Best Ski Resorts in U.S. for Iconic Runs and Après-Ski Fun

The best ski resorts in the U.S. are as varied as the skiers and snowboarders who flock to them. For this year's Men's Journal Travel Awards, we wanted to go beyond highlighting the 50 best vacations in the U.S. and best hotels to bring you the 50 best golf courses in the U.S. and best ski resorts to serve your varied interests. Each hallowed hill is the crowning jewel of America's mountain towns, offering locals and tourists unique terrain, killer views, and the all-important après-ski experience. Pack your best luggage and bring your skis or snowboards; we handled the rest. 

While all eight of these hotspots are worth a trip, we deigned Telluride Ski Resort—one of the best ski resorts in Colorado (there are quite a few)—as the ultimate bucket-lister. Its unbeatable snow, vast and varied slopes, off-the-beaten trail vibe, and overall experience for all levels make it one of the best places to ski in the U.S.

With nearly 500 ski areas across the U.S. to choose from, according to the National Ski Areas Association, we had our work cut out for us shortlisting just eight of them—but had a blast in the process. Behold, the best ski resorts in the U.S.

Check out other highlights from our 2024 Men's Journal Travel Awards, including

Best Ski Resort in U.S. Overall: Telluride Ski Resort, CO

Nestled in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado in one of the state’s most reliable powder zones, Telluride is high among the best ski resorts in the U.S. Just driving into town along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway—circling around neighboring gems like Ouray and Silverton—will take your breath away. Voted No. 1 in the U.S. for its all-mountain terrain by the On the Snow People’s Choice Awards, the resort has more than 2,000 acres with 148 runs available and averages 280 inches of annual snowfall. That comprises beginner-groomed terrain and hike-in bowls. There's something for everyone at Telluride, including spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and one of the most fun Southwest Colorado towns that could ever lure you off the main I-70 Colorado ski resort corridor.

Best Ski Resort to Avoid the Crowds: Powder Mountain, UT

In a world of big ski resorts vying for everyone’s attention, Powder Mountain is a true anomaly. It's a huge place (the largest by area in America), tucked in the Wasatch Mountain range that actually eschews the throngs. In fact, that’s Powder Mountain's actual tagline: “Uncrowded by Design.” The resort uses a dynamic ticketing system limiting ticket sales to keep the mountain lift line free and its 8,464 skiable acres of terrain is all yours to explore. The mountain has 154 named runs, with a good assortment of beginner slopes (25 percent) and intermediate (40 percent), with plenty of advanced terrain, too. Between limited tickets and virtually unlimited terrain, Powder Mountain is a surefire resort to check out if you’re looking to beat the crowds. It's some of the best skiing in the U.S.

Best Ski Resort for Powderhounds: Grand Targhee, WY

If you’re in search of bucketloads of the fresh stuff, this lesser-known Wyoming hideaway in the Tetons is your secret powder stash. It's just north of Jackson Hole Ski Area as the crow flies, but otherwise accessed from Idaho. Deep in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Grand Targhee delivers over 40 feet of snow each season, on average, blanketing varied terrain that spans 2,602 skiable acres. The entire mountain offers stunning front-row views of those iconic Teton summits and more than 2,000 vertical feet of skiing. Targhee's recently opened Peaked Mountain area now provides new lift service to a former cat skiing-only spot. You’ll barely see a lift line at this “Wydaho” gem, as its remote state border location keeps the crowds at bay. This is the best skiing in the U.S. for powderhounds if you ask us.

Best Colorado Ski Resort for Expert Skiers: Arapahoe Basin, CO

Caveat: A-Basin is nicknamed “The Legend” for a reason—and that reason is not easy terrain. But if you're an experienced skier looking to indulge in some of the most challenging resort runs in the Lower 48, here's your proving ground. Arapahoe Basin offers more than 1,400 skiable acres, nearly three-quarters of which are expert or advanced runs. In truth, Arapahoe’s inbound skiing resembles many other ski resorts’ backcountries. Its iconic East Wall and Steep Gullies are some of the steepest (and highest) avalanche chutes in a state with no shortage of 'em. The mountain tops out at a dizzying 13,000 feet, offering gorgeous panos of the surrounding Continental Divide (and a very good reason to properly acclimate and stay hydrated). Arapahoe Basin’s laid-back vibe is a huge hit with both locals and visitors who can enjoy one of Colorado’s longest ski seasons here. The spring skiing scene at this special spot is also legendary—replete with slopeside barbecues and costumed pond skimming.

Best Ski Resort for Beginners: Okemo, VT

With 33 percent of its 121 runs marked green for beginners and another 37 percent blue for intermediates, Okemo is our pick for the best ski resorts in the U.S. for beginners. This family-friendly spot is renowned for its first-timer lessons for anyone looking to get into the sport. A great feature in that regard is the resort’s “bunny slopes.” They have their own dedicated lifts, giving newbies peace of mind that they won't be attacked from above at any given moment by speed demons tearing down to base. You’ll find great green runs on the upper registers of the mountain here, too, including up on the summit.

Best Ski Resort for All Levels: Big Sky Resort, MT

It's not just the sky that’s big at this aptly named Montana peak near Yellowstone National Park. With 5,850 acres of varied terrain, the skiing is limitless at Big Sky Resort. On a mountain this massive, Big Sky clearly caters to variety seekers who never want to do the same run twice—offering a huge expanse of terrain covering all skier levels from beginner to expert. Averaging around 400 inches of powder annually, the resort is stocked with all the other amenities necessary for comfort and pre- and post-ski festivities at its Big Sky Mountain Village and Madison Base. Bookmark this as one of the best places to ski in the U.S.

Best Après-Ski Scene: Mammoth Mountain, CA

Mammoth Mountain knows how to party. As tremendous as the terrain is on Mammoth (and, as the name suggests, it’s bloody huge), the après culture at this iconic California resort in the Sierras is every bit as big as its colossal ski days. Mammoth’s Canyon Lodge Sundeck is known as one of America’s best après-ski parties, equipped with its indoor and outdoor Lincoln Bar, where DJs blast beats from an elevated gondola car. Red Bull even sponsors a Weekend Après Party here with free admission. Off the slopes, Mammoth is home to the Clocktower Cellar, Shelter Distilling, and Devil’s Creek Distillery, where you can imbibe cocktails and a variety of craft spirits. For beer drinkers, Mammoth Brewing and Distant Brewing both offer craft beer and tasty bites in a lively atmosphere. The upscale après-ski crowd can mosey into The Shed, a wine and charcuterie shop in town offering custom boards as you wind down from your time on the slopes.

Best Ski Resort for Bowl Skiing: Vail Ski Resort, CO

Vail is a yardstick A-list mountain for good reason. At 5,317 acres, it’s Colorado’s largest ski resort by area, with a summit surpassing 11,500 feet. You’ll find endless terrain here, particularly in the resort’s vast and legendary back bowls showcasing some of Vail's most iconic terrain. The seven bowls vary from wide-open powder runs to epic glade skiing. Wherever you roam on this mountain, every successive lift you take in Vail reveals more and more vertical—it just keeps coming. With 278 trails and more than half of its terrain made up of advanced/expert runs, Vail is worth the journey (and expense) just to see the expansive slopes and amazing views of one of the world’s most definitive ski resorts. As great as the skiing is here, Vail's quaint, Swiss-style village (inspired by Zermatt) is equally impressive—lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels straight out of a ski trip fairytale.

Related: Avoid Crowds and Crazy Lift Ticket Prices at 2024's Top Local Ski Resorts

What to Look for in the Best Ski Resorts in U.S.

While some of the more prominent and well-known ski resorts are famous for good reason, they may not be the best fit for you. Rather than just picking one based on its popularity, the better bet is to determine what kind of ski vacation you want before heading for any big hill. Are you a hard-charging expert looking to ski from the first chair until the last lift closes for the day, just learning, or trying to accommodate a broad mix of skiing levels in your party? Or, maybe the après scene at the base of the slopes is more of your priority? These are all factors to take into consideration.

How We Chose the Best Ski Resorts in U.S.

In making our selection of the best ski resorts, we considered a variety of factors. We take into account size, terrain, difficulty, location, atmosphere, and the general reputation among skiers. As a Colorado native, I've personally skied the best ski resorts in Colorado, as well as a multitude of the best ski resorts in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to my personal experience, I relied on the input from industry experts. From talking to amateur and pro skiers to ski resort operators, this is a comprehensive look at what the best ski resorts in the U.S. have to offer guests.

Why You Should Trust Me

Born and raised in Denver, CO, I've been skiing as long as I’ve been walking. As a kid, I started on the slopes at A-Basin, and have since traveled the world skiing at numerous alpine resorts from Switzerland to Canada. I regularly clock 50-plus ski days each season, write frequently about the best hidden ski resorts across the U.S., and have even managed to ski 12 months out of the year.