Top 10 Ski Resorts in North America for 2016 is the annual ranking for the best skiing and snowboarding destinations found in Canada and the United States.
North America features some of the best ski destinations that rank amongst the top ski resorts in the world. Each year Ski Magazine publishes their annual results, usually in their October edition. The rankings are based on the results of a survey of over 12,000 readers and have become the accepted rating system for North America Ski Resorts. The Top 50 Results are divided into the Top 30 ski destinations from the West and the Top 20 from the East.
Even though some popular ski resorts may not have made the current list, they are still wonderful ski areas and resorts that should not be overlooked when selecting your next ski or snowboard destination. Many of these locations offer many amenities, including unique pedestrian villages, family-friendly experiences, lodging options with ski-in/ski-out, ski and snowboard schools and lift ticket advance purchase discounts.
Need help finding the ski area that’s right for you? Save time by searching our extensive database of over 150 ski resorts to find your perfect ski or snowboard destination!
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb in Canada is once again enjoying the #1 ranking as the top ski resort in North America. Whistler Blackcomb has claimed this distinct honour more times than you can count on both hands. Whistler Blackcomb leads the way with a unique mountain pedestrian village experience, excellent après-ski opportunities and dining choices, terrain variety and an incredible vertical drop of 5280ft/1609m. Also, Whistler Blackcomb is home the Peak 2 Peak Gondola with 28 cabins that connect both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in approximately 11 minutes at a distance of 4.4km or 2.73 miles.
Sun Valley Resort in Idaho continues to be highly ranked among the Top 10 ski resorts since founder W. Averell Harriman of the Union Pacific Railroad opened it as the first destination ski resort in the United States in December 1936. During its long history, Sun Valley Resort has attracted many celebrities, including Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe. At Sun Valley, you have the choice of enjoying the slopes of both Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain.
Deer Valley Resort in Utah continually leads the way in going the extra mile to provide its many guests with a unique mountain experience. The amenities and terrain variety alone give Deer Valley Resort high rankings that year after year place this incredible destination as one to add to your bucket list. Deer Valley is one of the few remaining “skier only” mountains in North America.
4. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado ranks #4 this year, and it is one of the few ski destinations that combines a former mining town at its base with a sizeable village located up on the mountain. Access to the town of Telluride or the mountain village is by way of a gondola. Telluride Ski Resort offers a vertical drop of 3845ft/1172m and presents a nice selection of terrain challenges; including Revelation Bowl and hike-to-terrain where the snow can be powder deep and the views incredible.
5. Jackson Hole Resort, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming steps into the #5 spot in this year’s Top 10 ranking. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has a vertical drop of 4139ft/1261m and is serviced by a 100-passenger gondola that provides service from the village to the summit in approximately 9 minutes. Terrain variety, including its many bowls, has earned Jackson Hole the wonderful reputation it enjoys year after year.
6. Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado
Snowmass is located near the city of Aspen, Colorado and has earned yet another Top 10 ranking. Snowmass provides access to over 3300 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 4406ft/1343m. Snowmass offers a complete village experience with many lodging, dining and shopping options to enjoy while visiting this great mountain destination.
Vail Ski Resort in Colorado has been creating fabulous memories since it opened on December 14, 1962. With access to three mountain sections and 10 bowls (7 official), your days will be spent exploring all that has earned Vail its great reputation and consistently high rankings. Vail Ski Resort is conveniently located within a reasonable distance from Eagle County Airport. The villages at Vail will provide a wonderful to compliment to your day on the slopes as you enjoy countless dining and shopping options.
8. Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado
Steamboat Ski Resort located northwest of Denver, Colorado near the city of Steamboat Springs enjoys the #8 ranking this year. Steamboat Ski Resort is a four-season resort that opened in 1963 and is now home to Billy Kidd and legendary powder snow. Steamboat provides a laid-back western vibe and hosts a variety of terrain, filled with long runs on a vertical drop of 3668ft/1118m.
9. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Whitefish Mountain Resort located in Montana has moved into the Top 10 rankings this year. Whitefish Mountain Resort has been continually attracting skiers and now snowboarders to its lovely mountain village and amazing terrain variety since 1947. The Hell Roaring Basin area of the mountain has quickly earned a name for itself due to the advanced/expert nature of the terrain.
10. Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado
Beaver Creek Resort located near Avon, Colorado has grown into a world-class resort filled with amenities such as great après-ski options, off-hill activities, outdoor ice skating, amazing terrain variety, terrain parks and a World Cup Downhill course. Beaver Creek Resort now has three mountain villages, Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead Village with 1832 acres of skiable terrain.
