One of the best things about skiing and snowboarding in the United States is that no matter where you are, a world-class resort or noteworthy ski hill is probably not too far away. You may go skiing in the Northeast in the Presidential Range, Appalachians, and Adirondacks. World-class skiing can be found in the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades in the West. Even in the Midwest, there are plenty of great hills to practise your talents on.

The hardest part about choosing where to go is that there are more than 470 resorts scattered out over the United States. To assist with that, we've put up a list of our favourite skiing and snowboarding resorts, choosing the top locations around the nation to get your shred on. We all want to make the most of our time on the snow because winter is a short season.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Wyoming)

It is simple to understand why Jackson Hole is consistently ranked among the top resorts not just in the United States but also the entire world with an average yearly snowfall of more than 450 inches. This is not a place for beginners because of the steep and tricky terrain that it is known for. However, experienced skiers will like exploring all that this resort has to offer, including some of its heart-pounding runs and adrenaline-pumping drops.

Telluride Ski Resort (Colorado)

It's difficult to decide which aspect of Telluride—its superb skiing or its breathtaking scenery—is better. The resort's picturesque setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains boasts some of the greatest and most reliable snow in all of North America, guaranteeing fantastic skiing and riding on each and every visit. Advanced skiers will find a lot to love in this location, but beginners will also find much to enjoy. Although getting to Telluride requires some work, those who do make the trek will agree that it was well worth it.

Vail Ski Resort (Colorado)

Vail gives the full experience and is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and respected ski resorts in the world. It is not only one of Colorado's biggest resorts, but it also has some of the greatest snow, making it perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. And if, after tearing up the slope all day, you still have some energy left over, Vail's legendary nightlife will give you an experience of your own. The resort offers a surprisingly wide selection of top-notch eateries, pubs, and clubs where you can dine, sip, and party the night away. Before partaking in some of the town's more well-known off-mountain excursions, you haven't properly experienced this iconic location.

Park City Mountain Resort (Utah)

Skiers visiting the Western United States should also visit Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. Park City, which is only a short drive from Salt Lake City, has more than 300 runs scattered across a sizable 7,000-acre complex. To put it another way, there is a tonne of space to go around and a variety of routes to suit everyone's needs, from downhill experts to beginners. Due to its size, the resort also rarely seems crowded, which is a welcome difference from some of the other well-liked spots.

Big Sky Resort (Montana)

Big Sky more than lives up to its reputation as the best ski resort in the entire state of Montana. The resort features more than 4,350 vertical feet of riding space and upwards of 5,800 skiable acres, making it the ideal location for individuals who truly like the rush of travelling at breakneck speed on snow. Even on a busy day, it is not uncommon to find yourself completely alone on some of the trails because to the resort's generally low visitor density for its size and stature. This gives Big Sky a distinct atmosphere all its own, which contributes to the reason why so many visitors make it a point to return year after year.

Taos Ski Valley (New Mexico)

Taos Ski Valley is one of the real undiscovered treasures of the American West, a unique fusion of traditional ski traditions and contemporary facilities. The hill receives more than 300 inches of new snow each year, covering certain bowls, chutes, and routes that are genuinely unique. The resort is firmly inside the boundaries yet has a somewhat wild, almost backwoods vibe. However, don't let that deter you because more than half of the routes were created with novice and intermediate skiers in mind. The valley is surprisingly accessible given how rough it is.

Heavenly Mountain Resort (California)

Heavenly is arguably the premier resort in the Tahoe region, which is known for having excellent skiing in the Sierra Mountains of California. Visitors can explore more than 90 slopes on its 4,800 acres of skiable terrain, including one that is astonishingly long—5.5 miles. Even better, despite receiving more than 360 inches of snow over the course of a year, the hill experiences over 300 bluebird days. With an exceptional outdoor winter experience that few other resorts can match, the outcome is a top ski destination for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Breckenridge Ski Resort (Colorado)

Everyone can find a place to ski at Breckenridge. In addition to having some of the world's top skiing and snowboarding, it also boasts lodging, dining, and nightlife options for every price range. This has contributed to it landing on almost every skier's list of favourites, bringing in new and returning tourists frequently. It also helps that it has world-class terrain parks, more than 180 trails, and over 3,000 skiable acres. Neither does its close proximity to Denver, which makes it simple to travel there even for weekend visitors.

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

When one ski area is not enough, go to Aspen Snowmass. Aspen offers visitors the possibility to spend a long weekend on the slopes and never ski the same run twice because it has four distinct ski hills connected by an efficient and user-friendly shuttle system. In fact, there is so much to learn here that a single visit is likely not sufficient. Aspen is a popular among intermediate and expert skiers due to the breathtaking surroundings, recently groomed routes, and rapid powder. Both inside and outside the resort, the ambiance is perfect for beginners, albeit they might find fewer of the routes to their liking. It should be noted that Aspen is a highly pricey event, so plan your finances accordingly.

Snowbird (Utah)

The iconic Snowbird ski resort in Utah, revered for its untamed and difficult terrain, has evolved into a milestone for those who come to test their mettle on its daunting slopes. Few visitors are dissatisfied, despite the lack of opulent amenities available in other resorts, as Snowbird's more than 190 runs are among the most consistently difficult in all of North America. Due to all of this, it is a winter athlete's paradise for those seeking perfect powder and breathtaking landscape. Beginners and weak-willed people should search elsewhere.

Stowe Mountain Resort (Vermont)

Who says that the best skiing can only be found in the American West? The Stowe Mountain Resort is evidence that the New England states also have some fantastic vacation spots. Stowe offers approximately 120 routes and 26 feet of annual snowfall, which is everything a serious skier or snowboarder could want. The resort is designed to manage large people as well, and even on its busiest days, waits are kept to a minimal thanks to its 12 lifts and 2 gondolas. And when you're ready to unwind after a tiring day on the slopes, the nearby mountain village has a more European-than-Western vibe to it.

Killington Ski Resort (Vermont)

Killington, also in the state of Vermont, is a terrific ski resort and is affectionately known as the "beast of the East." Its name refers to the fact that the main hill's descent from the summit to the lodge is more than 3,000 feet, a remarkable distance even by lofty Colorado standards. The 155 trails at Killington offer a wide range of terrain to explore, and its six terrain parks and full-sized halfpipe rank among the best in the nation.

Sugarloaf (Maine)

In terms of size and scope, Sugarloaf is second only to Killington among ski resorts in the Northeast. With 200 inches of snowfall annually, it also happens to be Maine's best place for skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers more than 160 courses, 14 lifts to help with traffic flow, but what really draws expert skiers is the chance to explore the backcountry. When they venture off the beaten path, adventurous travellers hoping to avoid the throng will find lots of virgin powder. This gives Sugarloaf a unique personality and attracts elite skiers looking for a totally new skiing experience.

Alta Ski Area (Utah)

Alta is a perfect example of traditional skiing at its best and is another well-known ski resort in Utah. Although it is not a particularly suitable place for beginners, the resort receives high appreciation from experienced and advanced skiers because of the resort's tough and rewarding skiing. The surrounding scenery in Alta is breathtaking, the resort and lifts are excellent, and the powder is both smooth and plentiful. Additionally, because to its close proximity to Snowbird, it is possible to ski between the two resorts swiftly while taking advantage of the distinctive features of each place. Alta's sole drawback is that snowboarders are still not permitted on its slopes, making it the last significant holdout in a conflict between skiers and snowboarders that has long since been resolved everywhere else.

Palisades Tahoe (California)  

When it comes to ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is a treasure trove for tourists, and Palisades Tahoe is just one more illustration of this. More than 240 routes and 6,000 acres of skiable terrain are now available at the two resorts combined. Five terrain parks, 450 inches of snowfall annually, and a wide range of backcountry alternatives are just a few of the ingredients you'll need for an unforgettable ski and snowboard trip. The best part is that there is a tonne of beginner-friendly terrain, so even those who are relatively new to snow activities may feel at home.

Whiteface Mountain (New York)

Whiteface Mountain outperforms its relatively modest footprint (it is only 288 acres in size) with a surprising amount of variation, in contrast to many of the top ski resorts that impress with their sheer size and enormous number of routes. There is usually a tonne of fresh powder tremendous be found here because it is situated in Lake Placid, New York, which hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics. Additionally, there are more than 90 paths available to visitors, many of which are designed with novice and intermediate skiers in mind. Even better, snowboarders particularly enjoy the fully equipped terrain park with its jumps and rails. In addition, Upstate New York offers vistas of the mountains that rival those found in some of the most beautiful locations in the West, giving Whiteface a wonderful wilderness getaway that is conveniently close to many large cities.

Boyne Mountain Resort (Michigan)

Boyne Mountain Resort ought to be at the top of any Midwesterners' short list of ski resorts. There is a lot to see and do here, spread out over 415 acres and featuring more than 60 routes and seven terrain parks. Boyne is particularly beginner- and family-friendly, with some places not even requiring a lift ticket, with more rolling hills than steep mountains. While not on the slopes, there are plenty of other winter sports to enjoy, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking. Lodging is offered in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The Snowsports Academy at the resort is a fantastic resource for newbies to broaden their skill set.

Sun Valley Resort (Idaho)

Sun Valley is the top mountain resort in Idaho and the location of the first ski lift in history. This hill has been a favourite for years because of its stunning views, deep powder (more than 18 feet per year! ), reasonable prices, and more than 120 paths. Skiers and snowboarders may spread out and fully enjoy the experience on these long, broad, and enjoyable runs. Additionally, the snow is incredibly accommodating, offering quickness and flexibility without compromising stability. Sun Valley is a great place to go cross-country skiing if you want to ski horizontally rather than vertically.

Bretton Woods Ski Resort (New Hampshire)

Thanks to its selection of superb restaurants, lodges, and rooms, Bretton Woods may be the only resort in the Northeastern United States to match those found in the West in terms of facilities and upmarket features. Some of the most consistent skiing conditions can be found anyplace in the nation when you consider that the resort can cover 97 percent of its 468 acres in snow. Although the resort's 63 named runs may not seem like much, they provide distinct experiences for both winter athletes who prefer a more moderate pace and adrenaline addicts. The best part is that Bretton Woods usually provides weekend night skiing, which is something that is uncommon in many other locations.

Mammoth Mountain (California)

Mammoth Mountain has a lot going for it, not the least of which is how frequently it snows, providing a steady supply of brand-new powder. The resort receives more than 200 inches of snow year, which coupled with its position results in an extremely lengthy ski season. It is not unusual for Mammoth to begin accepting visitors in late October or early November and to have snow cover the mountain until May or June. Mammoth is one of those places you can visit a dozen times and yet learn something new, thanks to its 3,500 skiable acres and 11 terrain parks. The Sierra Mountains' breathtaking views never get old, especially when you descend from the summit's elevation of more than 11,000 feet into a lengthy ski run.

Jay Peak (Vermont)

Jay Peak in Vermont is another ski resort renowned for its lengthy season and consistent snowfall. Jay Peak, which is not far from the U.S.-Canada border, is somewhat out of the way and takes some extra work to get to, but in return, tourists are rewarded with a number of trails that provide an experience similar to the wilderness that is unique to the Eastern portion of the country. The resort's nine lifts and trams are also quick, effective, and simple to use, so there is never a wait time to return to the summit. Oh, and in case we forgot, Jay receives over 380 inches of snow year, making it home to some of the region's heaviest powder.

Steamboat (Colorado)

Steamboat can seem a little more remote and difficult to get there when compared to Colorado's other well-known ski resorts. Due of this, it has been kept slightly off the radar for many skiers, but those in the know consider it to be among the top winter vacation spots in the entire United States. At Steamboat, crowds are rarely an issue, and the resort has some of the most consistent winter weather in the state, receiving a consistent 150+ inches per year. Excellent routes through the forest, a low elevation that eliminates altitude sickness, and a pleasant Western town to explore when not on the hill are other appealing characteristics. A excellent place to soak to relax your sore muscles is the neighbourhood hot springs.

Sugarbush Resort (Vermont)

Sugarbush is a resort that every skier should visit at least once because of its rich history, touch of elegance, and exceptional terrain. It was the favourite winter playground of East Coast jet-setters in the 1960s and is still popular today. In its 200 acres of terrain, Sugarbush's 111 trails offer thrills for both beginners and specialists. Additionally, it provides access to the only backcountry experience this side of the Mississippi, offering the only CAT skiing in the Eastern United States. You'll quickly see why this is one of the top ski resorts available when you consider the three fully equipped terrain parks and half-pipe. This reputation is only strengthened by its cutting-edge elevator technology, which guarantees minimal wait periods. The package is completed with sparse people, inexpensive pricing, and a nice variety of terrain.

Chestnut Mountain Resort (Illinois)

Chestnut Mountain, another favourite of the Midwest, is a well-liked vacation spot in Illinois along the cliffs of the Mississippi River. The hills descend more than 3,500 feet quickly and steeply, providing breathtaking vistas of the river below. Chestnut Mountain is excellent for weekend escapes from the bustle of Chicago since it is exceptionally beginner-friendly. It's simple to discover lodging that's reasonably priced and close to the slopes. With only 19 runs to choose from, it is simple to become familiar with the hills and identify a few favourites that suit your personal taste. And when you're ready to try something totally different, head over to Chestnut's terrain park, which is renowned for being among the best in the entire area.

Beaver Creek (Colorado)

Beaver Creek might be your best bet if you're seeking for a pampered, opulent experience both on and off the mountain. Although the resort is well recognised for catering to the affluent crowd, any skier would find it to be a popular trip due to the excellent trail conditions. On the 150 trails at Beaver Creek, the majority of which are serviced by the resort's 23 lifts, there are typically few people present. When the snow falls, you'll discover immaculately groomed courses that are a pleasure to ride, offering speed and thrills with the least amount of effort. Each year, 325 ” of snow fall, which means that there is virtually always new powder to ride. Just be aware that the first few days may bring on symptoms of altitude sickness or shortness of breath due to the resort's 11,440-foot summit.