The Best Ski Resorts for Every Skier Type

With hundreds of ski destination options across North America, choosing the perfect resort to fit your budget, group dynamic, and preferences can be a daunting task. Whether you're planning a family ski vacation, a romantic couples retreat, or a high-octane trip with friends, there's a mountain out there with your name on it.

That's where Ski.com comes in – we live and breathe mountain travel. Our Mountain Travel Experts average 26 years in the ski-travel industry and have skied just about every resort in North America. We've used our insider knowledge to curate a guide to the best ski resorts for every type of skier. From first-timers and families to powder chasers and après-ski enthusiasts, this list matches you with resorts that suit your skill level, travel style, and budget. Let us help you find the ultimate mountain match – so you can spend less time planning and more time on the slopes. Dive in and see what the experts have to say.

The Best Ski Resorts For Families

1. Park City, Utah

Park City is the largest ski area in North America, offering an impressive mix of terrain, from wide-open groomed runs to cutting-edge terrain parks – but what really sets it apart is that 60% of the mountain is dedicated to beginner and intermediate skiers and riders. "Park City Mountain is great for families because there is more to do than just ski," says Ski.com Mountain Vacation Expert Jamie Bangerter. "Park City actually has a charming Main Street with lots of history and things to see." Downtown Park City has over 100 restaurants sure to please every palate, while nearby Gorgoza Tubing Park is great for an off-hill activity. The historic town features an old mining history and museums, and the nearby Utah Olympic Park – site of the 2002 Winter Games – offers year-round family-friendly adventures, from bobsled rides to zip lines and interactive exhibits. 

Plus, the resort has a thrilling mountain coaster, magical nighttime sleigh rides and world-class terrain parks where the pros are busy training for the Olympics. The “proximity to Salt Lake City airport makes vacations at Park City ultra-convenient, you can get to the resort in just around a half an hour,” says Ski.com’s Dan Sherman. That easy access helps lessen the schlep factor that comes with family ski trips and a lot of gear.

Related: Park City Ski Packages

2. Snowmass, Colorado

“Snowmass is one of the ultimate destinations for family trips,” says Dan Sherman, CMO of Ski.com. “From the world-class ski school to the 25,000 square foot Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Facility, Snowmass goes above and beyond expectations." The Treehouse Adventure Facility Sherman refers to, designed by the same creative minds behind Universal Studios, is a game-changer for family ski vacations. Located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, this hub of fun sits right next to the adrenaline-pumping Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, offering excitement for all ages.  

While many of the runs are groomed nightly, a handful are also groomed mid-day for an elevated skiing and riding experience. Plus, 95% of Snowmass' accommodations are ski-in, ski-out, meaning it’s easier to get the kids on the slopes in the morning, and home for lunch – all without lugging gear back and forth. Other family-friendly activities include tubing, dog sledding, and an Ice Age Discovery Center. Bonus: kids get a free lift ticket with qualifying rentals.

Related: 5 Days in Snowmass: A Family Ski Vacation Guide

3. Vail, Colorado

Charming, pedestrian-friendly villages and the big, yet easy-to-navigate mountain make Vail a great family destination, with terrain and activities for everyone. Thanks to the resort’s free in-town bus system, shuttles to and from the airport, and walkable village layouts, you won’t need to rent a car for a ski trip here. Vail’s famous terrain truly has something for the whole family, from the challenging Back Bowls to the more mellow slopes of Game Creek Bowl, where the views of the surrounding peaks are as impressive as the skiing. Off the slopes, the adventure continues with ice skating in Lionshead Square, shopping, tubing, ski biking at Adventure Ridge atop the Eagle Bahn Gondola, and a visit to the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.

Learn about more top family resorts→

The Best Ski Resorts For Beginners

1. Stowe, Vermont

The newly renovated Spruce Peak base area at Stowe caters to beginner skiers and riders, offering a seamless and stress-free learning experience. The ski-in, ski-out Lodge at Spruce Peak takes the hassle out of hauling gear, while the nearby Adventure Center hosts the Children’s Ski and Ride Center, making it incredibly convenient for families. 

The base area offers access to a magic carpet and two lifts that only service green runs, making it ideal for those just starting out. As confidence builds, beginner-friendly trails like Easy Street and Meadows offer slightly more challenging terrain. The Forerunner Quad provides access from the Mansfield Base to the longest green run on the mountain, Toll Road, which is 3.7 miles. In addition, Stowe’s Ski & Snowboard School has been teaching lessons for almost 80 years and offers a variety of classes to all ages and skill levels.

Related: Browse Stowe Ski Vacation Packages

2. Sun Peaks, British Columbia

There’s nothing worse than suffering through learning a new sport when it’s cold, dark, and gloomy outside. Sun Peaks, British Columbia, offers ample sunny skies (approximately 2,000 hours of sunshine per year!) and beautiful views. Natural terrain separation keeps beginner zones calm and unintimidating, so you won’t find yourself accidentally dropping into advanced areas. Beginners have plenty of terrain to choose from, especially at the Sundance area, while nearby Mount Morrisey, accessed via a long green run from Sundance, offers gentle green groomers to master skills and take in views. To sweeten the deal, Sun Peaks is conveniently located only 45 minutes from the Kamloops International Airport and less than two hours from the Kelowna International Airport – making it a breeze to access, so you can spend more time on the slopes and less in the car navigating traffic and winter roads.

Related: Browse Sun Peaks Ski Vacation Packages

3. Copper Mountain, Colorado

"Copper Mountain is naturally divided into sections based on the difficulty of terrain,” says Ski.com’s Dan Sherman. That means those just starting out don’t have to worry about sharing the slopes with experts whizzing by. Almost the entire looker’s right, the West Village area of the mountain, is practically a beginner's paradise, offering a smooth progression for first-timers. From gentle magic carpets and flat learning zones to mellow chairlift-accessed runs and green trails that stretch from the top of Union Peak all the way to the base, Copper makes it easy to build skills with confidence. Ski lessons range from ages 3 to adult, with options that include limited or private group sizes for personalized attention. Equipment rental programs are also available with lessons.

Learn more about top beginner resorts→

The Best Ski Resorts For Intermediates

1. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

“Steamboat is an intermediate skier's playground,” says Ski.com’s Dan Sherman, “famous for its gladed tree skiing, the pitch is perfect – you'll feel like a hero.” With more than 40% of Steamboat’s 2,965 acres of terrain dedicated to blue runs, intermediate skiers will find endless options to explore. Better yet, state-of-the-art grooming capabilities make the groomers at Steamboat some of the best in the world. The terrain is well dispersed, allowing skiers of all abilities to explore the slopes, progress, and even ski together, setting the stage for unforgettable mountain memories.

Related: Browse Steamboat Ski Packages

2. Beaver Creek, Colorado

"Beaver Creek is a big mountain offering intermediate terrain that includes everything from steep pitches that serve as World Cup race courses to wide-open cruisers. Combined with world-class grooming, Beaver Creek is an intermediate skier’s heaven,” says Ski.com's Dan Sherman. Those looking for long, sustained runs on meticulously groomed snow will find it in abundance at Beaver Creek. There are more than 805 acres of groomers at Beaver Creek, and every square inch is manicured to perfection every single morning. Intermediate skiers, ex-racers with a love for corduroy, and visiting skiers flock to the base of Beaver Creek for the first chair in the morning – not for powder stashes, but for the irresistible allure of perfectly groomed, untouched runs. The promise of smooth, early-morning laps is reason enough to skip the snooze button.

Related: Browse Beaver Creek Ski Vacation Packages

3. Breckenridge, Colorado

As one of the most popular resorts in the country, Breckenridge delivers when it comes to intermediate terrain, offering groomed runs off each of the resort’s five towering peaks. From high-alpine bowl-skiing on Peak 6 to perfectly manicured cruisers that stretch for miles, intermediate terrain at Breckenridge is endless. Want to level up your skills? The resort’s state-of-the-art ski school is available for every type of rider. And to help first-time visitors feel right at home, friendly Guest Service volunteers lead free mountain tours for intermediate and advanced skiers, making it easy to explore with confidence from day one.

Related: Browse Breckenridge Ski Vacation Packages

Top Resorts for Advanced Skiers & Riders

1. Big Sky, Montana

There’s a lot of exposed, steep, and technical skiing and snowboarding to be done at Big Sky Resort. Big Sky boasts 5,750 acres of rideable terrain and tops out at 11,164 feet at Lone Peak. The Headwaters area of Moonlight Basin, a hike-to zone known for hosting extreme skiing competitions, is reserved for those ready to test their skills on tight chutes and rugged terrain. From the top of the tram on Lone Peak, advanced skiers and riders with backcountry experience and equipment can ski the famed Big Couloir, with sheer cliffs on both sides and a solid 50-degree pitch. While challenging terrain abounds even lower on the mountain (check out the area under the Challenger lift), this resort flies under the radar, with little to no crowds and great snowfall.

Related: Browse Big Sky Resort Ski Packages

2. Palisades at Tahoe, California

Palisades at Tahoe showcases some of the most legendary lines in North America – terrain so iconic, it’s starred in countless ski films and launched the careers of freeskiing legends.. Experts have options ranging from the fun, groomed steeps of the Women’s Downhill trail to a multitude of chutes, couloirs, huge cliffs, and cornices that litter the resort’s ridge-line boundary between KT-22 peak and Granite Thief. Plus, Palisades Tahoe features a variety of terrain parks designed for freestyle skiers and riders of all levels, from beginners learning their first tricks to seasoned park pros dialing in big air. If you’re looking to get extreme, there are few resorts that can offer challenge-seekers what Palisades can.

Related: Browse Palisades Tahoe Ski Vacation Packages

3. Telluride, Colorado

With 41% of the terrain marked “expert,” advanced skiers and riders will feel right at home on the steeps of Telluride. With stunning views of the San Juan Mountains in every direction, challenging runs are easily accessed from most chairlifts. For mogul lovers, there are thousands of vertical feet of bumps to tackle, while thrill-seekers can venture into hike-to terrain that delivers big rewards. Hike all the way to the top of Palmyra Peak for a stunning and literally breathtaking descent littered with terrain reminiscent of the Alps – steep, technical, and unforgettable.

Related: Browse Telluride Ski Vacation Packages

The Best Ski Resorts For Nightlife & Après-Ski

1. Aspen, Colorado

“There are more than 100 bars and restaurants in the historic mining town, known as some of the 'best of the best' for dining and drinking,” says Ski.com’s Dan Sherman. “The Belly Up is disputably the best music venue in the mountains,” he adds, “there’s definitely a party vibe in Aspen.” Beyond its celebrated culinary and live music scene, Aspen takes après-ski to the next level, both on and off the mountain. From the Veuve Clicquot-fueled champagne showers that happen every day on-mountain at the Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro to the sun-basking and dance parties at the Ajax Tavern, Aspen delivers a legendary après experience you won’t soon forget.

Related: Browse Aspen Ski Vacation Packages

2. Breckenridge, Colorado

“A mining town with more restaurants and bars than you can visit in one trip, Breckenridge has the longest-standing liquor license west of the Mississippi at the Gold Pan [Saloon],” says Dan Sherman. Nightclubs like Cecelia’s and the famed Breckenridge Brewery are just two of the over 30 popular establishments that line Main Street. The après-ski scenes are just as lively, such as the discounted tacos and margaritas at Mi Casa and two-for-one martinis at the Blue River Bistro, keeping you fueled and ready to take on the night with specials between 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Historic local haunts like the Brown Hotel and Briar Rose are rumored to be ghost-filled or former brothels. Breckenridge is the ultimate resort for bachelor parties to spring break escapes, and everything in between.

Related: Browse Breckenridge Ski Vacation Packages

3. Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler Village is renowned for its nightlife, serving up everything from fresh sushi to bumping nightclubs – all with that unmistakable Canadian charm. Dan Sherman suggests checking out the Bearfoot Bistro’s Ice Room: “One of the world’s coldest places to taste vodka.” An upscale nightlife spot, the Ice Room has more than 50 vodkas from around the world, stored in a sub-zero room that makes the vodka even tastier. Puffy coats are provided, of course. For a more laid-back vibe, Merlin's is well-known for offering some of the town’s best live music with cold, cheap beers! And if you’re ready for a late-night club experience, Tommy Africa’s and Maxx Fish Nightclub are the places to be.

Related: Browse Whistler Blackcomb Ski Packages

The Best Ski Resorts For Luxury Travelers

1. Beaver Creek, Colorado

With fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies served daily at the base of the Centennial Express Chairlift, what’s not to love at Beaver Creek? Heated walkways and escalators make walking in ski boots easy, while skier bridges connect the mountain to all base lodging. Like a VIP airline club, the mountain’s White Carpet Club offers an elegant lounge with Wi-Fi and fresh coffee and pastries, along with private lockers, boot dryers, preferred parking, slope-side ski valet, personal assistance with lift tickets, and dinner reservations. 

For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, the White Glove First Tracks program offers early access to the mountain, followed by a five-star gourmet breakfast in an on-mountain cabin (all before the mountain opens). Mountain dining is also top of the line. Take an open-air sleigh up to Allie’s Cabin, where you can enjoy wine dinners that feature celebrated wineries. Or head to Beano’s Cabin, where you'll indulge in a five-course meal made with local, seasonal ingredients and Colorado proteins, all while relaxing by a roaring fire with live guitar music and breathtaking views of the White River National Forest.

Related: Browse Beaver Creek Ski Vacation Packages

2. Deer Valley, Utah

There are many, many reasons to name Deer Valley one of the most luxurious resorts in North America. This is the resort where billionaires go to ski in the U.S. To start, this skiers-only resort touts lavish bathrooms, countless floor-to-ceiling fireplaces to warm your fingers and toes, a chic lodge atmosphere, and an incredible list of services and amenities: free ski valet, free parking and shuttle, and complimentary tissue handouts in the lift line. Deer Valley resort limits the number of lift tickets sold daily to just over 7,000, even though its actual uphill capacity tops out near 50,000. So you can bet that crowded slopes and long lift lines won’t be an issue as you explore 2,000 skiable acres of bowls, glades, and wide-open immaculate groomers. 

For midday après or an afternoon pick up, visit the Après Lounge, a must-see cozy atmosphere decorated by Gorsuch featuring exclusively Veuve Clicquot champagnes. Here, you can enjoy caviar pairings, local cheeses, and charcuterie. For a cozy, Euro-inspired evening, Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge serves four hearty courses from stone fireplaces, available during the holidays. Looking for fine dining? You can't go wrong with a reservation at Stein Eriksen Lodge or the St. Regis, both of which offer elevated cuisine, impeccable service and elegant rooms.

Related: Browse Deer Valley Ski Vacation Packages

3. Aspen, Colorado

The town of Aspen hosts four incredible ski mountains, award-winning fine dining, high-end shopping and was once named the most prestigious resort in America by Fox News. And yes, even the gondolas have Wi-Fi. Board one of the special red gondolas with music jacks and you can plug in your phone and listen to your own playlist on the way up to ski. Aspen Mountain also offers private Powder Tours to untracked glades and runs on the backside of the mountain, complete with a gourmet lunch. 

Après-ski is taken very seriously at Aspen and can be very glamorous. The Oasis is a pop-up mobile Champagne bar towed around Aspen Mountain on a snowcat and the very essence of Aspen après-ski. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro at Aspen Highlands is top-tier – book the 2 p.m. seating to experience champagne showers and Euro-style revelry before catching your last turns of the day. Want to extend the party? Cloud Nine also offers intimate snowcat dinners under the stars.

Over at Snowmass, the Lynn Britt Cabin pairs an extensive wine list with slopeside spring sunshine and elevated après vibes. And when it’s time to rest your head, the Five-Star, Five-Diamond Little Nell delivers next-level service with luxe touches like in-room unpacking, grocery delivery, pet pampering, and even on-call physicians. For the adventurous elite, The Little Nell also offers its own cat skiing package, giving guests exclusive access to pristine powder without the crowds. In Aspen, indulgence isn’t extra – it’s expected.

Learn more about top luxury resorts→

The Best Ski Resorts For the Powder Hungry

1. Revelstoke, British Columbia

Part of Canada’s Powder Highway, known as “Revy” by the locals, is a mecca for deep snow and big descents. This British Columbia resort receives anywhere from 480 to 720 inches of snow annually. With 5,620 vertical feet (which is 300 feet more than Whistler Blackcomb), Revelstoke offers some of North America’s longest lift-served vertical. With its longest run, Last Spike, stretching 9.5 miles top to bottom, Revy is built for skiers and riders who like to go big. 

But what really sets it apart is the easy access to world-class heli- and cat-skiing. Just minutes from the base area and downtown Revelstoke, this resort is one of the most convenient and surprisingly affordable launch points for a bucket-list powder trip. With outfits like Selkirk Tangiers, heli-skiing in Revelstoke provides virtually unlimited terrain.

Related: Browse Revelstoke Ski Vacation Packages

2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

World-renowned for its steeps, tight couloirs, and big drops, Jackson Hole boasts a whopping average of 459” of snowfall per year. Last year, Jackson had its snowiest winter on record, receiving almost 600 inches. With breathtaking views of the Tetons, Jackson is also conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park (accessible in the winter via snowmobile or snow coach). Tram laps offer skiers and riders 4,000 vertical feet each run, with plenty of powder and terrain to satisfy all levels of skiers. Powder seekers with backcountry skills and equipment will love the hike-to terrain, while options inbounds include powder-filled bowls, bumps, and steeps. Add a heli day at High Mountain Heli to your ski trip for the ultimate powder experience. Take up to six runs in a day on their over 300,000 acres of powder-filled terrain.

Related: Browse Jackson Hole Ski Vacation Packages

3. Niseko, Japan

Quickly becoming a bucket list destination for those seeking deep powder days on the mountain, Japan is one of Ski.com’s most popular international destinations. “Niseko, Japan, is one of the most unique and wonderful ski resorts I have ever been to,” says Ski.com Mountain Vacation specialist, Tracy Clemens. “From glade skiing to world-class powder, the adventures, cuisine, and culture of Niseko should be on everyone’s world bucket list of ski adventures.” With an average of around 600 inches of snowfall per year, Niseko is the largest and easily most famous ski destination in Japan. While backcountry skiing is most popular here, the resort also offers on-piste blues and greens.

Related: Browse Niseko’s Ski Vacation Packages

The Best Budget-Friendly Ski Resorts 

1. Heavenly, California

For travelers on a budget, Ski.com suggests flying into Reno on Southwest – often one of the most budget-friendly options in the West.. There, local casino hotels offer off-hill excitement and start at around $115/night. Save money on lift tickets and grab a Vail Resort's Epic Pass, which works at both Heavenly and Kirkwood resorts. As long as you don’t spend all your money at the casinos, this destination is wallet-friendly and packed with awe-inspiring views and epic terrain.

2. Keystone, Colorado

Conveniently located just a short drive from the airport hub of Denver, traveling to Keystone is easier and more budget-friendly than other hard-to-reach locations. Keystone offers moderately priced condos, such as The Lodge at Keystone, as well as condos equipped with kitchens to help you save money by not eating out or on the hill. Kids ski free at Keystone with a qualifying two-night stay and night skiing is free the day you arrive. An added bonus: Your Keystone lift ticket will also work at Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin, and provides limited access to Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts.

Related: Browse Keystone Ski Packages

3. Winter Park, Colorado

Just like Keystone, Winter Park is located within driving distance of the major airline hub, Denver International Airport. Accessible by most major carriers, as well as budget airlines Frontier, travelers can save money with flight deals and by avoiding peak times (such as the holidays). Lodging in Winter Park in mid-January comes in at under $125/night, with some of the nicest and best-selling properties ranging from $170-$300/night. These rates are a far cry from typical ski resort properties.

Related: Browse Winter Park Vacation Rentals

Learn more about top budget resorts→

Quick Comparison

Top 3 Ski Resorts for Families

• Park City, Utah
• Snowmass, Colorado
• Vail, Colorado 

Top 3 Ski Resorts for Beginners

• Stowe, Vermont
• Sun Peaks, British Columbia
• Copper Mountain, Colorado
  

Top 3 Ski Resorts for Intermediates

• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Beaver Creek, Colorado
• Breckenridge, Colorado
  

Top 3 Ski Resorts for Experts

• Big Sky, Montana
• Palisades Tahoe, California
• Telluride, Colorado
  

Top 3 Ski Resorts for Après-Ski

• Aspen, Colorado
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Whistler, British Columbia

Top 3 Luxury Ski Resorts

• Beaver Creek, Colorado
• Deer Valley, Utah
• Aspen, Colorado
  

Top 3 Ski Resorts for Powder Hounds

• Revelstoke, British Columbia
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Niseko, Japan
  

Top 3 Budget-Friendly Ski Resorts

• Heavenly, California
• Keystone, Colorado
• Winter Park, Colorado

Ready to plan your dream mountain escape? Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you lock in the best year-round deals at the world’s top ski resorts. From flights and slopeside lodging to lift tickets, rentals, and more – we take care of every detail. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun. Get free personalized trip planning from a pro today.