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Winter is approaching, and for many that means it’s time to head to the slopes. North America offers some of the world’s most impressive mountain scenery, dependable snow conditions and charming resort towns. Below are a selection of top ski destinations that stand out for terrain, snowfall and overall experience. -
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a skier’s dream. The resort features an impressive 4,139-foot continuous vertical drop—the largest in the United States—across two mountains, Apres Vous and Rendezvous. With 133 trails on 2,500 skiable acres and about half the terrain geared toward advanced skiers, Jackson Hole is famous for steep runs and deep snow, averaging roughly 459 inches of snowfall per season. -
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Snowbird, set in Little Cottonwood Canyon within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offers 2,500 acres and 167 runs with a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain. Thanks to lake-effect snow, Snowbird averages around 500 inches of light, dry powder each year. The resort combines rugged alpine terrain with contemporary lodges and upscale amenities for a refined mountain-stay experience. -
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Just north of Vancouver, Whistler-Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, spanning 8,171 acres across two mountains with more than 200 trails. Its Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb with the world record for the longest unsupported span between towers at 1.8 miles. The resort typically receives around 461 inches of high-quality powder each season, offering terrain for all skill levels. -
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Vail is a Colorado classic with 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, four modern terrain parks and a vertical rise of 3,450 feet. Known for its advanced terrain—about 53 percent of runs fall into the expert category—Vail also offers long scenic descents, including runs up to four miles long. Recent lift upgrades have increased uphill capacity, helping skiers fit more laps into a day on the mountain. -
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Alyeska is Alaska’s top resort, famous for steep, deep terrain and massive snowfall. With a 2,500-foot vertical rise and an average of 669 inches of snow annually, Alyeska delivers exceptional powder despite its smaller footprint of 1,610 skiable acres and 76 runs. The resort is less commercialized than many lower-48 destinations and offers heli-skiing access to the legendary Chugach Range for adventurous skiers. -
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Breckenridge sits in the Tenmile Range of the Rockies, offering a summit elevation near 13,000 feet and a vertical rise of about 3,398 feet. The mountain has 187 trails spanning a wide variety of terrain—from gentle groomers for beginners and intermediates to powder bowls and glades for experts. Averaging around 300 inches of snowfall a season, Breckenridge is prized for its high-altitude powder and diverse skiing options. -
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Telluride stands out for spectacular scenery, abundant sunshine and uncrowded runs. The resort is renowned for deep powder, varied terrain and unique hike-to areas, plus options ranging from traditional and Nordic skiing to helicopter-accessed routes. Expert skiers can test themselves on steep lines such as Senior’s corridor, which drops from Palmyra Peak at 13,320 feet. Telluride consistently delivers an elevated mountain experience.
