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
85
Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain
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
Sun Valley
Rockies
#
85
in
Overall Rankings
#
71
in
United States
#
3
in
Idaho
Nearest City:
NA
Hailey (30 mins), Boise (3 hrs), Salt Lake City (5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Sun Valley’s beginner zone is way too small and variable to warrant a trip to on its own. But for those in town already, its unconventional footprint may be worth stopping by.
Pros
- Beginner-oriented experience
- Competitive terrain parks
- High-speed lift service in most areas
- Unconventional treeless topography
- Lack of crowds
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Very short vertical drop
- Extremely variable openings for advanced trails and Elkhorn zone
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
84
Waterville Valley
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
Waterville Valley
East Coast
#
84
in
Overall Rankings
#
70
in
United States
#
2
in
New Hampshire
Nearest City:
NA
Boston (2 hrs), Montreal (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Despite a modest footprint size, this New Hampshire resort offers a compelling set of strengths for those driving up from Boston.
Pros
- Local feel
- Unique upper mountain setup
- Ski racing and freestyle culture
- Convenient on-mountain lodges
- Close proximity to Boston
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Limited beginner and expert terrain
- No true ski-in/ski-out lodging
- Lower snow totals than some competitors
- Upper mountain accessed only by t-bar
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
83
Alpental
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
Snoqualmie Pass
West Coast
#
83
in
Overall Rankings
#
69
in
United States
#
5
in
Washington
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This small resort offers incredible advanced and expert terrain close to Seattle. However, weekend crowds are a major problem.
Pros
- High annual snowfall
- Convenient location from Seattle
- Incredible advanced and expert terrain
- Striking on-mountain scenery
- Limited lower-mountain night-skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Extremely limited beginner and intermediate terrain
- No lift redundancies, leading to horrendous weekend and holiday crowds
- Limited, capacity-constrained facilities
- Wet, inconsistent snow quality
- Perennial fog during peak winter months
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
81
Saddleback
55
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
Rangeley
East Coast
#
81
in
Overall Rankings
#
67
in
United States
#
3
in
Maine
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (4 hrs), Boston (4 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
This remote Maine mountain delivers a combination of natural beauty, empty slopes, and reasonably well-rounded terrain that’s tough to match elsewhere in the Northeast.
Pros
- Striking aesthetic for the East Coast
- Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
- Lack of crowds
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Underwhelming facilities
- Limited on-site lodging for smaller groups
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
78
Stratton
56
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
Stratton Mountain
East Coast
#
78
in
Overall Rankings
#
64
in
United States
#
5
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:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This southern Vermont mountain delivers an ideal family experience thanks to excellent grooming and easy navigation, but you’ll be giving up some snow and terrain quality for the location.
Pros
- Lift infrastructure
- Impeccable resort signage
- Size and terrain for southern Vermont
- Snowmaking and grooming operation
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- rowds
- Commercialized feel
- Inconvenient overflow parking
- Lack of true expert terrain
- Peak-time lift ticket prices
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
80
Dodge Ridge
55
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
Pinecrest
West Coast
#
80
in
Overall Rankings
#
66
in
United States
#
11
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Stockton (2 hrs), San Jose (3 hrs), San Francisco (3 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass, Cali Pass, Powder Alliance-
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.
Pros
- Ease of access from Bay Area
- Family-friendly footprint
- Lower traffic than Tahoe resorts
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Primitive snowmaking system, leading to inconsistent terrain openings
- Slow lifts
- No on-site lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
79
Whiteface
56
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
Wilmington
East Coast
#
79
in
Overall Rankings
#
65
in
United States
#
1
in
New York
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Severe wind problems and unreliable trail openings detract from one of the most unique, challenging resorts on the East Coast.
Pros
- Terrain diversity
- Truly extreme, naturally formed Slides runs
- Long vertical drop
- Phenomenal resort views
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Extraordinary susceptibility to wind problems and lift shutdowns
- Inconsistent trail openings in some places, especially the Slides
- Slow, wind-exposed lifts in some areas
- Frigid on-mountain conditions
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
76
Homewood
56
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
Homewood
West Coast
#
76
in
Overall Rankings
#
62
in
United States
#
10
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
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
While this Tahoe hill can’t hold its own overall against the destination resorts, it boasts an astonishing, one-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic, including astonishing lake views
- Excellent glade terrain
- Extraordinary accumulation in good seasons
- Low wind exposure compared to other Tahoe resorts
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Inadequate resiliency measures for bad seasons
- No direct lift operations in some areas on weekdays
- Slow lifts, some of which don’t have safety bars, in many areas
- Very limited on-mountain facilities
- Frustrating traverses to get to or from many trails
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
77
Sunday River
56
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
Newry
East Coast
#
77
in
Overall Rankings
#
63
in
United States
#
2
in
Maine
Nearest City:
NA
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
One of New England’s largest, most reliable ski resorts is held back by a so-so vertical drop and less intense terrain than some competitors.
Pros
- Size
- Reliability for East Coast
- Unique-feeling mountain pods
- Available chondola and bubble lifts
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lack of long terrain
- So-so expert footprint
- Slow lifts in some areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
75
Diamond Peak
57
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
Incline Village
West Coast
#
75
in
Overall Rankings
#
60
in
United States
#
2
in
Nevada
Nearest City:
NA
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 Tahoe mountain will impress many visitors with breathtaking lake views, but its terrain and amenities are no match for the area’s better-known destination resorts.
Pros
- Excellent lake views
- Superb grooming operations
- Lack of crowds
- Impressive freestyle terrain
- Unique off-piste glade areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small, exceptionally narrow footprint
- Slow lifts in many areas
- Somewhat limited on-mountain facilities
- Variable conditions, especially in glade terrain
- Day ticket prices
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
70
Timberline Lodge
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
Government Camp
West Coast
#
70
in
Overall Rankings
#
56
in
United States
#
3
in
Oregon
Pass Affiliation:
Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
North America’s only four-season outdoor ski resort provides a one-of-a-kind summer experience but fails to stand out during the core winter season.
Pros
Year-round ski season World-class terrain parks Distinctive high-alpine snowfields Rustic, historic lodge High-speed lifts Available night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Resort never spins 100% of lifts, with high-alpine areas closed during the winter and lower elevations closed during summer
- Inconsistent conditions during winter months
- Very little true advanced and expert terrain
- Lift logistics that result in chokepoints and long lines
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
71
Nakiska
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
Kananaskis
Rockies
#
71
in
Overall Rankings
#
16
in
Canada
#
5
in
Alberta
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (1 hr)
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
This Alberta resort offers convenient slopes close to Calgary and higher-quality terrain than a typical local hill, but it’s no match for nearby destinations further west in the Canadian Rockies.
Pros
- High-speed lifts
- Straightforward footprint
- Enjoyable intermediate and advanced terrain
- Convenient location close to Calgary
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lower snow totals than many competitors
- Modest footprint
- Peak-time crowds
- No on-site lodging
- Mandatory paid parking
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
74
Eldora
57
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
Nederland
Rockies
#
74
in
Overall Rankings
#
59
in
United States
#
18
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (1.25 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This small Colorado resort is seriously outclassed by destination competitors, but its convenient location makes it a decent day trip option.
Pros
- Convenient location
- Good snow preservation
- Strong terrain park offerings
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lower snowfall than competing mountains
- Small footprint and vertical drop
- Lackluster beginner terrain
- No on-site lodging
- Extremely limited parking
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
72
Sugarloaf
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
Carrabassett Valley
East Coast
#
72
in
Overall Rankings
#
57
in
United States
#
1
in
Maine
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (3.5 hrs), Boston (4 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon, Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Maine’s largest ski area is a competitive East Coast choice, but it’s a hard sell against more conveniently-located alternatives.
Pros
- Size
- Intuitive layout
- One-of-a-kind East Coast bowl and sidecountry terrain
- Local feel
- Advance-purchase value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Extremely variable openings for most unique terrain
- Frequent wind holds and cold spells
- Ordinary-feeling terrain on main resort face
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
68
Sugarbush
59
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
Warren
East Coast
#
68
in
Overall Rankings
#
54
in
United States
#
4
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (3 hrs), Boston (3.5 hrs), New York (5.5 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 charming Vermont resort offers diverse, demanding terrain and a local feel. However, the best expert runs aren’t always o
Pros
- Diverse terrain, including demanding expert and backcountry runs
- Breathtaking mountain aesthetic
- Local feel
- Long East Coast vertical drop
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lack of snowmaking on some trails, especially expert terrain
- Limited beginner terrain
- Long distance between the two resort sides
- Lift ticket pricing, especially for kids
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
67
China Peak
59
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
Lakeshore
West Coast
#
67
in
Overall Rankings
#
53
in
United States
#
9
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Fresno (1.5 hrs), Bakersfield (3 hrs), San Francisco (4.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass, Cali Pass, Powder Alliance-
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.
Pros
- Low crowds
- Sunny slopes
- Solid intermediate-to-advanced terrain for the size
- Easy access from Fresno
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Slow lifts
- Limited beginner terrain
- Variable snowfall totals
- Lift ticket prices
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
66
Jay Peak
59
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
Jay
East Coast
#
66
in
Overall Rankings
#
52
in
United States
#
3
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (2 hrs), Boston (4 hrs), New York (6.5 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
Vermont’s northernmost resort offers class-leading snow and expert terrain, but resiliency issues hurt it against more convenient competitors.
Pros
- Top-tier East Coast snow accumulation
- Excellent glade terrain
- Extraordinary expert chutes
- Striking footprint
- Fewer crowds than resorts further south
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Frequent wind holds
- Lackluster snowmaking and grooming
- Extraordinary cold spells throughout the core season
- Slow or uncomfortable lift rides aside from tram
- Long drive from major metropolitan areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
64
Mount Norquay
59
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
Banff
Rockies
#
64
in
Overall Rankings
#
15
in
Canada
#
4
in
Alberta
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (1.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Banff’s town hill is way too small to be a destination in its own right, but it offers a local vibe and empty slopes.
Pros
- Local feel
- Incredible views
- Lack of crowds
- Sheltered footprint
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Lack of extreme and high-alpine terrain
- Limited intermediate terrain
- Less consistent late season than other nearby resorts
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
65
Stevens Pass
59
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
Skykomish
West Coast
#
65
in
Overall Rankings
#
51
in
United States
#
4
in
Washington
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Despite limited parking and a short vertical drop, this modestly-sized Washington ski area punches above its weight thanks to generous accumulation and demanding terrain. Clear skies are rare due to perennial fog.
Pros
- Generous snow accumulation
- Diverse advanced and expert terrain
- Competitive terrain park experience
- Available night skiing
- Local feel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Perennial foggy, low-visibility conditions
- No on-site lodging
- Limited parking and inconvenient overflow lots
- Short vertical drop
- Very little beginner terrain
- Limited on-mountain facilities outside base area
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
49
Fernie
64
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
Fernie
Rockies
#
49
in
Overall Rankings
#
12
in
Canada
#
9
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (3 hrs), Spokane (4.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
It’s hard not to love this remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.
Pros
- Incredible snow quality on good days
- Distinctive high-alpine bowl terrain
- Striking, remote footprint
- Non-existent lift lines outside holidays
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Variable conditions, especially in March
- Lackluster lift network
- Outdated facilities
- Resort summit almost never open
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
27
Whitefish
70
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
Whitefish
Rockies
#
27
in
Overall Rankings
#
21
in
United States
#
2
in
Montana
Nearest City:
NA
Kalispell (30 mins), Spokane (5 hrs), Calgary (5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This northern Montana resort isn’t the biggest out there, but as far as independent ski resorts go, it’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Distinctive glade terrain
- Reasonable crowds
- Lively nearby town
- Available night skiing
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Perennial low-visibility conditions
- Modest vertical compared to other destinations
- Flat terrain in certain areas
- Occasional extreme cold spells
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Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
63
Snow King
60
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
Jackson
Rockies
#
63
in
Overall Rankings
#
50
in
United States
#
3
in
Wyoming
Nearest City:
NA
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
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 small, local Wyoming resort offers cheap lift tickets and demanding slopes—and has seen significant revitalization for the 2021-22 season. But a number of shortcomings still make the mountain less than ideal for beginner and intermediate visitors.
Pros
- Formidable tree and mogul terrain
- Local feel
- Spectacular town views
- Low lift ticket prices
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
- Inconsistent snow conditions on back side
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
15
Breckenridge
73
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
Breckenridge
Rockies
#
15
in
Overall Rankings
#
11
in
United States
#
6
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (2.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Expert
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This high-elevation resort offers diverse terrain, including conveniently accessible alpine bowls. However, the altitude and navigation logistics will be overwhelming for some.
Pros
- Terrain diversity
- Conveniently accessible high-alpine bowls
- Well-placed mountain facilities
- Lively town
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Ease of navigation
- High wind exposure in some areas
- Altitude that can be overwhelming for some
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
62
Kimberley
60
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
Kimberley
Rockies
#
62
in
Overall Rankings
#
14
in
Canada
#
10
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Spokane (4 hrs), Calgary (4.5 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 Western Canada resort doesn’t have the footprint or snow totals to compete with the best destinations, but it offers a great value and family-friendly setup.
Pros
- Family-friendly terrain
- Straightforward footprint
- Low crowds
- Ticket and nearby accommodation value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Modestly-sized, ordinary footprint
- Lower snowfall totals than competitors
- Misleadingly difficult beginner terrain
- Ease of travel from most U.S. cities
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
60
Stowe
61
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
Stowe
East Coast
#
60
in
Overall Rankings
#
48
in
United States
#
2
in
Vermont
Nearest City:
NA
Montreal (2.5 hrs), Boston (3.5 hrs), New York (6 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Despite a few logistical flaws, this classic Vermont resort holds its own against the best on the East Coast.
Pros
- Demanding expert terrain
- Snow quality for Vermont
- Modern lifts in most major areas
- Ease of navigation
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Crowd flow
- Impractically placed Mansfield base facilities
Pro Con Item [Backend]
