Skiing is the winter verb par excellence. But where to ski this winter or even the next one? Do you need some ideas?
With family and friends, if you are looking for the perfect ski resort, we have collected a few of the best (according to MSA) ski resorts, which stand out for their beauty and services. Those winter destinations that have now entered the common imagination (of the skier), such as Tahoe, Colorado, to incredible and less-known destinations where skiing will be an adventure, such as New Mexico, Chile, and the most daring Europe.
Sinking those ski blades into the fresh snow is pure joy for an experienced skier, as well as for a novice. Our favorite resorts will make you discover different locations for the perfect ski trip!
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Where Native North American and Hispanic cultures blend with European influences. Where the iconic terrain on the slopes of Kachina Peak. Diverse terrain for skiers and riders of all levels. From steep chutes and winding glades to sloping groomers and smooth cruisers, this authentic mountain has something for everyone.
Heavenly Ski Resort, California
You start off by taking a gondola to the top of the mountain and it provides amazing views of Lake Tahoe. You can also hop off about 3/4 of the way up onto a viewing platform. A tip for those looking to skip the gondola lines - if you purchase a ski / snowboarding lesson, you get to skip the long line! And you get a good lesson and advice for any level you you are.
Sierra Resort, California
With a Season Pass the benefits are huge, you can bring two friends in half price any day of the year and get good discounts at the stores. This resort is less crowded than other resorts in Tahoe and the snow doesn’t get as icy as Heavenly because the lower elevation. Skiers / boarders are a bit more relaxed here, more for locals I suppose than tourists. Also, about half the price of Heavenly, which is a plus!
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
It is the combination of two resorts, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, and 3 glaciers combined.
Royal George, California
The largest cross-country ski area in North America, Royal Gorge is known for its sweeping views of the Northern Sierra and eight distinct trail systems. Featuring 92 trails with over 140km of groomed, tracked trails for human-powered outdoor recreation spread across 6,000 acres, guests of all ages and ability levels are invited to try classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing.
Eight different warming huts offer respite from the elements and a chance to take a break and soak in the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. Make your way to Royal Gorge this winter to stride through towering pines, expansive meadows, and enjoy stunning vistas that include some of the most majestic peaks in Tahoe.
Mammoth, California
Mammoth has the best and most diverse terrain parks in the country; meaning jumps, rails, and halfpipes. It even has a cornice for adrenaline junkies who like to jump off cliffs. If you are lucky you will get to see their “mammoth” mascot go off the big jumps. It’s location in central California is a big plus as well.
Big Sky, Montana
Rank #3 in the North America Last year, Montana’s Big Sky was number one for size in the US, but the expanded Park City ski resort now overtakes it. Big Sky did something similar to Park City a few years ago and absorbed its defunct neighbor Moonlight Basin, creating an area of 5,800 acres and trademarking it “The Biggest Skiing in America.”
Park City, Utah
This winter, Vail Resort’s $50m+ “absorption” of Canyons Ski Resort into Park City will make the ski resort the new biggest in the US, and second in North America with a total of 7,300 acres. Prior to the merger, both areas were already in the top ten for size in North America: Canyons ranked fifth biggest and Park City Mountain Resort ninth. #10 in the world an d#2 in the north America!
Portillo, Chile
Over the past 60 years, Portillo has earned a reputation as an excellent destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. The snow quality in Portillo is excellent and is often likened to that of the Rocky Mountains. Skiers of all skill-levels find what they are looking for on our mountain and come back year after year.
Squaw/Alpine, California
Rank #9 in the North America and once the tram is complete to connect Alpine and Squaw it will be bigger than Whistler, also in California, is in ninth place with 3,600 acres. A planned lift connection may join the resort with its neighbor, Alpine Meadows. Squaw hosted the 1960’s Winter Olympics.
Vail Mountain, Colorado
Rank #4 in the North America Vail in Colorado was formerly the third biggest in North America. With 5,317 acres of skiable terrain, Vail gives you the freedom of living without limits. Carve perfect lines on the front side and enjoy Vail's Five Star Grooming. Hit the Back Bowls to lose yourself in wide open fields of snow. And discover Blue Sky Basin to feel worlds away and explore backcountry-style glades.
Dolomites, Sella Ronda, Italy
This gem in the heart of the Dolomites take you right through the Dolomite mountain range. The unique “Sellaronda” ski tour runs over the four Dolomite passes around the Sella massif. You pass through the Ladin valleys of Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Fassa. In total, 40 kilometres of tours await – 27 kilometres of those offer pure, unadulterated skiing fun. The Gebirgsjägertour ski circuit, also known as the Peace Tour, passes beneath the walls of the famous summits Civetta, Monte Pelmo, Tofana and others. Two ski circuits with a unique mountain backdrop and a dream view!
Verbier, Switzerland
Perched on a sunny plateau in the heart of the mountains, with its slate-roofed chalets, Verbier has carefully maintained its charm as an alpine village. This is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area – with nearly 100 lifts and more than 400 km of ski runs for all levels of expertise at your feet. A freeride paradise, the resort is a must for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, and its après-ski and aperitifs are a veritable institution on terraces where a cosmopolitan clientele of all generations is to be found.