The USA has many ski resorts for snow lovers. You can find everything from Colorado’s powdery slopes to Vermont’s cozy resorts. There’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level or what you like.
Breckenridge Ski Resort is a top spot in the US for skiing. It has almost 3,000 acres of skiable land across five peaks. It even has North America’s highest chairlift.
Breckenridge stays open late into spring. Sometimes, it’s open until May. This means you can ski in great snow even when other places close.
There are many places to stay at Breckenridge. You can choose from modern Gravity Haus to the fancy One Ski Hill Place. Each place offers something different, so you’re sure to find the right spot for you.
Getting a one-day lift ticket starts at $140 with the Epic Pass. Breckenridge offers great skiing, facilities, and prices. It’s a top choice for skiing in America.
Best Airports for USA Skiing Access
Planning a ski trip in the US? The right airport makes it easy. Let’s look at top airports for skiing in the United States.
Western Mountain Gateways
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a top spot for ski vacations. It has a new central terminal and great stats for skiers:
- 91 nonstop flights out of 288 daily arrivals
- 26 million passengers served annually
- Ranked 3rd in J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study
- 10 ski resorts within an hour’s drive
SLC is close to top ski areas. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude are just 45 minutes away. Cottonwood Canyons near Salt Lake City get over 500 inches of snow each year.
Eastern Ski Destinations
Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont is great for East Coast skiing. It has direct flights from 10 cities and easy access to Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe Mountain Resort. Nearby, Whiteface Mountain in New York has the East Coast’s biggest vertical drop at 3,430 feet.
| Airport | Nearby Resorts | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude | 40-50 minutes |
| Burlington (BTV) | Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe | 45-60 minutes |
Whether you’re going west or east, these airports make getting to ski spots easy. Your skiing adventure in the USA starts when you land.
Premier USA Skiing Destinations by Experience Level
The United States has many top skiing spots for all skill levels. There are family-friendly resorts and challenging terrains for experts. The best places for skiing in the United States have something for everyone.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont is great for families. It offers kid-friendly ski lessons and day camps. Brian Head Resort in Utah is good for those on a budget, with lift tickets starting at $19.
Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado is perfect for beginners. It has nearly 60% of its runs for novice and intermediate skiers. The resort has 148 runs across multiple peaks, with a vertical drop of almost 4,500 feet.
Big Sky Resort in Montana is for expert skiers. Half of its trails are for advanced and expert levels. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming is also great for seasoned skiers, with steep runs and a Wild West spirit.
Aspen Snowmass in Colorado is glamorous, with four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. It has over 5,700 acres of skiable terrain, perfect for all levels.
Park City in Utah offers great skiing and a lively town. It’s one of the largest ski resorts in the US, with 7,300 acres of skiing and 330 runs. The Quicksilver Gondola connects Park City with Canyons Village.
| Resort | Location | Skiable Area | Number of Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vail | Colorado | 5,317 acres | 195 |
| Park City | Utah | 7,300 acres | 330 |
| Aspen Snowmass | Colorado | 5,700+ acres | Varies by mountain |
| Jackson Hole | Wyoming | 2,500 acres | 131 |
Conclusion
USA skiing offers a wide range of experiences. You can find family-friendly slopes and expert terrain. Plus, the ease of getting to resorts and lively towns makes it even better.
But, the skiing world faces big challenges. Searches for skiing have dropped by 70% since 2004. Also, 45 North American resorts have closed in 20 years.
Ticket prices are high, sometimes over $300 a day. This is more than in Europe. Medical costs and feeling you’re not good enough also make people stay away.
Safety is a big worry in USA skiing. A study found 123,386 kid skiing injuries from 2012 to 2022. Most injuries were fractures, followed by strains and concussions.
Even with these issues, ski spots in America still draw people. The mix of snow, beautiful resorts, and mountains makes skiing here exciting. It’s a great adventure for those who love the slopes.
