amenities like an outdoor heated pool, an on-site restaurant and free ski check. 

Park City, Utah - Massive resort with something for every skier 

Every type of skier and snowboarder should discover the magic of Park City, Utah. As the U.S.’s largest ski resort with 7,300 acres, it’s an ideal environment for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Plus, Park City is rich in history. Incorporated as a silver mining town in the 1880s, Park City and the surrounding mountains produced $400 million in silver and created 23 millionaires. You’ll discover clues to the town’s past as you walk down the bustling Main Street, which pairs modern luxury with historic charm. 

• Park City is the largest ski resort in North America, with 7,300 skiable acres
• Terrain fit for everyone. Highlights include the Silverlode Express lift with runs for intermediate boarders and skiers, along with McConkey’s Bowl, filled with expert terrain
• Great for beginners – 60% of the mountain is dedicated to beginner and intermediate skiers and riders
• The Town Lift connects the resort directly to downtown, making it easy to explore without a car
• Plenty of activities. Park City has the Utah Olympic Park, which offers bobsled rides, abundant snow tubing opportunities and the resort is a 40-minute drive to Salt Lake City’s vibrant city life 
• Visitors can ski right to the High West Distillery and explore the town’s rich restaurant and lodging scene, where there are more than 100 restaurants 

Where to stay: The Hotel Thaynes offers a modern feel for a great value. Your stay includes complimentary parking, a central location and a recently renovated pool. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Expert terrain and breathtaking views

Nestled in the Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is home to an iconic Western mountain experience. The town is charming, the views are unbeatable and its 2,500 acres of terrain are guaranteed to provide a challenge. The resort is home to Wyoming’s first and only tram called Big Red, which carries skiers and snowboarders to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain, while the town is filled with classic American Western culture.  

• Jackson Hole is ideal for experts with impressive vertical and its infamous Corbet’s Couloir run 
• Home to the country’s longest continuous vertical rise at 4,139 feet
• While known for expert terrain, it’s also a beginner paradise with 50% of the mountain accessible to beginner and intermediate skiers
• Jackson exudes Western mountain vibes. There’s an abundance of activities, shopping and restaurants
• The resort’s base, known as Teton Village, has luxury offerings with a Four Seasons resort
• Access to some of the country’s best nature. The Grand Tetons National Park is a short drive away and connects to Yellowstone National Park. Near Jackson is the largest established elk preserve in North America, with 9,000 elk, close animal encounters and daily sleigh rides 

Where to stay: The Teton Mountain Lodge is home to the area’s best rooftop hot tub, an après scene worth visiting even if you’re not a guest and bi-level suites ideal for families. 

Vail, Colorado - European flair and legendary back bowls

Another massive ski resort, Vail Resort in Colorado has 5,289 acres of terrain ready for skiers of all levels to explore. Construction for the resort and village began in 1962, and it was home to the country’s first gondola. Today, Vail is a purpose-built ski resort with three villages that make traveling, dining, skiing and lodging intuitive. Beyond the convenience, skiers and snowboarders feel transported to Europe, as the village area was modeled after traditional European alpine ski resorts. 

• Famous ski areas include seven legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, an area offering a backcountry-style experience 
• A mountain suitable for beginners. There’s a ski and snowboard school along with Eagle’s Nest, a top-of-the-gondola experience with gentle runs and high-altitude magic carpets 
• A purpose-built village area. Vail was constructed with skiing in mind and modeled after European alpine ski villages
• Vail is teeming with luxury accommodations and a rich restaurant scene that ranges from fine dining to local breweries  
• A region with deep history. During World War II, the Army’s Tenth Mountain Division used the Vail area for survival training, and a free museum in the heart of Vail Village dives into the mountain’s past

Where to stay: The Arrabelle at Vail Square has 81 spacious guestrooms and condominiums that fit right into the entire town’s European theme. 

Big Sky, Montana - Unbeatable views away from the crowds

If your dream ski vacation features empty slopes, pristine nature and high-altitude thrills, Big Sky, Montana, is your destination. The resort was erected from NBC's Chet Huntley's vision to create a “big” ski destination, and in 1973, the resort opened to the public with just four lifts. Today, Big Sky has 40 lifts, 5,850 skiable acres and is crowned by the jagged 11,166-foot Lone Peak. A Big Sky ski vacation is promised to offer a rugged, authentic Montana experience.

• A massive resort with 5,850 acres with a 50/50 split of terrain, offering everything from gentle, wide-open learning zones to technical triple-black-diamond chutes in the US
• Known for its Lone Peak Tram, which takes both skiers and non-skiers to a summit with 360-degree views
• A serene mountain base with quiet luxury and a focus on connecting with nature
• Around the corner from Yellowstone National Park, an activity-filled park great for the off-days of a ski trip
• From Native Americans to Lewis and Clark, Big Sky’s history is nearly as big as its reputation as The Biggest Skiing in America

Where to stay: Montage Big Sky, with two hot tubs, a luxury spa and a game room, it’s tempting never to leave the property to explore the rest of the town. 

Mammoth Mountain, California - Spring skiing mecca for all

Tucked away in California’s Eastern Sierra range, Mammoth Mountain is the state’s highest lift-served ski resort with more than 3,500 acres. It’s famous for its snowpack. Mammoth Mountain typically experiences more than 400 inches of snow annually, which means skiers are riding the slopes as late as the Fourth of July. 

• 3,500 acres of diverse terrain featuring wide-open bowls, heart-pumping chutes and groomed cruisers
• Boasts California's highest summit at 11,053 feet. At the top, skiers will discover 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada
• Home to the world-renowned Unbound Terrain Parks, which comprises 10 parks that are the official training ground for the US Freeski and Snowboard Teams
• Vibrant base area with luxury condos, high-end dining, mountain shops and fun social events

Where to stay: Outbound Mammoth, a newly-renovated alpine resort with a range of room options including guestrooms, cabins, chalets and condos.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado - Luxury across four mountains 

With four distinct mountains, skiers and snowboarders alike can choose their own adventure. Beginners have an entire mountain ideal for learning, while experts can find steep slopes and create legendary memories. Beyond the slopes, Aspen is known for its luxury and rich mining history. Buildings are only a few stories tall, creating a small-mountain feel while also being home to legendary opulence. 

• More than 5,500 acres of terrain spread across four mountains: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk
• Standouts include Snowmass with 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging, making it a favorite for families and groups, and Buttermilk, a beginner’s paradise
• Aspen Snowmass is also known for its legendary Highland Bowl, with a bucket list hike-to experience for experts 
• Unrivaled off-slope culture in the town of Aspen, featuring high-fashion shopping, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and a world-famous après-ski scene

Where to stay: The Little Nell, the town’s only Five-Star, Five Diamond hotel, is steps away from Aspen Mountain and guaranteed to offer a luxury stay.