Where is the best place to ski in North America? A highly contested question that changes season by season, and depending on who you ask, our team here at gogglesoc, decided to weigh up the pros and cons of each to help you decide for yourself.
What constitutes a great ski destination? Terrain, fresh pow abundance, wait time, town vibes, and aprés quality are all crucial elements to consider. We ranked each resort based on these criteria to find you the ideal place to spend the season.
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler has grown into North America's largest vacation ski resort in recent years, with unrivalled big mountain skiing and snowboarding. There's plenty of mountain to keep you on fresh runs for the season, with over 8000 acres of terrain. The pistes range in intensity from easy to technical/difficult, making it ideal for all experience levels. Book a steeps clinic or a heli-drop for a more adrenaline-packed adventure. Whistler's après-ski scene is as well-known as the resort's slopes. On the slopes, the Roundhouse Umbrella Bar is the place to be.
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, has it all: plenty of powder, steeps, and unending backcountry. They recently renovated the Eagle's Rest to a quad lift, which makes uploading much faster. The new Solitude Station Learning Center (a 12,000-square-foot structure in the heart of the mountain) makes this location much more accessible to first-time riders. Jackson Hole is a must-visit for your next ski vacation, with 14 lifts, over 130 trails, and iconic après-ski spots (we recommend The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar).
3. Telluride, Colorado
Enjoy Telluride's magnificent landscape, with its sheer canyon walls rising up on all sides. Telluride features some of the best beginner routes on the continent, including Galloping Goose, which is 4.6 miles long and descends from 11,800 feet. There are over 2,100 acres of terrain, 19 lifts, and over 145 routes for the more experienced, and plenty of heli-skiing options are also available.
4. Vail, Colorado
Vail is massive, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain! The mountain's seven famed Back Bowls, which include primarily ungroomed terrain and spectacular drops, cater to intermediate-expert skiers. In between runs, relax and enjoy the Colorado sunlight while eating lunch at an outdoor picnic table with views of the adjacent mountains. Vail has more than 30 lifts and more than 200 trails.
5. Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird is your dream mountain if tremendous snow and tough terrain are your top priorities. Expert and intermediate courses span over three-quarters of the mountain, which receives more than 400 inches of snow annually. If you're looking for a social atmosphere, head to Park City, nearby. Although Snowbird's amenities are minimal, there are some hidden gems, such as the SeventyOne grill.
We hope you've enjoyed learning more about North America's best places to ski! Have fun and stay safe out there. Don't forget to invest in quality gear (and your own gogglesoc to protect your goggles and stand out on the mountain).