The American Rockies are home to some of the best skiing conditions in the U.S. The resorts in this area often rank in the tops for the best ski resorts in North America and have a little bit of everything for everyone. If you are still planning out your perfect winter ski getaway, these ski towns offer some of the best skiing, and you’ll want to come back year after year to tackle the slopes.
Ajax, Buttermilk, and Highlands – Aspen, Colorado
Whether you are there to ski or just hang out, Aspen has something for everyone. On average Aspen receives 300 inches of snow a year, so there is always fresh powder to sink your ski poles in to. Intermediate and expert skiers can head to Aspen Mountains, affectionately known as Ajax to the locals, for some of the best skiing in the area. Home of the X Games for the past 14 years, Buttermilk is a small, family-friendly hill that is great for all skill levels. The Highlands has the perfect terrain for intermediate skiers but is known for tree skiing off the Deep Temerity lift. Individuals can also trek 45 minutes with their skis strapped to their backs up the mountain to the legendary 12,392-foot Highland Bowl.
Alta – Salt Lake City, Utah
With over 2,00 acres of terrain and approximately 551 inches of snow each season, Alta reigns supreme in Utah. Still reserved as a place just for skiers, Alta is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates to test out the slopes. Steeper slopes like Bearpaw and Eagle’s Nest are the perfect slopes for the experienced skiers in your group.
Big Sky – Big Sky, Montana
With over 5,000 acres, four peaks and 400 inches of snow a year, Big Sky is the perfect place to ski this winter. While Lone Peak is the mountain’s crown jewel, Liberty Bowl features six miles of smooth terrain and is also the easiest and most mellow path off the mountain. If you brave Lone Peak or Bozeman, be prepared to conquer steep gullies and megabowls on your way down!
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is like nothing you’ve ever skied before and their reputation as the hardest ski resort is well earned. Alta 1 and the Expert Chutes will challenge any advanced skier while Corbet’s Couloir is North America’s most famous testing course. If the slopes are harder than you thought, Jackson Hole is the perfect place to strap on the cross-country skis and ski through Grand Teton National Park!