As winter comes closer, it is time to start planning your next ski vacation. Which state has the most ski resorts? Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming? Read on to find out! If you like to ski, consider visiting a few of these resorts. They are sure to make your skiing trip a memorable one! You may even end up visiting two or three different resorts in one day!
Colorado
If you want the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, you need to visit one of the many resorts in Colorado. From world-class resorts with groomed runs and snow-making systems, to local, family-friendly ski areas, Colorado has it all. Your preference for a ski resort will depend on your skill level and budget. Whether you want to ski, snowboard, or hike to the top, Colorado is the state for you.
The best place to start is by skiing at the nearby Beaver Creek Resort. Beaver Creek offers 1,800 acres of skiable terrain. There are many beginner trails at this Colorado ski resort. The terrain is groomed extensively, and there are two new quad chairs coming in 2022 that will make access to higher terrain faster and easier. If you want to be pampered with world-class service, choose Beaver Creek or Vail.
Telluride is another big mountain resort that offers a laid-back vibe and short lift lines. A popular destination for Hollywood celebrities, Aspen has over 2,000 acres of terrain to explore. Skiing here is great for all levels, and Telluride has a learning area for beginners. And if you don’t like skiing, you can try hiking in the surrounding mountains. And if you like to be seen, Aspen is the place for you.
Utah
When it comes to ski destinations in the US, Utah has the most. The state is home to more than a dozen ski resorts, including the largest in the country. With over 500 inches of snow per year, Utah has an unparalleled amount of terrain. Whether you’re taking your first ski vacation or planning your annual trip, Utah has something for every skill level. Here are a few tips for choosing the best ski resort for your family.
Salt Lake City is the closest city to the ski resorts in the state, but it’s not just a ski town. The city is the perfect blend of nature and modern living. Nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain Range, Salt Lake City is a cosmopolitan place with plenty of restaurants. If you want to dine out while enjoying the stunning landscapes and nightlife, Salt Lake City is the place to be.
Snowbird is one of the best ski resorts in the state, but it’s not for beginners. While its slopes aren’t the most challenging, intermediate skiers will find plenty of terrain to hone their skills. Snowbird also has an efficient lift system and long snow seasons. And it’s also home to Alta, which offers a pay-as-you-go card that charges you 50% of the day’s window price.
Oregon
If you’ve been to Colorado, you’ve probably heard that Oregon has the most ski resorts per capita, but you may not have known that ski resorts are also incredibly affordable. Oregon ski resorts are some of the most affordable in the country, and the state is home to some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the nation. In fact, some Oregon ski resorts are so affordable they’re practically free to visit.
The Hoodoo Ski Area in Hoodoo is a hidden gem that sits on the Santiam pass. This family-friendly ski area boasts nearly 800 acres of skiable terrain and 1,035 feet of vertical. The area features a big round butte, which makes it easy to get to with little ones. Children under five years of age are admitted free to the ski area, making it an ideal choice for families who are new to the sport.
Mt. Hood Meadows, located on Mount Hood in Oregon, is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, and is just a 90-minute drive from Portland. With over 2,000 acres of condensed terrain and lift service to over seven-thousand feet of elevation, Mt. Hood Meadows is the largest ski resort in the state. It also offers night skiing on certain nights of the week.
Washington
The most ski resorts in Washington are located in the north and northwest regions of the state, with the largest cluster of resorts situated on the spine of the Cascade Mountains. Mt. Baker, a popular mountain resort in Washington, has the highest recorded snowfall on earth. It is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, and offers 1,000 acres of skiable land, 31 different runs, and easy, intermediate, and advanced terrain.
For a powder hound’s paradise, Crystal Mountain, located a few miles east of Seattle, is a good choice. It is accessible by car and offers plenty of lodging close to the base area. It also offers the only gondola lift in Washington. Its Silver Queen summit is the top lift-served spot. The mountain is located close to the Canadian border and is a favorite among local skiers.
The state’s mountains are also an ideal location for fast-paced recreation. Hiking, biking, and overnight camping are popular activities in the summer. Skiing and snowboarding are a popular pastime during the winter months. The snowfall and activities at ski resorts vary by region. If you’re in Spokane, you can even venture into northern Idaho. Washington is a diverse state, with temperate coastal rainforests and high desert regions, as well as the dramatic peaks of the Cascade Range.
California
Skiing in California isn’t just for the rich and famous; this state also has some of the best skiing in North America. In fact, there are nearly 30 ski resorts in California. Many of them are in the Lake Tahoe area, where the average snowfall is notable. Big storms with plenty of snowfall are common in this region. There is skiing for beginners and experts, and many resorts offer accommodation.
If you’re looking for a family ski vacation, Donner Ski Ranch is a popular choice. Located in Nevada County, Donner Ski Ranch is the state’s oldest ski resort. With a variety of ski runs, you can try out snowboarding, skiing, or a combination of both. This small-scale resort is also great for families on a budget. While it’s not as big as some other California ski resorts, Donner offers plenty of activities for both beginners and advanced skiers.
If you’re not quite a serious skier, you can head to one of the big California ski resorts. The Sugar Bowl has been attracting Bay Area families for generations. Big Bear’s long seasons and high-end amenities make this one of the top choices for ski vacations. This place is just an hour and a half drive from Tahoe, and has something for every skier. This is a must-do while visiting California.
Vermont
Skiing in Vermont is something that people from all over the country do for fun. There are 16 public ski resorts in Vermont, with EPIC, IKON, and INDY each offering dozens of slopes. The biggest ski resorts in Vermont are also the most expensive. You can even use the Parks & Trips Difficulty Score to compare Vermont’s ski resorts. It’s a system that calculates difficulty by the number of easy-intermediate-expert slopes and maximum vertical drop.
Okemo Mountain Resort is one of the family-friendly ski resorts in Vermont. It offers excellent on-mountain facilities and has a great kids’ ski school. There are many amenities and services to enjoy while skiing, including dining and shopping options. This Vermont ski resort also offers slopeside condos, heated seats, and fun kids’ programs. Even advanced skiers will find plenty to enjoy at Okemo.
In addition to having the most ski resorts in the east, Vermont is home to the largest concentration of ski resorts per capita. Its unique topography allows for bigger vertical drops, resulting in greater variety for skiers and snowboarders. The result is more snowfall and more opportunities for perfecting your turns. No wonder Vermont is the best skiing state in the U.S.! If you’re looking for a fun ski vacation, check out the Vermont ski resorts below!