2020 Best Ski Resorts in the USA

The largest ski resort in the eastern U.S., Killington encompasses seven distinct mountain areas, including the second-highest peak in Vermont. Known as the “Beast of the East” for its lofty vertical drop, this ski destination knows how to lure thrill-seekers. The Canyon area and the Big Dipper offer plenty of challenging runs for more experienced powder hounds. But that doesn’t mean those new to snow sports won’t have fun. The entire Snowshed Lodge area is designed with beginners in mind, and the resort’s ski school will have you feeling confident on your skis or board in no time.

Mt. Hood Meadows in Mount Hood, Oregon, is a skier’s playground with six terrain parks and 2,150 acres of the most varied, skiable terrain in the Northwest.

Timberline Ski Area in Oregon has the longest ski season in North America, allowing powder hounds access to snowy slopes long after other resorts have closed for the summer.

Taos Ski Valley is known for seeing both 300 inches of snowfall and 300 days of sunshine every year.

Sierra-at-Tahoe sets the bar with 2,122 vertical feet of dynamic terrain, 2,000 acres of skiable landscape and almost 500 inches of fresh powder annually.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana challenges advanced skiers with its 300-plus acres of expert terrain.

Alta is one of the oldest ski resorts in the U.S., opening its debut lift in 1939.

As one of the country’s oldest ski areas, Sugar Bowl has been pleasing the ski enthusiast since 1939.

Sugarbush caters to skiers and snowboarders who like to feel as though they have the slopes to themselves. As one of the largest resorts on the East Coast, Sugarbush encompasses around 4,000 acres of skiable terrain across six mountains. It also features three terrain parks perfect for practicing tricks. This massive Vermont ski resort caters to all skill levels, with its 111 marked trails relatively equally divided between beginner, intermediate and expert. The resort also provides top-tier instruction and an adaptive ski program, so everyone can enjoy a day on the mountain.

Okemo Mountain offers a nice variety of runs across more than 600 skiable acres to suit all skill levels. This Vermont resort’s ample beginner and intermediate slopes have earned it a family-friendly reputation. Visitors with kids especially love the resort’s ski school. Some skiers lament that Okemo’s slopes are too easy, but more experienced powder hounds will find challenging terrain on the South Face. And while Okemo may not always receive as much snow as other top Vermont ski resorts, this destination’s snow-making and grooming frequently receive high praise.

Maine’s most renowned resort, Sugarloaf boasts one of the largest skiable areas on the East Coast, not to mention the region’s only lift-serviced trails above the treeline. Sprawling across the towering Sugarloaf Mountain in the western part of the state, Sugarloaf’s trails offer stunning views of the Carrabassett Valley. The resort’s 150-plus trails are relatively equally divided by skill level, meaning everyone from newbies to experts will have plenty of terrain to explore. What’s more, Sugarloaf’s northern location and high average snowfall average tends to lead to longer-than-usual ski seasons, with lifts often operating until May.

Loveland Ski Area in Colorado boasts 1,800 acres of skiable terrain and educational programs to help you make the most of the slopes.

Silverton Mountain Ski Resort is one of the country’s most thrilling ski destinations, boasting 1,819 acres of some of the steepest terrain in North America.

Considered both luxurious and family-friendly, Stowe Mountain has a lot going for it. The resort occupies the tallest mountain in Vermont, and many have said its snowpack is the best in the North East. What’s more, Stowe is known for its variety, offering everything from well-groomed, beginner-friendly trails to unrefined, high-elevation terrain. Over the past several years, Stowe has invested in renovations to its facilities, including a high-speed peak-to-peak gondola. Add to that the resort’s acclaimed ski school and dining facilities, and you can see why it’s called the “Queen of the East”.

This immense ski resort in western Maine caters to powder hounds who need their space. Sunday River’s 870 skiable acres are spread across eight peaks, with additional space for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. While there is no shortage of challenging runs for more experienced skiers, Sunday River also dedicates 30% of its marked trails for beginners. And the resort’s ski school provides a variety of instruction styles to build confidence on the slopes. Plus, the good times don’t have to stop at sundown. Sunday River offers twilight skiing on several runs from late December through late March.