As summer subsides, the chill of Autumn and winter are slowly percolating and beginning to manifest. Gone are the doldrums of sweltering August days, as the skies shift into the briskness of a new season. It is time to mournfully nestle away the swimsuits, the tank-tops, and the sandals; and usher forth the characteristic apparel of winter, in the form of sweaters, jeans, and boots.
While, during the summer, our attention rightfully shifts toward the beach and pool, during the winter the mountains capture our attention. Instead of wistfully gazing at open strands and rolling waves, we instead look enthusiastically upon snow-capped peaks and sleek white mountainsides. Naturally, such images arouse thoughts of popular winter pastimes: recreational skiing and snowboarding. While there are numerous stunning ski resorts situated across the vast expanse of North America, there are several which merit especial mention. In this article, we’ll explore the top 6 ski resorts in North America, ones that may merit consideration during your next winter adventure.
Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
Price:
- Day Pass: $106.00/day
- Tahoe Value Pass (Includes access to Kirkwood & Northstar): $551.00/7 days
- Epic Pass (Unlimited access): $1,025.00/season
The Low-Down: Cradled in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Valley actually features terrain so expansive that it spans two states: Nevada and California. With over 5,000 acres of navigable slopes, it is difficult to explore the entirety of the mountain in a single day. Featuring wide cruiser slopes, as well as over 1,600 chutes, Heavenly features a wide array of options for all levels of skiiers or snowboarders. In this picturesque valley, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe are frequently available, all while the sun shines determinedly – Lake Tahoes boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. If you’re in the vicinity of the San Francisco or the Bay Area at-large, Tahoe is worth a visit for an enjoyable day of skiing. Apart from Heavenly, Lake Tahoe is also home to numerous other beautiful resorts.
Big Sky
Location: Big Sky, Montana
- Epic 1 Day Pass (Adult): $135.00
- Epic 1 Day Pass (Child): $71.00
- Epic 7 Day Pass (Adult): $800.00
- Epic 7 Day Pass (Child): $362.00
The Low-Down: Opening in 1973, Big Sky was initially a relatively diminutive operation, consisting of only four lifts and less than 20 trails. Fast-forward fifty years, and Big Sky has expanded exponentially, now housing 38 lifts with over 300 trails. The most conspicuous feature of Big Sky to visiting winter sports enthusiasts is the utter lack of crowds. Lines are marginal, the slopes are only lightly scattered with fellow skiiers, and opportunities for exploration are immense. With consistent dumps of fresh snow — the highest among resorts located in the Northern Rockies — one can be reasonably assured of experiencing tantalizing powder over the duration of one’s stay. A short drive from nearby Bozeman, which now offers non-stop flights from 19 U.S. cities, Big Sky is easily accessible for an extended stay.
Park City Mountain Resort
Location: Park City, Utah
Prices:
- Epic Day Pass: $116.00
- Epic Season Pass: $1,025.00
The Low-Down: Regarded as America’s largest ski area, Park City Mountain Resort features a vast array of amenities: 7,300 acres, six terrain parks, and 330 trails. Used as a site for the Winter Olympics in 2022, nearby Park City is similarly equipped with a multitude of dining and entertainment options. Groomed every night by professional staff, skiiers can be certain the slopes will be well-maintained during their daytime experience. Rated highly by visitors and guests, Park City remains a must-visit in you’re in vicinity of the Salt Lake City area.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Prices:
- Adult Epic 1 Day Pass: $135.00
- Child Epic 1 Day Pass: $71.00
- Adult Season Pass: $1,025.00
The Low-Down: Appropriately referred to as the “Big One,” Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has some of the most challenging slopes in North America. If you regard yourself as an expert-level skier, Jackson Hole may be your ideal destination. Though it has a formidable reputation, Jackson Hole is also amenable for intermediate and beginner skiiers, particularly in the designated beginners area at mid-mountain referred to as the “Solitude Station Learning Center.” Jackson Hole, unlike many of its counterparts, also offer distinctive programming for skiiers seeking a broader experience. For instance, it recently offered a “Mindful Ski and Snowboard Camp,” specifically for those wishing to center themselves while simultaneously exploring the mountain. There are also gender-specific programs available, namely the “Ladies Shred Ski and Snowboard Camps.” Taken together, Jackson Hole offers a uniquely holistic experience for snowboarders and skiiers.
Whistler Blackcomb
Location: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Prices:
- Unrestricted 1-Day Pass: $146.00 (CAD)
- Season Pass: $1,461.00 (CAD)
The Low-Down: Over the past several years, ever since it was a significant component of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, Whistler has increasingly expanded, becoming the largest Winter ski resort in North America. With 8,371 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers, Whistler fully encompasses the word “grandiose.” The mountain offers slopes that are amenable to experts, intermediate skiiers, as well as beginners. To further facilitate access across the mountain, a new high-speed eight-person chairlift, the Fitsimmons Express Chairlift, has been introduced to the resort, furthering convenience throughout the nearby village. For adrenaline junkies, high-alpine descents are offered, either through a heli-drop via the Whistler Heli or through the “steeps clinic” organized by Extremely Canadian. Whatever your fancy as a winter sportsmen, it is far likelier than not that Blackcomb will be able to accommodate your preferences.
Snowmass Ski Resort
Location: Snowmass Village, Colorado
Price:
- 1 Day Pass: $179.00
- IKON Season Pass: $1,359.00
The Low-Down: Snowmass is the largest of Aspen’s four mountains, featuring the most served vertical feet of terrain in the United States, with a 4,406 elevation drop. The slopes at Snowmass also offer enough diversity to serve the needs of families, with myriad beginner and intermediate runs for those still engaged in the learning process. Snowbase Village, like many of its counterparts in Aspen, serves as a vibrant social venue, complete with an ice rink and a vast assortment of dining options. Modelled after Swiss mountain villages, most restaurants serve the characteristic dish of that region: the schnitzel and tartiflette. If you’re in the environs of Aspen, Snowmass Ski Resort acts as the premier destination in the area.
For further travel information, reference the following articles:
10 Of The Most Spectacular Natural Phenomena Destinations
Top 10 Theme Parks Around The World
