The US has some fantastic places to hit the powder whenever the urge takes you. From gnarly runs through to more leisurely glides, America has it all. But what resorts make our top 10? Read on to find out.
Breckenridge, Colorado
For those who are just starting out on the powder, Breckenridge is the perfect resort for beginners. However, just because this part of Colorado is great for ski virgins, it doesn’t mean that those more adept will be easily bored here. With over 3,300 acres of terrain available, there’s something for everyone at Breckenridge.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Not for the fainthearted or the novice, Jackson Hole in Wyoming is most famous for its signature run, Corbet’s Couloir.
This tight run will test even the best skier, giving you an adrenalin rush to remember.
Winter Park, Colorado
Sticking with the beginner vibe and staying in Colorado, Winter Park is probably the best resort in the US for family adventures. There’s a 25-acre area solely for those starting out on the slopes and the resort also has childcare facilities and family friendly restaurants aplenty.
Snowmass, Colorado
Another hit in Colorado is Snowmass. Even the name is enough to get those with a love for winter sports excited! Widely regarded as one of the best resorts in the state, Snowmass offers a wide variety of terrains, making it perfect for all levels of skier and boarder, and it’s also the largest of the Aspen ski resorts.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a great resort for those who ski regularly and consider themselves to be in the intermediate class of the sport. $50 million is currently being spent here on improving the experience for visitors and expanding the runs to make Park City the largest ski area in the States.
Crystal Mountain, Washington
Another awesome all-rounder is Crystal Mountain. With around 2,600 acres to play around on, this part of Washington State is ideal for those who love steep runs and big bowls. Excellently sign-posted throughout, equally fantastic lift infrastructure, and an amazing selection of runs make Crystal Mountain a must-visit.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky certainly lives up to its name! With an incredible 3,832 acres of terrain available, this Montana ski resort is currently the biggest in the USA. There’s another ‘big’ part of the resort too – the vertical drop! With over 4,360 feet to cover, you’re sure to get the workout you want when you ski down this bad boy.
Alta/Snowbird, Utah
Some say that the linked resorts of Alta and Snowbird are amongst the greatest powder venues in the world. The snow here is optimal for spectacular sport and they get a lot of it too, with an average of around 40 feet falling here every year. While the terrain may be large, the resorts themselves are relatively small and the entertainment away from the slopes is limited, but to be honest, who cares about that?
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain caters brilliantly for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, but it’s their terrain parks that really make this resort stand out as one of the best in the world. Jibs, jumps, halfpipes, and plenty of freestyle terrain give those who want to get gnarly plenty to occupy themselves with.
Squaw Valley, California
Another CA favourite is Squaw Valley. Vast amounts of terrain and decent size vertical drops await visitors here and the resort is highly regarded by expert skiers from across the globe. However, beginners and intermediate skiers have plenty to head here for too, with 25 and 45% of the terrain respectively suitable for those skillsets.
America has some of the finest ski resorts in the world, is a certainly a match for European resorts.