Longest Vertical Drops at North American Ski Resorts

Vertical drop. It's one of the most revered stats in ski country and for the vertical-feet counters, the lappers, the bell-2-bellers, it's all that matters. In North America, Ski.com has access to the entire top-10 so without further ado, here are the longest, lift-served vertical descents in North America including the United States of America and Canada.

1. Revelstoke, B.C.

Boasting an incredible 5,620 feet of continuous lift-served vertical in North America, Revelstoke takes the cake for longest vertical descent. This British Columbia ski resort is also renowned as a vortex for snowstorms. Just think. Longest vertical and deepest snow...

Where to stay: At the Sutton Place Hotel, you can roll out of bed right to the base-area lift.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

Holding the North American record for the most terrain, Whistler Blackcomb is certainly expansive, but it has also boasts some serious vertical. Blackcomb Mountain drops 5,280 vertical feet (or a vertical mile) and Whistler Mountain records a 4,978-vertical-foot descent.

Where to stay: Stay in style and ultimate luxury at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

3. Telluride, CO

Colorado's San Juans are massive, beautiful mountains so it comes as little shock that Telluride's lift-served terrain drops an incredible 3,845 feet vertical feet to its base area. There is a whopping 4,410 vertical foot drop from the hike-to Palmyra Peak if it's open.

Where to stay: Maximize your time on-mountain by staying at the ski-in, ski-out Telluride Mountain Lodge.

4. Snowmass, CO

The Colorado Rockies' Elk Mountain Range is nothing to sneeze at. Some of North America's highest peaks are found in this region and Snowmass ski resort sits among them. Snowmass enjoys a family-friendly reputation, but what most don't know is that the resort offers a significant vertical descent, 4,406 feet to be exact.

Where to stay: You have your choice to ski to the Elk Camp Gondola or the Village Express when staying at the ski in ski out Crestwood Condominiums.

5. Big Sky, MT

Atop the famed Lone Peak Tram at Big Sky Resort skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 4,350 vertical feet of lift-served terrain spread out over a staggering 5,750 skiable acres. Talk about big!

Where to stay: Enjoy the conveniences of a hotel, the spaciousness of a condo, and the proximity to the base area by staying at the Huntley Lodge.

6. Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole's tram whizzes skiers and snowboarders to the resort's summit, which provides 4,139 vertical feet of descent and the most continuous lift-served skiing in the U.S.

Where to stay: Guests of the ski in ski out Teton Mountain Lodge can get a leg-up on the morning Tramline, which is especially long on a powder day.

7. Kicking Horse, B.C.

Kicking Horse packs a punch in more than one way. With 3,790 vertical feet accessed via chairlift and 4,133 vertical feet accessed via hiking, this BC ski area features some of the rowdiest terrain in North America

Where to stay: Glacier Mountaineer Lodge puts you just steps from the gondola and offers spacious home-away-from-home condos.

8. Aspen Highlands, CO

Guests can hike Aspen's famous Highland Bowl for an incredible view and a 4,292 vertical foot decent, but those who enjoy the comforts of a chairlift still have 3,572 feet of terrain to enjoy.

Where to stay: Take advantage of downtown Aspen's lively historic downtown by staying at the Limelight Hotel Aspen.

9. Panorama, B.C.

Powder Highway's Panorama ski resort offers skiers and snowboarders consistent snow and a continuous 3,820 vertical feet of lift-served terrain and 4,265 vertical feet offered via hike-to terrain.

Where to stay: Panorama Springs Lodge offers its guests all the amenities of a traditional hotel with great proximity to the mountain.

10. Beaver Creek, CO

Although Beaver Creek is known as a haven for groomer-lovers and families, the resort ranks among the longest lift-served vertical descents in North America at 3,340 feet (continuous), but 4,040 feet can be enjoyed via human-powered access.

Where to stay: It's easy to hop on the Strawberry Park lift when staying at the Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort, which provides an intimate mountain-lodge experience and a host of services and amenities.