Skiing Spotlight: 5 of the Best Resorts in North America

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities in the United States, so much so that the resort industry is valued at more than $4.6 billion. With more than 520 ski resorts in the US and nearly 300 in Canada, travelers have plenty of options to choose from when they’re looking at a ski resort to visit in North America.

The following is a look at five of the best resorts in the continent based on reputation, environment, run quality and variety, lodging, and après-ski dining and entertainment.

1. Telluride Ski Resort (Colorado)

One of several world-class Colorado resorts, Telluride ranked No. 1 on USA TODAY's 2019 list of the top ski resorts in North America. Created by ZRankings, the list considered geographical data, expert opinions, and snowfall history, and ranked resorts based on a metric known as Pure Awesomeness Factor (PAF). Telluride had a PAF of 99 out of 100.

Although it may not be as popular as Vail or other Colorado resorts, Telluride is a unique and charming destination that was once a mining outpost. The resort has runs suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Beginners, for instance, can work on improving their abilities on the 4.6-mile Galloping Goose run. More experienced skiers can test their abilities—and endurance—with a run from the top of Palmyra Peak, which is only accessible via a 1,300-vertical-foot hike.

The town of Telluride, meanwhile, is connected with the ski resort's lower trails, making its high-end eateries and retail shops easily accessible for visitors. Must-visit restaurants include The Butcher & The Baker and Tomboy Tavern.

2. Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia)

Voted as the No. 1 resort in CN Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards survey for 2022, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, is North America's largest ski resort. It has more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, including three glaciers and 16 alpine bowls. The downhill runs range in difficulty levels, making the resort a great destination for beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders alike. It also has 37 lifts, one of which, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, spans more than 3 kilometers to connect the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and is the longest unsupported lift in the world.

While Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best and most popular resorts in the world, lift wait times are relatively short, especially with the recent additions of the high-speed Big Red Express Lift and Creekside Gondola. Visitors seeking added exhilaration can check out Whistler Heli-Skiing, which organizes heli-drop ski activities.

The village resort has more than 200 dining establishments and retail shops. Popular restaurants include The Umbrella Bar, Garibaldi Lift Company, and Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar.

3. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Wyoming)

Once thought of as strictly an extreme skiing destination, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has made several changes over the years to make it a more family-friendly vacation spot. These changes, which include the addition of a child-friendly ski instruction center and the Sweetwater Gondola, put the resort at No. 2 in the USA TODAY rankings with a PAF score of 98.12. The resort also ranked in the top 20 of CN Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards. Meanwhile, its skier day totals outpace average industry growth.

While there are plenty of Western-style après-ski dining and entertainment options in the town of Jackson, resort visitors should make a point to dine at Piste Mountain Bistro. Located atop the Bridger Gondola, the mountain restaurant is exactly what ski resort dining should be, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy fireplaces, not to mention an enticing menu with ingredients sourced from regional producers.

4. Vail Ski Resort (Colorado)

Another one of the many world-class resorts in Colorado, Vail Ski Resort has more than 5,000 acres of skiable area, including 195 trails accessible via 32 lifts. Although more than half of its terrain is deemed suitable for only advanced and expert skiers, Vail does have multiple beginner and intermediate runs. Its longest run, Riva Ridge, is 6.4 kilometers.

Hotel Talisa is the best place to stay for resort visitors, as it offers direct access to the slopes via a lift near the back of the building. Meanwhile, Game Creek Club is the ideal destination restaurant—it's positioned atop the mountain and is only accessible via snowcat.

5. Snowmass Ski Resort (Colorado)

The Aspen-Snowmass ski area is composed of four mountains: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. The largest of the four mountains, Snowmass has 96 trails and 20 lifts as well as an on-site skating rink and many fine dining establishments. Ranked No. 2 in the 2022 CN Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, it has runs for a variety of skill levels, a 4,406-foot elevation drop, and the most vertical feet of terrain covered by a lift in the US.