Winter is a favorite season for those who love skiing and snowboarding in the United States and Canada. North America boasts a variety of amazing ski resorts, making it tough to choose the best ones. To identify this year’s top ski resorts, we turned to our most trusted experts: you, the TravelAwaits readers. Here’s a brief guide to our readers’ choices for the best ski resorts on the continent.
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1. Killington Resort (Winner)
Location: Killington, Vermont
Killington Resort claims the top spot, primarily due to its wide range of amenities and activities. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Killington offers mountain biking, golf, ATV tours, concerts, a spa, and various dining and shopping options. Families appreciate the on-site childcare. Often called the “Beast of the East,” Killington’s excellent slopes and comfortable resort setting make it a favorite for both experienced and novice winter sports enthusiasts.
2. Palisades Tahoe
Location: Olympic Valley, California
On the opposite side of the country, Palisades Tahoe is a resort visitors never want to leave due to its numerous fun activities. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff. The quality of lodging at Palisades Tahoe stands out. The resort is known for its appeal to experts but also caters to beginners with friendly instructors and accessible zones. The Village at Palisades Tahoe serves as the central hub for all your needs.
3. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Colorado boasts numerous top ski resorts, and Breckenridge is among the best. With over 2,908 skiable acres, it’s a destination for serious winter sports enthusiasts. But it’s not just about the numbers; Breckenridge offers a unique atmosphere. Whether it’s the event calendar or the Five Peaks, this resort keeps visitors coming back.
4.Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Maine offers a distinct experience with over 30 miles of Nordic skiing trails. It provides a change of pace with amenities like an NHL-sized skating rink, fat bike and snowshoe rentals, and an 18-hole golf course for summer visitors.
5.Aspen Snowmass
Location: Snowmass Village, Colorado
Aspen is a renowned name with four mountains and extensive lifts. Covering 5,527 acres with 41 lifts, there’s something for every skier. After skiing, Aspen offers vibrant nightlife and its own art museum for relaxation.
6.Whistler Blackcomb
Location: Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and offers a vertical drop of 5,280 feet with over 200 marked trails. Heliskiing experiences are available for the adventurous.
7.Telluride Ski Resort
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is not just stunning; it offers substantial challenges with 41 percent of the mountain rated as Advanced/Expert terrain. After skiing, the resort provides world-class apres-ski experiences in Telluride itself or in the mountain village.
8.Beaver Creek Resort
Location: Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek Resort is ideal for beginners and intermediates, known for its balanced terrain variety and modern infrastructure. It manages crowds well and offers luxury accommodations and dining without a wild reputation.
9.Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
Location: Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Mont Tremblant brings a touch of European skiing to Canada. Its Quebecois-style village offers a variety of dining and drinking options, and the skiing and snowboarding cater to all levels.
10.Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Location: Banff, Alberta
One of Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort’s major draws is its extended season, running from November to late May. With breathtaking views and good value, it’s hard to resist this accessible resort.
These ski resorts offer a mix of experiences and are loved by our readers for various reasons. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to winter sports, these destinations have something special to offer.