World-renowned for challenging terrain, the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Olympic ranges are the dream of every skier/boarder. The West has the best—steep chutes, long and sweeping groomers, plus bone-dry, over-the-head powder—in destinations like Aspen, Vail, Lake Tahoe, and Whistler/Blackcomb.
North America West: All destinations
Summit County, CO
The Colorado Rockies and all their glory deliver grand variety in Summit County. Savor the skiing or snowboarding in Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone. Wide-open groomers or challenging steeps—you’ll find them here.
Aspen/Snowmass
Aspen (a.k.a. Ajax) is famous for its knee-knocking bumps and celebrity-studded nightlife; Snowmass for its groomed cruisers and posh lodgings. Nearby Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands further enhance the experience.
Vail/Beaver Creek
From Lions Head to the Back Bowls to Blue Sky Basin (5,289 acres in all), Vail just keeps going. Beaver Creek tops it off with more skiing and luxurious lodging.
Steamboat Springs, CO
Break out the powder cords and cowboy hats. Steamboat is a little off the beaten path, but its aspen glades of deep, dry snow and authentic, Old West ambience are well worth the trip.
Crested Butte, CO
Ski, snowboard, and snowshoe amid the majestic surroundings of Crested Butte—then relax in lodging just right for you.
Telluride, CO
Nestled among the 13,000-foot peaks of southwestern Colorado, Telluride is part 1890s mining town, part European ski village, and all about skiing uncrowded slopes in a spectacular setting.
Winter Park, CO
Boarders and skiers alike revel in the extensive variety of Winter Park’s five big mountains. Perfect for the entire family, the relaxed, casual atmosphere comes with a bonus—affordability and value!
Whistler, BC
North America’s largest, most diverse ski area offers unparalleled high-alpine skiing/snowboarding, plus great shopping, fine dining, and lively nightlife at Whistler Village. Ride the new Peak to Peak gondola for awesome views.
Banff, AB
Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Ski Norquay offer open slopes, romantic lodging, and—since they're set amid the pristine peaks of Banff National Park—some of the most scenic skiing in North America.
Salt Lake City, UT
Some like Alta for its secret stashes and rustic style; others prefer Snowbird for its steep slopes and modern amenities. But everybody loves the 500 inches of dry, light snow that piles up each winter.
Park City, UT
Just 45 minutes from the airport, Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons offer superlative service, plenty of fresh powder, and a grand total of 8,625 acres, plus Utah’s liveliest nightlife.
Lake Tahoe
The resorts of Lake Tahoe—Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, and a dozen others—offer the most diverse skiing in North America, along with big-lake views that go on forever.
Mammoth Lakes
Boasting one of North America’s longest winter seasons, with 400 inches of annual snowfall, skiing and snowboarding just begin the list of Mammoth’s possible outdoor activities. Plus free Wooly Mammoth tours for kids on Saturday.
Jackson Hole, WY
Iron-legged experts flock to Jackson Hole for its dizzying drops and boundless backcountry. The less intense love its open slopes and Old West flavor, not to mention the low-key charm of nearby Grand Targhee.
Sun Valley, ID
The day lodges are palatial, and the service is superb, but it’s the skiing—huge bowls, ego-boosting groomers, and thigh-burning bumps—that truly make Sun Valley shine.
Whitefish, MT
Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain Resort) is a favorite, family-friendly destination set amid stunning Glacier National Park peaks. Ski all day, then cozy into on-mountain lodging or hop over to historic Whitefish.
Big Sky, MT
Set beneath the Alps-like peak of Lone Mountain, Big Sky really is big (150 runs on 3,600 acres), uncrowded, and equally famous for its cold-smoke powder and warm Montana welcome.
Taos, NM
A European-flavored resort in the heart of the Southwest, Taos is heaven for serious skiers: few shops, little nightlife, and no snowboarding, but plenty of big bumps, steep chutes, and bone-dry snow.
The East
The West
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