Snow storms pummeled the Mountain West this past week, signaling the unofficial kickoff to the 2024-25 ski and snowboard season. A handful of resorts have opened in Colorado, including the mainstays of the early season: Arapahoe Basin and Wolf Creek Ski Area. Chairlifts are beginning to spin across the Rockies and beyond鈥�, 18 ski areas have opened across the United States. The nascent ski season sparked听an important debate within the 国产吃瓜黑料 editorial community: do you prefer opening day or closing day? Luckily, two editors who are both dedicated skiers are here to argue the point.

Fred Dreier: OK Adam, I鈥檓 envisioning the opening day scene at Arapahoe Basin. The temperature is in high-twenties Fahrenheit and the wind is howling. A long line of snowboarders and skiers stretches from the base of the Black Mountain Express lift halfway up High Noon. Everyone is frothing听to get that first run. It’s so competitive to get first chair that some skiers have camped out for days under the lift. The crusty man-made snow crunches beneath every boot step. The roar of snow guns is deafening. How accurate is this depiction?

Adam Roy: Five years ago it would have been dead-on. This year I missed opening day, but I was there on day 2 and the snow was fantastic. Crowds were small鈥擨 think it helped that nearby Keystone Resort opened on the same weekend. In the past I would bring an audiobook with me on opening day because I spent so much time waiting in lift lines, but on day 2 this year I barely experienced any downtime.

Fred: OK, so I’m going to call our argument a draw regarding the 2024-25 opening day, since you technically weren’t there for it. But still, my general feeling on opening day is that the snow sucks, the lines are long, and it’s cold. How on earth is this better than the scene on closing day?

Adam: Hard disagree. For starters, the snow on opening day is usually twice as good as it is on closing day, and you鈥檙e half as likely to hit a rock. But skiing opening day is also an emotional experience. Here are my feelings as I ski opening day: It’s day one, you know that you鈥檝e got the whole ski season ahead of you, and conditions are only going to get better. Meanwhile, on closing day, you鈥檙e looking at a solid five months with no turns. Another year in the books, another one of your precious few winters on Earth that鈥檚 just memories now. That鈥檚 heavy! At least for me.

Fred: I suppose we’re just going to have to disagree on whether or not the snow is better or worse on opening day versus closing day. And I hear you on the emotions that you feel in anticipation of another season. But my primary argument for closing day is vibes鈥擨 think the chill and carefree mood on closing day rules! Back in 2018 my wife and I hit closing day at Copper Mountain, and I want to set the scene for you. It was a bluebird sunny day and temperatures soared into the fifties. After an icy morning, the sunshine softened the snow in the afternoon, and we spent a few hours surfing the slush before our quads turned to jelly. It was so balmy that we ditched our jackets and just skied in short-sleeve shirts and vests. And here鈥檚 the real kicker鈥搘hen we descended to the base area there was a concert going on. When we walked up to the stage we realized it was the听Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

Adam: That sounds like a sweet day. Or at least that鈥檚 The Impression That I Get.

Fred: They were gray-haired dudes in their fifties kind of shimmy-dancing around. But I kid you not, they still kicked ass. And the whole scene immediately transported me back to 1996, and yes, I did start skanking.

Adam: Skanking is the kind of thing you can only do on closing day when you hit your mid-thirties鈥攖oo much risk of blowing your ACL and ending your season early otherwise.

Fred: So back to our debate: how would you compare the vibe of opening day vs. closing day? I can tell you that on closing day, people are laid-back, slightly inebriated, and not at all concerned with the actual skiing. Like, nobody cares how many runs you did, whether or not you found good snow, or even if you actually made it onto a chairlift. The only thing anyone cares about is whether or not you鈥檙e having fun鈥攕kiing be-damned.

Adam: On opening day, people are ready to slay. They鈥檙e laying into their turns and hucking themselves off kickers onto landings that are straight ice. There is a party scene, for sure, but it’s different than on closing day. Nobody鈥檚 really committing to apr茅s that hard. Instead, the party鈥檚 on the slope, or in the lift line. While you鈥檙e waiting for first chair somebody鈥檚 always passing out bratwurst or donuts or swag or beers or whatever.

Fred: OK, my final argument in favor of closing day: your body. By April, your leg muscles and joints are already accustomed to skiing or boarding, so you can slog your way through the slush and not worry too much about tweaking your knee or being too sore the next day to go to work. The exception to this rule, of course, is injury caused by partying and/or excessive stoke, which I have witnessed. At the Copper Mountain closing, one of the pond-skim skiers got too rowdy and careened off of a jump and into the crowd. My guess is he was in a walking boot until the next season鈥檚 opening day.

Adam: That’s true鈥攜ou gotta prep for opening day, man. In my opinion, that’s half the fun! For a few weeks prior, you hang out in your gym or garage or wherever doing squats and mountain climbers with a Warren Miller film on the TV. You’ve gotta psych yourself up to get your body ready. You get your gear together, wax the planks, maybe pile up the scrapings on your workbench and take a big snort of that beginning-of-season scent like you’re Al Pacino in Scarface. I love that anticipation. It鈥檚 like Christmas Eve.

Fred: Aha, so it sounds like a big part of your love of opening day is the entire process of getting stoked for ski season鈥攖he training, gear prep, and even the wait for that first chair. This whole process gets you amped to ski for the next few months. And when you arrive, you are ready to charge, to hit the slopes hard, and to start the season off with the emotional momentum that will prompt you to get up early, brave traffic, and drive up to the slopes again and again for the next few months. I get it now. Fans of opening day are looking for that oomph to carry you through a long season of ups and downs.

Still, I’m sticking with closing day, Adam. The older I get, the less I feel like I have to prove with how many days I ski, whether or not I got blower powder, or if I topped out on my vertical. I just want to have some laughs, drink a beer or two, and enjoy the sunshine. Thus, I’ll keep an eye out for you on closing day. I鈥檒l save you a spot in front of whichever nineties band is playing.

Adam: I鈥檒l make sure to bring my checkered suspenders.

The post Would You Rather Ski on Opening Day or Closing Day? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 almost that time of year, boys and girls. Fall is on our minds, if not in the air quite yet. (and immediately dissected), , and daydreaming about opening day doesn鈥檛 feel so preposterous any more. Haven鈥檛 bought your pass yet? Epic Pass prices increase on Sept. 2, so get moving.

It鈥檚 tempting to sit at home Googling 鈥淟a Ni帽a鈥� in an effort to mentally fast-forward to late November, but the real hardcore move is to get out there early: At some U.S. ski resorts, the lifts will start turning in mid-October 2024, which is less than two months from now.

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Last week, Vail Resorts announced of a handful of its resorts, including a mid-October opening of Keystone. And a mid-October opener for Keystone likely means the lifts will start turning at neighboring Arapahoe Basin a few days earlier (if the previous three seasons are any indication).

Wolf Creek and Winter Park tend to be right behind Keystone, along with a couple of early openers in Vermont and Nevada.

So for all of you eager beavers, here鈥檚 our rundown of the U.S. ski areas expected to open the earliest this year:

Arapahoe Basin, Colo.

• Expected Opening: October, slightly before Keystone

It鈥檚 always impressive how long the A-Basin season lasts. The mountain didn鈥檛 close until a couple of months ago (June 16, 2024) and their reopening is expected in less than two months. On the latter, the team at A-Basin has been quiet, but they鈥檙e typically the first Colorado resort to welcome back skiers (often a matter of days before Keystone).

Last year, A-Basin opened for the ski season on October 29, the year before that it was October 23, and in the 2021-鈥�22 ski season the ski area opened on October 17. A-Basin鈥檚 earliest opening day of all time was October 9, 2007.

Keystone, Colo.

• Expected Opening: mid-October

Keystone is expected to be the first ski area in the Vail Resorts family to open this year, as it usually is. The recent stated that they鈥檙e planning for mid-October (pending early season conditions). That said, it鈥檚 worth noting that the lifts didn鈥檛 start turning at Keystone until last season.

Killington, Vt.

• Expected Opening: early November

Killington is an early opener by East Coast standards. The resort last year and November 17 the year in 2022. But back in 2015, 2016, and 2018, the Beast of the East pulled off a mid- to late-October opening. gave Killington a projected opening date of November 2, while a November 1 opener.

However, Killington hasn鈥檛 said anything about their 2024 opening date and is in the process of an ownership change鈥擯OWDR that they鈥檙e selling Killington to a group of local investors. The resort will keep its Ikon Pass access for the time being.

Winter Park, Colo.

• Expected Opening: early November

Winter Park doesn鈥檛 typically engage in the early season battle between Keystone and A-Basin, but they don鈥檛 open that much later. Last year, Winter Park opened on November 3, and the year prior, they opened on October 31, which was their earliest opening day on record.

OnTheSnow and SnowPak are at odds when it comes to Winter Park. The former is estimating an , while SnowPak thinks it will be .

Wolf Creek, Colo.

• Expected Opening: early November

Wolf Creek is the black sheep of the early-season game. They don鈥檛 have the snowmaking capability of A-Basin or Keystone, but they do get lots of natural snow (the most in the state).

Last year, Wolf Creek opened a little late, , but the year before, lifts were turning on November 4. Wolf Creek was the first Colorado ski area to open for the 2021-2022 season with an opening date of October 16. is predicting a November 1 opener for Wolf Creek, while is betting on November 8.

Breckenridge, Colo.

• Expected Opening: November 8

In the Aug. 14 press release, Vail Resorts listed Breckenridge with a planned opening date of November 8 (weather permitting, of course). Breck doesn鈥檛 get the early season attention or press that A-Basin and Keystone see, but when you look back at the resort鈥檚 opening dates, they鈥檙e wonderfully consistent鈥攁nd fairly early. Last year they and the year before it was the 9th.

Mt. Rose, Nev.

• Expected opening: early to mid-November

Mt. Rose is rarely mentioned in regard to early-season skiing, which is surprising since it opened on November 9 last year and November 11 in 2022. The resort hasn鈥檛 announced a date, but is projecting a November 8 opening date.

Never been? Read 鈥溾�� to make the most of this Tahoe-area sleeper.

The post The Ski Resorts Likely to Open First for the 2024-2025 Season appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

On Friday, March 22, skiers in Colorado were greeted by eye-popping news. Arapahoe Basin, a ski area that has long cultivated an anti-corporate and renegade reputation, has enacted a paid parking reservation system for the 2024-25 season. Visitors driving to the mountain on peak days next year will need to pay $20 and reserve a parking spot prior to arrival, while some customers will be able to buy a season-long parking pass for $150. Carpools with four or more visitors can reserve a spot for free.

The news came just weeks after international ski resort conglomerate Alterra Mountain Company (of Ikon Pass fame)听announced plans to acquire A-Basin.听

The news, which was , did not go over well. Within two days, the post had generated nearly 500 comments鈥攁lmost all of them negative. Longtime A-Basin skiers Adam Roy,editor-in-chief of Backpacker, and Fred Dreier, articles editor at 国产吃瓜黑料, discuss this brewing kerfuffle.

Fred Dreier: OK Adam, I want you to close your eyes and imagine that you鈥檝e been magically transformed into A-Basin’s social media manager. On most days, your job entails uploading photos of skiers hucking off the cliffs below Pallavacini or weaving through the rocks on the East Wall. Your online commenters love you, because A-Basin skiers have a preternatural affection for their resort and its punk rock vibes.

Now, imagine one day your manager emails you the following copy and tells you to punch it into Instagram: For the 2024-25 season, we will require parking reservations for weekends and holidays from mid-December through early May. On those days, each vehicle arriving before 1 P.M. will need a reservation, which must be made online in advance. Daily general parking reservations will be available for $20 per vehicle.听

Do you flee? Roll over and play dead? Pop a Xanax? Or just, like, strap on some body armor and prepare for the coming comments-section onslaught?

Adam Roy: I鈥檇 call in sick and let my boss deal with it. The part you left off is that they made this announcement the same day that passes for the 2024-25 season went on sale鈥攏o warning, no advance notice, just, 鈥淭ime to buy your passes and also here鈥檚 this massive increase in fees we didn鈥檛 tell you about in advance!鈥� That鈥檚 a pretty terrible position to be in as a social media manager, but to be fair it鈥檚 also a pretty rough position to be in as an A-Basin skier. If you want a pass you鈥檝e got to decide in the next few months before they raise the price, but it sounds like they鈥檙e not going to reveal some really key details about this plan until the fall. How many parking passes is a 鈥榣imited number鈥�? Are they 鈥榣imited鈥� the way season passes are limited, where you鈥檒l get one as long as you don鈥檛 sleep on it, or 鈥榣imited鈥� like Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets were limited?

贵顿:听These are good questions. I actually called up A-Basin’s general manager, Al Henceroth, and he told me that obtaining one of the $150 season passes is likely to be less difficult to get that Taylor Swift tickets, but also something you won’t want to sleep on. “People will need to pay attention when they go on sale,” is what he said.

Henceroth told me that A-Basin staffers anticipated blowback, but I’m not sure they anticipated backlash like this. After three days there are about more than 5 times their average number of comments, and boy oh boy is there a lot of rage. Which ones most adequately capture your feelings?

AR: I鈥檓 torn between tim.saladpony鈥檚 鈥淩eservations are annoying but understandable given the parking challenges at A Basin. But the $20 charge is insulting and feels like a money grab,鈥� and kykwyzer鈥檚 鈥淵ou have to pay $20 for parking鈥k Vail.鈥�

贵顿:听According to Henceroth, A-Basin did this to cut down on traffic jams. He said that the lots fill up almost every Saturday and Sunday, and the resort has had to turn people away on eight separate occasions this year.

Still, I think it’s worth unpacking the emotional response that A-Basin skiers like you have toward this. Adam, you’re a current A-Basin pass holder. Why did this news make you want to rip your hair out and scream into the void?

础搁:听 It feels like a kick in the gut to the exact kind of skier they鈥檝e built their reputation off, Front Range skiers in particular. If you鈥檙e a New Yorker or a Chicagoan coming into town for a weeklong ski vacation, it鈥檚 a relatively reasonable expense to eat on top of your airfare, lodging, and lift tickets; you drop $40 on parking for the weekend and the other five weekdays you ski, you park for free. But if you鈥檙e a skier in the Denver metro area or I-70 corridor with a 9-to-5 job who skis every weekend, that adds up really fast.

贵顿:听Henceroth says the ultimate goal is to convince more people to carpool. Do you think this will do that?

AR: I appreciate that they make an exception for carpools of four or more people, but that鈥檚 a wildly high bar, both in terms of being able to find a consistent group and having a car that will fit all of them听and their gear. And getting there without driving is harder still: Your only choice is the Snowstang, a $25-a-pop, once-a-day bus that only picks up in two spots. The ski industry as a whole puts tourists with money over local skiers. For a while, A-Basin was the exception, and they got a lot of great press and goodwill from it, and now it feels like they鈥檝e decided to cash it in at skiers鈥� expense.

FD: Yeah, I can totally see how a $20 surcharge for every ski session throws a pretty big financial monkey wrench into your plans. Let鈥檚 say you ski every Saturday from December through March. That鈥檚 $320. I鈥檓 sorry, amigo. I鈥檓 going to pour one out for your checking account.

What made me personally want to eat broken glass was that this parking pass comes after A-Basin has maintained the renegade image for decades. I grew up in Colorado and lionized the place because of the vibes. The resort famously bailed out of the Epic Pass in 2019, saying it was putting customers first. The general sentiment was that A-Basin puts its skiers ahead of corporate greed, as was illustrated in this that called it the 鈥渁nti-resort.鈥� This parking pass feels like A-Basin has crossed some imaginary line in the sand separating mega resorts from local ski areas. Paid parking is ubiquitous at Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge, while small ski areas like Loveland or Granby Ranch let you park for free.

So Adam, does A-Basin’s argument that parking reservations will cut down on traffic jams convince you?

AR: Not really. They鈥檙e not wrong that parking there is chaotic鈥擨鈥檝e shown up around when the lifts opened and ended up barely getting a spot鈥攁nd I sympathize with the desire to make sure that people aren鈥檛 driving all the way there and then turning around because they couldn鈥檛 park. I get that not everyone wants to wake up at 5:30 A.M. to go skiing like I do, and if they think reserved parking is the way to make people鈥檚 visits better, so be it. But if that were the main goal, there are other ways to set up a parking reservation system without wringing $20 a pop out of skiers.

贵顿:听Henceroth says the $20 fee will prevent no-shows.

AR: Yeah, well, there are ways to accomplish that without charging passholders hundreds of dollars extra on top of their pass. They could have gone the way national parks have and charged a lower price for reservations, $5 or so, which is enough to prevent people from booking a dozen reservations they probably won鈥檛 use but not so much that it鈥檚 a drain on regular skiers. They could have charged $20 to make the reservation and refunded most or all of it as long as you came, or even restricted your ability to make new reservations if you no-show, which is a strategy with. They could have guaranteed passholders a chance to buy a parking pass when they renewed instead of kicking the can months down the line, or at least given them a certain amount of free parking reservations before they started charging.

FD: Here鈥檚 some back-of-the-napkin math. A-Basin has 1,750 parking spots, so that鈥檚 $35,000 in parking revenue each day. Henceroth estimated that the parking passes will be enforced on 50 days per season. That鈥檚 $1,750,000, not including fees from parking violations. Henceroth told me that this revenue will cover the cost of the infrastructure required to operate the parking permits.

I鈥檓 going to hold my nose, take a big gulp of Kool-Aide, and attempt to justify this parking pass to you. Here goes.

AR: Good luck, I鈥檓 not going to help you.

贵顿:听Adam, the population of Colorado鈥檚 Front Range has exploded over the past decade. By my estimation, some eleventy zillion skiers now flock to the mountains every weekend. Arapahoe Basin, with its awesome terrain, is simply overwhelmed by them all. The lift lines are too big. The parking lot fills up too quickly. The ski area is a victim of its own success, and now management needs to step in and save its customers from themselves. Rather than enact a cap on ticket sales, management has wisely launched a parking reservation system, which will cap capacity and make a day at the slopes way chiller.

AR: I hear you, but overcrowding was a crisis-level problem with Epic Pass customers in the years leading up to 2019, and they never charged for parking then. Anyone who skis at A-Basin now would agree that the crowds are smaller now than back before 2019. Back then I鈥檇 bring an audiobook to listen to while I waited in line; I think I got through most of The Witcher series that way.

贵顿:听Fair. OK, here’s my next stab at it. Ski areas are complex businesses with astronomical overhead costs, an embattled labor force, a finicky customer base, and seasonal revenue streams that are tied to the mysteries of Mother Nature. A few bad snow years and a kickass resort like A-Basin could crater. Survival amid these pressures requires businesses to constantly seek out new revenue sources. Arapahoe Basin is just following the financial playbook of other ski areas, and perhaps also the airline industry. Charge for parking. Charge to eat a bag of peanuts. Charge for oxygen.

础搁:听From what we know, this resort is not in dire financial straits. In fact, that same 5280 article noted that February and March 2022 were the two most profitable months in Arapahoe Basin鈥檚 history; that year, its profits were up 20 percent overall despite skier numbers being down 40 percent. So the 鈥渢hey鈥檙e charging for parking because ski resort employees have to eat too鈥� argument doesn鈥檛 really convince me. And that鈥檚 not the rationale the resort is holding up.

And look, I鈥檒l tell you something I鈥檝e said before: I would pay more to ski at Arapahoe Basin. A season pass with no blackouts for a return customer costs just $559. For all that I鈥檓 complaining about them here, I鈥檝e been a season pass holder for something like seven years while my friends were all skiing on their Ikon (base price $849) and Epic ($982) passes. My two most regular partners aren鈥檛 renewing their A-Basin passes, and I am because I just love the place that much. If they had added $150 to my pass price this year and told me that I had to reserve my parking in advance now, I wouldn鈥檛 have blinked. But the fact that I have to pay for an 鈥渦nlimited鈥� season pass, then hustle for a limited number of parking passes in a couple of months, then maybe open my wallet again every time I visit is so frustrating.

FD: Oh well, I tried. Before we bail, here’s my best pop-culture comparison: A-Basin charging for parking is like Kurt Cobain announcing a Nivana Christmas album.

AR: Finding out your Deadhead friend from college went into private equity.

FD: Martin Scorsese directing the latest Avengers sequel

AR: They鈥檙e going the way of Burning Man. Soon we鈥檒l see Jeff Bezos on the slopes.

贵顿:听So long as they don’t start charging for first chair, I’ll still love A-Basin.

The post Let Us Debate the Latest Controversy over Ski Resort Parking appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Arapahoe Basin has always been about .

It鈥檚 a place where the entire staff shows up at 5:30 a.m. to shovel snow on a powder day, where you鈥檒l find the chief operating officer parking cars or taking out the trash, and where all proceeds from its most popular events go to a local charity or individual in need. During the week, you can park and walk to the chairlift in less than five minutes. You can grab a prime spot in the base area parking lot (鈥渢he beach鈥�) by either staking a claim during the pre-dawn hours or reserving it and tailgating with a group of friends all day. Even on a busy weekend, you can park for free on said beach if you carpool, get on the chairlift in 10 minutes or less, and ski some of the steepest, most technical terrain in Colorado. It鈥檚 a place with a devout, multigenerational staff and loyal regulars who not only choose over its popular megaresort neighbors鈥擪eystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain鈥攂ut hold birthdays, weddings, and funerals there.

Every aspect of the Basin鈥檚 culture is anti-corporate. So, when news hit this February that , there were some strong feelings among the Basin鈥檚 die-hards. And, well, some crying.

鈥淲hen the headline came through, my visceral reaction was tears,鈥� says Kim Jardim, an A-Basin passholder of 30-plus years. 鈥淚t was just a few tears, but yes, I cried. It was like, oh no 鈥� the Basin. My Basin. My second home. It scared me that the place would change and the vibe would change.鈥�

Nobody knows what鈥檚 to come under Alterra ownership. The acquisition is not yet complete and until it is (April at the earliest), Alterra representatives will not speak or speculate about plans. Arapahoe Basin leadership, however, is confident that the vibe鈥攖he warm and distinctive culture that makes A-Basin what it is鈥攚ill not change.

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鈥淚 think Alterra is buying A-Basin because they understand what a Colorado gem it is,鈥� says COO Alan Henceroth, who has worked at Arapahoe Basin for 36 years and who, in addition to still partaking in grunt work like shoveling, parking cars, and changing trash bags, also writes almost daily with insider information for Basin followers.

鈥淎 number of their senior people ski here regularly. I think they know how special it is and they want to keep it that way.鈥�

Although she reiterated that the company wouldn鈥檛 speak to plans until after the deal is finalized, Alterra Vice President of Communications Kristin Rust admits that she holds A-Basin close to her heart.

鈥淚 grew up skiing A-Basin in the 鈥�70s and 鈥�80s, so it is a special place to me, indeed.鈥�

Embracing Its Natural Limitations

The biggest fear among long-time A-Basin fans is that Alterra will shift the ski area into the model of so many on the Ikon or Epic Pass, in which the aim seems to be to bring as many people onto the slopes as possible. Some of that trepidation was assuaged last week when , and that A-Basin will continue to offer five days on the Base Pass and seven days on the full Ikon Pass, as it has since it joined in 2019.

This is a huge relief to many diehard Basin fans. Due to its location (bordering the Continental Divide with a summit elevation above 13,000 feet) and limited parking, the Basin can only logistically accommodate so many visitors before it starts to feel overrun. The Basin鈥檚 parking lots accommodate about 1,800 vehicles. There are plans for next season (pre-dating the Alterra acquisition) to add about 350 more spots.

鈥淚 feel like it鈥檚 going to be preserved because you can鈥檛 expand it much,鈥� says Tara Richard, who was in the midst of a Basin beach party with girlfriends in early March and was an 鈥淎-Basin-only鈥� skier during the 10 years that her kids grew up learning to ski. 鈥淭he only thing that keeps me from being devastated about the new regime is the fact that they can鈥檛 bring in condos. They鈥檙e not going to be able to bring in fur coats and shopping.鈥�

Henceroth confirms that there are no condominium or base area construction plans in store. After all, the land on which the Basin sits is governed by the U.S. Forest Service.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 blame anybody for being uncertain or asking if things are going to change,鈥� Henceroth says. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 totally fair. It鈥檚 such a special place. People want it to continue that way. We don鈥檛 want to go back to the days of being crazy overcrowded.鈥�

He鈥檚 referring to when A-Basin was owned by Dream (formerly known as Dundee Resort Development) and partnered with Vail Resorts to allow unlimited access on the Epic Pass. For a few winters, especially from about 2015-鈥�18, the Basin鈥檚 weekend parking was overflowing to the point that visitors were hitchhiking and parking illegally on U.S. Highway 6.

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Realizing that the overcrowding was cramping the Basin鈥檚 vibe, the . In 2019-鈥�20, with access limited to either five or seven days depending on whether you opt for the full or the Base Pass. That same season, the Basin also began limiting its own season pass sales with a cap of around 4,100. The resort recently announced that it will again offer a Basin-only season pass (plus a few days at Monarch) for 2024-鈥�25, 鈥減riced very closely to this season鈥檚 pricing.鈥�

The Future of Ikon

Currently on weekends, the beach parking lot is only available to those who have reserved (or staked out early morning) spots or vehicles with three or more people. The big question is whether, under Alterra ownership, Ikon Pass holders will eventually be permitted more days or even鈥攇asp鈥攗nlimited access at the Basin.

鈥淟ooking back five, six, seven years ago, we were rough around the edges. We got a little busy. At that point, we didn鈥檛 have good controls to manage how many people were here at once,鈥� Henceroth says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e happy with the way we manage our weekends the last couple of years. We鈥檙e going to have to keep doing that. Regardless of this sale, we鈥檇 continue to do that.鈥�

When asked how A-Basin could maintain its uncrowded, grassroots vibe under Alterra ownership, many loyalists believe continuing to limit access for Ikon Pass holders would be integral.

鈥淚鈥檇 say they鈥檇 have to limit so many days for Ikon Passes鈥攎aybe just weekdays,鈥� says longtime Basin passholder Tom Perry. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what else they can do to keep the vibe the same, whatever they can to not impact its legendary status.鈥�

鈥淭o keep A-Basin as the A-Basin we love, the limited aspects of Ikon Pass are great,鈥� adds JR Nolan, an A-Basin passholder 鈥渙ff and on鈥� since 1988. 鈥淚 think because there are no condos and because parking is limited, the Basin can only take so many people. This hill can become as overcrowded as any of them, but I think keeping Ikon Pass days limited would be one of the major ingredients that would make the transition successful.鈥�

Ron Rosso, a longtime Basin passholder who lives in the Denver suburbs and only skis on weekdays, doesn鈥檛 think A-Basin will have to limit Ikon Pass access to maintain its status.

鈥淭hey have avoided the trap of the big resort thing and they should continue doing that,鈥� Rosso says. 鈥淭he stuff they鈥檝e done in recent years is awesome鈥擬ontezuma [Bowl] is awesome. The Beavers are amazing. That needed to be done, but that鈥檚 all you need. If you need the big stuff, go to Copper Mountain. Go to Breck. Go to Vail.听 From people I know who have Ikon, they want big mountains, but they like coming to The Legend.鈥�

听 听 听 听Challenge Yourself:

Even then, Russo says, he doesn鈥檛 think that the average Ikon Pass skier wants to visit A-Basin more than five, six, or seven times. 鈥淭hey love Winter Park, Mary Jane,鈥� says Russo. 鈥淲hen those areas close, a lot of people want to get away from skiing. They have kid stuff or they go golfing. Even if it鈥檚 still bashing [snow] up here in May, only so many people are into skiing.鈥�

In addition to insinuating that the Basin already has all the weekend crowd it wants or can handle, Henceroth indicated that weekdays and early season (the Basin has historically boasted one of the world鈥檚 longest ski seasons, often lasting from late October through early June) were the only times the resort would be interested in bolstering crowds.

鈥淲e鈥檝e got soft periods, but we鈥檙e doing fine,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e stable on our feet all the time, but we鈥檝e been tinkering to figure out weekdays and how to get fall busier.鈥�

A History of Corporate Ownership

As far as regulars panicking that the Basin is going to sell out or lose its soul under Alterra ownership, Henceroth reminds me that there have been other times throughout the ski area鈥檚 long life (dating back to 1946), that its die-hards were bracing for the worst. He pulls out an A-Basin history book and turns to a page depicting a sticker created in 1978 when Ralston Purina purchased the resort from former A-Basin operator Joe Jankovsky, who had purchased the area in 1972 from original owners/founders Larry and Marnie Jump.

The sticker names May 30, 1978 (the last day before the Ralston takeover) as 鈥淒esperado Day, the last of what will be 鈥榯he good old days.鈥欌��

鈥淎 lot of people think it鈥檚 a mom-and-pop area, but it鈥檚 not,鈥� Henceroth says. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been part of big corporations for a half-century.鈥�

It makes the fact that the Basin has, despite its half-century corporate ownership and the terrain expansions, lift improvements, restaurant additions, and makeovers that came with it, always managed to pass itself off as a mom-and-pop sort of place that much more impressive.

The End of an Era? Unlikely.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just a really special place, especially when your kids grow up skiing there,鈥� Jardim says. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 tell you how many times my boys left a fleece behind in the lodge or skis on the rack. I鈥檇 get a call from an employee who recognized the fleece or drive back up to see if the skis were still on the rack and they were. That doesn鈥檛 happen everywhere. And it鈥檚 only part of what makes that place so special.鈥�

It is of great comfort to many Basin-for-lifers that Henceroth and his team will likely continue calling at least some of the shots under Alterra ownership.

鈥淚 think those tears I cried were just hoping that this is not the end of an era,鈥� Jardim says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 no guarantee that it鈥檚 going to change or change for the worse. There鈥檚 a very good chance it could keep the vibe. With Alan leading the way, I feel like all of us who love that place so much have a voice through him. I know how passionate he is about the Basin. I know he鈥檒l do everything in his power to keep it as much the same as he can.鈥�

Standing firmly at the helm, Henceroth himself is optimistic.

鈥淚 do know that the folks at Alterra really care about this place and they鈥檙e buying it because they think it鈥檚 so special. They don鈥檛 want to blow it up,鈥� he says. 鈥淔rom what I understand, they鈥檙e not a top-down organization. Each resort has a lot of autonomy. We鈥檙e in a period where we have to be patient.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 confident that the Basin is going to be as great if not better than it鈥檚 always been.鈥�

The post Alterra Bought Arapahoe Basin. Can the Resort Keep Its Soul? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Nate Nadler awoke in the middle of the night this past听October 31听to four inches of snow covering his sleeping bag. Nadler, 41, was camped underneath the bullwheel of the River Run Gondola at Colorado鈥檚 Keystone Resort. It wasn鈥檛 the cold that interrupted his fitful sleep, but the drunken reveler clad in a motorcycle helmet blasting 鈥淏aby Shark鈥� and dancing the night away.

In mid-October, some skiers and snowboarders will drive up to Keystone or nearby Arapahoe Basin in the middle of the night, hoping to snag the very first chair of ski season. Some of these hearty winter enthusiasts come straight from the bars, believing听the booze will keep them warm against the frigid night.

Every year, a few buzzed aspirants are disappointed to find Nate 鈥淒ogggg鈥� Nadler, and 鈥淭railer鈥� Tom Miller, 46, already waiting in line. For the last 31 years running they have outfoxed and outmaneuvered any challenger and beaten them to get in line at the base of the chair . On October 29, after Arapahoe Basin announced an early opening, they nabbed the very first chairlift of the season yet again. Two days later they camped out at Keystone to ride that resort鈥檚 first chair, too.

鈥淯ntil I鈥檓 riding that first chair, I鈥檓 a ball of anxiety,鈥� says Nadler. 鈥淭hen, it鈥檚 nothing but joy. Every year has a great story.鈥�

The ski areas of Summit County are some of the highest in America, and reliably experience early season snowmaking temperatures as well as autumn squalls that blanket the region in snow. Keystone Resort, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, and Loveland Ski Area are usually the first to open their lifts for the season. But the high altitude also means the resorts are prone to terrible weather in the fall. Nadler and Miller have braved horrific conditions in pursuit of the very first turns of winter. 鈥淚 remember this one year, powerful winds blew and dropped the temperature to 90 below with the windchill,鈥� said Miller.

In addition to the cold, Nadler and Miller occasionally face late-night confrontations with grumpy skiers who had hoped to be first in line. The Baby Shark enthusiast was one鈥擭adler said the costumed man yelled at him. 鈥淚 tried arguing with him but he was too wasted and wouldn鈥檛 listen to reason,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he joke鈥檚 on him鈥攚e鈥檇 had the spot staked out for a week.鈥� The man with the shiny metallic helmet was eighth in line when the bullwheel began to spin. Alas, Keystone employees decided he was still too drunk to ride, Nadler said.

How have these two consistently gotten first chair for 31 seasons? Each year, in early October, Nadler and Miller run scouting missions to ski areas across the Front Range. They assess the readiness of the four resorts that are usually in contention to open first. Once they decide which ski area is best prepared to open, they stake out their spot beneath the chair鈥攁bout a week out from their anticipated opening day.

But resorts don鈥檛 want people to camp out for that long while employees ready the mountain for winter. That鈥檚 where Nadler and Miller hold another advantage: the resort staff knows who they are. Often, they will arrive early and speak with the general managers, the marketing departments, lift operations, and ski patrol to make sure they鈥檙e out of the way.

Nadler and Miller have听built their lives around this annual quest. They both live in Summit County near the ski areas and careers that afford lots of flexibility. Nadler works three jobs: he manages a 34-unit property, drives a hotel shuttle, and operates听his own hot tub repair service. Miller makes snowboard films and is a professional pinball player. But camping out for days on end requires more than just a malleable schedule; in Nadler鈥檚 case, it demands a very patient spouse.

鈥淢y wife is a godsend, she鈥檚 part of our support staff,鈥� said Nadler. 鈥淏ut when the temperature starts dropping, I鈥檒l take her out to a nice dinner. I try to sweet talk her a bit. Then I鈥檒l sort of drop in, 鈥楬oney I鈥檓 going to go scouting at Keystone tomorrow.鈥欌��

Miller isn鈥檛 married, and his career as a snowboard videographer and professional pinball player allows him to take the time he needs to stake out a spot beneath the bullwheel. His unorthodox job affords another perk: in past years Miller would bring pinball machines to the base of the ski area and run extension cords from a generator to power them, to help him and Nadler pass the time. 鈥淎 long time ago at Loveland we鈥檇 have a bonfire that would last for three days before lawsuits became a thing,鈥� says Miller.

Miller started targeting first chair in 1992, when he was 15 years old. Back then, snowmaking was rare and expensive, so resorts opened later in the season. Because Keystone was the only resort with night skiing infrastructure, it was usually first. When operations managers at Keystone caught wind that another resort was planning to open the next day, they would open on the spot鈥攐ften at 3 or 4 A.M. Miller made sure he was there. “It was a wild time, it鈥檇 be totally dark,鈥� said Miller. Miller says he鈥檇 work all summer to buy snowboarding gear, and by fall he was always champing at the bit for the season to begin.听 He鈥檇 join a group of friends staking out the lift.

But Miller and his crew never quite got first chair back then. A retired airline pilot named Elmer Mulkins held the unofficial record for scoring the first chair at Loveland for 26 years straight. Mulkins was much older than the teenagers, and Miller says he held a major advantage in the quest for first chair: relationships. Miller says Mulkins would sleep in a heated car the night before opening. Then, resort operators would allow him to slide past the kids to take his spot at the front of the line every year. Miller was outraged.

Nadler moved from Minnesota to Breckenridge in 1995 and joined Miller鈥檚 crew. Together, they went to war with Mulkins. Each year they would show up earlier to Loveland, partying harder and louder. They chanted 鈥減ass the torch!鈥� at Mulkins.

In 2000 Mulkins died of heart failure. Loveland ran an empty chair that year, with a banner that read 鈥淓lmer鈥檚 Chair.鈥�

You may have noticed that the timeline of Nadler and Miller鈥檚 first-chair accolades is not adding up to 31 years. Nate Dogggg Nadler and Trailer Tom Miller claim 31 years, but some grumbling Colorado skiers argue Miller says he got first chairs in Colorado before Nadler听arrived. The duo only started going for first chairs together after 1997.

No matter how the math works out, the duo told me that听snagging first chair of the year decade after decade requires another strength: a bladder of steel. The pair eschew food and drink for much of the days, fasting to keep their spots in line.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been offered money, health care, and sexual favors for our spots in line,鈥� said Nadler. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 not about the money, it鈥檚 about the legacy, the fame.鈥� Both Nadler and Miller are sponsored snowboarders, and Miller makes snowboard films, but being the kings of first chair has brought the pair more fame than any athletic achievement. Recently, Colorado Public Radio aired an interview with them. Nadler scored a profile in Colorado Summit Magazine.

In 2019, Nadler and Miller were camping out at Keystone, convinced that the resort would open in the next 24 hours. Suddenly, Arapahoe Basin announced on Instagram that it would open later that afternoon, at 3 P.M., for a single hour of riding. Nadler and Miller听packed up as fast as they could and drove the five-and-a-half miles to A Basin. They arrived before anyone else, but as they were unpacking their camping gear, Nadler realized he left his snowboard sitting under the chair at Keystone. 鈥淚 drove back in a panic and found my board. It was a miracle that I made it back to A Basin just moments before other people arrived.鈥�

As hard as Nadler and Miller fight for first chair each year, they claim they would never fight dirty. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 pay for a first chair, I would concede,鈥� said Nadler. 鈥淏ut if you had three people in your group, I鈥檓 still getting on that chair.鈥�

The duo insists they鈥檒l keep at it as long as they鈥檙e still able (the 鈥淔irst Chair Family鈥� as they鈥檙e called scored the chair this year despite recovering from a broken leg and a bad back). But if someone ever gets close to their record, you can bet they鈥檒l be back. 鈥淚鈥檒l roll my wheelchair up to that chair to keep my record,鈥� said Nadler.

The post Want to Ride First Chair in Colorado? You鈥檒l Have to Beat the Kings. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

After Massachusetts鈥檚 tiny of skiing last weekend, Colorado鈥檚 Arapahoe Basin was finally able to take advantage of the cooler Rocky Mountain weather and really get the snowguns blowing this week.

The ski area 听with base to mid-mountain skiing served by the Black Mountain Express chair along the High Noon intermediate trail. There will be no beginner runs open.

Opening day festivities will include donuts for the first people in line, a costume contest with prizes, and a Halloween-themed band playing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The lift will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., which are normal winter weekend hours (it鈥檚 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays).

听 听 听 听Also Read:

A-Basin plans to stay open daily, conditions permitting, and will open more terrain as weather and snowmaking allow. Portions of the mountain most likely open next are Lenawee Face and Dercum Gulch, which just might get a little help from Mother Nature thanks to a . It could bring over a foot of snow.

If you don鈥檛 have an Arapahoe Basin season pass or an Ikon Pass, buy your lift tickets online in advance . Prices are steep for the experience of skiing on opening day ($129 per ticket at press time), but specials like the Fall Friday Afternoon Club offer $39 lift tickets to knock off work for a few hours and get some turns in during the early season. We like the sound of that.

The post This Resort Is the First to Open for Lift-Served Skiing This Winter appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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If you missed out on the big West Coast dumps, or just haven鈥檛 gotten your fill, you still have time. The plentiful snow that鈥檚 graced the western half of the country is leading to longer ski seasons and extended closing dates. Already, several Colorado resorts鈥攊ncluding , Aspen, and Copper鈥攈ave officially extended their ski season, as have several .

But the decision to stay open is more complicated than reviewing snowfall totals. According to Katherine Fuller, the senior communications manager at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado, the decision to stay open is dependent on several factors.

听 听 听 It’s Season Pass Season:

鈥淪eason length also depends on temperatures. Our super-high elevation plus north-facing terrain are very helpful, and so snowfall is not the only factor. If it stays cold in the spring, that helps the snow stick around longer,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur season length also has to do with our snowmaking efforts that help set a solid, lasting base.”

With so many elements to consider, it鈥檚 no wonder many resorts wait until the last minute to announce a season extension. These ski areas, however, are renowned for their late closures鈥攁nd a few got so much snow this year, we have a hard time believing spring skiing won鈥檛 turn into early summer turns.

Ski Areas Where You Can Ski Into Late Spring and Beyond

Timberline, Ore.

Timberline is legendary among skiers who can鈥檛 fulfill their turn quota in the standard 6-month ski season. The ski area regularly stays open until early September thanks to its location high on Mt. Hood, a volcano that is also Oregon鈥檚 tallest peak at 11,245 feet.

Historically, most of the mountain closes in late May, which is when the Palmer Express quad starts turning, providing ski access from early June through early September. The result is an impressive 10-month ski season.

Unlike many Western ski areas, Timberline is their historical snowfall average, but even if the ski season doesn鈥檛 extend further into September this year, it still boasts the longest ski season in North America.

• Expected closing date: early September

Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

It鈥檚 been a snowy year at Palisades Tahoe, with their website reporting so far and more on the way. That number is particularly impressive when you consider the mountain typically averages around 400 inches, a number they passed back in February.

Right now, Palisades Tahoe has a confirmed May 29 closing date, on their website that they 鈥渨ill likely extend the season beyond May,鈥� explaining that 鈥淥ur plan is to go as long as conditions allow and if that means skiing and riding into June and potentially through the 4th of July, then we鈥檙e in.鈥�

• Expected closing date: May 29 officially, but likely later

Arapahoe Basin, Colo.

This year, Arapahoe Basin will likely hold the distinction of being both the first Colorado ski area to open and the last to close. The lifts , long before most Colorado resorts, and are expected to continue through June.

According to Fuller at Arapahoe Basin, 鈥淲e are aiming to stay open until June 4, at least, but we usually don’t know when we’re going to close until a couple of weeks out. As always, we keep the season going as long as possible. We will take winter all the way down to one lift and one run,鈥� she said, making it clear that 鈥渢his is not looking like a July 4 year.” There have been seven in A Basin’s history. “But a lot depends on the snowfall we get this month and next because it will still contribute significantly to our base.鈥�

In 2021 and 2022, the ski area closed on June 6 and 5, respectively.

• Expected closing date: June 4

Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.听

Historically, Whistler Blackcomb has one of the longest ski seasons in North America thanks to a northern coastal location that blesses the peaks with around 448 inches of snow a year. As of writing, they鈥檙e sitting pretty with 285 inches and are in the middle of what is historically a snowy month at Whistler Blackcomb.

Currently, Whistler Mountain is expected to close on April 16, while Blackcomb Mountain, which has a higher elevation and sits further east, is set to .

• Expected closing date: May 22

Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

It鈥檚 been a big year for Mammoth Mountain. At the time of writing, they have 634 inches of snow at Main Lodge and over 800 at the summit. And with each passing storm they鈥檙e inching closer to the 2010/2011 season snowfall record of 668 inches at the Main Lodge. No matter how this season pans out, they鈥檝e had a banner year, easily surpassing their 400-inch annual average.

The ski area hasn鈥檛 released an official closing date, but it did announce today (March 21) that it plans to stay open through July. 鈥淲e expect to be skiing and riding long into summer,鈥� said Lauren Burke, the communications director for Mammoth Mountain. 鈥淲e are sitting on a historic amount of snow right now鈥攖hat, coupled with our high elevation, allows us to regularly stay open into summer.鈥�

Burke said they hope to have a more concrete closing date in the next few weeks, but we鈥檙e expecting big things and some killer summer skiing from Mammoth.听

• Expected closing date: At least through July

Other Resorts That Have Extended Their Seasons (as of March 21)

• Steamboat, Colo.: April 16
• Mt. Ashland, Ore.: April 23
• Alta, Utah: April 23
• Aspen Mountain: April 23
• Park City, Utah: April 23
• Kirkwood, Calif.: April 30
• Copper Mountain, Colo.: May 7
• Snowbird, Utah: Daily through May 14, weekends through May 29
• Solitude, Utah: Daily through May, weekends through May 21

The post Here鈥檚 Where We’ll Be Skiing in Late Spring鈥攁nd Maybe Even Into Summer appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

What an interesting year for the annual . Not in the winners, per se. Those remained the same both in the West and the East. But there was plenty of movement on the rest of the list, most of which tracks precisely with the major industry trends and issues we saw throughout last season.

This is not surprising considering that the Top 50 rankings are the results of the 2023 Reader Resort Survey we sent out last spring. What better way to take the pulse of the ski-travel scene than to hear from the people visiting the resorts? That鈥檚 you, our readers.

Most notably this year, one resort took one of the biggest nosedives we鈥檝e ever seen in the history of the rankings. Park City fell from No. 13 to No. 30鈥攄ead last in the West. If that鈥檚 not a direct commentary on Vail Resorts鈥� management of the massive resort, we don鈥檛 know what is.

We have also one newcomer to the list鈥攃heck out No. 11, below鈥攁s well as several returning ski areas that pop into and out of the rankings depending on several factors. These are places such as Wyo.鈥檚 Grand Targhee and Powder Mountain, Utah, both back on the list this year, no doubt a reflection of skiers鈥� desire seek out less crowded and more pure ski experiences, where things like full parking lots, long lift lines, and exorbitant lunch offerings are not the norm.

Whatever the 2022-鈥�23 season has in store for you, we hope you can use these rankings to inform your decision making, especially if you鈥檙e looking to get off the beaten path and check out some of the less crowded and more authentic destinations that you might not have considered before.

No. 30: Park City Resort, Utah

A sprawling destination resort with incredible terrain variety and skier amenities, with the lively town of Park City at the ready for after-hours and down-day fun.

Overall Score: 7.36
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 13
Strengths: Access, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Value, Guest Service

Suffering by the far the biggest drop in the survey this year, Park City Resort plummeted from No. 13 to No. 30, which tracks with all of the complaints and issues that plagued the mountain last winter. Reader comments were brutal, with many locals and longtime visitors writing that this was their worst experience at the resort ever. The good news is that this over 7,000-skiable-acre resort has great bones, and most of the problems are related to staffing issue, which Vail Resort is vigorously addressing for the coming season. After all, they can only go up from here.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淧ark City has it all鈥攅asy access via Salt Lake International airport, amazing terrain and size, an authentic town with real amenities and world-class restaurants, and nightlife to boot. Family friendly services abound. The only issue is that everyone else knows all of this and flocks to Park City.鈥�

鈥淚 am local. The resort was extremely poorly run this year by Vail Resorts. Horrible grooming, long lift lines, limited terrain opening, restaurants never opened on the mountain, several lifts never opened all season. Deer Valley did not have these same issues.鈥�

Read the resort review and get trip-planning tips:

No. 29: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif.

With lake views by day and casino diversions by night, Heavenly offers its own distinctive vacation experience on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Overall Score: 7.42
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 26
Strengths: Lodging, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Snow, Value

This stunner of a ski resort has a lot to offer, with amazing views of Lake Tahoe and nearly 5,000 acres of diverse terrain straddling two states. Survey-wise, it gets dinged for the region鈥檚 inconsistent snow, crowded lift lines and slopes, and not being the most family friendly resort in VR鈥檚 empire. But for a couples鈥� or friends鈥� weekend, it just might fit the bill.

Read the resort review and get trip-planning tips:

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淰isited Heavenly for the last three seasons and it鈥檚 my favorite place for a couples and friends trip. We love the casinos and bars in South Lake Tahoe. It鈥檚 the only place where you can go hard at night and during the day on the slopes!鈥�

鈥淔irst time to Heavenly. Loved the skiing鈥攁bsolutely the most breathtaking views, and great terrain. On the other hand, the worst lift lines ever. Don鈥檛 go on a weekend! Waited an hour in line to go back down on the gondola at the end of the day. Worth the visit. Great for a couples trip. Ski weekdays.鈥�

No. 28: Big Sky Resort, Mont.

Steeped in adventure, Big Sky boasts true big-mountain skiing off iconic Lone Peak, with no dearth of rolling groomers for those still building their skills.

Overall Score: 7.46
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 25
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Value, Nightlife

Big Sky checks all the boxes for serious skiers鈥攊t鈥檚 truly a bucket-list destination in North America thanks to the extreme skiing off Lone Peak and oodles of amazing hike-to and lift-served expert lines off the Headwaters Chair and on the Moonlight Basin side. That said, Big Sky dropped slightly in the rankings this year, and it鈥檚 probably no coincidence that most readers complained about the added cost for the tram, which the . (Yes, we realize that these are the same people who鈥檇 be complaining about hour-long tram lines if Big Sky didn鈥檛 charge more for it.) It鈥檚 a good thing that a new, larger tram, part of the resort鈥檚 Big Sky 2025 capital improvements, , which will help with skier flow and ease lines.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淏ig Sky is a great out-West experience. Even though there were a lot of skiers, the runs were never packed. The terrain is varied and the lifts were pretty cool. I thought the eight-person lift was amazing!鈥�

鈥淏ig Sky has gone over the top with the cost to go there. Day tickets are $225, and if you want to take the tram, add another $50-$80. Without the tram, you lose access to the majority of the truly great expert terrain. Cool bubble chairs don鈥檛 justify their pricing.鈥�

Read the resort review and get trip-planning tips:

No. 27: Keystone Resort, Colo.

While its reputation as a family resort is certainly not unfounded, there鈥檚 much more to be discovered at Keystone, including scenic hike-t0 bowls and excellent glades.

Overall Score: 7.51
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 24
Strengths: Family Friendly, Access
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Apr猫s

A quick trip from Denver and chock-full of family-friendly amenities such as parking-lot wagons and cute mascots walking around the village, Keystone knows its audience, and does a good job keeping them satisfied. There鈥檚 plenty more at Keystone, though鈥攇et off the frontside and sample the sustained vertical of the blues and blue-blacks on North Peak and The Outback. The intermediate offerings will get even better when next season. Overall, readers had fewer complaints about lines, crowds, and staffing issues at Keystone compared to other Vail mountains, despite the resort falling slightly in the rankings.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淣ice LONG, sustained groomers. Lift lines move well. Great place to go and rack up the vertical feet. Invigorating skiing if you know where to go.鈥�

鈥淭his resort鈥檚 strengths are its extended groomed terrain and night skiing. Frontside friendly for those coming to ski with skis that aren鈥檛 the size of boats. Loved the vibe and incredibly quirky layout. It felt like an adventure without crazy stress to ski this beast. Snow quality was excellent, and terrain provided challenges in ways outside of bumps and steps (think random cliff/edge drops onto terrain and tightly packed trees on flats). I can鈥檛 wait to go back and give this resort a third and fourth look. It deserves it.鈥�

鈥淚n true Vail fashion, they have totally 鈥榁ail-ified鈥� what was a great ski hill. Parking is crazy unless you get there at 6 a.m. or pay a crazy number to park in paid parking. Add to that paid parking has like doubled and they took a bunch away to build a condo building to line their pockets with more money.鈥�

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No. 26: Crested Butte, Colo.

Small but mighty Crested Butte is one of the West most underrated gems when it comes to expert and extreme terrain, with a authentic town as the cherry on top.

Overall Score: 7.53
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 21
Strengths: Challenge, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Access, Nightlife

Crested Butte鈥檚 鈥渟trengths鈥� tell the story here. This is a quirky mountain and town with a distinct personality, and when the weather cooperates, the expert and extreme terrain here rivals the best on the continent. It鈥檚 location about a five-hour drive from Denver keeps weekend crowds at bay, so if you can鈥檛 hit this during or just after a storm, it鈥檒l be a vacation for the ages.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淐rested Butte is a gem. It鈥檚 known for its challenge but the groomers are spectacular and extensive and the town is picture perfect. As soon as you arrive at Crested Butte you can feel thats its different than any other ski resort and wonderfully unique.鈥�

鈥淚 love Crested Butte. It鈥檚 beautiful, laid-back, and quirky, but it has definitely been discovered. I鈥檝e been coming to Crested Butte for the past 10 years and this is the first year I鈥檝e seen my social media pages flooded with pictures of friends trips to CB.鈥�

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No. 25: Snowbird Mountain Resort, Utah

A skier鈥檚 mountain to the core, this resort serves up challenging terrain by the boatload, covered by some of the lightest, fluffiest snow in the business.

Overall Score: 7.54
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 28
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Apr猫s

Like the rankings suggest, come to Snowbird to ski plentiful terrain of all stripes, from extreme chutes and powder bowls to blue cruisers, but don鈥檛 expect to party like a rock star afterwards. The small village has enough skier amenities to get you through the day, but no more. Most readers acknowledge that that鈥檚 just fine with them鈥攖hey come to ski and leave satisfied.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淪nowbird is one of the most wonderful ski areas in the world. It鈥檚 immense, with a wide variety of terrain, though tilted toward more advanced skiers. And it is an easy one-hour drive from SLC, a major airport that is easy to reach from anywhere. The 鈥楤ird is isolated, you won鈥檛 walk out of your hotel and stroll along a commercial promenade. Snowbird is there for the skiing. There is a limited, but adequate, number of good restaurants, but no movie theaters, shopping, or competing entertainment options. As a lover of skiing, I like that a lot.鈥�

鈥淚 know Snowbird takes pride in being a difficult mountain, but the grooming really left something to be desired. The main highway trails (Bassackwards and Chip鈥檚 Run) were icy throughout. This was even more disappointing given that I skied Alta the previous day and they did an A+ job with grooming. On the other hand, I was really impressed by the lift system. Massive vertical feet on Gadzoom, Peruvian, and the Tramway.鈥�

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No. 24: Grand Targhee, Wyo.

A laid-back, uncrowded ski area where the snowfall is plentiful, the locals are friendly, and the stoke is high all season long.

Overall Score: 7.56
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: n/a
Strengths: Snow, Value
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging

Grand Targhee doesn鈥檛 always make the survey, but when it does, readers generally have positive things to say about the northern Wyoming ski area that serves up a great mountain experience. Is it a destination resort on par with some of the other resorts on this list? With three lodges in walking distance to the lifts and three full-service restaurants鈥攑lus two more food outlets on weekends鈥擳arghee keeps skiers adequately housed and fed. Plus there are enough amenities on tap in nearby Driggs, not to mention off-slope diversions such as fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, to cobble together a great vacation for more adventurous travelers who value pow, challenging terrain, and a laid-back, authentic vibe.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淭arghee is old-school wonderful. You won鈥檛 find a resort with nicer or more authentic people to spend your time with. No one is in a hurry and everyone cares about you, definitely a place to take your family and be confident that they will be safe and well cared for. It鈥檚 a breath of fresh air in an industry that is increasingly and obviously corporate. I recommend Targhee to everyone at every level who loves skiing and being in nature.鈥�

鈥淔irst time I skied it. Great snow, great fall line, snow stays fresh for days as the ski traffic is lighter, lift lines are almost non-existent, lodging is quite limited, local restaurants are decent. Very good as an add-on for a few days to a Jackson Hole trip but might not stand up as a pure destination resort.鈥�

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No. 23: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Heavy on Southwestern culture, expert terrain, and green chile, Taos Ski Valley makes for a unique vacation with a spicy vibe.

Overall Score: 7.59
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 7
Strengths: Value, Challenge
Weaknesses: Apr猫s, Nightlife

Taos tumbled quite a bit in the rankings this year, and judging by reader comments, it can be blamed on staffing problems and a frustrating lack of skier amenities, even as construction at the base is ongoing in attempts to provide more options. That said, readers lauded the ample expert and extreme terrain on tap here, as well as the excellent ski school and unique local vibe. Taos is another bucket-list destination when the terrain off of Kachina and West Basin Ridge are open.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淭aos is an amazing resort with some of the best terrain I have ever skied. There are fun, steep, fall line cruisers, lots of bump runs, and lots of amazing steeps. Kachina bowl, Stauffenberg, Juarez, Hunziker, and Al鈥檚 Run are some of the best Taos has to offer. The snow was very good considering no new snow in the past week and was better higher up the mountain. The lifts are almost all the slowish fixed-grip kind, but they give your legs a rest from the amazing terrain they service.鈥�

鈥淲e loved the old Taos but the new Taos is going through some growing pains. Old restaurants have shut down and there aren鈥檛 enough dining options.鈥�

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No. 22: Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

Mammoth boasts one of the longest seasons in the West and snow that just won鈥檛 quit once it gets going.听

Overall Score: 7.66
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 22
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Access, Nightlife

Mammoth held steady at No. 22 in the survey this year, proving at least that its third pandemic season didn鈥檛 majorly piss anyone off. And that鈥檚 saying something these days. It got dings for weekend crowds, per usual, and being far from just about everywhere, but most readers feel like management is successfully keeping the place humming along and that the overall experience is worth the trip.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淚鈥檝e been skiing Mammoth for over 30 years. It鈥檚 the Best of the West hands down鈥�11,000 -foot summit ensures good snow quality and Mammoth always has quantity, even in a low-snow year. The lift system and grooming are among the best I鈥檝e skied, and I鈥檝e skied at least 50 resorts.鈥�

鈥淢ammoth is unique, with the towering Eastern Sierra peaks of the Ritter Range and the Minarets looming in the distance. Snow can be hit-or-miss, but as long as there鈥檚 coverage, it鈥檚 guaranteed to be a good time.鈥�

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No. 21: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyo.

With 2,500 acres of terrain, Jackson Hole offers a unique sense of adventure with some of the most steep and challenging terrain in the region.

Overall Score: 7.67
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 15
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Access

Jackson Hole has struggled with its growth and popularity over the last several seasons since joining the Ikon Pass, and its ranking continues to reflect that. (It was also a not-so-hot snow year, which didn鈥檛 help the situation.) Regardless, the destination remains one of the best overall ski experiences in North America, with expert terrain to challenge all levels, new family programming and facilities, and side- and backcountry access that simply can鈥檛 be beat.

The Good, Bad, Ugly

鈥淏een waiting a lifetime to finally make it to Jackson Hole. It did not disappoint. Terrain, challenge, and scenery were all as advertised. Great way to celebrate a 50th birthday.鈥�

鈥淕reat terrain, not overcrowded, well managed, with epic skiing. Locals do look down on you. Probably due to the challenges of living in a 鈥榖illionaire wilderness.’鈥�

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No. 20: Vail Mountain, Colo.

Vail puts backcountry-like bowl skiing at your ski tips and a world-class village at your feet when the lifts stop spinning.

Overall Score: 7.68
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 20
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Apr猫s
Weaknesses: Value, Local Flavor

Vail held steady at No. 20 for the second year in a row, but those who know the place also know that this is a mountain that skis way better than No. 20. Over 5,000 skiable acres of all types of terrain, with village offerings for pretty much every budget, Vail is the quintessential image of a destination ski resort. Reader comments fixated on the amazing Back Bowls, access to which gets even better this season thanks to the new Sun Down Express lift, but gripes about staff shortages, weekend lift lines, and parking (lots of complaints about that one鈥攂oth the cost and the lack of) bubbled up, too.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淏est combination of terrain, snow, grooming, scenery, and weather of any place I have ever been. It can get crowded, but when the whole mountain is open, you can always find a place to hide. Love it!!鈥�

鈥淰ail has done a great job keeping its Back Bowls both open and skiable. They almost always have at least one black slope groomed in the back bowls, and of course when there鈥檚 powder back there, it鈥檚 simply the most fun place to ski without grooming.鈥�

鈥淚 am a year-round local and love this mountain. However, Vail Resort鈥檚 focus on the bottom line has taken Vail down a notch. While visitors will still have a great time, those who know the potential of this mountain feel it has lost its world-class ranking. On-mountain dining has been homogenized so that all the food on mountain is pretty awful. They used to bake in-house and now sell packaged pastries you could buy at a convenience store or vending machine. Wildwood used to make world class BBQ that competed well with BBQ restaurants elsewhere. The menu is now limited and blamed on Covid and staffing.鈥�

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No. 19: Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

From the steeply pitched vert off KT-22 to the hike-to terrain from the Headwall chair, experts can鈥攁nd do鈥攑erfect their craft here.

Overall Score: 7.71
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 30
Strengths: Challenge, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Value, Nightlife

Enjoying an 11-spot jump in the survey this year, Palisades Tahoe heads into the 2022-鈥�23 season on a high note, with its decade-in-the-making Base-to-Base Gondola opening. The ride, which will connect the Palisades and Alpine Meadows base areas via a 16-minute trip, will change skier flow throughout the resort and keep traffic off the connector roads, which is never a bad thing. Readers are still griping about the name change (get over it, folks), but no one can change all of the ways that this place brings joy to skiers.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淧alisades Tahoe, still getting used to the name change, is easy to get to. You can fly right into the Reno/Tahoe airport and be at the mountain 45 minutes later if the weather cooperates. I hadn鈥檛 skied there in 20 years so it was good to go back. Out of the different trips I鈥檝e done to Palisades, this was by far my best trip. The weather cooperated and the mountain was 95 percent open. I was able to ski many runs I had never been able to try before due to weather. This made the mountain really enjoyable as we were able to explore different facets of it. I had a great time and the views of Lake Tahoe are outstanding.鈥�

鈥淚t has the the best overall terrain balance for me and any visiting friends, from beginner to expert 鈥榢ill yourself鈥� terrain. The 鈥榓nywhere you see you can ski鈥� (unless otherwise marked, of course) casual policy and the lack of requiring us to stay only on groomed (like they do at Heavenly) with both off-piste and relaxed tree skiing gives me a freedom I can鈥檛 find at 90 percent of the other resorts around me.鈥�

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No. 18: Powder Mountain, Utah

If the resort鈥檚 3,000 acres isn鈥檛 enough, there鈥檚 another 5,000 acres of snowcat and lift-served sidecountry terrain at this uncrowded powder paradise.

Overall Score: 7.76
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: n/a
Strengths: Value, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Dining, Nightlife

Pow Mow鈥檚 inclusion in the survey鈥攃oming in in the Top 20, to boot鈥攑oints to the overall trend of people seeking out the non-corporate ski areas after a couple rough seasons at the mega resorts. Like Grand Targhee, Powder Mountain is chock-full of the qualities that core skiers are looking for: great snow, incredible terrain, side- and backcountry access, and an old-school vibe. It鈥檚 correspondingly light on dining, apr猫s, lodging, and nightlife, and the facilities it does have could use some TLC. But readers don鈥檛 really care. In fact, the most negative comment we could find is 鈥渘ot too fancy.鈥� Fair enough.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淚鈥檝e been skiing Powder Mountain long enough now to know how it works and I love the fact that it controls the number of people on the hill on any given day. That makes lift lines easy and backcountry access excellent. They do it the right way and when the snow is good, it鈥檚 reallllllyyyyyy good!鈥�

鈥淭his resort has few amenities and that is part of its charm. It鈥檚 a good ski mountain.鈥�

鈥淧owder Mountain is a great place for easy powder skiing. I would call it best for intermediate powder skiers. It鈥檚 a place for people focused on skiing over anything else.鈥�

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No. 17: Alta Ski Area, Utah

Little Cottonwood Canyon鈥檚 skier-only gem is lauded for its tough terrain, plentiful powder, easy access, and great value.听

Overall Score: 7.79
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 27
Strengths: Snow, Challenge
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Apr猫s

This might be the highest Alta has ever placed in the survey, another nod to the core-skier mountains that serve up the goods. While there continues to be little in the way of destination-resort style amenities, readers are not put off, applauding the ski area for sticking to its mission and keeping the skiing in the spotlight. Gripes increased about parking, traffic in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and more crowds since joining Ikon鈥攖he ski area removed itself from the Base Pass this year to address that鈥攂ut most people are just tickled to find a place where snowboarders can鈥檛 demolish their bumps and steal their powder.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淚f you are a serious skier, there鈥檚 nothing better than Alta. But, if you鈥檙e a serious boarder I鈥檓 sorry鈥攜ou鈥檙e out of luck鈥攏o boarders allowed. The result is a mountain that is stuck in time 鈥� but, in a very good time. Challenging terrain is everywhere and relatively easy to reach, yet the groomers are plentiful. There鈥檚 not a lot of beginner terrain, though. And the snow 鈥� the snow. Let鈥檚 just say that when you close your eyes and dream of extraordinary snow, you are seeing Alta. And when you are there for the 40- to 70-inch storm cycles that Alta (and Snowbird) are known for, just put on your powder cords and get ready to fall, tumble, laugh, get up, and do it again. Lodging is expensive and not very plentiful. And most of it is rustic, which is really nice.鈥�

鈥淎lta is probably my favorite ski area in the country 鈥攖he terrain is endlessly fun, the snow light and fluffy, the lifts are efficient enough, and the vibes on mountain are unparalleled. It鈥檚 impossible to have a bad day at Alta.鈥�

鈥淕reat mountain but far too many skiers for the antiquated lift system. Parking is very limited.鈥�

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No. 16: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alb.

With over 4,000 acres of terrain, Lake Louise easily satisfies all levels of skiers with its frontside cruisers and backside chutes, steeps, and high-alpine bowls.

Overall Score: 7.87
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 14
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Apr猫s

Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful ski resorts on the continent and rivals the Alps in its glorious alpine views. Since its arrival on the ranking a handful of years ago, the resort has consistently placed roughly in the middle of the Top 30. Readers like its friendly vibe, its lack of commercial development (it鈥檚 on Canadian national park land), and its capital improvements, including three new lifts and a terrain expansion. It鈥檚 not the easiest place to get to, but once you鈥檙e there, you have not only this expansive resort鈥檚 4,200 acres, but also the No. 5-ranked Banff Sunshine and little local gem Mt. Norquay to explore, too.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淭he views from the mountain and surrounding area are breathtaking. Staying at the nearby Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a wonderful experience. The ski area is excellent for intermediates through experts but may be difficult for beginners.鈥�

鈥淕reat variety of terrain with something for everybody. Limited restaurants in the 20-minute radius. No nightlife in the immediate town of Lake Louise. If this is what you are seeking then you are better off staying a bit further up the road in Banff.鈥�

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No. 15: Beaver Creek Resort, Colo.

Known for its attention to the finer things in the ski life鈥攇rooming, service, fresh-baked cookies鈥擝eaver Creek also boasts world-class steeps, chutes, and bumps.

Overall Score: 7.88
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 16
Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Value

Sitting further west along I-70 than its sister resorts, Beaver Creek is spared the same weekend crowds鈥攁nd reader complaints鈥攁s other Eagle and Summit County ski areas. While some people commented that the attention to grooming has suffered a bit, most people were pleased with the overall condition of the slopes, the amenities in the village, and the level of service. Like at Vail, people are feeling like they鈥檙e not getting the same bang for their buck as they used to (as evidenced by its low Value rank). At end of the day, though, Beaver Creek remains a destination resort with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain鈥攃heck out the new McCoy Park, the views are amazing鈥攂ut there鈥檚 also some serious vertical that鈥檚 rarely crowded, if you take the time to seek it out.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淲hile I preferred the steeper trees and bump runs, McCoy Park was great area for my fellow skiers to get them excited about skiing trees at a beginner and intermediate level. It also allowed me to get them into untracked snow!鈥�

鈥淏eaver Creek has a wide variety of terrain for beginner to advanced skiers and relative to other resorts is uncrowded, especially on weekdays. The service is always great. BC is known for grooming excellence but on this trip we noticed that there was much less groomed terrain than in the past.鈥�

鈥淚 don鈥檛 mind spending a lot of money for food, but for these prices, I should be getting a grilled cheese sandwich with artisan bread and local cheese 鈥� not a Kraft single in between two pieces of toast!鈥�

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No. 14: Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Easy to get to, with a quick and efficient lift system, Snowbasin and has some of the most underrated terrain in the Wasatch.

Overall Score: 7.91
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 8
Strengths: Access, Variety
Weaknesses: Lodging, Overall Satisfaction

Snowbasin is relatively new to the rankings, having been consistently included for only the last several five years or so. Last year鈥檚 No. 8 was its highest ranking, and this year鈥檚 slip to 14 is likely due to the poor snow year combined with plans to build a Club Med at the base鈥攁 move toward becoming a destination resort that loyal locals might not appreciate (change is hard鈥�). While Snowbasin isn鈥檛 quite under the radar anymore, it is still a relatively uncrowded option that doesn鈥檛 require dealing with Cottonwood Canyon traffic鈥攂ig or Little鈥攖hat鈥檚 home to plenty of terrain for all levels, a state-of-the-art lift system thanks to the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, and some of the bougiest day lodges in skidom.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淪nowbasin offers a spectacular experience compared to all of the other resorts around Utah. The terrain is varied with options for all levels, the food and restaurants are wonderful, and the gondolas are the best way to get up the mountain. I鈥檇 recommend it to everyone I know who skis and to everyone coming into town. It is an experience that makes guests feel special鈥攕omething that is so valuable in this day and age.鈥�

鈥淕reat mountain layout with easily skiable top-to-bottom vertical. The day lodge experience was a bit pricey, but totally worth it. Rivals Deer Valley in food. Great midweek experience with no lines. It is a shame that Club Med is building here, as I think it will decrease from the experience.鈥�

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No. 13: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.

One of the longest ski seasons in the West, an authentic local vibe, and an upgraded lift should land this homegrown Colorado favorite on your bucket list this season.

Overall Score: 7.91
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 18
Strengths: Local Flavor, Challenge
Weaknesses: Grooming, Nightlife

Anyone who skis Arapahoe Basin and has seen the emphasis that management has placed on growing the resort slowly and thoughtfully will not be surprised by its performance in this year鈥檚 rankings. Since A-Basin severed its Epic Pass relationship and joined Ikon, there鈥檚 been a focus on keeping daily skier numbers in check and making smart decisions about capital improvements, like the new Beavers and Steep Gullies terrain that opened a few years ago. Readers approve of the tactics. A-Basin鈥檚 comment section is full of praise for the management, the laid-back vibe, the Beach, the food at Black Mountain Lodge, 6th Alley鈥檚 Bloody Marys, and, oh yeah, the skiing. Because that鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淚f you鈥檙e looking for a place with local flair that feels like skiing 25 years ago (in the best possible way), A-Basin is your spot. Setting aside the fact that I can be there in an hour from Denver, the Basin is a true skier鈥檚 mountain, built for purists who don鈥檛 want (or need) the pomp and glitz of a Vail or Beaver Creek. What it lacks in high-speed quads, the Basin makes up for on variety of terrain, gnarly hike-to options, and the length of the season. On top of it, the food is excellent, 6th Alley makes the best Bloody Mary in the state, and鈥攁s a locals鈥� hill鈥攅veryone is welcoming and friendly.鈥�

鈥淭he mountain and skiing are fantastic! I would not recommend this mountain to beginners, but I would recommend it to anyone who wants a challenge or wants to improve their skiing skills. The beach spots and parking lot tailgates are the best here鈥攖hat is one thing that makes this mountain special.鈥�

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No. 12: Breckenridge Resort, Colo.

Breck boasts nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, six peaks, four terrain parks, and high-alpine skiing like few other resorts in Colorado.听

Overall Score: 7.90
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 17
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Lodging
Weaknesses: Value, Guest Service

In another first for this survey, Breckenridge overtook sister resort Beaver Creek in the rankings this year鈥攁nd the two resorts were the only Vail-owned ski areas to trend upward in the survey instead of down. The two resorts offer very different experiences, but in world where crowds and the essence of the experience seems to dominate, the flip-flop seems a bit counterintuitive. Not to knock Breck鈥攖he mountain serves up incredible terrain variety, a high-alpine ski experience that offers real adventure, and a fun town with all the amenities, including nightlife. So what are they doing well? Readers acknowledged the crowds, but said that they weren鈥檛 as bad as they were expecting, saying it鈥檚 big enough to find room to roam. They also liked the variety of the terrain, appreciating the safety of the beginner pod on Peak 9 as well as the hike-to options off the Imperial Express. A well-rounded vacation experience, indeed.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淔irst time at Breckenridge and it more than exceeded my expectations. I had heard and seen all of the horror stories of 鈥榚pic lift lines鈥� and I-70 traffic. We planned accordingly (Sunday-Thursday trip) and didn鈥檛 encounter any issues. The breadth and quality of terrain was great, especially the high-alpine runs on Peaks 6 and 8.鈥�

鈥淚 really enjoy Breck but the crowding has really become an issue. Breck has also gone out of their way to crush the 鈥榮oul鈥� of the ski experience. Like the expensive version of Wal-Mart.鈥�

鈥淲e had two great days of skiing, enjoyed the on-mountain amenities, enjoyed the in-town restaurants and had an overall great experience. We were able to avoid the horrific I-70 weekend travel on this trip. The daily price for lift tickets was pretty outrageous at $212 per ticket.鈥�

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No. 11: Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho

With two new lifts, a boutique hotel, a savvy master development plan, and an influx of people moving to Sandpoint, Schweitzer is on the brink.

Overall Score: 7.94
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: n/a
Strengths: Family Friendly, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Dining, Nightlife

Hello, Schweitzer! This is the northern Idaho resort鈥檚 first appearance in the annual SKI Magazine rankings, and we couldn鈥檛 be more excited. (Also, a No. 11 debut ain鈥檛 too shabby.) If you鈥檙e not familiar with the remote ski area, you can be forgiven. It鈥檚 been on our up-and-comer list for several years now, but seeing as Schweitzer just opened its first hotel last winter, it could be considered a fledgling destination resort. It鈥檚 got what it takes: Almost 3,000 skiable acres, two new lifts, long, cruisy blues and blacks with lake views, fantastics glades, and a cute nearby town (Sandpoint) for all your other vacation needs. Who knows, maybe the resort will crack the Top 10 next year.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淪chweitzer is the place to ski for great snow, varied and challenging terrain, high speed lifts and short lift lines during holiday weeks. It鈥檚 like having your own private ski resort. The on-mountain dining is good and the resort vibe is friendly, laid-back, and efficient.鈥�

鈥淲e were there for fresh snow, so the expert areas took it easy on us. But this was by a wide margin the best tree skiing I鈥檝e ever encountered! Schweitzer is also a 30-minute drive outside Sand Point, Idaho. All the restaurants and nightlife are there, so there鈥檚 basically no apr猫s scene at the resort itself. But if you prefer to ski, eat, sleep, repeat, I can鈥檛 recommend Schweitzer highly enough!鈥�

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No. 10: Steamboat Resort, Colo.

With an abundance of moderate-angle glades, be prepared for some of the best lift-served tree skiing anywhere, complemented by a charmingly Western ski town with all the amenities.

Overall Score: 7.95
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 10
Strengths: Family Friendly, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Access, Value

There鈥檚 a lot going on at Steamboat these days, and when the , these substantial upgrades will go a long way toward addressing the issues that have come up in previous rankings. According to readers, the main gripe has been getting out the base area, with massive gondola lines hampering the experience, as well as lackluster dining and apr猫s options on the base. The $200 million that Alterra Mountain Co. is investing into resorts will results in new lifts, expanded terrain, and additional village amenities, after which we expect to see Steamboat rise in the rankings, because readers love this place鈥檚 balance of intermediate to advanced powder skiing and its authentic Western town.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淭he 鈥楤oat remains what it always has been: a great hill and an authentic, friendly town, not some plastic Bavaria. Steamboat lacks all the pretentiousness of its larger competitors, but none of the challenge and none of the fun. Steamboat is an annual stop, sometimes two or three.鈥�

鈥淚 really like Steamboat. My only two gripes are that it鈥檚 fairly low, so snow is not always that great, and there isn鈥檛 enough true expert terrain. They do have great tree runs though.鈥�

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No. 9: Winter Park Resort, Colo.

This Front Range mountain has the distinction of being both a local鈥檚 hill and a destination resort, though recent upgrades nudge it slightly over to the destination column.

Overall Score: 7.96
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 12
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Apr猫s

Winter Park has been slowly but steadily rising in the rankings over the least few years, proving that its loyal fan base appreciates how the way the resort is being run. Although it鈥檚 not without issues. Reader comments this year, while mostly positive, harped on full parking lots and traffic around town, suggesting that Ikon access is catching up with the place. But when the offerings are this good, it鈥檚 to be expected. People love Parsenn Bowl and the high-alpine world on off the Panoramic Express (when it鈥檚 not on wind-hold) the ample glades, and, for those who are so inclined, the legendary bump skiing for which Mary Jane is known.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淲inter Park is a Colorado classic! This resort has some of the best dining options (there鈥檚 just so many) and has so many different runs. I also love that there are two sides to the resort which helps with overcrowding. This past year I think they got some of the best snow in Colorado and it kept coming well into May! I would recommend skiing here to anyone because there are very easy green runs for beginners but there are also great intermediate runs and expert/challenging runs. The only downside I faced here this past year was traffic and parking (the lots got full quickly).鈥�

鈥淧arts of Winter Park are simply fantastic鈥攖here are runs that are just perfect for my style of skiing鈥攎oderate bumps, nicely groomed steep slopes, above the treeline bowls鈥攂ut a good bit of the mountain is left as black-diamond moguls, just too expert and consistently challenging to be fun for a day of average skiing. Really good mountain that could be great if it were tamed just a bit more.鈥�

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No. 8: Copper Mountain Resort, Colo.

Thanks to stellar learning programs, lower prices, and a down-to-earth vibe, Copper Mountain keeps skiers satisfied and coming back for more.

Overall Score: 8.o3
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 11
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Apr猫s

Copper Mountain鈥檚 special sauce continues to satisfy readers. Rising another few spots to its best position ever in our ranking, this Front Range ski area manages to offer good Denver-area access without weekend-ruining crowds, thanks in part to an efficient lift system, several different base areas, and a well laid-out mountain that naturally separates skiers by ability. Readers would like to see more inspiring dining and apr猫s-ski offerings, commenting that the Village at Copper has never seemed to find its footing, but nearby Frisco, if maybe not the cutest ski town in Colorado, certainly helps fill in the gaps when it comes to casual dining and a splash of nightlife.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淭his big mountain continues to do it right. Great variety of terrain, efficient lifts, big bowls, easy highway access, and lots of lodging choices. Copper has managed to create a system of interconnected runs that makes for a very enjoyable ski day regardless of snow conditions. Like any hill, a powder day can be incredible, but even on packed-powder groomer days there are plenty of choices for even the expert skiers. All this and the food or beverage prices remain reasonable, as do the options for parking.鈥�

鈥淔irst time at Copper Mountain. The mountain was great, laid out really well, getting around very easy. Snow was terrific for late in the year. Employees were very nice, almost no line at the lifts! Apr猫s scene was almost nonexistent unfortunately. A good bang for your buck for sure. I will go back.鈥�

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No. 7: Telluride Ski Resort, Colo.

From downtown鈥檚 shop-lined Colorado Avenue to the ski resort鈥檚 knee-knocking terrain, skiers just plain love this place, and for very good reason.听

Overall Score: 8.45
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 6
Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Access, Value

A long drive or pricey flight from pretty much anywhere, Telluride has its own natural version of crowd control. (Photo: Getty Images)

Perhaps the consummate destination ski resort, Telluride is another bucket-list destination. The difference between Telluride and other U.S. destination ski resorts, though, is that this is just as much a worthwhile visit in summer or fall as it is in the winter. One of the prettiest places on the planet, Telluride is not easy to get to鈥攁 far drive or an expensive flight from everywhere鈥攑reserving a boutique-like ski experience for those who make the effort. And a worthwhile effort it is: excellent dining both on-mountain and in town, amazing terrain for all levels, and one of the best ski towns in the business. If there鈥檚 a gripe it鈥檚 that it鈥檚 not cheap. Then again, you get what you pay for.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淢ore raw character, local charm and natural beauty than any other resort. Tucked out of the way, it takes time and effort to get there鈥攂ut oh, once you are there鈥� there鈥檚 nothing not to like. Great food and fun, a great mountain with a lot of steeps and diverse terrain and never a lift line. Freshies can be hard to come by, but the mountain still rides well. Truly distinctive 鈥榦ut West鈥� experience.鈥�

鈥淭elluride is beautiful, first class, and pricing me out. I love this place, but it鈥檚 gotten super expensive and difficult to take my family of four for a ski vacation. Regardless, I still go, bite the bullet, live the good life for a week and have the memories to get me through the year until my next ski vacation there.鈥�

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No. 6: Whitefish Mountain Resort, Mont.

This authentic, old-school Montana skier鈥檚 mountain has been attracting attention for all the right reasons: great skiing, laid-back vibe, and welcoming locals.听

Overall Score: 8.12
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 9
Strengths: Value, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Dining

More than any other resort on this list, the comments for Whitefish come from skiers who want to keep the place to themselves. They know they鈥檝e got a good thing, they see what鈥檚 happening to other ski resorts with multi-resort passes and overcrowding, and they don鈥檛 want that fate for Whitefish. Little do they know, telling us not to come has the opposite effect. Luckily, this northern Montana outpost has owners and management determined to grow it slowly and responsibly, so everyone need not worry. Sure, the skiing is great鈥攃hallenging, varied, and cold鈥攂ut what floats to the top for readers is the overall vibe of the place. It鈥檚 one of the few spots where people are still able to live an authentic, outdoor-oriented lifestyle in the shadow of great skiing.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淲hitefish ski resort was simply magical! I have skied multiple resorts out west, and is hands downs one of the most beautiful places I have ever skied. It was also nice that there are green and blue runs at the summit. It is essentially a unicorn of ski resorts-affordable, low lift lines, and an accessible mountain. I wanted to keep it a secret, but we are going back next year and bringing more friends!鈥�

鈥淲hitefish is no longer the best-kept secret in skiing. I almost regret mentioning it at all, but I love it so much that I can鈥檛 help myself. It鈥檚 almost the perfect mountain, with an authentic mountain town that is not the norm in this world of mega resorts. It鈥檚 the best, just don鈥檛 come and visit. Ski elsewhere!鈥�

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No. 5: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

Outsized ski terrain match by a bustling ski city at its base, Whistler Blackcomb is the whole package.

Overall Score: 8.14
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 4
Strengths: Challenge, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Access, Value

The highest-ranked ski area in the Vail Resort empire, Whistler鈥檚 crowning attributes鈥攊ts incredible variety of terrain and challenging slopes鈥攁lways keep it toward to top of this list. And as Vail continues to invest in the resort with several recent lift upgrades in place and , that鈥檚 not likely to change. Its two connected mountains serve up more adventure than you could explore in a season, complemented by two cosmopolitan villages that offer the amenities of a sizable city. Crowds, rising prices, and questionable weather are common gripes, some of which they can control, others not so much. That said, there鈥檚 no way to visit Whistler Blackcomb and not find what you came for, and more.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淪now (and sunshine) can be iffy depending on time of year. Do not recommend for beginners or timid intermediates. Beautiful scenery, abundance of high-quality dining and apr猫s and the best variety of terrain anywhere! Love the pedestrian village. No need to drive or shuttle too much. Can be pricey but well worth it.鈥�

鈥淲histler is awesome in every way and very convenient to get to. The village, restaurants, and nightlife are second to none but can be pricey. They get so much snow. It鈥檚 not as light as the interior mountains but sooo much snow. More like chowder than powder, but easy to float on. Only downfall is conditions can vary widely later in the season and lines can be long during peak season. So much variety and fun though. Just watch out for the crud on marginal snow days after a freeze-thaw cycle. Overall, it is easy to see why Whistler has been No. 1 in North America so many times.鈥�

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No. 4: Banff Sunshine, Alb.

With views for days and the skiing to match, Banff Sunshine cultivates a unique destination experience thanks to that Canadian hospitality.

Overall Score: 8.21
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 5
Strengths: Snow, Challenge
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Access

Flip-flopping with Whistler in this year鈥檚 rankings, Banff Sunshine could not be more different. Relying on its higher elevation to bless it with 100 percent natural snow, Banff Sunshine bring challenging鈥攅ven extreme鈥攖errain to the table but with a far more communal and intimate vibe than worldly Whistler. There鈥檚 barely any lodging at the resort鈥攋ust one hotel, actually鈥攁nd the on-mountain dining and amenities are lacking (there are plans for a new, much-needed day lodge), but readers love Sunshine for everything its not: It鈥檚 not a mega resort, it doesn鈥檛 feel corporate, and it鈥檚 hardly glitzy. Just great skiing in good company.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淏anff Sunshine has a great variety of terrain and had tremendous snow cover this year. The dining was a bit limited, due to staffing issues. Staff was all very friendly. And you can鈥檛 beat the proximity to the town of Banff, with its great dining and local charm.鈥�

鈥淟ike Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine has jaw-dropping vistas and the most beautiful mountain ranges you could ever see while skiing. You鈥檙e literally on the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia. The Canadian hospitality is without peer, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. The lift network is slightly wonky, but there are more high-speed quads here than you can count.鈥�

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No. 3: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.

The four mountains that make up Aspen Snowmass set the gold standard for American skiing, and serve up memorable experiences no matter what you came looking for.

Overall Score: 8.31
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 3
Strengths: Terrain Variety, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Access, Value

Four distinct resorts anchored by perhaps the most iconic town in skidom? That鈥檚 Aspen Snowmass, which is holding onto its No. 3 spot in this year鈥檚 rankings. We know we use the 鈥渟omething for everyone鈥� refrain pretty often, but if there鈥檚 every a place it truly applies, it鈥檚 here. From never-evers getting their ski legs under them at Buttermilk to seasoned lifers hiking Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands, these four mountains offer incredible variety, challenge, amenities, family programs, guest service, lifts, and local vibe. No wonder it scores so high in Overall Satisfaction鈥擜spen Snowmass is the whole package.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淔our separate mountains each with distinct characteristics. Something for everyone and not too crowded. A real community, not just a ski resort. Gold medal fly fishing, amazing hiking, excellent mountain and road biking. Off-piste skiing and great hut system. The airport is so close and down valley towns like Basalt are nearby. Needless to say, it鈥檚 pricey to own a home and renting a condo or home is probably at the high end of the market. Having skied at many resorts around the world, I still rank Aspen No. 1.鈥�

鈥淎spen Snowmass has something for everyone and it never feels crowded. Hard to get to but that keeps it like your own private mountain since there are rarely crowds, even in peak times of year.鈥�

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No. 2: Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Across its 2,026 skiable acres spread over six peaks are the well-coiffed cruisers that skiers have come to know and love, but also perfectly spaced glades, chutes, and bowls, if you know where to look.

Overall Score: 8.40
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: 2
Strengths: Family, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Value

Since Deer Valley ceded the No. 1 rank to Sun Valley a few years ago, the two have gone back and forth as to which resort carries the torch in the skier amenities categories. This year, Deer Valley bested its rival in the Grooming, Service, Lodging, and Family categories, nabbing No. 1 in all four. Not surprising to anyone who knows the place. Deer Valley鈥檚 speciality is making a ski vacation feel like an actual vacation with services like the complementary ski valet at the base, daily mountain tours, and the friendliest staff in the business. Readers felt that the slopes were more crowded than usual, but still oodles better than at neighboring Park City Resort. And yes, while wide, corduroy boulevards are the draw, don鈥檛 think that you can鈥檛 find the goods if you put in a little bit of effort.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淩esort has great guest service. Personnel go out of their way to welcome guests, especially first-time visitors. Grooming is good. Many choices of terrain. A family skiing with all levels of skiers will feel comfortable at Deer Valley. Childcare and lessons for everyone are very good.鈥�

鈥淒eer Valley has more skiers since joining the Ikon Pass. Moving off the Ikon Base will help鈥� and I鈥檓 fine with paying more for the full Ikon to keep my seven days of skiing there. But only because Snowbasin and Sun Valley were added to the Ikon. Otherwise, Deer Valley is the same as it ever鈥� a great place to ski as a break from the Cottonwoods.鈥�

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No. 1: Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Sun Valley鈥檚 intermediate to expert terrain on Baldy and beginner鈥檚 paradise at Dollar Mountain satisfies all comers. And that鈥檚 not even touching authentic Ketchum鈥檚 many draws.

Overall Score: 8.61
Last Year鈥檚 Ranking: No. 1
Strengths: Lifts, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Snow, Access

Sun Valley comes away with the No. 1 rank for the third year in a row thanks to its own special combination of great terrain, luxurious vacation amenities, and a unique and authentic vibe that skiers of all stripes love. Sun Valley doesn鈥檛 boast the gnarliest terrain on this list, nor the best snow (quite the contrary, actually), but readers appreciate this special destination鈥檚 long, sustained cruisers and mountain op鈥檚 ability to do wonders with a snow surface that鈥檚 not always blessed by Mother Nature. Crowds are kept at bay thanks to it鈥檚 remote location, and the move off of the Epic Pass and onto Ikon has been exceptionally well received.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

鈥淪un Valley is a very special place. It is one of the few remaining ski towns with true local flavor and unspoiled atmosphere. No huge condo complexes, no lift lines, excellent ski terrain with comprehensive snowmaking and grooming. A real pleasure to ski here, especially with the constant care of the yellow-jacked guest services staff on the mountain. Because it can be tricky flying into Sun Valley during heavy snowfall, getting to the resort is sometimes a challenge. Once there, it is brilliant.鈥�

鈥淪un Valley is virtually the only major resort in the U.S. that has maintained its rich history and friendly, laid-back atmosphere and has NOT turned into a mountain next to a shopping center!鈥�

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The post Ranking the 30 Best Ski Resorts in Western North America appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Welcome to What You Missed,听our daily digest of breaking news and topical perspectives from across the outdoor world. You can also get this news delivered to your email inbox six days a week by for the What You Missed newsletter.听

Snow guns are working overtime across the country.

From Vermont to California, ski resorts are relying on man-made snow in order to open for Thanksgiving weekend amid unseasonably warm and dry fall conditions in many regions.

In Killington, Vermont, on the Superstar slope will allow this weekend鈥檚 Alpine World Cup races to occur. In Utah, crews are to coat barren trails, since making artificial powder snow is less energy-efficient and the heavy stuff makes for a better base.听

In Summit County, Colorado, four ski resorts鈥擟opper Mountain, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin鈥攁re relying almost entirely on man-made snow in order to open for the historically busy weekend. , there are now 25 open ski trails between the four resorts鈥攐ne more than was open in 2020 for Thanksgiving.

In Dillon, a town at the center of Summit County, the snowfall measures just five inches, compared to 10.9 inches at this time last year. Warm daytime temperatures have also forced resorts to make snow almost entirely at night.

Artificial snowmaking鈥檚 impact on the environment has , as more resorts now rely on man-made snow to overcome rising temperatures. Advancements in technology and techniques purport to limit snowmaking鈥檚 use of water and energy, but the practice still comes with a major impact: snowmaking systems tend to be the largest consumers of electricity at most ski resorts.

Making snow is also labor-intensive, and crews in Vermont typically work five 13-hour shifts each week. Perhaps that鈥檚 why some ski resorts quickly enough to meet demand this year.

And that storyline could receive global attention in the coming months. The upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing will rely heavily on manufactured snow, as China鈥檚 National Alpine Ski Centre in Yanquing鈥攕ite of the alpine ski and snowboard events鈥�.

Triathlon鈥檚 First Black Female Pro

Head over to The New York Times听and read , the first African American woman to earn her professional license in triathlon. The story chronicles Henry鈥檚 rise in the sport, and her efforts to overcome a terrifying bicycle crash in 2019 that nearly ended her career.

The story also examines triathlon鈥檚 struggles with diversity, something that other endurance sports also face. Less than 2 percent of USA Triathlon鈥檚 annual members are Black. One hurdle is access to triathlons. Another challenge听is linked to swimming鈥� that drowning are disproportionately high, which researchers tie to

But efforts are underway to make triathlons less white. Dr. Tekemia Dorsey, USA Triathlon鈥檚 only Black female board member, spearheaded a program to start triathlon groups at historically Black colleges and universities.

Wipeout Wednesday

We encourage you to charge the Thanksgiving dinner spread like he charged this wave.

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The post What You Missed: Ski Resorts Reliant on Snowmaking for Thanksgiving appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 that time of the year again, when Ski releases the results of its annual Reader Resort Survey, ranking the top ski resorts in North America. And after the pandemic season we all made it through, it was anyone鈥檚 guess which resorts were going to come out on top. In the West, where travel was less restricted, many of you said that you made most, if not all, of your typical ski trips鈥攁side from Canada, as borders were closed. That said, we did see a bump in responses for smaller, , and more appreciative comments about them, as well.

Not surprisingly, the West鈥檚 biggest resorts bore the brunt of the frustration from readers, with comments about interminably long lift lines and packed slopes dominating the responses this year. Readers both lamented the loss of skiing鈥檚 softer side鈥攍imited access to the dining and apr猫s facilities, less camaraderie after a day on the slopes鈥攁nd celebrated just skiing without all the bells and whistles. While we anticipate a return to normalcy at ski areas this winter, we acknowledge that the pandemic changed how we ski at the resorts鈥攁nd that some of us are opting not to, with a newfound love of backcountry skiing.

Whatever the coming season will look like for you, we hope you can use these rankings to inform your vacation choices. As one wise reader wrote, 鈥淭here is no one resort that 鈥榟as it all鈥�. People need to decide what鈥檚 important to them.鈥� We couldn鈥檛 have said it better ourselves.

Top 30 Resorts in the West

30. Palisades Tahoe, California

Overall Score: 7.83
Strengths: Challenge, Variety
Weaknesses: Grooming, Service

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What Readers Say

鈥淵ou can find whatever you鈥檙e looking for at [the former] Squaw/Alpine. The combo of the two gives every resort skier the they鈥檙e looking for. There is enough development at both mountains that give sufficient apr猫s options but without ruining what makes these mountain American classics. The appeal of Tahoe will almost be focused around the lake. Doesn鈥檛 matter what is built around the base of the mountain, they can鈥檛 beat the star attraction of Lake Tahoe. They are beginning to turn away the local and semi-local patrons by trying to overbuild around the resort and ruin what makes the mountain unique.鈥�

29. Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 7.84
Strengths: Snow, Value
Weaknesses: Dining, Local Flavor

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What Readers Say

鈥淧erfect blend of family-friendly groomers and wicked inbounds extreme terrain. Who can beat the Utah powder, really? The resort isn鈥檛 crowded, food and such are good and reasonable. Did I mention the skiing? The powder? Only downside is there is really no nightlife to speak of but then again, you鈥檙e there for skiing and with the steeps, chutes, trees and cliffs, you鈥檙e too fried to party all night and be able to hit it again the next day.鈥�

28. Snowbird Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 7.85
Strengths: Snow, Challenge
Weaknesses: Family, Local Flavor

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What Readers Say

鈥淪nowbird is for skiers and boarders. The snow-sliding experience is epic for those of intermediate abilities and greater. People ski hard and crash early so they can do it all over again the next day. There is little 鈥渘ightlife,鈥� hardly an issue for those struggling to stay awake much after 8 or 9pm. For those with less interest in the mountain experience, metropolitan Salt Lake City is well under a half hour away and offers the wide variety of options one would expect in any major city.鈥�

27. Alta Ski Area, Utah

Overall Score: 7.89
Strengths: Snow, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Grooming

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What Readers Say

鈥淎lta is purely for skiing. The terrain variety is amazing and fun for any level skier. It is the resort where I jumped my first big cliff, and is the resort I took my kids to so that they could jump their first cliff. It holds memories and experiences that expanded my skiing reality and love of the sport. I would recommend this resort to anyone. It has all that you need to enjoy a great day on the mountain, whether you stop for lunch or pull it out of your ski jacket pocket.鈥�

26. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

Overall Score: 7.91
Strengths: Lodging, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Service, Variety

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What Readers Say

鈥淗eavenly is beautiful! The views cannot be beat, desert on the Nevada side and the lake on the California side. Most days are sunny and there is so much terrain to cover. The resort has dining options, but venture out (not far), and you will find great local options. Overall, Heavenly lives up to its name, especially when it comes to the weather and views, but it can be extremely busy and you will spend a lot of time waiting in line and riding lifts to get to everywhere on the mountain.鈥�

25. Big Sky Resort, Montana

Overall Score: 8.04
Strengths: Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Access, Apr猫s

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What Readers Say

鈥淏ig Sky was my bucket list ski trip. And it didn鈥檛 disappoint! I love everything about this mountain. It鈥檚 got terrain for days. A true skiers鈥� mountain. What it lacks in nightlight and dining options, it makes up for in terrain. I tell people who want to come to Big Sky, if you want to party, it鈥檚 not the place. If you want to ski your butt off, go now.鈥�

24. Keystone Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.06
Strengths: Family, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Snow

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What Readers Say

鈥淚鈥檝e spent the past ten years skiing in Colorado, and out of all the resorts, I keep coming back to Keystone. It has the right mix of steep and deep tree runs, groomers, and fast access to all of it.鈥�

23. Revelstoke Mountain Resort, B.C.

Overall Score: 8.07
Strengths: Snow, Challenge
Weaknesses: Family, Lifts

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What Readers Say

鈥淥ne of my favorite ski resorts in Western Canada. The terrain is difficult and the double blacks are extremely challenging. However, for an advanced or expert skier, this is one of the best mountains in Western Canada to really push your skills and experience some of the best steep skiing in the West. Excellent tree runs, bowls, chutes, glades, and gullies. Not a family or beginner- friendly mountain.鈥�

22. Mammoth Mountain, California

Overall Score: 8.09
Strengths: Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Access, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淚 absolutely love Mammoth. It lives up to its name as the place is Mammoth! It鈥檚 cool to ride the Gondola and look out to see all the lifts and terrain available. If you want black and double- black terrain, they鈥檝e got it. You want blues, they have that too! You need some greens for the first-timers and young ones, they have that as well. Well-groomed with fast long runs but also plenty of untouched terrain that鈥檚 great for powder or bump skiing. If you want to really ski, go here!鈥�

21. Crested Butte Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.11
Strengths: Local Flavor, Apr猫s
Weaknesses: Snow, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淲hat can you say about a beautiful ski town? It鈥檚 called Crested Butte. This place has charm. The skiing is out of this world with some really dry pow and terrain that鈥檚 meant to challenge you and humble you.鈥�

20. Vail Mountain, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.12
Strengths: Dining, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Service

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What Readers Say

鈥淰ail is an amazing place. It鈥檚 vast, stunningly beautiful, and has terrain to challenge any level of skier. The Back Bowls, especially Blue Sky Basin, are incredible, and are worth the trip just on their own. However, the sheer size of the place can sometimes be intimidating, and for an intermediate skier like myself, it can be easy to get in over your head, so it鈥檚 important to map out your day in advance and talk to some people with local knowledge to get the lowdown.鈥�

19. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.14
Strengths: Value, Access
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淟oveland is old school. Affordable. No frills. In the day lodge (practically the only base-area amenity) you鈥檒l see tables of locals who all know each other. They all greet each other by name. Everyone boots up inside, gets a cafeteria coffee and chats at big round tables. It鈥檚 so warm and convivial as well as affordable. Must be one of the least expensive day tickets in the state if not the nation. Very friendly, uncrowded, old-school vibe. Reminds me of Vermont in the 鈥�70s before base area villages were even a thing. If you want a mellow, affordable, no stress, no frills day that will leave you relaxed and peaceful, this is the place.鈥�

18. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.16
Strengths: Value, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Family, Lodging

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What Readers Say

鈥淚f I am taking a trip to Colorado, I always make it a point to ski A-basin. I love how it鈥檚 a mountain and not a resort, giving you just what you need. Plus the parking lot tailgating is always fun.鈥�

17. Breckenridge Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.20
Strengths: Apr猫s, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Service

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What Readers Say

鈥淏reck offers the ambiance of a small town with big-mountain skiing right outside your door. The variety of terrain, excellent grooming, outstanding local lodging/dining/entertainment options and easy access from Denver make it my top pick for Colorado skiing.鈥�

16. Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.20
Strengths: Grooming, Service
Weaknesses: Value, Variety

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What Readers Say

鈥淏eaver Creek is the best-kept secret in skiing. Just ten miles west of Vail, it gets 1/4 of the skier traffic, with terrain that in some cases eclipses that of its older brother. It鈥檚 the only place in the United States where you can sample a mainstay on the World Cup downhill circuit. I guarantee you鈥檒l never forget the first time you ski past the double-black diamond warning sign that says 鈥楻ace conditions may exist鈥� and plunge over the Brink, not knowing whether said conditions exist until after it鈥檚 too late to turn back.鈥�

15. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Overall Score: 8.21
Strengths: Challenge, Snow
Weaknesses: Family, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淓ver since I can remember or maybe since the first time I saw Warren Miller鈥檚 鈥淪teep and Deep鈥� (which was when I was pretty young), it was a dream of mine to ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. This dream came true during the 鈥�19/21 season, when my parents and I got out there for a few days. I absolutely loved the chutes at Jackson Hole! Even with poor snow conditions they were still fully covered, and they are long enough to have a lot of fun. I can鈥檛 say Jackson Hole would be my first recommendation for beginner skiers, but it is an absolute must for people who are looking for some awesome steep terrain.鈥�

14. Lake Louise Resort, Alberta

Overall Score: 8.23
Strengths: Access, Variety
Weaknesses: Lodging, Overall Satisfaction

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What Readers Say

鈥淟ake Louise has dry snow and it鈥檚 windy so it refreshes most nights even without new snow. You can find dry fresh pow days after a snowfall. The Lake has more expert terrain than the other areas close to home. The avy crew is the best around and the trail crew farm snow better than most ski hills anywhere, capturing our dry snow as it blows over the mountain leaving fresh lines each morning. The views from the hill are some of the best in the world of endless snow-covered mountain peaks. It鈥檚 like a dream鈥攏o really, just ask people who come here from around the world. There is always good skiing to be had at the Lake, you just need to go.鈥�

13. Park City Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 8.24
Strengths: Access, Dining
Weaknesses: Snow, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淚f you are traveling with a larger group, Park City is sure to meet the needs of everyone in your party. The mountain is so ginormous, if you can鈥檛 find terrain that interests you, it probably doesn鈥檛 exist anywhere. The town of Park City has plenty of shopping and dining options. Overall, Park City should serve any traveling group well. With a huge selection of on-mountain terrain, in-town shopping and dining, and lodging to fit any need, if you can鈥檛 find what you need here, you probably aren鈥檛 going to find it anywhere else.鈥�

12. Winter Park Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.25
Strengths: Family, Lifts
Weaknesses: Dining, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淢y husband and I try to visit all the different resorts in Colorado in order to find our favorite, and out of the eight we have visited, Winter Park ranks up at the top for both of us. The mountain has a good flow, lift lines were short, the runs were challenging, but not too challenging. It was an overall great experience as we skied first to last lift!鈥�

11. Copper Mountain, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.30
Strengths: Lifts, Access
Weaknesses: Dining, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淐opper has a huge variety of terrain spread across this large resort, so there are plenty of options for every level. Great, long groomers in both lower-intermediate and upper-intermediate ranges. Limited truly extreme terrain, but even some pockets of deserving double-diamonds in several locations. And much more and better tree skiing than most people know.鈥�

10. Steamboat Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.40
Strengths: Family, Dining
Weaknesses: Challenge, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淎 great family resort. Lots of terrain on the mountain and lots of things to do off the hill. The area around the resort and the town have lots to offer. Great restaurants, bars and a few breweries make Steamboat a great destination. Spring skiing is fun and the outdoor apr猫s facilities are a fun time. They even have live music daily outside. 鈥�

9. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Overall Score: 8.42
Strengths: Local Flavor, Value
Weaknesses: Grooming, Snow

(Photo: Grant Gunderson)

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What Readers Say

鈥淥nce you have skied or snowboarded in Whitefish, you will always want to come back. It is the perfect mountain to ski, snowboard and apr猫s-ski for beginners, experts and everyone in between. It has everything you want and nothing you don鈥檛 want.鈥�

8. Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 8.45
Strengths: Lifts, Service
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging

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What Readers Say

鈥淚 hate letting people in on our secret but sharing is caring. Our resort is one of the best. They work hard for opening day and maintain the mountain so well during the ski season. It can be super busy on Saturday but that鈥檚 because the secret is out.鈥�

7. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Overall Score: 8.45
Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Access, Nightlife

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What Readers Say

鈥淚 love the mountain and the vibe of TSV鈥擨鈥檝e been traveling there every winter for over 22 yrs. It has a feel all its own, and their Adult Ski Week program is unparalleled鈥攅very time I go I advance my skills. Everyone should experience Taos at least once, but it鈥檚 addicting! They get a good amount of snow each season, but even during dry spells the snow is kept in great condition.鈥�

6. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.50
Strengths: Variety, Dining
Weaknesses: Value, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淭elluride is our favorite resort for two reasons. First, the most beautiful ski area, hands down, in the US. Secondly, for the most part, best snow you鈥檒l ski anywhere. A perfect blend of light, yet dense, so you鈥檒l ski better on this snow than on any other. A complete boost for the ego.鈥�

5. Banff Sunshine, Alberta

Overall Score: 8.59
Strengths: Lifts, Snow
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Challenge

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What Readers Say

鈥淥nce you take the gondola up the mountain you have a variety of lifts to take you to several different peaks with virtually no lines. And the best part is your pass only gets scanned once for the gondola and then never again! On each run I can take easier paths while kids do more challenging runs, then we meet at the lift for another long run.鈥�

4. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

Overall Score: 8.55
Strengths: Variety, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Snow, Value

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What Readers Say

鈥淲histler is the total package. You鈥檙e surrounded by beautiful mountains and there is a village at the base of the mountain that you can walk to with nightlife and very good restaurants. Everything is right there. You never have to travel again once you get to your destination. And the snow is typically awesome!鈥�

3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Overall Score: 8.68
Strengths: Nightlife, Lifts
Weaknesses: Value, Access

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What Readers Say

鈥淎spen is a wonderful vacation for Coloradans looking to get away from the closer-to-Denver mountains. Downtown Aspen is fantastic and as a somewhat local you can still feel at home and not under the pressure to buy into a ritzy trip. Highlands is a family favorite, but Bonnie鈥檚 at Ajax is still one of the best鈥攖ake a break to grab a sweet treat and coffee.鈥�

2. Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Overall Score: 8.74
Strengths: Family, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Variety

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What Readers Say

鈥淒eer Valley has been the best resort we have skied at thus far. The customer service is exceptional, the Utah powder is like no other, the food/restaurants/amenities/apr猫s both at the resort, and in town, are exceptional. I recommend Deer Valley, and Park City, to everyone. These are the reasons why we have skied there numerous times and will continue to go back every opportunity we get.鈥�

1. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Overall Score: 8.91
Strengths: Grooming, Service
Weaknesses: Access, Snow

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What Readers Say

鈥淪un Valley is just magical. The village and the Lodge can鈥檛 be topped. The mountain is perfectly maintained and has perfect pitch on every run. The history makes it fun to be a part of. The Holding family are supreme stewards of this jewel. 鈥�

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