For many, winter is not only a series of Christmas holidays but also the opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding. In general, in the USA, there are more than 300 ski resorts, many of which work year-round. So you can ski and enjoy the snowy landscapes in the USA anytime. Many American ski resorts have a long history, some have recently opened and impressed with a high level of equipment. We will introduce you to the best of them.
1. Alta Ski Resort, Utah
Since its opening in 1939, the Alta ski resort has become one of the most popular destinations for skiers. Designed for skiing exclusively, even snowboarders are not allowed. Located on top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon just 25 miles from Salt Lake City. Alta Ski Resort combines traditional and modern facilities. Most of the lifts are old, but everything is more than paid for by the magnificent dry snow of Utah, which falls here in winter up to 12 meters.
2. Killington Ski Resort, Vermont
The largest resort on the east coast is located 250 km from Boston. It offers almost 155 tracks with a total length of 140 km. Twenty-one ski lifts connect six mountain peaks of Killington, and the seventh (Pico Mountain) can be reached in 10 minutes by bus. There are several sports parks here (including for snowboarders and lovers of flat skis), and one of the largest systems of artificial snowmaking operates.
3. Lake Placid, NY
Located 70 km from Albany Airport, in the largest U.S. national park Adirondack Park, east of the Mississippi River. It is famous for the fact that twice there were held the Winter Olympic Games – in 1932 and 1980. Athletes are still training here, so the tracks are maintained in excellent condition year-round. In total, there are 86 tracks on the only Whiteface Mountain resort. There is a 50-kilometer cross-country ski trail, a snowboarding area, and a super-pipe.
4. Heavenly Ski Resort, California
Located at the junction of the states of California and Nevada, near the picturesque Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Ski Resort is one of the highest resorts in the United States: with its slopes offering unrivaled views of the largest alpine lake in North America and the picturesque deserts of Nevada. Four resort bases unite over 90 routes of varying difficulty, and 30 lifts operate. Well-developed infrastructure.
5. Aspen, Colorado
The most famous and elite ski resort in North America consists of four isolated ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. 200 tracks of different difficulty levels connected by a well-thought-out system of lifts and a free bus. A free ski pass is available. In the largest Snowmass zone, there is the highest mid-tier track most of all, Aspen Mountain, with its Ajax mountain, and the town of Aspen proper is known as the only zone in the USA without “green” tracks. Still, in the Buttermilk zone, full and calm slopes are quite affordable even for children. Aspen Highlands offers tracks of different levels, but most routes are challenging.
6. Beaver Creek Snow Resort, Colorado
The modern resort consists of three areas: Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead. There is everything for a first-class winter holiday and even more: heated asphalt paths, street escalators, elite skiing and snowboarding schools, elite hotels, and spas. For five consecutive years, Beaver Creek Snow Resort received an award from the National Ski Association for its high level of service. Also, Birds of Prey downhill competitions are regularly held here as part of the men’s world championship.
7. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Park City Mountain Resort has grown into the most significant U.S. ski resort since merging with Canyons in 2015. On an area of about 7300 acres, 300 runs, 38 ski lifts, and seven snowparks are located for both beginner skiers and snowboarders, as well as for professionals. In 2002, Park City hosted the Winter Olympics, and today is the training base for the U.S. ski team. In January of each year, the Sundance Independent Film Festival is also held here.
8. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Located in the southern Rocky Mountains – San Juan Mountains. Telluride ski resort is located in the highest mountain region of the United States, so the landscapes are stunningly beautiful. During the winter, up to 8 meters of snow falls here, and at the same time, sunny weather is 300 days a year. On an area of 810 hectares, there are trails for beginners (lower zone) and extreme sports, and 14 lifts serve them. And you can relax in the highest mountain restaurant in North America Alpino Vino.
9. Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
This is one of the oldest and most picturesque resorts on the east coast. Its narrow winding tracks are laid right in the forest, on the slopes of two mountains – Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The resort area is 196 hectares, and there are 116 slopes and 13 lifts. This place is perfect for families, there are no crowds, and you can stop in the town of Stow, 10 kilometers from the ski slopes – from there a free bus leaves for the slopes every half hour.
10. Jackson Hole Ski Resort, Wyoming
Known for its steep slopes and a significant vertical drop of -1262 m. Of the 116 Jackson Hole tracks, half are for professionals. There are options for beginners, but there are few descents of medium difficulty. The resort is also famous for its atmosphere of the Wild West: many wooden buildings of the 19th century and operating saloons have been preserved here.
11. Keystone Ski Area, Colorado
Keystone Resort is an hour and a half drive from Denver and consists of three mountains and two villages located along the picturesque Rocky Mountains. Three mountains of the resort – Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and Outback are connected by a system of lifts and offer slopes for any level of training. Beginners ride the Dercum Mountain, and extreme people have chosen the Bergman Bowl, Erikson Bowl, and Independence Bowl zones. The resort is famous for its night skating, for which a special lighting system for the slopes was created.
12. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is one of the most visited ski resorts in the country; 1.6 million visitors come here annually. It is famous for its highest ski lift in North America, which raises skiers to a height of 3910 m. There are 152 slopes on the four mountains of the resort, half of which are “red” and “black,” 29 ski lifts (4 high-speed), five snowboard parks, two half Pipe, toboggan runs, and ski school.
13. Deer Valley Resort
In 2014, this resort was recognized as the best according to SKI Magazine in the field of service, entertainment, food for guests, and well-groomed trails. For five consecutive years, Deer Valley was awarded the title of the most respectable resort in the United States. Several competitions were held here as part of the Winter Olympic Games-2002, and in 2003 and 2011, the resort hosted the World Ski Freestyle Championship. The resort’s 101 pistes are for skiers only. Elite hotels, gourmet restaurants, upscale slopes, and the highest level of service – all this is the Deer Valley Resort.
14. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Situated approximately 30 miles from Glacier National Park in Montana, Whitefish Mountain Resort can offer 105 runs on 1214 hectares of land. The average annual snow level is 7.5 meters. Most tracks are for advanced training and professionals. The longest Hellfire track is almost 5.4 kilometers long.
15. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Vail Ski Resort is one of the five best ski resorts in the world and is the second-largest resort in the United States. On an area of about 2100 hectares, there are trails of varying difficulty for skiers and snowboarders. A well-thought-out system of lifts interconnects all slopes of the three ski areas (The Front Side, the Blue Sky Basin, and the Back Bowls). There are two snow parks, cross-country ski tracks, and bobsled.