PeakRankings [Year]
The rank-order of ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.
Updated:
November 25, 2024
100+ ski resorts independently reviewed
Expert team with firsthand experience
Comprehensive, transparent Mountain Score
PeakRankings is your trusted source for unbiased, in-depth reviews of ski resorts across North America. We evaluate every aspect of a resort, from snow conditions to crowd management, giving you clear and reliable information for planning the perfect ski trip.
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Force Rank
69
Buttermilk
58
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Aspen
Rockies
#
69
in
Overall Rankings
#
55
in
United States
#
17
in
Colorado
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Aspen’s beginner-centric mountain offers a good learning environment and excellent terrain parks, but the area is otherwise uncompetitive and overpriced.
Pros
- Top-tier terrain park experience
- High-speed lifts
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Colorado snow
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Similar-feeling terrain with very little in the way of challenge
- No lift redundancies
- Best large terrain park features closed to public for large portions of the season
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
111
Big Snow American Dream
36
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
East Rutherford
East Coast
#
111
in
Overall Rankings
#
97
in
United States
#
1
in
New Jersey
Nearest City:
NA
New York (30 mins)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
North America’s only indoor ski resort can’t provide terrain that’s remotely close to a real mountain, but it offers unparalleled reliability, year-round skiing, and a great environment to learn.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind indoor skiing complex
- Year-round skiing and riding
- Learning-oriented slope setup
- Proximity to New York City and suburbs
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Extremely small, repetitive footprint
- Lack of even modestly challenging terrain
- Crowd management
- Commercialized feel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
110
Plattekill
38
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Roxbury
East Coast
#
110
in
Overall Rankings
#
96
in
United States
#
8
in
New York
Nearest City:
NA
New York (3 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
None (some partner resorts on season pass)
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
The Catskill region’s northernmost ski hill offers surprisingly strong advanced terrain, but infrastructure and grooming operations are severely lacking.
Pros
- Exceptionally low crowds
- Local feel
- Strong advanced terrain for the region
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint and vertical drop
- Limited grooming and snowmaking
- Lackluster beginner terrain
- Ancient lifts
- Closed on off-peak weekdays
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
107
Hunter
41
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Hunter
East Coast
#
107
in
Overall Rankings
#
93
in
United States
#
5
in
New York
Nearest City:
NA
New York (2.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
High-speed lifts, reasonably varied terrain, and proximity to New York City make this Catskill mountain an appealing choice on paper. However, poor crowd management really hurts the overall experience.
Pros
- Reliable snowmaking
- Ease of navigation
- High-speed lifts in major areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Horrendous crowding issues on weekends and holidays, even at bunny hill lifts
- Small, relatively basic footprint
- Some mountain areas almost never open
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
94
Wildcat
52
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Gorham
East Coast
#
94
in
Overall Rankings
#
80
in
United States
#
4
in
New Hampshire
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (3 hrs), Montreal (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
One of the tallest, most stunning ski resorts in New Hampshire is held back by a modest footprint size and significant wind exposure.
Pros
- Stunning Mount Washington views
- Long, consistent vertical drop
- Straightforward layout
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Profound wind exposure
- Small footprint
- No on-site lodging
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
108
Belleayre
40
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Highmount
East Coast
#
108
in
Overall Rankings
#
94
in
United States
#
6
in
New York
Nearest City:
NA
New York (2.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Catskill mountain offers family-friendly terrain and reasonable crowds for the region, but a few factors make it a tough sell for those planning a weekend getaway.
Pros
- Strong snowmaking
- Only gondola in the region
- Fewer crowds than some competing mountains
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Vanilla footprint, even for the Catskills
- Scarce advanced and expert terrain
- Inadequate facilities for the demand
- No on-site lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
106
Windham
45
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Windham
East Coast
#
106
in
Overall Rankings
#
92
in
United States
#
4
in
New York
Nearest City:
NA
New York (2.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Catskill resort can’t beat out the true East Coast destinations in snow, acreage, or terrain diversity, but it lacks some of the major issues that plague nearby competitors. Peak ticket values are among the worst of any North American ski area.
Pros
- High-speed lifts
- Ease of navigation
- Strong snowmaking capabilities
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Compact, basic footprint
- Crowds hard to avoid on weekends and holidays
- Freeze-thaw cycles can disrupt conditions throughout the season
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
104
Magic Mountain
46
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Londonderry
East Coast
#
104
in
Overall Rankings
#
90
in
United States
#
13
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (3.5 hrs), New York (4.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This modestly-sized mountain doesn’t have the refinement to compete with the destinations, but it’s hard to beat for the challenge and value in southern Vermont.
Pros
- Diverse slopes for the size
- Demanding terrain for southern Vermont
- Low on-piste skier density
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Limited snowmaking across all levels of trails, leading to widespread thin cover
- Modest footprint
- Utilitarian, run-down vibe
- Slow lifts
- Closed on most off-peak weekdays
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
105
Attitash
46
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Bartlett
East Coast
#
105
in
Overall Rankings
#
91
in
United States
#
6
in
New Hampshire
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (3 hrs), Montreal (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This New Hampshire resort offers pleasant terrain and fast lifts, but it doesn’t especially stand out when it comes to the overall experience.
Pros
- High-speed lifts
- Strong intermediate terrain
- Available ski-in/ski-out lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lackluster snow totals
- Inconsistent grooming
- Limited beginner and expert terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
102
Bolton Valley
47
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Richmond
East Coast
#
102
in
Overall Rankings
#
88
in
United States
#
12
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (2.5 hrs), Boston (3.5 hrs), New York (5.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Vermont mountain is too small and undeveloped to compete with the state’s most popular destinations, but its combination of local, uncrowded slopes and strong natural snowfall may do the trick for some.
Pros
- Strong regional snowfall
- Lack of crowds
- Excellent tree terrain
- Available night skiing
- Easy access to lift-accessed backcountry terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Limited vertical drop
- Slow lifts
- So-so snowmaking, leading to unreliable trail openings throughout the core season
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
101
Bromley
49
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Peru
East Coast
#
101
in
Overall Rankings
#
87
in
United States
#
11
in
Vermont
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While much smaller and less diverse than Vermont’s major destinations, this local-feeling hill will satisfy families thanks to easy navigation and low crowds.
Pros
- Ease of navigation
- Sunny, south-facing slopes
- Local feel
- Low crowds
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Lack of difficult terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
98
Loon
50
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Lincoln
East Coast
#
98
in
Overall Rankings
#
84
in
United States
#
5
in
New Hampshire
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (2 hrs), Montreal (3 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This popular New Hampshire resort offers a competitive lift fleet and excellent snowmaking, but other mountains offer more unique terrain and better crowd management.
Pros
- Strong snowmaking
- Modern lifts
- Wide variety of intermediate terrain
- Close proximity to Boston
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Packed on weekends
- Cramped gondola cabins
- Limited advanced and expert terrain
- No trail connection between North and South Peak sides
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
100
Gore
49
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
North Creek
East Coast
#
100
in
Overall Rankings
#
86
in
United States
#
2
in
New York
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (3 hrs), New York (4 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
New York State’s largest ski resort stands out with excellent glade terrain, but it can’t match the snow quality or on-mountain infrastructure of the best East Coast mountains.
Pros
- Standout glade terrain
- Lower crowds than other East Coast resorts
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lackluster on-mountain maintenance
- Strange resort layout
- Lower snowfall than Vermont resorts
- No on-site lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
92
Mount Snow
52
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
West Dover
East Coast
#
92
in
Overall Rankings
#
78
in
United States
#
9
in
Vermont
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This popular resort delivers a lot for southern Vermont but struggles to handle crowds in some areas.
Pros
- Intuitive physical layout
- Challenging terrain for southern Vermont
- Unique freestyle mountain face
- Snowmaking operations
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Crowds
- Outdated lift infrastructure in some areas
- Less unique terrain and lower snowfall than resorts further north
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
91
Okemo
52
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Ludlow
East Coast
#
91
in
Overall Rankings
#
77
in
United States
#
8
in
Vermont
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This family-friendly mountain boasts modern lifts and a wide variety of groomers, but expert terrain is lacking. Crowding has gotten worse in recent seasons.
Pros
- Lift infrastructure in most major areas
- Wide variety of beginner and groomed terrain
- Size for southern Vermont
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lack of expert terrain
- Lift logistics at the main base area
- Crowds during peak times
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Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
73
Bretton Woods
58
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Bretton Woods
East Coast
#
73
in
Overall Rankings
#
58
in
United States
#
1
in
New Hampshire
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (2.5 hrs), Montreal (3 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Mount Washington-adjacent ski area offers the most upscale ski resort experience in New Hampshire, but its lack of advanced and expert terrain is a serious drawback.
Pros
- Upscale feel and resort infrastructure
- Family-friendly slopes, including glade terrain
- Modest crowds
- Stunning Mount Washington views
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Upscale feel and resort infrastructure
- Family-friendly slopes, including glade terrain
- Modest crowds
- Stunning Mount Washington views
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
97
Summit at Snoqualmie
50
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Snoqualmie Pass
West Coast
#
97
in
Overall Rankings
#
83
in
United States
#
6
in
Washington
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Really more of a large hill than a mountain, this area offers a solid learning environment for Seattle-area residents. Destination-goers should look elsewhere.
Pros
- High annual snowfall
- Convenient location from Seattle
- Extensive selection of bunny hills
- Available night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Wet, heavy snow
- Meager vertical drop
- Slow lifts with no safety bars in many areas
- I-90 highway background noise
- Summit East closed on weekdays
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
96
Mount Hood Skibowl
51
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Government Camp
West Coast
#
96
in
Overall Rankings
#
82
in
United States
#
6
in
Oregon
Pass Affiliation:
Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This small, no-frills mountain offers less crowded slopes and extensive night skiing close to Portland.
Pros
- Local feel
- Low crowds
- Extensive night-skiing footprint
- Advanced bowl terrain
- Beginner terrain off every lift
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Ancient, difficult-to-load chairlifts
- No daytime operations on weekdays
- Limited acreage and vertical drop
- Lower-quality snow than higher-elevation Hood resorts
- Variable openings for expert Outback area
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
95
Eagle Point
51
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Beaver
Rockies
#
95
in
Overall Rankings
#
81
in
United States
#
11
in
Utah
Nearest City:
NA
St. George (2 hrs), Salt Lake City (3.5 hrs), Las Vegas (4 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Utah’s most remote ski area is also arguably its quirkiest, with some frustrating logistics but a unique, local feel that’s hard not to appreciate.
Pros
- Distinct, remote footprint
- Strong advanced terrain
- Low crowds
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- No lift connection from western to eastern half of the resort
- Slow lifts
- Modestly-sized footprint
- Lower snowfall than resorts further north
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
90
Mount Shasta Ski Park
52
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
McCloud
West Coast
#
90
in
Overall Rankings
#
76
in
United States
#
12
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Redding (1 hr), Sacramento (4 hrs), Eugene (4.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass, Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
The only decently-sized California ski area north of Tahoe offers limited lift lines and stunning views of the Southern Cascades, but it’s hurt by uncompetitive infrastructure and a bizarrely-integrated recent expansion.
Pros
- Views of the Southern Cascades, especially up toward Shasta itself
- Surprisingly reliable cover thanks to large snowmaking system and deep snowpack
- Diverse selection of intermediate terrain, including glades and short bowls
- Easy access to great backcountry
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lack of true advanced and expert terrain
- Slow lifts
- So-so grooming
- Separate peaks make for short lappable vertical drop
- Major hassle to get to and from new expansion area
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
89
Ski Cooper
52
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Leadville
Rockies
#
89
in
Overall Rankings
#
75
in
United States
#
20
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (2.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Powder Alliance, Freedom Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While most folks won’t want to plan a weeklong vacation here, this modestly-sized hill stands out from the destinations with an easy-to-handle footprint and lack of crowds.
Pros
- Snow quality
- Lack of crowds
- Great views of multiple 14ers, and near a great mountain town
- Some of the best beginner terrain in the state
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- No high-speed lifts
- Short vertical drop
- Lack of expert terrain
- Some frustrating navigation logistics
- Altitude that can be overwhelming for some
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
88
Cannon
53
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Franconia
East Coast
#
88
in
Overall Rankings
#
74
in
United States
#
3
in
New Hampshire
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (2 hrs), Montreal (3 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While it lacks the most modern infrastructure and sees inconsistent conditions, this state-owned New Hampshire ski resort offers unique terrain and low crowds.
Pros
- Local feel
- Modest crowds
- Striking surrounding scenery
- Extremely demanding expert runs
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Profound wind exposure
- Inconsistent expert terrain openings
- Limited beginner terrain
- Slow lifts in some areas
- Very limited on-site lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
86
Smugglers' Notch
53
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Jeffersonville
East Coast
#
86
in
Overall Rankings
#
72
in
United States
#
6
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (2.5 hrs), Boston (4 hrs), New York (6.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Ancient lifts and lackluster resiliency measures hold back a staple of the northern Vermont skiing scene.
Pros
- Remote, beautiful footprint
- Local feel
- Variety of distinctive terrain
- Reasonably-priced lift tickets
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Archaic, low-capacity lifts
- Lackluster snowmaking operations
- Beginner zone poorly connected with other resort areas
- Long drive from major Northeast cities
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
82
Monarch
54
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Salida
Rockies
#
82
in
Overall Rankings
#
68
in
United States
#
19
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Gunnison (45 mins), Colorado Springs (2.5 hrs), Denver (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Colorado ski area is way too small and underbuilt to be a destination mountain, but several facets make it a strong regional choice.
Pros
- Local feel
- Distinctive glades
- Continental Divide views
- Unique, hike-to Mirkwood expert zone
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint with diminutive vertical drop
- Outdated, low-capacity lift infrastructure
- No on-site lodging
- No directly-lift-accessed expert terrain
- Crowds on Saturdays
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
87
Pico
53
PeakRankings Score
How it works
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
Each category is rated on a 10-point scale, with a score of 1 indicating profound flaws and a 10 demonstrating an impeccable experience in that category. Check all the scores here
Mendon
East Coast
#
87
in
Overall Rankings
#
73
in
United States
#
7
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (3 hrs), Montreal (3.5 hrs), New York (5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This central Vermont mountain gets overshadowed by bigger competitors, but it offers decent terrain and an escape from the crowds.
Pros
- Low crowds
- Local feel
- Straightforward footprint
- Available ski-in/ski-out lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Modest footprint
- Secondary lifts that don’t operate consistently
- Closed on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Intermediate trail congestion at summit
Pro Con Item [Backend]
