Best 

 Peaks Overall

The rank-order of Rockies ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.

#1 in the Rockies

Alta

Alta, UT

Alta, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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80

  +   Pros
  • Top-tier snow quality and accumulation
  • Breathtaking mountain aesthetic
  • Terrain diversity
  • Local feel
  –   Cons
  • Lack of reasonably-priced lodging
  • Ban on snowboarders

This Utah resort prohibits snowboarding and offers limited slopeside lodging, but it receives some of the best, most consistent snow anywhere in North America.

See our review →

#2 in the Rockies

Jackson Hole

Teton Village, WY

Teton Village, WY


MOUNTAIN SCORE

80

  +   Pros
  • Extremely demanding terrain
  • Snow quality
  • Crowd flow on non-tram lifts
  • Breathtaking scenery
  –   Cons
  • Lack of beginner and low intermediate terrain

This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation. Beginners need not apply.

See our review →

#3 in the Rockies

Snowbird

Snowbird, UT

Snowbird, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

79

  +   Pros
  • Top-tier snow quality and accumulation
  • Diverse terrain, including extremely demanding expert runs
  • Innovative mountain logistics
  –   Cons
  • Limited beginner and low intermediate terrain
  • Limited on-site lodging

It’s hard to beat this Utah resort’s top-tier snow quality, innovative mountain logistics, and expert terrain.

See our review →

#4 in the Rockies

Banff, AB


MOUNTAIN SCORE

79

  +   Pros
  • Snow preservation
  • Top-tier views
  • Diverse terrain for all abilities
  • Extraordinarily long season
  • One-of-a-kind upper-mountain village
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Occasional extreme cold spells
  • Long morning lines at base gondola
  • Terribly designed trail map

This absolutely striking resort has consistent snow and terrain for everyone, although frigid spells are common during the core season.

See our review →

#5 in the Rockies

Vail

Vail, CO

Vail, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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78

  +   Pros
  • Size
  • Lift infrastructure
  • Terrain diversity
  • One-of-a-kind Back Bowl and Blue Sky Basin aesthetics
  –   Cons
  • Lack of truly extreme terrain
  • Ease of navigation

With expansive, diverse terrain and modern lifts, this top-of-the-line resort competes well with the best in the country.

See our review →

#6 in the Rockies

Snowmass

Snowmass Village, CO

Snowmass Village, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

78

  +   Pros
  • Striking, expansive footprint
  • Diverse terrain for all abilities
  • Considerable lift-serviced vertical drop
  • Widespread on-mountain facilities
  • High-speed lifts in most areas
  –   Cons
  • Lift logistics at the main base
  • Most demanding expert lines hard to find

The largest resort in the Aspen conglomerate is one of the best in Colorado, delivering a well-rounded experience worthy of the asking price.

See our review →

#7 in the Rockies

Snowbasin

Huntsville, UT

Huntsville, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

77

  +   Pros
  • Diverse terrain
  • Top-of-the-line facilities
  • Striking topography
  • Local feel
  • Clear resort signage
  –   Cons
  • No on-site lodging
  • Long, slow lifts in some areas
  • Lack of lift redundancies in Strawberry zone

Despite a lack of on-site lodging, this Utah resort stays competitive thanks to diverse hills, striking peaks, and top-of-the-line facilities.

See our review →

#8 in the Rockies

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek, CO

Beaver Creek, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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77

  +   Pros
  • Diverse beginner and intermediate terrain
  • Long, demanding advanced terrain, including a range of both groomed and ungroomed runs
  • Thoroughly modern lift infrastructure
  –   Cons
  • Price
  • Lack of above-treeline terrain
  • Flagrantly moneyed atmosphere in some areas

Despite its family-centric reputation and lack of above-treeline terrain, Beaver Creek delivers an experience that visitors of all ability levels will enjoy. Just don’t expect anything to be cheap.

See our review →

#9 in the Rockies

Telluride

Telluride, CO

Telluride, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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76

  +   Pros
  • Diverse terrain for all ability levels
  • Striking resort scenery
  • Relatively low crowds
  • Unique variety of lodging options
  –   Cons
  • Lower average snowfall than some other Colorado resorts
  • Variable openings and long hikes required for some extreme terrain
  • Slow lifts in some areas

Despite its modest size and reputation for extreme terrain, this beautiful, remote resort delivers an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone.

See our review →

#10 in the Rockies

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, AB

Lake Louise, AB


MOUNTAIN SCORE

75

  +   Pros
  • One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic
  • Extraordinarily long season
  • Incredible advanced, expert, and freestyle terrain
  • Crowd management
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Occasional extreme cold spells
  • Poorly-placed upper-mountain facilities
  • Slow lifts in some mountain zones
  • Arduous traverses in many areas

While it sees the occasional extreme cold spell, this Banff resort’s jaw-dropping vistas and varied terrain distinguish it from competitors.

See our review →

#11 in the Rockies

Revelstoke

Revelstoke, BC

Revelstoke, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

73

  +   Pros
  • Unparalleled vertical drop
  • High-elevation snow quality
  • World-class advanced and expert terrain
  • Astounding views in upper-mountain areas
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Underbuilt lift network
  • Half-baked beginner and intermediate experience
  • Variable conditions in lower-mountain areas
  • Perennial fog
  • Nearby lodging in short supply
  • Much more difficult to reach than other destinations

This one-of-a-kind Canadian Rockies resort should be on every expert’s bucket list, but it feels like it hasn’t been developed to its full potential.

See our review →

#12 in the Rockies

Arapahoe Basin

Dillon, CO

Dillon, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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73

  +   Pros
  • Snow quality
  • Extremely demanding expert terrain
  • Lower crowds than other Colorado resorts
  • Season regularly extends into June
  –   Cons
  • Slow, wind-exposed lifts
  • Hiking required for some trails
  • No on-site lodging
  • Altitude that can be overwhelming for some

While slow lifts and a lack of on-site lodging may turn some people away, this local favorite offers some of the most extreme terrain in Colorado.

See our review →

#13 in the Rockies

Copper

Copper, CO

Copper, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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73

  +   Pros
  • Excellent high-alpine terrain experience
  • Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
  • Relatively local feel
  –   Cons
  • Slow, difficult-to-load lifts outside base areas
  • Altitude that can be overwhelming for some
  • Lack of lodges in backside areas

This Colorado favorite offers very competitive terrain, but many lifts outside base areas are slow.

See our review →

#14 in the Rockies

Big Sky

Big Sky, MT

Big Sky, MT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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72

  +   Pros
  • Snow quality
  • Size
  • Diverse terrain for all ability levels
  • Extremely demanding expert runs
  • Breathtaking scenery in upper mountain areas
  –   Cons
  • Ease of navigation
  • Slow or issue-prone lifts in some areas
  • Crowd flow under stress-case conditions
  • Inconvenient or impractical on-mountain facilities
  • Limited or difficult extreme terrain access
  • Tram access an extra-cost add-on

This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a number of logistical problems persist.

See our review →

#15 in the Rockies

Aspen, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

72

  +   Pros
  • Snow quality
  • Isolated feel
  • Extensive selection of long, demanding expert terrain
  • Iconic bowl skiing
  –   Cons
  • Modest footprint
  • No beginner runs
  • Scant single-black terrain
  • Lack of lower-mountain lift redundancies

While modestly sized, this Aspen resort offers a surprisingly local feel and a diverse, demanding expert footprint.

See our review →

#16 in the Rockies

Winter Park

Winter Park, CO

Winter Park, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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72

  +   Pros
  • Snow quality
  • Wide variety of tree terrain
  • Long, demanding mogul runs
  • Available intermediate bowl terrain
  • Expansive footprint
  –   Cons
  • Lack of easily accessible advanced and expert bowl terrain
  • Crowd flow in some popular areas

Although it can get crowded, this conveniently located Colorado destination has a lot to offer for a wide variety of visitors.

See our review →

#17 in the Rockies

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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72

  +   Pros
  • Terrain diversity
  • Conveniently accessible high-alpine bowls
  • Well-placed mountain facilities
  • Top-notch terrain park experience
  –   Cons
  • Ease of navigation
  • High wind exposure in some areas
  • Altitude that can be overwhelming for some

This high-elevation resort offers diverse terrain, including conveniently accessible alpine bowls. However, the altitude and navigation logistics will be overwhelming for some.

See our review →

#18 in the Rockies

Big White

Kelowna, BC

Kelowna, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

71

  +   Pros
  • Distinctive tree terrain
  • Family-friendliness
  • Diverse beginner and intermediate terrain
  • Well-designed crowd flow
  • Convenient ski-in/ski-out village
  –   Cons
  • Perennially overcast, low-visibility conditions
  • Facilities hard to access from upper-mountain areas
  • Inconveniently slow lifts in some areas
  • Lower quantity of extreme terrain than some competitors
  • Ease of travel from most U.S. cities

It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.

See our review →

#19 in the Rockies

Sun Valley

Ketchum, ID

Ketchum, ID


MOUNTAIN SCORE

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71

  +   Pros
  • World-class family-oriented terrain
  • Stunning upper-mountain bowls
  • Top-of-the-line facilities
  • Lower crowds than other Rockies resorts
  • Charming slopeside town
  –   Cons
  • Less reliable snowfall and conditions than other Rockies resorts
  • Very little consistently open expert terrain
  • Inconvenient lift logistics in some areas
  • No lodging directly on-site

This Idaho mountain offers a world-class terrain experience for families, but snow and conditions are not as consistent as at other Rockies resorts. Despite a recent terrain expansion, the mountain still isn’t ideal for experts.

See our review →

#20 in the Rockies

Alta, WY


MOUNTAIN SCORE

70

  +   Pros
  • Excellent snow quality
  • Incredible glade terrain
  • Consistent conditions
  • Limited crowds
  • Local feel
  –   Cons
  • Modest footprint and vertical drop
  • Perennially foggy conditions
  • Limited expert terrain

This Wyoming resort isn’t the largest or craziest out there, but it offers incredible snow and a distinctive, remote vibe.

See our review →

#21 in the Rockies

Kicking Horse

Golden, BC

Golden, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

70

  +   Pros
  • Snow quality and preservation
  • Incredible advanced and expert terrain
  • World-class mountain aesthetic
  • Long vertical drop
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Poorly-designed lift network
  • Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
  • Modestly-sized lift-serviced footprint
  • Incredibly long laps required to ski or ride key terrain
  • Much more difficult to reach than other destinations

This Interior British Columbia resort exemplifies the best natural traits of the Canadian Rockies but won’t be for everyone.

See our review →

#22 in the Rockies

Keystone

Keystone, CO

Keystone, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

70

  +   Pros
  • Solid mix of groomed, mogul, and tree terrain
  • Top-tier bowl isolation
  • Diverse freestyle terrain
  • Night skiing
  • Available snowcat experiences
  –   Cons
  • Lack of direct lift access to more than half the resort, including all bowl terrain
  • Long travel time to and from furthest mountain areas
  • Less demanding terrain than some competing mountains

This Colorado resort offers unique, enjoyable slopes and a class-leading terrain park, but none of the resort’s expansive bowl terrain is directly lift accessible.

See our review →

#23 in the Rockies

Whitefish

Whitefish, MT

Whitefish, MT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

70

  +   Pros
  • Distinctive glade terrain
  • Reasonable crowds
  • Lively nearby town
  • Available night skiing
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Perennial low-visibility conditions
  • Modest vertical compared to other destinations
  • Flat terrain in certain areas
  • Occasional extreme cold spells

This northern Montana resort isn’t the biggest out there, but as far as independent ski resorts go, it’s hard to beat.

See our review →

#24 in the Rockies

Crested Butte

Crested Butte, CO

Crested Butte, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

70

  +   Pros
  • Extremely demanding expert terrain
  • Iconic topography
  • Isolated feel
  • Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
  • Reasonable ticket prices
  –   Cons
  • Modest, ordinary footprint for beginner-to-advanced visitors
  • Lower snow totals than other Colorado resorts
  • Hiking required for some expert trails
  • Altitude that may be overwhelming for some

This striking Colorado resort is an expert’s paradise but falls short in terrain quantity for other demographics.

See our review →

#25 in the Rockies

Park City

Park City, UT

Park City, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

69

  +   Pros
  • Enormous footprint
  • Terrain diversity
  • World-class freestyle experience
  –   Cons
  • Severely frustrating navigation logistics
  • Outdated lifts in some areas
  • Lack of truly extreme terrain

This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.

See our review →

#26 in the Rockies

Panorama

Panorama, BC

Panorama, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

69

  +   Pros
  • Incredible vertical drop
  • Stunning surroundings
  • Strong lift-served snow preservation
  • Available backcountry-like snowcat experience
  –   Cons
  • Lower snowfall than other mountains
  • Narrow footprint
  • Small on-mountain facilities
  • Difficult to lap certain areas

This remote Canadian resort brings impressive vertical and a ton of character, but it may not offer quite as well-rounded of an overall mountain experience as some competitors.

See our review →

#27 in the Rockies

Deer Valley

Park City, UT

Park City, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

69

  +   Pros
  • Outstanding guest services
  • Top-tier mountain facilities and infrastructure
  • Crowd-mitigating cap on ticket sales
  –   Cons
  • Built-up, artificial mountain aesthetic
  • Less diverse terrain than other Utah resorts, especially for experts
  • Inconvenient navigation experience
  • Ban on snowboarders

While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.

See our review →

#28 in the Rockies

Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks, BC

Sun Peaks, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

68

  +   Pros
  • Massive footprint
  • Impeccable grooming
  • Convenient ski-in/ski-out base village
  • Modest crowds
  • Ticket value
  –   Cons
  • Relatively ordinary footprint for the size
  • Limited out-of-base facilities
  • Grueling 21-minute ride time up Burfield Quad
  • Difficult to get between Mt. Tod and Mt. Morrisey sides
  • Ease of out-of-province travel

This massive Interior British Columbia resort offers impeccable grooming and a family-friendly footprint but falls short in particularly distinctive terrain.

See our review →

#29 in the Rockies

Schweitzer

Sandpoint, ID

Sandpoint, ID


MOUNTAIN SCORE

68

  +   Pros
  • Standout off-piste near-treeline terrain
  • Limited lift lines
  • Local feel
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Frequent low-visibility conditions
  • Occasional rain spells
  • Extremely limited beginner terrain
  • Convoluted backside lift setup

Despite its remote location and modest size, this Idaho panhandle resort offers a few solid advantages for destination-goers, especially during peak times.

See our review →

#30 in the Rockies

Eden, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

67

  +   Pros
  • Incredible snow preservation
  • No crowds, even on powder days
  • Substantial footprint
  • Available snowcat and bus-serviced skiing
  • Unique upside-down layout
  –   Cons
  • Majority of terrain not serviced by lifts
  • Slow, fixed-grip chairs in lift-serviced areas
  • Less expert terrain than competitors
  • No snowmaking
  • Long journey to facilities from remote resort areas

This Utah resort’s upside-down layout, minimal lift infrastructure, and significant capacity restrictions result in one of the most unusual destination experiences out there.

See our review →

#31 in the Rockies

Solitude

Solitude, UT

Solitude, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

67

  +   Pros
  • Excellent snow quality
  • Stunning upper-mountain footprint
  • Unique terrain options for experienced visitors
  • Extremely demanding expert lines
  –   Cons
  • Small footprint compared to destination resorts
  • Lackluster beginner and intermediate options
  • Limited on-site lodging
  • Less-than-ideal lift logistics

The modestly-sized Utah mountain packs a demanding footprint and excellent snow, but true beginner and intermediate terrain offerings are limited.

See our review →

#32 in the Rockies

Brighton

Brighton, UT

Brighton, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

67

  +   Pros
  • Excellent snow quality
  • High-speed lifts
  • Distinctive tree terrain for all abilities
  • Free tickets for children under 10
  • Access to lift-serviced backcountry
  • Available night skiing
  –   Cons
  • Ease of navigation between mountain areas
  • Lift logistics that result in major chokepoints
  • Modest footprint and vertical drop

While it isn’t the biggest and can be annoying to get around, this Utah mountain offers exceptional Cottonwoods snow for a bargain—especially for families.

See our review →

#33 in the Rockies

Steamboat

Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat Springs, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor6.jpg

67

  +   Pros
  • Distinctive glade terrain
  • Snow quality
  • Lively local town
  –   Cons
  • Frustrating lift logistics, especially to and from the base
  • Underwhelming bowl terrain
  • Difficult-to-reach expert terrain

Unintuitive lift logistics and underwhelming bowl terrain hurt an otherwise enjoyable Colorado resort.

See our review →

#34 in the Rockies

Wolf Creek

Pagosa Springs, CO

Pagosa Springs, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

66

  +   Pros
  • Top-tier snow quality
  • Excellent glade terrain
  • Unparalleled early season
  • Lack of crowds
  –   Cons
  • Meager vertical drop
  • No on-site lodging
  • Limited or impractical beginner terrain

This local ski area offers the highest average snow totals in Colorado, although its vertical drop is short compared to the destinations.

See our review →

#35 in the Rockies

Silver Star

Silver Star Mountain, BC

Silver Star Mountain, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

66

  +   Pros
  • Family-friendly terrain
  • Vibrant ski-in/ski-out base village
  • Standout tree terrain, especially for intermediates
  • Lower crowds than other similarly-sized resorts
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Unintuitive, traverse-heavy trail network
  • Lack of high-alpine bowl terrain
  • Shorter vertical drop than some competitors
  • Limited expert terrain
  • Ease of travel from most U.S. cities

While it doesn’t offer the same terrain distinctiveness as several competitors, this Western Canada resort stands out with one of the most accessible ski-in/ski-out setups on the continent.

See our review →

#36 in the Rockies

Red Mountain

Rossland, BC

Rossland, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

66

  +   Pros
  • Sizable footprint
  • Extremely demanding off-piste terrain
  • Lack of crowds
  • Local feel
  –   Cons
  • Slow lifts in every resort area
  • Lower snowfall totals than some competitors
  • Limited beginner and low intermediate terrain

While it lacks creature comforts that typical travelers might expect from a destination ski resort, this Western Canada resort offers a raw, authentic big mountain experience.

See our review →

#37 in the Rockies

Taos

Taos Ski Valley, NM

Taos Ski Valley, NM


MOUNTAIN SCORE

65

  +   Pros
  • Superb snow quality
  • Extremely demanding expert terrain
  • Striking, distinctive footprint
  • Intuitive layout
  –   Cons
  • Modest footprint
  • Variable conditions throughout the core season
  • Limited beginner and intermediate terrain
  • Slow lifts in many areas
  • Summit lift rarely open

This New Mexico resort is no substitute for the larger destinations, but it brings a distinct vibe that adventurous travelers will appreciate.

See our review →

#38 in the Rockies

Aspen, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

65

  +   Pros
  • Stunning town views
  • Enjoyable intermediate cruisers
  • Demanding advanced and expert terrain
  • Long vertical drop for the size
  –   Cons
  • Poorly designed lift system, especially for lower-mountain areas
  • Modest footprint
  • No beginner or above-treeline terrain
  • Lack of lodges on Shadow Mountain side

The oldest Aspen ski area offers incredible views of town on a relatively compact footprint, but the resort could use logistical enhancements in lower-mountain areas.

See our review →

#39 in the Rockies

Fernie

Fernie, BC

Fernie, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

64

  +   Pros
  • Incredible snow quality on good days
  • Distinctive high-alpine bowl terrain
  • Striking, remote footprint
  • Non-existent lift lines outside holidays
  –   Cons
  • Variable conditions, especially in March
  • Lackluster lift network
  • Outdated facilities
  • Resort summit almost never open

It’s hard not to love this remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.

See our review →

#40 in the Rockies

Loveland

Dillon, CO

Dillon, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor6.jpg

64

  +   Pros
  • Easy access from Denver
  • Heavy annual snowfall
  • Wide variety of bowl skiing
  • Price
  –   Cons
  • Inconsistent conditions due to wind exposure
  • Slow lifts with no safety bars in many areas
  • No on-site lodging

This local Colorado ski area doesn’t deliver the same well-rounded experience as destination resorts, but it’s hard to beat the quality for the price on a powder day.

See our review →

#41 in the Rockies

Purgatory

Durango, CO

Durango, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor6.jpg

64

  +   Pros
  • Striking, remote location
  • Family-friendly terrain
  • Limited crowds
  • Cozy base village
  • Free tickets for kids 12 and under
  –   Cons
  • Modest footprint
  • Lower snowfall than some other Colorado resorts
  • Some terrain zones difficult to find or reach
  • Poorly placed backside lodge

This San Juan resort’s local feel, stunning vistas, and decent variety of terrain make it a strong regional choice for those in the southwest.

See our review →

#42 in the Rockies

Sundance

Sundance, UT

Sundance, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor6.jpg

63

  +   Pros
  • Stunning views
  • Low crowds
  • Upscale, rustic ethos
  • Available night skiing
  –   Cons
  • Small skiable acreage
  • Lack of long runs
  • Limited parking
  • Value

This modestly-sized Utah mountain boasts a striking, rustic feel, but most other competitors offer better overall values.

See our review →

#43 in the Rockies

Brian Head

Brian Head, UT

Brian Head, UT


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor6.jpg

61

  +   Pros
  • Stunning red rock topography
  • Among the most affordable of Utah resorts
  • Great for advanced-intermediate skiers
  • Family-friendly terrain and areas
  • Available night skiing
  –   Cons
  • Out of the way for a ski-only trip
  • Short vertical drop
  • Later daily opening time than most resorts
  • Crowd flow issues during peak times
  • Base elevation can be overwhelming for some

This under-the-radar southern Utah destination offers striking terrain at an affordable price.

See our review →

#44 in the Rockies

Kimberley

Kimberley, BC

Kimberley, BC


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor6.jpg

60

  +   Pros
  • Family-friendly terrain
  • Straightforward footprint
  • Low crowds
  • Ticket and nearby accommodation value
  –   Cons
  • Modestly-sized, ordinary footprint
  • Lower snowfall totals than competitors
  • Misleadingly difficult beginner terrain
  • Ease of travel from most U.S. cities

This Western Canada resort doesn’t have the footprint or snow totals to compete with the best destinations, but it offers a great value and family-friendly setup.

See our review →

#45 in the Rockies

Snow King

Jackson, WY

Jackson, WY


MOUNTAIN SCORE

60

  +   Pros
  • Formidable tree and mogul terrain
  • Local feel
  • Spectacular town views
  • Low lift ticket prices
  –   Cons
  • Small footprint
  • Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
  • Inconsistent snow conditions on back side

This small, local Wyoming resort offers cheap lift tickets and demanding slopes—and has seen significant revitalization for the 2021-22 season. But a number of shortcomings still make the mountain less than ideal for beginner and intermediate visitors.

See our review →

#46 in the Rockies

Mount Norquay

Banff, AB

Banff, AB


MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor5.jpg

59

  +   Pros
  • Local feel
  • Incredible views
  • Lack of crowds
  • Sheltered footprint
  –   Cons
  • Small footprint
  • Lack of extreme and high-alpine terrain
  • Limited intermediate terrain
  • Less consistent late season than other nearby resorts

Banff’s town hill is way too small to be a destination in its own right, but it offers a local vibe and empty slopes.

See our review →

#47 in the Rockies

Buttermilk

Aspen, CO

Aspen, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

58

  +   Pros
  • Top-tier terrain park experience
  • High-speed lifts
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Colorado snow
  –   Cons
  • Similar-feeling terrain with very little in the way of challenge
  • No lift redundancies
  • Best large terrain park features closed to public for large portions of the season
  • Value

Aspen’s beginner-centric mountain offers a good learning environment and excellent terrain parks, but the area is otherwise uncompetitive and overpriced.

See our review →

#48 in the Rockies

Nakiska

Kananaskis, AB

Kananaskis, AB


MOUNTAIN SCORE

58

  +   Pros
  • High-speed lifts
  • Straightforward footprint
  • Enjoyable intermediate and advanced terrain
  • Convenient location close to Calgary
  –   Cons
  • Lower snow totals than many competitors
  • Modest footprint
  • Peak-time crowds
  • No on-site lodging
  • Mandatory paid parking

This Alberta resort offers convenient slopes close to Calgary and higher-quality terrain than a typical local hill, but it’s no match for nearby destinations further west in the Canadian Rockies.

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#49 in the Rockies

Eldora

Nederland, CO

Nederland, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

57

  +   Pros
  • Convenient location
  • Good snow preservation
  • Strong terrain park offerings
  –   Cons
  • Lower snowfall than competing mountains
  • Small footprint and vertical drop
  • Lackluster beginner terrain
  • No on-site lodging
  • Extremely limited parking

This small Colorado resort is seriously outclassed by destination competitors, but its convenient location makes it a decent day trip option.

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#50 in the Rockies

Monarch

Salida, CO

Salida, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

54

  +   Pros
  • Local feel
  • Distinctive glades
  • Continental Divide views
  • Unique, hike-to Mirkwood expert zone
  –   Cons
  • Small footprint with diminutive vertical drop
  • Outdated, low-capacity lift infrastructure
  • No on-site lodging
  • No directly-lift-accessed expert terrain
  • Crowds on Saturdays

This Colorado ski area is way too small and underbuilt to be a destination mountain, but several facets make it a strong regional choice.

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#51 in the Rockies

Sun Valley, ID


MOUNTAIN SCORE

53

  +   Pros
  • Beginner-oriented experience
  • Competitive terrain parks
  • High-speed lift service in most areas
  • Unconventional treeless topography
  • Lack of crowds
  –   Cons
  • Small footprint
  • Very short vertical drop
  • Extremely variable openings for advanced trails and Elkhorn zone

Sun Valley’s beginner zone is way too small and variable to warrant a trip to on its own. But for those in town already, its unconventional footprint may be worth stopping by.

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#52 in the Rockies

Ski Cooper

Leadville, CO

Leadville, CO


MOUNTAIN SCORE

52

  +   Pros
  • Snow quality
  • Lack of crowds
  • Great views of multiple 14ers, and near a great mountain town
  • Some of the best beginner terrain in the state
  –   Cons
  • No high-speed lifts
  • Short vertical drop
  • Lack of expert terrain
  • Some frustrating navigation logistics
  • Altitude that can be overwhelming for some

While most folks won’t want to plan a weeklong vacation here, this modestly-sized hill stands out from the destinations with an easy-to-handle footprint and lack of crowds.

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