Find the best ski resorts in the USA in 2026

Thinking about your next ski trip but don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled the ultimate list: The Best Ski Resorts in the USA for your winter vacation.

List of the best ski resorts in the USA:

1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass is one of the most legendary ski destinations in the world, offering four unique mountains—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each has its own character: Aspen is glamorous and challenging, Highlands is home to expert terrain and the iconic Highland Bowl, Buttermilk is great for beginners and terrain park lovers, and Snowmass is ideal for families thanks to its wide, gentle runs and ski-in/ski-out hotels.

The town of Aspen itself is a big draw: boutique shopping, luxury dining, and a lively après-ski scene that attracts celebrities every winter.

Ski pass: $200–$250/day
How many days: 4–7 days
Difficulty: All levels, but especially strong for advanced skiers
How to get there: Fly to Aspen (ASE) or Denver (DEN)
Where to stay: The Little Nell, W Aspen, Limelight Hotel, Viceroy Snowmass

2. Vail, Colorado

Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the USA and famous for its seven massive Back Bowls—wide-open advanced terrain that makes experienced skiers fall in love instantly. The main front side of Vail Mountain offers long, well-groomed runs that are perfect for intermediates, while beginners enjoy gentle areas around Golden Peak.

The pedestrian-friendly Vail Village and Lionshead Village resemble a European alpine town, complete with cozy cafés, luxury boutiques, and world-class restaurants.

Ski pass: $240–$260/day
How many days: 3–5 days
Difficulty: Intermediate + advanced
How to get there: Fly to Eagle (EGE) or Denver (DEN)
Where to stay: The Arrabelle, Four Seasons Vail, Sonnenalp, Evergreen Lodge

3. Park City Mountain, Utah

Park City is the largest ski resort in the USA, offering over 330 trails, excellent ski schools, and two lively base villages. It’s ideal for families and intermediates thanks to its wide groomers, easy navigation, and modern lifts. Advanced skiers will enjoy the challenging terrain in Canyons Village and the off-piste areas.

Park City’s biggest advantage is accessibility—you can land in Salt Lake City and be on the slopes within an hour. The town also offers outstanding restaurants, a walkable main street, and an upbeat après-ski scene.

Ski pass: $220–$240/day
How many days: 3–6 days
Difficulty: All levels
How to get there: Fly to Salt Lake City (SLC)
Where to stay: Montage Deer Valley, Waldorf Astoria Park City, Peaks Hotel, Canyons Village condos

4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is famous for being one of the most challenging ski resorts in America—home to steep chutes, deep powder, and the iconic Corbet’s Couloir. The resort offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range, and its vertical drops attract advanced and expert skiers from around the world.

But Jackson Hole isn’t only for thrill-seekers. The lower mountain has areas for beginners, and the nearby town of Jackson provides a Wild West atmosphere with saloons, steak houses, and boutique shops.

Ski pass: $205–$230/day
How many days: 3–4 days
Difficulty: Advanced + expert
How to get there: Fly to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Where to stay: Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Teton Mountain Lodge, Alpenhof, The Hostel

5. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a stunning ski destination where you can enjoy world-class skiing with views of one of the clearest lakes in the world. The region offers multiple top-tier resorts:

Heavenly

Known for its jaw-dropping lake views and long groomers—perfect for intermediate skiers. Nightlife in South Lake Tahoe is lively thanks to the casinos on the Nevada side.

Northstar

A family-friendly resort with excellent ski schools, gentle terrain, and a cozy village atmosphere.

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley)

A favorite of advanced skiers due to its challenging bowls and Olympic heritage.

Ski pass: $180–$230/day
How many days: 3–5 days
Difficulty: All levels, but Palisades is strong for advanced
How to get there: Fly to Reno (RNO)
Where to stay: Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Resort at Squaw Creek, Heavenly Village hotels

6. Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky is one of the most underrated—but absolutely spectacular—ski resorts in America. It offers massive terrain, stunning scenery, and some of the best powder skiing in the Rockies. The Lone Peak Tram takes you to extreme expert terrain with panoramic mountain views.

Crowds are much lighter than in Colorado or Utah, making Big Sky a dream destination for those who want long runs and minimal lift lines.

Ski pass: $190–$240/day
How many days: 4–6 days
Difficulty: Intermediate + advanced
How to get there: Fly to Bozeman (BZN)
Where to stay: Summit Hotel, Huntley Lodge, Moonlight Basin chalets, Residence Inn Big Sky

7. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is known for its charming historic downtown, high-altitude snow, and welcoming atmosphere. With five peaks (Peak 6–10), the resort suits everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Peak 8 is the main hub with great beginner areas, while Peak 10 has steep, challenging blacks.

Breckenridge also has a lively après-ski scene with breweries, shops, and cafés lining Main Street.

Ski pass: $200–$230/day
How many days: 3–5 days
Difficulty: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
How to get there: Fly to Denver (DEN)
Where to stay: One Ski Hill Place, Gravity Haus, Village at Breckenridge

Primary Keywords

best ski resorts in usa
usa ski resorts 2026
where to ski in usa
best skiing in america
skiing in colorado vs utah
ski resorts usa guide

Secondary Keywords

aspen snowmass skiing
vail ski resort guide
park city mountain review
jackson hole skiing
lake tahoe skiing
big sky montana ski resort
breckenridge ski guide
ski passes usa prices
best ski resorts for beginners usa
advanced skiing america

Long-Tail Keywords

where to ski in the usa for families
best ski resorts for advanced skiers
ski pass prices in usa 2026
how to get to aspen snowmass
how many days to ski vail
where to stay in park city mountain
is jackson hole good for beginners
ski-in ski-out hotels in colorado

🎟️ Book Ski Passes & Experiences

Ready to hit the slopes?
Check availability for ski passes, snowmobile tours, and winter activities.

👉 Book ski passes & winter tours on GetYourGuide

🏨 Best Ski Hotels & Lodges

Stay right next to the slopes for maximum comfort.

⭐ Top Ski-In/Ski-Out Hotels in Colorado:

The Arrabelle (Vail)
One Ski Hill Place (Breckenridge)
The Little Nell (Aspen)

⭐ Best Mountain Lodges in Utah & Wyoming:

Montage Deer Valley
Four Seasons Jackson Hole
Waldorf Astoria Park City

👉 Find ski hotels with great deals on Booking.com

🎒 Ski Trip Essentials

Be prepared for cold temps, altitude, and long days on the mountain.

🔥 Amazon Ski Trip Essentials:

Thermal base layers
Neck warmer & ski gloves
Helmet + goggles
Portable power bank
Hydration tablets
Hand warmers

👉 Shop ski essentials on Amazon

🚗 Car Rentals for Ski Destinations

Many ski towns require reliable transportation, especially in snowy conditions.

👉 Book a 4×4 rental car for your ski trip