Whistler/Blackcomb
Located in southern British Columbia lies the greatest ski resort in North America, Whistler/Blackcomb. For seven consecutive years, Whistler/Blackcomb has been rated #1 in North America. This resort contains some of the greatest glade-skiing, steeps, and off-piste skiing in the world. With 7071 patrolled acres to ski, its size certainly dominates year after year.
Colorado's big kahuna,Vail, has been ranked the #1 winter destination in North America time after time. What once was a small ski town is now one of the biggest resorts in the U.S. The mountains' huge front side is dominated by some of the best mogul runs and open bowl skiing in the U.S. On the backside awaits mile-long trails and several half-pipes. With its big diversity of runs and a magnificent town at the base, Vail is awarded second overall.
Although other resorts may have steeper terrain, deeper powder, and softer bumps, Deer Valley, without a doubt, spoils you. It shows it by taking first in grooming, dining, service, and lodging in the U.S. A recent addition added 500 more acres to the resort which included three new bowls, and ten, unbelievable 50 degree chutes. This large Utah resort certainly has something to offer for every skier.
A lot of places have great mountains, some have nice towns, Aspen has both. Aspen offers wild steeps, off-piste bowls and when the slopes close Aspen shines in the dark, taking first overall in nightlife. Winding up 234 inches of snow annually, you are guaranteed a long season. This mountain is the standard by which all others should be judged in my opinion.
This resort in the Yampa River Valley of Colorado is set along a western town. The main street contains wide sidewalks, clapboard facades, and real cowboys. However, Steamboat's old town feel disappears on the mountain and that is a good thing. This resort contains some of the best verticals and trails in the United States. And don't worry if you've never seen glades, Steamboat's gigantic Sunshine Bowl is waiting. Steamboat will wind up with fifth place over.
Vail seemed to have created Beaver Creek to avoid the sprawls created at the resort. There was once a reputation of Beaver Creek being a gentle mountain. Not anymore. New steeps and more expert terrain have recently been added. Beaver Creek is now second in the west as a family getaway. Also low pressure systems forming in the northwest can easily dump several feet of snow which means great powder skiing in Falcon's Park. This huge Colorado resort will take sixth place overall.
Consistently ranked as the best intermediate ski resort in the world, Snowmass has many other things to offer. Having the second largest vertical in the U.S. can mean a long way down Burnt Mountain. A recent addition added 70 more acres of glade-skiing and a new half-pipe to Spider Sabich race area. Also this Colorado resort takes third in off-hill activities and family appeal in the U.S.
Sun Valley is not the biggest resort, however, it covers all the bases of a great resort brilliantly. Although it is one of the oldest resorts in the U.S., its appearance doesn't show it. Some great groomed runs spill down Baldey's Face at a pitch that invites fast skiing. The moguls on runs like exhibition, are near shoulder high. And when the lights go out, no problem! Sun Valley takes second in nightlife and dining. This Idaho resort surely earns its position in eighth place.
