Best ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada, 2026–27

147 resorts ranked on one 100-point Mountain Score across snow, terrain, lifts, crowds and six other factors. Every one skied in person by our team. Updated November 5, 2026.

Best ski resorts by category

• Best snow: Alta (Snow 10/10)
• Most challenging: Whistler Blackcomb (Challenge 10/10)
• Best lifts: Vail (Lifts 9/10)
• Least crowded: Grand Targhee (Crowd flow 9/10)
• Best scenery: Lake Louise (Mountain aesthetic 10/10)

All 147 North American resorts, ranked

1. #1 Whistler Blackcomb · Whistler, BC · Mountain Score 82/100 · Epic Pass. Despite somewhat variable snow conditions, this massive resort delivers one of the most well-rounded experiences we’ve seen anywhere.
2. #2 Jackson Hole · Teton Village, WY · Mountain Score 81/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation. Beginners need not apply.
3. #3 Alta · Alta, UT · Mountain Score 80/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. This Utah resort prohibits snowboarding and offers limited slopeside lodging, but it receives some of the best, most consistent snow anywhere in North America.
4. #4 Snowbird · Snowbird, UT · Mountain Score 79/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. It’s hard to beat this Utah resort’s top-tier snow quality, innovative mountain logistics, and expert terrain.
5. #5 Banff Sunshine Village · Banff, AB · Mountain Score 79/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. This absolutely striking resort has consistent snow and terrain for everyone, although frigid spells are common during the core season.
6. #6 Snowmass · Snowmass Village, CO · Mountain Score 79/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. The largest resort in the Aspen conglomerate is one of the best in Colorado, delivering a well-rounded experience worthy of the asking price.
7. #7 Vail · Vail, CO · Mountain Score 78/100 · Epic Pass. With expansive, diverse terrain and modern lifts, this top-of-the-line resort competes well with the best in the country.
8. #8 Lake Louise · Lake Louise, AB · Mountain Score 77/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. While it sees the occasional extreme cold spell, this Banff resort’s jaw-dropping vistas and varied terrain distinguish it from competitors.
9. #9 Telluride · Telluride, CO · Mountain Score 77/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). Despite its modest size and reputation for extreme terrain, this beautiful, remote resort delivers an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone.
10. #10 Big Sky · Big Sky, MT · Mountain Score 76/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a few logistical problems persist.
11. #11 Snowbasin · Huntsville, UT · Mountain Score 76/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. Despite a lack of on-site lodging, this Utah resort stays competitive thanks to diverse hills, striking peaks, and top-of-the-line facilities.
12. #12 Beaver Creek · Beaver Creek, CO · Mountain Score 76/100 · Epic Pass. Despite its family-centric reputation and lack of above-treeline terrain, Beaver Creek delivers an experience that visitors of all ability levels will enjoy. Just don’t expect anything to be cheap.
13. #13 Alyeska · Girdwood, AK · Mountain Score 75/100 · Ikon Pass. With world-class views, mettle-testing terrain, and staggering annual snow totals, the largest ski resort in the Last Frontier offers an experience that is fittingly surreal for the famously remote state.
14. #14 Revelstoke · Revelstoke, BC · Mountain Score 73/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. This one-of-a-kind Canadian Rockies resort should be on every expert’s bucket list, but it feels like it hasn’t been developed to its full potential.
15. #15 Arapahoe Basin · Dillon, CO · Mountain Score 73/100 · Ikon Pass. While slow lifts and a lack of on-site lodging may turn some people away, this local favorite offers some of the most extreme terrain in Colorado.
16. #16 Mammoth · Mammoth Lakes, CA · Mountain Score 73/100 · Ikon Pass. 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.
17. #17 Breckenridge · Breckenridge, CO · Mountain Score 73/100 · Epic Pass. This high-elevation resort offers diverse terrain, including conveniently accessible alpine bowls. However, the altitude and navigation logistics will be overwhelming for some.
18. #18 Copper · Copper, CO · Mountain Score 73/100 · Ikon Pass. This Colorado favorite offers very competitive terrain, but many lifts outside base areas are slow.
19. #19 Aspen Highlands · Aspen, CO · Mountain Score 72/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. While modestly sized, this Aspen resort offers a surprisingly local feel and a diverse, demanding expert footprint.
20. #20 Deer Valley · Park City, UT · Mountain Score 72/100 · Ikon Pass (excl. base pass). While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.
21. #21 Keystone · Keystone, CO · Mountain Score 72/100 · Epic Pass. This Colorado resort offers unique, enjoyable slopes and finally boasts lift-serviced high-alpine bowls, but it still falls somewhat short in its lift-served footprint size and expert terrain.
22. #22 Winter Park · Winter Park, CO · Mountain Score 72/100 · Ikon Pass. Although it can get crowded, this conveniently located Colorado destination has a lot to offer for a wide variety of visitors.
23. #23 Palisades Tahoe · Olympic Valley, CA · Mountain Score 72/100 · Ikon Pass. Two of Tahoe’s best ski areas have now been linked as one continuous lift-served destination, but the resort still functions as two separate mountains in many ways.
24. #24 Sun Valley · Ketchum, ID · Mountain Score 72/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. This Idaho mountain offers a world-class terrain experience for families, but snow and conditions are not as consistent as at other Rockies resorts. Despite a recent terrain expansion, the mountain still isn’t ideal for experts.
25. #25 Grand Targhee · Alta, WY · Mountain Score 71/100 · Mountain Collective. This Wyoming resort isn’t the largest or craziest out there, but it offers incredible snow and a distinctive, remote vibe.
26. #26 Steamboat · Steamboat Springs, CO · Mountain Score 71/100 · Ikon Pass. While it’s not the most striking ski resort in the world, standout tree terrain and significant recent lift and terrain improvements help this northern Colorado resort hold its own against the other destinations.
27. #27 Big White · Kelowna, BC · Mountain Score 71/100 · Indy Pass. It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.
28. #28 Marmot Basin · Jasper, AB · Mountain Score 71/100 · Mountain Collective, Powder Alliance. One of the most striking, remote ski resorts in Canada offers an under-the-radar, albeit smaller, alternative to more popular destinations in North America.
29. #29 Kicking Horse · Golden, BC · Mountain Score 70/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). This Interior British Columbia resort exemplifies the best natural traits of the Canadian Rockies but won’t be for everyone.
30. #30 Whitefish · Whitefish, MT · Mountain Score 70/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). This northern Montana resort isn’t the biggest out there, but as far as independent ski resorts go, it’s hard to beat.
31. #31 Crested Butte · Crested Butte, CO · Mountain Score 70/100 · Epic Pass. This striking Colorado resort is an expert’s paradise. Reasonable ticket prices counterbalance limited terrain offerings for other demographics.
32. #32 Sun Peaks · Sun Peaks, BC · Mountain Score 69/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. This massive Interior British Columbia resort offers impeccable grooming and a family-friendly footprint but falls short in particularly distinctive terrain.
33. #33 Panorama · Panorama, BC · Mountain Score 69/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. This remote Canadian resort brings impressive vertical and a ton of character, but it may not offer quite as well-rounded of an overall mountain experience as some competitors.
34. #34 Schweitzer · Sandpoint, ID · Mountain Score 69/100 · Ikon Pass. Despite its remote location and modest size, this Idaho panhandle resort offers a few solid advantages for destination-goers, especially during peak times.
35. #35 Mount Bachelor · Bend, OR · Mountain Score 69/100 · Ikon Pass. Inconsistent openings for its most unique terrain seriously hurt this massive Oregon resort’s practicality as a destination ski area.
36. #36 Heavenly · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Mountain Score 69/100 · Epic Pass. This Lake Tahoe area offers some of the most beautiful slopes we’ve seen anywhere. A few logistical problems diminish the resort’s size advantage.
37. #37 Park City · Park City, UT · Mountain Score 68/100 · Epic Pass. This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.
38. #38 Kirkwood · Kirkwood, CA · Mountain Score 68/100 · Epic Pass. This relatively undeveloped mountain isn’t for everyone, but its striking aesthetic, local feel, and extreme terrain are tough to match.
39. #39 Aspen Mountain · Aspen, CO · Mountain Score 68/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. The oldest Aspen ski area offers incredible views of town on a relatively compact footprint, but the resort could use logistical enhancements in lower-mountain areas.
40. #40 Powder Mountain · Eden, UT · Mountain Score 67/100 · None. This Utah resort’s upside-down layout and significant capacity restrictions have traditionally created an off-the-beaten path destination experience. However, several recent moves have brought about an overtly exclusive vibe shift with mixed reactions.
41. #41 Brighton · Brighton, UT · Mountain Score 67/100 · Ikon Pass. While it isn’t the biggest and can be annoying to get around, this Utah mountain offers exceptional Cottonwoods snow for a bargain—especially for families.
42. #42 Tamarack · Tamarack, ID · Mountain Score 67/100 · Indy Pass, Ikon (2 bonus days, full pass only). Despite having one of the most volatile histories in American destination skiing, this Idaho resort now offers a compelling footprint for skiers and riders of different abilities.
43. #43 Bogus Basin · Boise, ID · Mountain Score 67/100 · Powder Alliance, Freedom Pass. While not quite up to the standard of top destination resorts, this Idaho mountain’s proximity to Boise, cheap tickets, modern amenities, and long hours make it possibly the best hometown mountain in the country.
44. #44 Wolf Creek · Pagosa Springs, CO · Mountain Score 66/100 · None. This local ski area offers the highest average snow totals in Colorado, although its vertical drop is short compared to the destinations.
45. #45 Whitewater · Nelson, BC · Mountain Score 66/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). Despite a modest lift system and compact size by modern standards, this Interior British Columbia resort delivers exceptional snow and an outsized experience for advanced and expert tree terrain.
46. #46 Solitude · Solitude, UT · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon Pass. The modestly-sized Utah mountain packs a demanding footprint and excellent snow, but true beginner and intermediate terrain offerings are limited.
47. #47 Silver Star · Silver Star Mountain, BC · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon Pass. While it doesn’t offer the same terrain distinctiveness as several competitors, this Western Canada resort stands out with one of the most accessible ski-in/ski-out setups on the continent.
48. #48 Red Mountain · Rossland, BC · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon Pass. While it lacks creature comforts that typical travelers might expect from a destination ski resort, this Western Canada resort offers a raw, authentic big mountain experience.
49. #49 Bridger Bowl · Bozeman, MT · Mountain Score 66/100 · None. Despite being a family-friendly, local ski area without the luxuries of destination resorts, this Montana resort offers some of the most extreme terrain in the country for a refreshingly affordable cost.
50. #50 Taos · Taos Ski Valley, NM · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. This New Mexico resort is no substitute for the larger destinations, but it brings a distinct vibe that adventurous travelers will appreciate.
51. #51 Crystal · Crystal Mountain, WA · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon Pass. Despite some notable lift capacity shortcomings, this decently-sized resort offers one of the most well-rounded experiences in Washington state.
52. #52 Sierra-at-Tahoe · Twin Bridges, CA · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon Pass, Powder Alliance. While it can’t boast the same crazy lake views, striking terrain, or expansive base village as some other Tahoe areas, this moderately-sized resort offers reasonable prices and a local feel.
53. #53 Le Massif de Charlevoix · Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC · Mountain Score 66/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. While it isn’t the most consistent ski area in the East, this Quebec resort’s otherworldly river views, reasonable crowds, and strong terrain allow it to stand out considerably versus anything else within thousands of miles of it.
54. #54 Fernie · Fernie, BC · Mountain Score 65/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). It’s hard not to love this remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.
55. #55 Castle Mountain · Pincher Creek, AB · Mountain Score 65/100 · Indy Pass. Though somewhat lacking in facilities and lift infrastructure, this Western Canadian resort offers fantastic snow conditions, unique terrain, and incredible views when it's clear.
56. #56 Mount Baker · Deming, WA · Mountain Score 65/100 · None. 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.
57. #57 Northstar · Truckee, CA · Mountain Score 65/100 · Epic Pass. This family-friendly resort offers excellent grooming and a top-tier terrain park, but expert and above-treeline terrain is lacking.
58. #58 Loveland · Dillon, CO · Mountain Score 64/100 · Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. This local Colorado ski area doesn’t deliver the same well-rounded experience as destination resorts, but it’s hard to beat the quality for the price on a powder day.
59. #59 Purgatory · Durango, CO · Mountain Score 64/100 · Power Pass. This San Juan resort’s local feel, stunning vistas, and decent variety of terrain make it a strong regional choice for those in the southwest.
60. #60 Brundage · McCall, ID · Mountain Score 63/100 · Indy Pass. This under-the-radar Idaho resort offers excellent snow, fast frontside lifts, and standout glades, but a remote location, modest size, and limited facilities make it a tougher sell as a destination.
61. #61 Apex · Penticton, BC · Mountain Score 63/100 · Indy Pass. While it lacks the sheer vertical, acreage, bowl skiing, and storm totals of the province’s more famous resorts, this British Columbia resort provides a laid-back alternative for those who value solitude, sunshine, and solid skiing over scale.
62. #62 Bear Valley · Bear Valley, CA · Mountain Score 63/100 · Cali Pass, Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.
63. #63 Sugar Bowl · Norden, CA · Mountain Score 63/100 · Mountain Collective. 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.
64. #64 Mount Rose · Reno, NV · Mountain Score 63/100 · None. Despite its high elevation, a number of shortcomings detract from this Nevada mountain’s appeal as a destination resort.
65. #65 Sundance · Sundance, UT · Mountain Score 63/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). This modestly-sized Utah mountain boasts a striking, rustic feel, but most other competitors offer better overall values.
66. #66 Mission Ridge · Wenatchee, WA · Mountain Score 62/100 · Powder Alliance. Sunny slopes, high quality snow, and a lack of lift lines make this central Washington resort a compelling regional option, although snow totals aren’t the highest.
67. #67 Mount Hood Meadows · Mt Hood, OR · Mountain Score 61/100 · Indy Pass. Mount Hood’s largest ski resort boasts diverse terrain and a reasonably large footprint. High-alpine areas are subject to extremely variable openings.
68. #68 White Pass · Naches, WA · Mountain Score 61/100 · Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. While not as large or steep as some competitive resorts in the Pacific Northwest, this Washington resort features diverse intermediate terrain and an unbeatable setup for beginners to progress.
69. #69 Brian Head · Brian Head, UT · Mountain Score 61/100 · Power Pass. This under-the-radar southern Utah destination offers striking terrain at an affordable price.
70. #70 Killington · Killington, VT · Mountain Score 61/100 · Ikon Pass. Size, snow quality, and terrain diversity make this East Coast mountain incredibly appealing, but navigation could be easier.
71. #71 Tremblant · Mont-Tremblant, QC · Mountain Score 61/100 · Ikon Pass. This busy, frigid resort offers a well-rounded East Coast experience and spectacular base village.
72. #72 Mont-Sainte-Anne · Beaupré, QC · Mountain Score 61/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). While its northern location may dissuade some from visiting, this Quebec resort’s broad diversity and high-quality terrain make it a standout option versus other East Coast ski resorts.
73. #73 Stowe · Stowe, VT · Mountain Score 61/100 · Epic Pass. Despite a few logistical flaws, this classic Vermont resort holds its own against the best on the East Coast.
74. #74 49 Degrees North · Chewelah, WA · Mountain Score 60/100 · Indy Pass. Despite its dated lift infrastructure and rural setting, this Northeast Washington resort offers impressive intermediate and advanced terrain at a reasonable price.
75. #75 Kimberley · Kimberley, BC · Mountain Score 60/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). This Western Canada resort doesn’t have the footprint or snow totals to compete with the best destinations, but it offers a great value and family-friendly setup.
76. #76 Snow King · Jackson, WY · Mountain Score 60/100 · Indy Pass, Powder Alliance, Snow Pass. This small, local Wyoming resort offers cheap lift tickets and demanding slopes—and has seen significant revitalization for the 2021-22 season. But a number of shortcomings still make the mountain less than ideal for beginner and intermediate visitors.
77. #77 Silver Mountain · Kellogg, ID · Mountain Score 59/100 · Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. Reached by one of the world’s longest gondolas, this Idaho panhandle resort pairs uncrowded slopes with an easy-to-access base village. But outdated infrastructure and reliability issues make for an imperfect experience.
78. #78 Mount Norquay · Banff, AB · Mountain Score 59/100 · Ikon Pass. Banff’s town hill is way too small to be a destination in its own right, but it offers a local vibe and empty slopes.
79. #79 Stevens Pass · Skykomish, WA · Mountain Score 59/100 · Epic 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.
80. #80 June Mountain · June Lake, CA · Mountain Score 59/100 · Ikon Pass. This Eastern Sierra mountain has great views and free child lift tickets. But it struggles to stand out against the better-known destinations in other ways.
81. #81 Jay Peak · Jay, VT · Mountain Score 59/100 · Indy Pass. Vermont’s northernmost resort offers class-leading snow and expert terrain, but resiliency issues hurt it against more convenient competitors.
82. #82 China Peak · Lakeshore, CA · Mountain Score 59/100 · Cali Pass, Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.
83. #83 Sugarbush · Warren, VT · Mountain Score 59/100 · Ikon Pass. This charming Vermont resort offers diverse, demanding terrain and a local feel. However, the best expert runs aren’t always open.
84. #84 Buttermilk · Aspen, CO · Mountain Score 58/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. Aspen’s beginner-centric mountain offers a good learning environment and excellent terrain parks, but the area is otherwise uncompetitive and overpriced.
85. #85 Timberline Lodge · Government Camp, OR · Mountain Score 58/100 · Powder Alliance. North America’s only four-season outdoor ski resort provides a one-of-a-kind summer experience but fails to stand out during the core winter season.
86. #86 Powderhorn · Mesa, CO · Mountain Score 58/100 · Indy Pass. While it’s nowhere near as big as the best resorts in the state, this western Colorado ski area offers low crowds on a unique footprint.
87. #87 Nakiska · Kananaskis, AB · Mountain Score 58/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). This Alberta resort offers convenient slopes close to Calgary and higher-quality terrain than a typical local hill, but it’s no match for nearby destinations further west in the Canadian Rockies.
88. #88 Sugarloaf · Carrabassett Valley, ME · Mountain Score 58/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. Maine’s largest ski area is a competitive East Coast choice, but it’s a hard sell against more conveniently-located alternatives.
89. #89 Bretton Woods · Bretton Woods, NH · Mountain Score 58/100 · None. This Mount Washington-adjacent ski area offers the most upscale ski resort experience in New Hampshire, but its lack of advanced and expert terrain is a serious drawback.
90. #90 Eldora · Nederland, CO · Mountain Score 57/100 · Ikon Pass. This small Colorado resort is seriously outclassed by destination competitors, but its convenient location makes it a decent day trip option.
91. #91 Diamond Peak · Incline Village, NV · Mountain Score 57/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). 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.
92. #92 Saddleback · Rangeley, ME · Mountain Score 57/100 · Indy Pass. This remote Maine mountain delivers a combination of natural beauty, empty slopes, and reasonably well-rounded terrain that’s tough to match elsewhere in the Northeast.
93. #93 Lookout Pass · Mullan, ID · Mountain Score 56/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). Lookout Pass lacks the infrastructure and the size to compete with the large destination resorts of the Northern Rockies, but it does offer affordable, uncrowded slopes with great snow.
94. #94 Sunlight · Glenwood Springs, CO · Mountain Score 56/100 · Indy Pass, Freedom Pass. With an old-school feel and quieter atmosphere compared to nearby Aspen, Sunlight presents itself as a Colorado alternative for those looking to escape the destination crowds.
95. #95 Alpental · Snoqualmie Pass, WA · Mountain Score 56/100 · Ikon Pass. This small resort offers incredible advanced and expert terrain close to Seattle. However, weekend crowds are a major problem.
96. #96 Willamette Pass · Cascade Summit, OR · Mountain Score 56/100 · Power Pass. Eugene's closest ski resort functions more as a local's mountain than a regional contender, but it does offer varied terrain and impressive snowfall for a relatively cheap price.
97. #97 Homewood · Homewood, CA · Mountain Score 56/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). While this Tahoe hill can’t hold its own overall against the destination resorts, it boasts an astonishing, one-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic.
98. #98 Sunday River · Newry, ME · Mountain Score 56/100 · Ikon, Mountain Collective. One of New England’s largest, most reliable ski resorts is held back by a so-so vertical drop and less intense terrain than some competitors.
99. #99 Stratton · Stratton Mountain, VT · Mountain Score 56/100 · Ikon Pass. This southern Vermont mountain delivers an ideal family experience thanks to excellent grooming and easy navigation, but you’ll be giving up some snow and terrain quality for the location.
100. #100 Whiteface · Wilmington, NY · Mountain Score 56/100 · Mountain Collective, Snow Pass. Severe wind problems and unreliable trail openings detract from one of the most unique, challenging resorts on the East Coast.
101. #101 Owl's Head · Mansonville, QC · Mountain Score 56/100 · Indy Pass. This Eastern Township Quebec mountain offers great views, reliable snowmaking, and affordable lift tickets, all wrapped in a low-key, uncrowded setting.
102. #102 Monarch · Salida, CO · Mountain Score 55/100 · Snow Pass. This Colorado ski area is way too small and underbuilt to be a destination mountain, but several facets make it a strong regional choice.
103. #103 Dodge Ridge · Pinecrest, CA · Mountain Score 55/100 · Cali Pass, Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.
104. #104 Smugglers' Notch · Jeffersonville, VT · Mountain Score 54/100 · Indy Pass. Ancient lifts and lackluster resiliency measures hold back a staple of the northern Vermont skiing scene.
105. #105 Waterville Valley · Waterville Valley, NH · Mountain Score 54/100 · Indy Pass. Despite a modest footprint size, this New Hampshire resort offers a compelling set of strengths for those driving up from Boston.
106. #106 Mont Sutton · Sutton, QC · Mountain Score 54/100 · Indy Pass. Despite outdated lifts, a remote location, and a modest vertical drop, this southern Quebec resort’s glade terrain and lower-than-average crowds make it a unique option for an East Coast ski vacation.
107. #107 Lutsen · Lutsen, MN · Mountain Score 54/100 · Ikon Pass. While it may not measure up to the major resorts in other regions, those in the Upper Midwest seeking a drive-to ski destination will likely find this Minnesota ski resort a compelling option.
108. #108 Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain · Sun Valley, ID · Mountain Score 53/100 · Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective. Sun Valley’s beginner zone is way too small and variable to warrant a trip to on its own. But for those in town already, its unconventional footprint may be worth stopping by.
109. #109 Pico · Mendon, VT · Mountain Score 53/100 · Ikon Pass. This central Vermont mountain gets overshadowed by bigger competitors, but it offers decent terrain and an escape from the crowds.
110. #110 Terry Peak · Lead, SD · Mountain Score 53/100 · Indy Pass. While it’s not up to the quality of the best in the West, this South Dakota mountain is worth a stop if you’re driving across the plains or looking for some Old West flavor in your ski vacation.
111. #111 Cannon · Franconia, NH · Mountain Score 53/100 · Indy Pass. While it lacks the most modern infrastructure and sees inconsistent conditions, this state-owned New Hampshire ski resort offers unique terrain and low crowds.
112. #112 Burke · East Burke, VT · Mountain Score 53/100 · Indy Pass. This Northern Vermont resort offers low crowds, reasonable ticket prices, and a respectable vertical drop, but it may not bring the snow benefits some might expect.
113. #113 Ski Cooper · Leadville, CO · Mountain Score 52/100 · Powder Alliance, Freedom Pass. While most folks won’t want to plan a weeklong vacation here, this modestly-sized hill stands out from the destinations with an easy-to-handle footprint and lack of crowds.
114. #114 Boreal · Soda Springs, CA · Mountain Score 52/100 · None. This compact Lake Tahoe area ski area offers reliable snow and one of the region’s best terrain park setups, but a decidedly short vertical drop and high peak ticket prices make it a tougher sell next to its larger neighbors.
115. #115 Mount Shasta Ski Park · McCloud, CA · Mountain Score 52/100 · Indy Pass, Powder Alliance. The only decently-sized California ski area north of Tahoe offers limited lift lines and stunning views of the Southern Cascades, but it’s hurt by uncompetitive infrastructure and a bizarrely-integrated recent expansion.
116. #116 Okemo · Ludlow, VT · Mountain Score 52/100 · Epic Pass. This family-friendly mountain boasts modern lifts and a wide variety of groomers, but expert terrain is lacking. Crowding has gotten worse in recent seasons.
117. #117 Mount Snow · West Dover, VT · Mountain Score 52/100 · Epic Pass. This popular resort delivers a lot for southern Vermont but struggles to handle crowds in some areas.
118. #118 Mont Orford · Orford, QC · Mountain Score 52/100 · None. While this Eastern Township Quebec ski area becomes a legitimate expert’s playground when conditions allow, its small size and variable conditions hurt its overall appeal.
119. #119 Mount Ashland · Ashland, OR · Mountain Score 52/100 · Freedom Pass. This southern Oregon resort suffers from its tiny size and dated infrastructure, though surprisingly extensive advanced terrain and great views help it stand out among local resorts.
120. #120 Wildcat · Gorham, NH · Mountain Score 52/100 · Epic Pass. One of the tallest, most stunning ski resorts in New Hampshire is held back by a modest footprint size and significant wind exposure.
121. #121 Eagle Point · Beaver, UT · Mountain Score 51/100 · Indy Pass, Freedom Pass. Utah’s most remote ski area is also arguably its quirkiest, with some frustrating logistics but a unique, local feel that’s hard not to appreciate.
122. #122 Mount Hood Skibowl · Government Camp, OR · Mountain Score 51/100 · Powder Alliance. This small, no-frills mountain offers less crowded slopes and extensive night skiing close to Portland.
123. #123 Gore · North Creek, NY · Mountain Score 51/100 · Snow Pass. New York State’s largest ski resort stands out with excellent glade terrain, but it can’t match the snow quality or on-mountain infrastructure of the best East Coast mountains.
124. #124 Loon · Lincoln, NH · Mountain Score 51/100 · Ikon Pass. This popular New Hampshire resort offers a competitive lift fleet and excellent snowmaking, but other mountains offer more unique terrain and better crowd management.
125. #125 Summit at Snoqualmie · Snoqualmie Pass, WA · Mountain Score 50/100 · Ikon Pass. 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.
126. #126 Boyne Mountain · Boyne Falls, MI · Mountain Score 50/100 · Ikon Pass. This Michigan stalwart pairs the Midwest’s only high-speed eight-pack with a lively base area. But expert terrain is scarce, and staying on-site comes at a steep price.
127. #127 Mad River Glen · Waitsfield, VT · Mountain Score 50/100 · None. With very limited snowmaking and a ban on snowboarders, this small Vermont mountain is about as raw as it gets for the Northeast.
128. #128 The Highlands at Harbor Springs · Harbor Springs, MI · Mountain Score 49/100 · Ikon Pass. This Michigan resort pairs reliable lake-effect snow with the fastest chairlift in the Midwest and plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging. But short advanced runs and just one expert trail limit the challenge.
129. #129 Bromley · Peru, VT · Mountain Score 49/100 · None. While much smaller and less diverse than Vermont’s major destinations, this local-feeling hill will satisfy families thanks to easy navigation and low crowds.
130. #130 Mount Bohemia · Lac La Belle, MI · Mountain Score 48/100 · None (some partner resorts on season pass). This “No Beginners Allowed” ski resort sits in one of the most remote and snowy places in the Midwest, making for one of the most unique, but polarizing, experiences in the country.
131. #131 Bromont · Bromont, QC · Mountain Score 48/100 · Mountain Collective. This Quebec resort offers a flashy trail count and easy access from Montreal, but several factors make it a hard sell for anything more than a day trip.
132. #132 Gunstock · Gilford, NH · Mountain Score 48/100 · None. While it isn’t the biggest resort in New Hampshire, this locally-run ski area delivers a refreshingly non-commercial mountain experience with fantastic lake views.
133. #133 Bolton Valley · Richmond, VT · Mountain Score 47/100 · Indy Pass. This Vermont mountain is too small and undeveloped to compete with the state’s most popular destinations, but its combination of local, uncrowded slopes and strong natural snowfall may do the trick for some.
134. #134 Attitash · Bartlett, NH · Mountain Score 47/100 · Epic Pass. This New Hampshire resort offers pleasant terrain and fast lifts, but it doesn’t especially stand out when it comes to the overall experience.
135. #135 Mount Sunapee · Newbury, NH · Mountain Score 47/100 · Epic Pass. While it’s not ideal for a true weekend getaway, this south-central New Hampshire resort is a solid option for a family-friendly day trip.
136. #136 Windham · Windham, NY · Mountain Score 47/100 · None. This Catskill resort can’t beat out the true East Coast destinations in snow, acreage, or terrain diversity, but it lacks some of the major issues that plague nearby competitors. Peak ticket values are among the worst of any North American ski area.
137. #137 Stoneham · Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC · Mountain Score 46/100 · Epic Pass (full pass only). This Eastern Canada resort is particularly well suited to Quebec City skiers and riders. But for a true vacation, the compromises are hard to overlook.
138. #138 Holiday Valley · Ellicottville, NY · Mountain Score 46/100 · None. Strong natural snowfall and varied terrain make this Western New York resort a strong local option, but a short vertical drop and complicated layout prevent it from competing with bigger East Coast destinations.
139. #139 Magic Mountain · Londonderry, VT · Mountain Score 46/100 · Indy Pass. This modestly-sized mountain doesn’t have the refinement to compete with the destinations, but it’s hard to beat for the challenge and value in southern Vermont.
140. #140 Granite Peak · Wausau, WI · Mountain Score 45/100 · Ikon Pass. This central Wisconsin ski area pairs a modern high-speed lift fleet and snowmaking on every trail with night skiing seven days a week. But low natural snowfall, flat runouts and limited expert terrain hold it back.
141. #141 Snowshoe · Snowshoe, WV · Mountain Score 44/100 · Ikon Pass. Despite its messy layout and crowds, this West Virginia resort’s impressive snow quality and vertical descent are unmatched anywhere else in the Mid-Atlantic.
142. #142 Hunter · Hunter, NY · Mountain Score 42/100 · Epic Pass. High-speed lifts, reasonably varied terrain, and proximity to New York City make this Catskill mountain an appealing choice on paper. Crowds are still an issue on weekends despite significant recent improvements.
143. #143 Belleayre · Highmount, NY · Mountain Score 41/100 · Snow Pass. This Catskill mountain offers family-friendly terrain and reasonable crowds for the region, but a few factors make it a tough sell for those planning a weekend getaway.
144. #144 Peek'n Peak · Clymer, NY · Mountain Score 39/100 · Indy Pass. This Western New York ski resort offers a good value for beginners, but the mountain lacks the challenge or aesthetic to compete with many other East Coast resorts.
145. #145 Plattekill · Roxbury, NY · Mountain Score 38/100 · Snow Pass (some partner resorts on season pass). The Catskill region’s northernmost ski hill offers surprisingly strong advanced terrain, but infrastructure and grooming operations are severely lacking.
146. #146 Big Snow American Dream · East Rutherford, NJ · Mountain Score 36/100 · Snow Pass. North America’s only indoor ski resort can’t provide terrain that’s remotely close to a real mountain, but it offers unparalleled reliability, year-round skiing, and a great environment to learn.
147. #147 Mountain Creek · Vernon, NJ · Mountain Score 33/100 · Snow Pass. This New Jersey ski area offers standout freestyle terrain and easy access from New York City, but it’s a really tough sell versus snowier, less-commercialized resorts further north.

Ten categories, one Mountain Score

• Snow: Quality and quantity of natural snow
• Resiliency: How well conditions hold up between storms
• Size: Skiable footprint and vertical
• Terrain diversity: Range of terrain types and pitches
• Challenge: How demanding the hardest terrain gets
• Lifts: Speed, capacity and coverage of the lift network
• Crowd flow: How the mountain handles busy days
• Facilities: Lodges, food and on-mountain services
• Navigation: How easy it is to get around
• Mountain aesthetic: How striking the mountain and its views are

Rankings by region and state

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• U.S. only ski resorts ranked