When it comes to ski resorts, one thing we can agree on is that we won’t agree. Outside just named Squaw Valley the number one resort in North America (and put Whistler behind Vail!), while Conde Nast Traveler picked Telluride. Ski Magazine chose Deer Valley. Meanwhile, none of those resorts would make into my top five.
Of course, all those folks might be putting more emphasis on “resort,” while all I care about is “ski.” Lodging means little, amenities almost nothing. What matters in my world — and I would guess yours, too — is terrain, snow, vertical, and access to the backcountry. Period.
But that’s when the debate gets fun. Does the sheer size of Whistler and Blackcomb, along with immediate access to amazing O.B., trump the fact that their snow is too often maritime gack? Is the phenomenal snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon enough to make you look past the traversing at Alta and crowds at Snowbird? Does Jackson’s insane terrain make up for a short season and lower snow than Alta?
Every ski area has its strengths and every one has its weaknesses, and at the end of the discussion you’re going to lean toward what matters most — face shots per day, hucks per run, access gates per acre, whatever your favorite flavor. Which one do Adventure Journal readers prefer? Vote and let’s find out.
WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES JUST BY VOTING!
This week, one poll participant will receive a Smith Optics Outlier sunglasses. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) — all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, January 13, at midnight PST.
Congrats to Alex Specht of Bishop, California, for winning this week’s giveaway.
The Daily Bike: Mountain Bike Enduro World Series Kicks Off
Overlandia: Driving a 1936 Rolls Royce Across India
15 Seconds: Driving Indian Creek, Utah
The Man Who Skied Down Everest Climbs it at 80
National Avalanche Legend Doug Abromeit Passes Away
Smokey Is Fighting Fracking and the Feds Don’t Like It
Prickly, Beloved Mountain Gazette Print Version Shut Down
Historical Badass: Alpinist Alex Lowe
Volunteer Fired at Saguaro National Park for Reporting Graffiti
Sierra Club Joins Lawsuit Against Mountain Bike Park
Driver Busted After Bragging on Twitter About Hitting Cyclist
The Daily Bike: Les Granges du Galibier, Giro d’Italia 2013
15 Seconds: Boiling Clouds
The List: The 10 Things You REALLY Need on a River Trip
{ 215 comments… read them below or add one }
Mt Baker gets my vote. Its local only feel, easy sidecountry access, and crazy amount of snow make it the perfect place to ski.
Crested Butte gets my vote, RIP Robert Bryson’s favorite place
i haven’t been to enough to have great knowledge but i love crested butte!
Have not been to all on the list, but Lake Louise thus far (in a good snow year) gets my vote
W-B! Terrain, both in-bounds and out-of-bounds is top notch, we get tons of snow (a lot of it quite dry and cold this winter), and a consistent stable snowpack means we can actually USE the snow and ride steep faces all season long.
Red Mtn. is the best ski hill IMHO
Crystal has everything you could dream of.
Fernie!
Haven’t been to all but…. Targhee rules!
Snowbird gets my vote
Alta. ‘Nuff said.
Legendary terrain, by far the lightest powder in N.America, and plenty of it. You’re there to ski, not party, and that’s what Alta does best. Great overall vibe throughout the place, and I’ve never had a better apres beer than sitting with a mug on the deck at Alf’s, taking in all the beauty you just conquered.
Anyone who says otherwise is a snowboarder.
I’m saying vail, but I’m biased because that’s where I really learned to ski.
Going to have to say squaw!
my favorite is not on the list and that is just the way I like it!
ALTA-MECCA
The Boat is hard to beat.
Jay Peak not on the list for us east coasters?
Mt Baker hands down, lots of ski and very little resort
Steep and deep Jackson Hole!
Whaleback all the way!
I’ve always loved Steamboat and its delivered great snow.Off to try Fernie for three days and hoping for more of the epic powder they’ve had.
The Bird!
Most if not all would vote Revelstoke should they every go. Highly recommended for all those steep and deep lovers out there.
SNOWBIRD WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Jackson Jackson Jackson! Nobody does it like the J-Hole does it.
Has to be Jackson, of course, though it would be more interesting to rate the top 5. I would vote for Crystal Mountain as the most under-rated resort in the country.
Kirkwood has always been a nice break from the hustle and bustle of many of the Tahoe mountains.
The free one.
Wait … damn!
Well, i’m biased growing up there, but I have to vote Red Mountain or Whitewater.
Also, no Lake Louise or Sunshine Village? Pretty sure those are both fairly major resorts and in North America.
Crystal Mountain might be the best under-hyped resort in N. America (unmatched in-bounds big mountain terrain and Mt. Rainier NP is the sidecountry…) but Whistler takes the cake for the top slot.
Jackson Hole all the way!
I live 10 minutes from Snowbird… so of course it’s the best.
Tough vote,I’m torn between Jackson,Baker,and the Bird….
mt baker for sure
Whistler/Blackcomb
Brighton isn’t on the list, but is also in Little Cottonwood Canyon and it gets my vote. Not as good as Whistler, but I prefer it over Snowbird.
Stowe. Ski the East. Whistler/Blackcomb on the Wes
JH!
Who cares? You can have ‘em all while I ski the backcountry.
Love me some of that Whistler Blackcomb. Can’t ski there enough.
WHISTLER WHISTLER WHISTLER!!!
Monarch Mountain was omitted from this list and that makes me sad…
The one you’re skiing at.
Enough “which is the best resort” polls…
Whistler/Blackcomb in your face!
vail. all the way
Gotta go with Vail, it is just high quality.
Whistler!!!
Whistler is the best. Whitefish Mtn Resort aka Big Mtn is awesome but not on the list…
I love the boat!!
Drop, tuck and roll.
Whistler Blackcomb gets my vote. Terrain for days, all high speed quads, ski in – ski out lodging, and a great apres ski scene!
Can’t say. Haven’t skied them all. I’m working on it.
Jackson Hole is always going to be the best resort…even though I live in SLC and have both canyons to choose from, I still make sure I get to JH at least once a year if I can. Nothing else really compares to the enormous variety of terrain to choose from, whatever you want to ski it has. Sorry Alta/Bird, Soli/Brighton, you guys are great but not the best.
Whistler’s got Blackcomb, and Blackcomb’s got Whistler. That’s kind of a good package.
Steamboat has the best trees I’ve ever been in and there’s nothing quite like the champagne powder!!!
Sun Valley by far and away. Best amenities and no lines. Small town feel, yet with culture & restaurants galore. If you are a trout bum as well, there is an embarrassment of riches in terms of blue ribbon trout streams all within an hour. Hard to get to which keeps the masses at bay…
Gotta be Alta.
Great terrain and the snow holds up better than any other area I’ve experienced. This area is impossible to get bored at. The groomed runs are windy and always fun while the off trail stuff allows your imagination to do the work.
Jackson Hole for sure
whistler/blackcomb
Whistler/Blackcomb has it all
Why didn’t Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon make this list? Much more of a resort then Mt. Baker which was my home mountain years ago.
Crested Butte has that wild terrain, both in bounds an backcountry. The town has great vibes and the scenery is fantastic all year round, too.
Once you hike up that Sub Peak at Revy and see those massive bowls open up, your jaw will hit the ground. The town is very cool, too. It is one place where the lower parts of the mountain can be as good as the upper area. Kicking Horse and Lake Louise are outstanding in ‘big snow’ years.
Whistler/Blackcomb may have a lot of hype, but they’re the best for a reason! Love being up in Seventh Heaven on Blackcomb on a bluebird day. There’s nothing better!
What about Taos
Snowbird
Snowbird
Red Tram? Blue Tram?
Vail is definitely the best!
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Hands down.
crested butte
Yea, what about Taos?
Whistler’s is the overall best.
Snowbird for me. Easy access to steep slopes, much less traversing than Alta. Reliably good snow! Drawback is backcountry access (better on the other side of the canyon).
If none of those make the top 5… which ones do? Neither of my CO favorites are in there (A-Basin & Wolf Creek), but I wonder if it’s because they’re not “resorts.” And there’s a bunch I haven’t skied yet, but am looking forward to in the coming seasons (Alta & Whistler being high on that list).
And yes, for me snow and terrain are what make the place amazing (a good Bloody Mary doesn’t hurt either).
Objectively (as objective as I can be):
Whistler/Blackcomb
Jackson Hole
Snowbird
Alta
Five is too close to call…Mammoth, Squaw, Alpine, Highlands, Telluride, Silverton…
Subjectively (voting strictly with my heart)
Jackson Hole
Alta
Whistler/Blackcomb
Snowbird
Five is too close to call…there are about a dozen that make a solid claim for it.
It has to be Kicking Horse…..
Alta, all the way.
Jackson
I’m so happy my favorite resort is not on the list! The less the crowd the better the day.
I grew up in Jackson/Wilson and was always under the impression that there were other ski areas far superior to Jackson. Squaw, Steamboat,Snowbird were in the movies but Jackson wasn’t. As I grew up and was able to travel and try out different areas, I quickly realized there is no place like HOME. Whistler Blackcomb is close but they still don’t have the Hobacks – 3000 vert of perfect pitch and fall-line not to mention Corbets, Tower three, Apres Vous…
My pick for the best ski resort in North America is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It’s the Cowboy Powder, baby. So light and dry that even the Cowboys can ski it. Consisten light dry snow, unmathced backcountry access and less than 500,000 skier visits per year makes for great turns and lots of elbow room!
Grand Targhee…………….uncrowded and lots of snow to play in
Gotta go with what I know and love best! Love Jackson Hole!!
comment
Lot’s of awesome ski resorts in NA with each being special. Jackson just puts it all together in one package.
Jackson. No place like it. Never will be.
Alpine Meadows because of the love I feel for it. A nostalgic sense that is more perception and memory than hard fact of a continuously changing place.
I also wonder if more Canadian spot would make into the limelight if folks where to check it out. It seems that the Gods did create Canada to accommodate snow sport lovers.
Jackson no question
sun valley!
Silverton. Because.
JH.
For some reason, maybe luck, We’ve had the best snow at Steamboat,
but Aspen Hylands would be right there too, never a bad day.
Of the 14 above I’ve been to, if you asked me which one would I go to right now? Baker!
Telluride… Colorado. Best.
Jackson by far! They have as much snow as Alta so far this season.
JH – the Wild West
Jay Peak!.. Ski the East! but I like Jackson Hole, Alta and Mt Bachelor..
I love Baker, as I do just about any place that gets me up on snow with a shred-stick strapped on.
However, for pure vertical adrenaline with consistently sweet snow, the Bird is the Word!
I would have picked Wolf Creek in the Colorado San Juan’s but I suppose Crested Butte was the next best thing
Steamboat, but I’ve never been to JH.
My vote was Snowbird, but my favorite wasn’t even on the short list . . . Snowbasin . . . manageable crowds, great terrain (especially on a powder day), and some challenging “through the gates lines” . . . and at the end of the day, one can chill in the base lodge with a brew and some food in a setting that exceeds Deer Valley.
Alta!!
Red Mountain/Whitewater – in a foreign country to you can drive to!
Silverton for the tent lodge.
Although I voted for Alta, Jay Peak certainly deserves to be on this list also.
It’s the best place to ski on the East Coast, and mostly unknown, no crowds, and Utah-like powder. The fact it gets as much snow in a year as most CO resorts, it can’t be underestimated.
What other resort has it’s own proprietary weather system?
Two words: Jay Cloud
Snowbird gets my vote.
Squaw. Also love Jackson and Whistler.
Although I get some kind of injury every time I go there, I have to say Snowbird. 1st Its in Utah, home of the greatest snow on earth, 2nd covers a huge area, with both groomed parks and natural terrain for every style of rider, and 3rd a decent price in comparison to the other local large resorts.
Since Jay Peak isn’t an option, I choose Whistler/Blackcomb.
Whistler Blackcomb – Awesome terrain inbounds and great sidecountry/backcountry access. You don’t really spend much time in the mashed potatoes in the lower elevations and up in the alpine it’s pretty dry. You can also stay on the mountain fairly cheaply without dropping ridiculous cash as you would in most resorts in the US.
Alta
Alta is by far the best resort. Most snow, best terrain. Can’t complain.
Greatest snow on earth!
Jackson, yes.
Whistler works
I must win this!
Telluride all day everyday
So close between Jackson hole and snowbird. Snowbird got the vote because it it closer to me.
Some buds and I have an annual Super Bowl ski trip, and every year when we discuss where to go, the “snow vs. terrain” debate comes up. I’m a snow guy so I’ll go to Alta any chance I get. I still haven’t made it to eastern BC, though, and those places sound kinda cool.
Everybody must want those glasses. I would vote for all of them in the spirit of winter fellowship & love…but since I can’t I’m picking Crystal since it’s the place I probably have the most hours and memories…and because I never expected you to have it on the list
Wherever I happen to be and the snow is good, but Silverton is pretty darn fun.
My first choice of Ski-Bowl (world’s biggest night ski park) was not on this list, so I went with the one with the best name: Beaver Creek.
Alta rocks!
1 vote for steamboat
whichever one I’m at..MAMMOTH
Bridger Bowl all the way
Thank goodness you didn’t include the best kept secret in Colorado – Wolf Creek.
Revelstoke
The combination of lift access to challenging terrain and an unbelievable footprint with killer back-country and a down to earth attitude….Crystal Mountain rocks this poll.
Crystal Mountain all the way
Biased because I’ve only been to Crystal on this list. But I like Mission Ridge more.
baker!
Whistlerrrr
If there was a “coolest resort name” poll, Revelstoke would have to earn top honors.
Alta & Snowbird gets my vote in terms of powder shots, steep & deep skiing. Nothing compares to the quality of snow…PERIOD.
Great Terrain
Stevens over Crystal for the snow and back mountain trails
my vote goes to whistler blackcomb because its simply the best!
Love Crystal Mountain!
Revy and LL
JH for in and out of bounds
Vail
If you didn’t vote for Revelstoke, it’s because you haven’t been there.
CRYSTAL
Crystal Mt. gets my vote, I have been going there since I moved to the U.S. I love that mountain and every year I find some new area that I haven’t hit yet.
Big sky. Because I was in the first public tram the day it opened, and lapped it all day, every day, for a week, with nobody but my 2 buddies and me to share it. Was back in my old stomping grounds last march, and its still uncrowded. And NOTHING compares to the headwaters in moonlight basin for in- bounds gnar. Skied almost every place on this list and big sky still uber alles!! They’re all spectacular, really. We’re very lucky indeed.
Mt. Bachelor takes the cake, and it’s not even listed. Better snow than anything in the Pacific Northwest. Better prices. Fewer crowds. And the local accommodations (Bend, OR) have more microbrews on per capita than anywhere else I can think of!
Just got back from Whistler/Blackcomb…. LOVED IT!
Crystal has amazing inbounds and you can lap the slack country tell close after killing it on the main resort trails. Sorry Baker I love you but long distance relationships never really work!
Whistler Blackcomb.
Alyeska, then arctic valley, AK
this is a tough one. just got back from Whistler-Blackcomb last night. live 75 in from Crystal, where our club has a 72-bed lodge.
that’s 75 MILES from Crystal, which makes it pretty darn local.
I vote Mt Baker because there is not a single Mt. Hood ski resort on the list. If Timberline was on the list, it would be my pick handsdown because it has the longest ski season in North America, very little resort, has several long lifts, and has the most gorgeous views from those lifts.
Kicking Horse (steep and beautiful)
How can you beat Whistler/Blackcomb?
I named my son after Bridger Bowl, but I’ve never skied anywhere I didn’t like.
Back bowls at Vail are the best I’ve ridden.
Big white, haven’t been there in over a decade though.
Sun Valley. Best snow this year
My hometown resort Crystal is making a route. That said, I’d order them like so:
1. Mt. Baker
2. Jackson
3. Crystal
4. Whistler
5. Alta
That was tough to do but it’s a damn fine list.
BRIDGER BOWL
whoever has the most fresh
Bring an extra pair of legs to Revelstoke! And shred away…
Alpine meadows cuz I met my wife there.
I would have to say Mammoth. First up…the name can’t be beat. It has big vert, big snow, insane town feel, local scene, out of town but feel local scene, It’s a vortex of happy.
ooh man… it’s tough, but Big Sky sets the bar high. real high.
Whistler takes it for me. Once you get a taste of the sheer size of the terrain, everything else just feels too small. Backcountry is also top notch. Sure we don’t get crazy dry champagne, but it still gets pretty cold, especially higher up!
Im goin whistler blackcomb because it’s basically the largest, lots of extreme terrain, high lift volume, close to a major city, offers heli-skiing, big backcountry, has hosted all the big events + the olympics, great accomodations. The only downside is the price is expensive. All things considered i think whistler is still #1. + i’m from Canada so they get my vote.
Stowe? No. Jay? Yes. #SkiTheEast
How awesome that we don’t have to, in real life, be limited to just one…so many great spots but my faves are (5 faves…concur with Casimiro’s logic…one ain’t enough)…Crystal (best hill you’ve never been to and thanks for that), Whistler, Jackson, Alpine Meadows, and Vail/Steamboat/Mammoth/BigSky/Bridger/Targhee/Alta/Snowbird/Taos/Silverton/uh yeah…who’s idea WAS this?
You’d all say Revelstoke if you’ve ever been.
Red eye into SLC, ski, then red eye out? Snowbird/Alta for the win
Heading to Whistler for the first time on Thursday, so my favortie resort may be changing form Vail. I hope my legs and knees are ready for it!!
yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stowe!
Vail is great, but BC appeals even more.
Thank you for not putting Alpental on this list! Thank you, thank you!
ALTA
Crystal Mountain Washington has it all
Go Go Crystal!
All the resorts that have a lift that goes from the bottom to the top for the full vertical are the best in the country, check it out, not that many do, most have 2 lifts to get to the top and some have 3!!
Well, between Crystal, Baker, and Whistler we are certainly seeing which area of the country is down with the whole social media thang…
How can Alta be that low, for skiers it doesn’t get any better. Greatest snow on earth, I have had the opportunity to ski in many places around the world, as has my family, and we all agree that Alta is the best. The terrain is great from beginners/little kids up to those looking for back country conditions.
Stevens Pass is best, for length of season, days open, quantity & quality of snow, terrain, lack of crowds, etc. (but I still love Mission Ridge, lookout Pass, & Silver Mtn. too!)
Snowbird/Alta, for sure
Obviously Alta.
The best is any FREE
Powder
there’s a reason the FWT hits up snowbird every winter.
Jackson ask the way!
Mt. Baker!
Tough decision.. Lots of quality skiing
Uhhh… I’m sorry, but there is no way Crystal Mountain even compares with real ski mountains, if you can actually SKI anyway. It’s NO WHERE close to Snowbird, Alta, Big Sky, Jackson Hole. Whistler is fun but the snow quality just isn’t there (Jackson takes a back seat to Alta/Bird as well in the snow department, guess you could say the same about Squaw). Clearly the Crystal Mountain has been pushing the vote via Facebook. I’m sorry Crystal, but you are great for your area but wouldn’t even be able to exist if you had the same mountain with the same snow in Utah. Why isn’t Snowbasin on here? It’s like Jackson with better snow! If you want two amazing “local” treasures/almost secrets that pack a lot more awesome than there lack of fame would suggest, you have put Targhee and Powder Mountain at the top. C’mon folks, Crystal, Baker??? I know you have some heart strings tied to your local, hometown resort (mine would be Sun Valley) but go ski any of the above mentioned resorts and you’ll be embarrassed for ever voting a Northwest resort. If it’s any consolation, your seafood is much better! I will say, if Sun Valley had Alta’s snow, it would hands down be my #1. Steep, long runs with 0 run outs…. if only. Ski hard and stay safe folks!
Snowbird for the win!!
Alta seemingly should be higher, but Alta and Snowbird are physically connected. Add them together and alta/bird is #1 in percentile. I can agree with that.
Crystal is by far the best ski area in America. Awesome uphill transportation sick terrain and over 270″ of snow so far this year.
Bird is the best I’ve seen consistently, I’m sure Alta would get my nod but they don’t let my kind in. Nelson, BC area has my “wish” vote though.
I’ll have to ski them all to be sure…
I voted for Vail, but if all of Aspen’s 4 areas are included it wins for me.
much respect to the rest but Squaw is the best
jackson hole, for sure
Yeah, surprised to see Mt Bachelor didn’t even make the list of choices. Fine with me though if it stays off the radar…
Monashee’s. Big terrain. No lift lines.
Thanks for making a checklist of places I need to go.
blue sky vail
Mammoth
This poll makes me want to go ski.
What about Mt Bachelor in Oregon? Tsk Tsk on missing the best unknown resort in NA
Crested Butte!
Revelstoke hands down. Everyone who choose a different ski resort has obviously never been to RMR.
Snowmass isn’t on here?
Rode Bachelor first time last month, waist deep pow and face shots for days made this Utah native proud of NW snow, so that was #1 then. Tomorrow Mt Hood Meadows on the agenda which makes that by far the best, Timberline on Friday so you know there’ll be no equal there…
Love where you ride people.
I love Mammoth.
I’ve skied at 19 of those listed.
My faves are:
Targhee – quality/quantity of snow; funky Driggs in the late 70s when I lived there
Snowbird – ditto snow and slopes
Alta – ditto snow and history
Revelstoke – ditto snow and slopes, though most of my skiing around Revy has been in the backcountry.
Guess you can see, my bias is towards deep high-quality snow.
Sun Valley Idaho is where it’s at! I love that mountain from the bottom of my heart.