Mountain Review: Sugar Bowl
This California resort can’t match the acreage and vertical drop of competing Tahoe mountains, but it stands out with trails for all ability levels and an extremely demanding expert footprint.
Mountain Review: Mount Rose
Despite its high elevation, a number of shortcomings detract from this Nevada mountain’s appeal as a destination resort.
Mountain Review: Diamond Peak
This Tahoe mountain will impress many visitors with breathtaking lake views, but its terrain and amenities are no match for the area’s better-known destination resorts.
Mountain Review: Crystal
Despite some notable lift capacity shortcomings, this decently-sized resort offers one of the most well-rounded experiences in Washington state.
Mountain Review: Stevens Pass
Despite limited parking and a short vertical drop, this modestly-sized Washington ski area punches above its weight thanks to generous accumulation and demanding terrain. Clear skies are rare due to perennial fog.
Mountain Review: Mount Baker
While it doesn’t even try to offer a true resort experience, this remote Washington area receives truly astounding snowfall totals each season and offers some of the most extreme terrain in the state.
Mountain Review: Summit at Snoqualmie
Really more of a large hill than a mountain, this area offers a solid learning environment for Seattle-area residents. Destination-goers should look elsewhere.
Mountain Review: Alpental
This small resort offers incredible advanced and expert terrain close to Seattle. However, weekend crowds are a major problem.
Mountain Review: Mammoth
This massive resort offers a highly competitive experience only hours from Southern California, although variable weather patterns may not make it the best place to fly to.
Mountain Review: Whiteface
Severe wind problems and unreliable trail openings detract from one of the most unique, challenging resorts on the East Coast.