Skiers and snowboarders dream of snow-covered mountains with a variety of ski resorts to choose from. Thankfully, when winter hits, several states in America transform into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. States like Colorado and Utah allow adventure seekers to experience multiple top-rated ski resorts in a single weekend.
The United States is home to incredible mountain ranges, including the Teton Range, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Rocky Mountains. The U.S. has hosted the Winter Olympics four times and raised many of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. Two-time Olympic gold medalist and 17-time World Cup medalist skier Mikaela Shiffrin hails from Colorado, and Olympic gold medalist and 25-time Winter X Games medalist snowboarder Jamie Anderson was born and raised in California.
Whether you're looking for your a mountain state to move to or just visit for the weekend, add these U.S. states to your bucket list. Plan a ski trip with your friends or partner, or bring your family to these top states for skiing and snowboarding. Who knows, you might just fall in love with the area and never leave!
Utah: A luxury resort destination with great snow
Utah tops the list as one of the best states for skiing and snowboarding in America. Flying into Salt Lake City makes traveling out of state for skiing much easier. Travelers can find transportation from the airport to ski resorts and hotels. There's no shortage of resorts to explore with incredible views, as Utah has 21 resorts to choose from, including Snowbasin Resort, Snowbird, and Cottonwood Canyons.
The snow in Utah has a reputation for being some of the best deep powder you may ever experience. The climate creates light, dry snow that skiing and snowboarding dreams are made of.
Idaho: Large ski resorts with epic views
If you're planning a ski or snowboard trip to Idaho, make sure Sun Valley Resort is on your list, with 2,000 skiable acres and 120 trails to explore with an incredible mountain backdrop - truly a bucket list ski resort! There's a good chance you'll score powder days in Idaho, as the state receives an average snowfall of 186 inches, according to On The Snow.
Other notable ski resorts in Idaho include Tamarack Ski Resort, with long wide trails and a good chance of untouched powder on sections of the mountain. Bogus Basin and Schweitzer Mountain Resort are also worth the trip.
Colorado: The prettiest mountain views everywhere you look
The southern section of the Rocky Mountains runs through Colorado and there is no shortage of snowboard and ski resorts to choose from in this state. Most ski resorts have epic views of the surrounding mountains to enjoy while you're carving down the runs.
Skiers and snowboarders in Colorado looking for the best runs head to Telluride Ski Resort, Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat Resort, Winter Park, Vail, and Breckenridge. But really, there's a long list of incredible snowboard and ski resorts in Colorado and more runs than you can imagine.
Montana: Open runs and a lot of snow
Montana boasts more acres of ski resorts per skier than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. If you're looking for uncrowded ski runs, Montana is for you, girl!
This state is blessed with lots of beautiful powder, with Whitefish Mountain Resort receiving an average of 63.1 inches of snow each year. Whitefish also has top ratings from visitors for its short lift lines - yes, please! Those looking for a luxurious ski resort experience visit Big Sky, which averages 400 inches of snowfall per year. For the most daring skiers and snowboarders, this grand resort offers a tram service up to the highest peak.
California: Highest elevation on the West Coast
Beaches might come to mind before mountains when you think of California, but the Golden State has the best of both worlds, with skiable peaks as high as 11,053 feet at Mammoth Mountain resort, outside of Yosemite National Park.
California is home to gorgeous Lake Tahoe in Northern California, which is surrounded by world-class skiing and snowboarding. Skiers and snowboarders seeking the biggest and steepest mountains in California head to Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, and Heavenly ski resorts. There are even ski resorts in Southern California to explore, just a couple of hours from Los Angeles.
Alaska: Dare to drop in
The ultimate bucket list ski trip has to be Alaska, but you don't have to jump out of a helicopter to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in The Last Frontier. Alaska has ski resorts for snowboarders and skiers of all experience levels beautifully packed with an incredible 650 inches of average annual snowfall!
Located 40 miles south of Anchorage is Alyeska Resort; 'alyeska' means 'great land' in Aleut, the language of the indigenous people in Western Alaska. Here you can ski and snowboard 2,500 vertical feet and 1,610 acres. The resort claims the longest double black diamond ski run in the world! In the winter time, you also have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights.
Vermont: Level up your skiing and snowboarding
Vermont has a reputation for its rugged terrain and wild surroundings. The state has plenty of ski runs that explorer types crave. Vermont has challenging ski runs for even the most advanced skiers at Mad River Glen, a resort that does not allow snowboarders.
Before snowboarders write off Vermont completely (after all, it is home to Burton Snowboards in Burlington) there are a total of 25 resorts to choose from. Check out Killington Mountain Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in Vermont, or Smugglers' Notch, which is spread across three mountains.
Wyoming: Home to the Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountains
Another state that makes the list of best snowboard and ski resorts in America is Wyoming. The most famous ski resorts in the state are Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. You'll find the highest elevation at Beartooth Basin, reaching 10,898 feet at its highest peak. The Sleeping Giant Resort is worth a visit, too.
Wyoming receives a ton of snow, with an average annual snowfall of 56.3 inches. Off the hill, you can explore authentic Western towns located near the ski resorts.
New Mexico: Find your fluffy snow
Let's not forget that the Rocky Mountains drop into the state of New Mexico, and because of the drier climate, the snow on the slopes of New Mexico is light and fluffy.
Ski Santa Fe is a New Mexico resort with the added plus of childcare for parents. Moms who are looking to take a few solo runs or enjoy time with their partner can drop the kiddos off at the Ski Santa Fe Children's Center.
Nevada: The best tree runs in Lake Tahoe
Nevada makes the list with some killer ski and snowboard resorts, including Mt. Rose, and Diamond Peak Resort, which boasts 655 skiable acres and the best tree runs in Tahoe. Find your steep runs at Diamond Peak!
In the southern part of the state, Lee Canyon Resort is located outside of Las Vegas, with gorgeous views of red rock mountains.
The best states for skiing and snowboarding in America
Alaska
Colorado
Utah
Montana
Wyoming
Idaho
Vermont
California
New Mexico
Nevada
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