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.
To show and hide the modal for editing purposes on Tablet:
- Select the filters2_filters-wrapper inside the parent div filters2_layout div.
- Hit the Hide button and it will show (yes this is counterintuitive).
Force Rank
58
Killington
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
Killington
East Coast
#
58
in
Overall Rankings
#
47
in
United States
#
1
in
Vermont
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Size, snow quality, and terrain diversity make this East Coast mountain incredibly appealing, but navigation could be easier.
Pros
- Size for Vermont
- Terrain diversity
- Lift infrastructure
- Snowmaking operations
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lift logistics that lead to large crowds in popular areas
- Ease of navigation
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
59
Tremblant
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
Mont-Tremblant
East Coast
#
59
in
Overall Rankings
#
13
in
Canada
#
1
in
Quebec
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This busy, frigid resort offers a well-rounded East Coast experience and spectacular base village.
Pros
- Terrain diversity
- Ease of navigation
- Modern lift infrastructure
- Spectacular base village
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Frigid temperatures
- Crowd flow on busy days
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
56
Mount Hood Meadows
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
Mt Hood
West Coast
#
56
in
Overall Rankings
#
45
in
United States
#
2
in
Oregon
Nearest City:
NA
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
Mount Hood’s largest ski resort boasts diverse terrain and a reasonably large footprint. High-alpine areas are subject to extremely variable opening
Pros
- Unique high-alpine terrain for all ability levels
- High-speed lift service
- Progressive freestyle setup
- Extremely challenging expert footprint
- Striking mountain vistas
- Available night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Windswept, icy conditions at times
- Extremely inconsistent openings for high-alpine terrain
- Large crowds, especially when high-alpine areas are closed
- Extensive hiking required to reach some terrain
- Arduous catwalk out of expert Private Reserve area
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
57
Brian Head
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
Brian Head
Rockies
#
57
in
Overall Rankings
#
46
in
United States
#
10
in
Utah
Nearest City:
NA
Las Vegas (3 hrs), Salt Lake City (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Power Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This under-the-radar southern Utah destination offers striking terrain at an affordable price.
Pros
- Stunning red rock topography
- Among the most affordable of Utah resorts
- Great for advanced-intermediate skiers
- Family-friendly terrain and areas
- Available night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Out of the way for a ski-only trip
- Short vertical drop
- Later daily opening time than most resorts
- Crowd flow issues during peak times
- Base elevation can be overwhelming for some
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
55
Sundance
63
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
Sundance
Rockies
#
55
in
Overall Rankings
#
44
in
United States
#
9
in
Utah
Nearest City:
NA
Salt Lake City (1 hr)
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
This modestly-sized Utah mountain boasts a striking, rustic feel, but most other competitors offer better overall values.
Pros
- Stunning views
- Low crowds
- Upscale, rustic ethos
- Available night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small skiable acreage
- Lack of long runs
- Limited parking
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
54
Mount Rose
63
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
Reno
West Coast
#
54
in
Overall Rankings
#
43
in
United States
#
1
in
Nevada
Nearest City:
NA
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
Despite its high elevation, a number of shortcomings detract from this Nevada mountain’s appeal as a destination resort.
Pros
- High-quality snow
- Unique glade terrain
- Demanding Chutes expert terrain
- Views of Reno
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Horrendous wind exposure, leading to lift shutdowns and scoured slopes
- Modest footprint
- Limited lake views
- Variable openings for Chutes expert area
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
52
Sugar Bowl
63
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
Bear Valley
West Coast
#
52
in
Overall Rankings
#
41
in
United States
#
7
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Stockton (2 hrs), San Francisco (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Cali Pass, Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This California resort can’t match the acreage and vertical drop of competing Tahoe mountains, but it stands out with trails for all ability levels and an extremely demanding expert footprint.
Pros
- Terrain for all ability levels
- Extremely demanding expert footprint
- Unique, rock-formed landscapes
- Snow quality for Tahoe
- Vintage gondola
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Short vertical drop
- Modest footprint
- Flat runouts in some areas
- Some expert terrain almost never open
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
52
Bear Valley
63
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
Bear Valley
West Coast
#
52
in
Overall Rankings
#
41
in
United States
#
7
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Stockton (2 hrs), San Francisco (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Cali Pass, Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.
Pros
- Varied and surprisingly challenging terrain
- Impressive views
- Isolated feel with low crowds
- Unique and interesting mountain layout
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Dated lift infrastructure and facilities
- Poor resiliency in key mountain areas
- Large proportion of terrain footprint is not lift-served
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
50
Loveland
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
Dillon
Rockies
#
50
in
Overall Rankings
#
39
in
United States
#
15
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (1.75 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This local Colorado ski area doesn’t deliver the same well-rounded experience as destination resorts, but it’s hard to beat the quality for the price on a powder day.
Pros
- Easy access from Denver
- Heavy annual snowfall
- Wide variety of bowl skiing
- Price
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Inconsistent conditions due to wind exposure
- Slow lifts in many areas
- No on-site lodging
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
51
Purgatory
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
Durango
Rockies
#
51
in
Overall Rankings
#
40
in
United States
#
16
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Durango (1 hr), Albuquerque (4 hrs), Denver (7 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Power Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This San Juan resort’s local feel, stunning vistas, and decent variety of terrain make it a strong regional choice for those in the southwest.
Pros
- Striking, remote location
- Family-friendly terrain
- Limited crowds
- Cozy base village
- Free tickets for kids 12 and under
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Modest footprint
- Lower snowfall than some other Colorado resorts
- Some terrain zones difficult to find or reach
- Poorly placed backside lodge
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
48
Northstar
65
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
Truckee
West Coast
#
48
in
Overall Rankings
#
38
in
United States
#
6
in
California
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This family-friendly resort offers excellent grooming and a top-tier terrain park, but expert and above-treeline terrain is lacking.
Pros
- Excellent grooming operations
- Easily skiable woods
- High-speed lifts
- Unique terrain park experience
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Merely ordinary terrain diversity
- No expert or above-treeline slopes
- Variable glade terrain openings
- Commercialized, moneyed feel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
44
Taos
66
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
Taos Ski Valley
Rockies
#
44
in
Overall Rankings
#
34
in
United States
#
1
in
New Mexico
Nearest City:
NA
Santa Fe (2 hrs), Albuquerque (3 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
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
This New Mexico resort is no substitute for the larger destinations, but it brings a distinct vibe that adventurous travelers will appreciate.
Pros
- Superb snow quality
- Extremely demanding expert terrain
- Striking, distinctive footprint
- Intuitive layout
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Modest footprint
- Variable conditions throughout the core season
- Limited beginner and intermediate terrain
- Slow lifts in many areas
- Summit lift rarely open
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
46
Sierra-at-Tahoe
66
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
Sierra at Tahoe
West Coast
#
46
in
Overall Rankings
#
36
in
United States
#
5
in
California
Pass Affiliation:
Powder Alliance
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While it can’t boast the same crazy lake views, striking terrain, or expansive base village as some other Tahoe areas, this moderately-sized resort offers reasonable prices and a local feel.
Pros
- Diverse bowl and tree terrain
- Excellent freestyle experience
- Local feel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- No on-site lodging
- Expert terrain is unpatrolled and subject to particularly variable openings
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
47
Mount Baker
65
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
Deming
West Coast
#
47
in
Overall Rankings
#
37
in
United States
#
2
in
Washington
Pass Affiliation:
None
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While it doesn’t even try to offer a true resort experience, this remote Washington area receives truly astounding snowfall totals each season and offers some of the most extreme terrain in the state.
Pros
- Top-tier snowfall
- Remote, local feel
- Extraordinary surrounding scenery
- Truly demanding in-bounds terrain
- Easy sidecountry access
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Very limited groomed terrain
- No lodging within 30 miles of the area
- Heavier powder than some other resorts
- Somewhat variable early-season conditions
- Terrain, lifts, and base facilities partially closed on weekdays
- Overcast skies most days
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
45
Crystal
66
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
Crystal Mountain
West Coast
#
45
in
Overall Rankings
#
35
in
United States
#
1
in
Washington
Nearest City:
NA
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
Despite some notable lift capacity shortcomings, this decently-sized resort offers one of the most well-rounded experiences in Washington state.
Pros
- Remarkable annual snowfall
- Wide variety of demanding expert terrain
- Available on-site lodging
- Sizable footprint for Washington state
- Striking surrounding scenery
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Wet, inconsistent snow
- Poorly designed crowd flow logistics
- Low-visibility conditions throughout winter months
- Hiking required to reach several expert areas
- Limited or impractical on-mountain facilities in some areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
43
Red Mountain
66
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
Rossland
Rockies
#
43
in
Overall Rankings
#
11
in
Canada
#
8
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Spokane (3 hrs), Kelowna (3.5 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
While it lacks creature comforts that typical travelers might expect from a destination ski resort, this Western Canada resort offers a raw, authentic big mountain experience.
Pros
- Sizable footprint
- Extremely demanding off-piste terrain
- Lack of crowds
- Local feel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Slow lifts in every resort area
- Lower snowfall totals than some competitors
- Limited beginner and low intermediate terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
41
Wolf Creek
66
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
Pagosa Springs
Rockies
#
41
in
Overall Rankings
#
33
in
United States
#
14
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Durango (1.5 hrs), Santa Fe (3 hrs), Colorado Springs (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
This local ski area offers the highest average snow totals in Colorado, although its vertical drop is short compared to the destinations.
Pros
- Top-tier snow quality
- Excellent glade terrain
- Unparalleled early season
- Lack of crowds
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Meager vertical drop
- No on-site lodging
- Limited or impractical beginner terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
42
Silver Star
66
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
Silver Star Mountain
Rockies
#
42
in
Overall Rankings
#
10
in
Canada
#
7
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Kelowna (1 hr), Vancouver (5.5 hrs), Seattle (7 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
While it doesn’t offer the same terrain distinctiveness as several competitors, this Western Canada resort stands out with one of the most accessible ski-in/ski-out setups on the continent.
Pros
- Family-friendly terrain
- Vibrant ski-in/ski-out base village
- Standout tree terrain, especially for intermediates
- Lower crowds than other similarly-sized resorts
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Unintuitive, traverse-heavy trail network
- Lack of high-alpine bowl terrain
- Shorter vertical drop than some competitors
- Limited expert terrain
- Ease of travel from most U.S. cities
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
40
Brighton
67
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
Brighton
Rockies
#
40
in
Overall Rankings
#
32
in
United States
#
8
in
Utah
Nearest City:
NA
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While it isn’t the biggest and can be annoying to get around, this Utah mountain offers exceptional Cottonwoods snow for a bargain—especially for families.
Pros
- Excellent snow quality
- High-speed lifts
- Distinctive tree terrain for all abilities
- Access to lift-serviced backcountry
- Available night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Ease of navigation between mountain areas
- Lift logistics that result in major chokepoints
- Modest footprint and vertical drop
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
37
Aspen Mountain
68
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
#
37
in
Overall Rankings
#
29
in
United States
#
13
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
The oldest Aspen ski area offers incredible views of town on a relatively compact footprint, but the resort could use logistical enhancements in lower-mountain areas.
Pros
- Stunning town views
- Enjoyable intermediate cruisers
- Demanding advanced and expert terrain
- Long vertical drop for the size
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Poorly designed lift system in lower-mountain areas
- Modest footprint
- No beginner or above-treeline terrain
- Lack of lodges on Shadow Mountain side
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
39
Solitude
67
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
Solitude
Rockies
#
39
in
Overall Rankings
#
31
in
United States
#
7
in
Utah
Nearest City:
NA
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
The modestly-sized Utah mountain packs a demanding footprint and excellent snow, but true beginner and intermediate terrain offerings are limited.
Pros
- Excellent snow quality
- Stunning upper-mountain footprint
- Unique terrain options for experienced visitors
- Extremely demanding expert lines
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint compared to destination resorts
- Lackluster beginner and intermediate options
- Limited on-site lodging
- Less-than-ideal lift logistics
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
7
Snowmass
78
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
Snowmass Village
Rockies
#
7
in
Overall Rankings
#
5
in
United States
#
2
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Aspen proper (15 mins), Denver (4 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon (excl. base pass), Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Expert
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
The largest resort in the Aspen conglomerate is one of the best in Colorado, delivering a well-rounded experience worthy of the asking price.
Pros
- Striking, expansive footprint
- Diverse terrain for all abilities
- Considerable lift-serviced vertical drop
- Widespread on-mountain facilities
- High-speed lifts in most areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lift logistics at the main base
- Most demanding expert lines hard to find
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
38
Powder Mountain
67
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
Eden
Rockies
#
38
in
Overall Rankings
#
30
in
United States
#
6
in
Utah
Nearest City:
NA
Salt Lake City (1.25 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 Utah resort’s upside-down layout, minimal lift infrastructure, and significant capacity restrictions result in one of the most unusual destination experiences out there.
Pros
- Incredible snow preservation
- No crowds, even on powder days
- Substantial footprint
- Available snowcat and bus-serviced skiing
- Unique upside-down layout
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Majority of terrain not serviced by lifts
- Slow, fixed-grip chairs in lift-serviced areas
- Less expert terrain than competitors
- Extremely limited snowmaking
- Long journey to facilities from remote resort areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
36
Kirkwood
68
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
Kirkwood
West Coast
#
36
in
Overall Rankings
#
28
in
United States
#
4
in
California
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This relatively undeveloped mountain isn’t for everyone, but its striking aesthetic, local feel, and extreme terrain are tough to match.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind extreme terrain
- Local feel
- Breathtaking mountain aesthetic
- Low crowds
- Snow quality for Lake Tahoe
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Slow lifts in most areas
- Serious wind exposure that leads to regular wind holds
- Many resort areas inaccessible for beginners and intermediates
- Limited on-mountain facilities
- Subpar resort signage
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
35
Sun Peaks
68
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 Peaks
Rockies
#
35
in
Overall Rankings
#
9
in
Canada
#
6
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Kamloops (45 mins), Vancouver (5 hrs), Seattle (6 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
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
This massive Interior British Columbia resort offers impeccable grooming and a family-friendly footprint but falls short in particularly distinctive terrain.
Pros
- Massive footprint
- Impeccable grooming
- Convenient ski-in/ski-out base village
- Modest crowds
- Ticket value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Relatively ordinary footprint for the size
- Limited out-of-base facilities
- Grueling 21-minute ride time up Burfield Quad
- Difficult to get between Mt. Tod and Mt. Morrisey sides
- Ease of out-of-province travel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
