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
34
Heavenly
69
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
South Lake Tahoe
West Coast
#
34
in
Overall Rankings
#
27
in
United States
#
3
in
California
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Lake Tahoe area offers some of the most beautiful slopes we’ve seen anywhere. A few logistical problems diminish the resort’s size advantage.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic
- Diverse terrain, including an abundance of glades and intermediate groomers
- Ample mountain facilities
- Size
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Frustrating navigation logistics
- Long, painfully slow lifts in some areas
- Lackluster beginner terrain
- Difficult egress from some expert terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
33
Mount Bachelor
69
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
Bend
West Coast
#
33
in
Overall Rankings
#
26
in
United States
#
1
in
Oregon
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Inconsistent openings for its most unique terrain seriously hurt this massive Oregon resort’s practicality as a destination ski area.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind 360-degree footprint
- Substantial acreage
- High-speed lift service across all areas
- Distinctive freestyle experience
- Easy to get between front-facing mountain areas
- Proximity to town of Bend
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Extremely inconsistent openings for upper mountain, backside, and expert terrain
- No on-site lodging
- Variable conditions across different mountain areas
- Arduous hikes or runouts from backside terrain
- So-so facilities
- Annual snow totals have decreased considerably in recent years
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
32
Schweitzer
69
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
Sandpoint
Rockies
#
32
in
Overall Rankings
#
25
in
United States
#
2
in
Idaho
Nearest City:
NA
Spokane (1.5 hrs), Seattle (6 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
Despite its remote location and modest size, this Idaho panhandle resort offers a few solid advantages for destination-goers, especially during peak times.
Pros
- Standout off-piste near-treeline terrain
- Limited lift lines
- Local feel
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Frequent low-visibility conditions
- Occasional rain spells
- Extremely limited beginner terrain
- Convoluted backside lift setup
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
31
Panorama
69
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
Panorama
Rockies
#
31
in
Overall Rankings
#
8
in
Canada
#
5
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (3.5 hrs), Spokane (5.5 hrs), Kelowna (5.5 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 remote Canadian resort brings impressive vertical and a ton of character, but it may not offer quite as well-rounded of an overall mountain experience as some competitors.
Pros
- Incredible vertical drop
- Stunning surroundings
- Strong lift-served snow preservation
- Available backcountry-like snowcat experience
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lower snowfall than other mountains
- Narrow footprint
- Small on-mountain facilities
- Difficult to lap certain areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
29
Crested Butte
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
Crested Butte
Rockies
#
29
in
Overall Rankings
#
23
in
United States
#
12
in
Colorado
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This striking Colorado resort is an expert’s paradise. Reasonable ticket prices counterbalance limited terrain offerings for other demographics.
Pros
- Extremely demanding expert terrain
- Iconic topography
- Isolated feel
- Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
- Reasonable ticket prices
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Modest, ordinary footprint for beginner-to-advanced visitors
- Lower snow totals than other Colorado resorts
- Hiking required for some expert trails
- Altitude that may be overwhelming for some
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
30
Park City
69
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
Park City
Rockies
#
30
in
Overall Rankings
#
24
in
United States
#
5
in
Utah
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.
Pros
- Enormous footprint
- Terrain diversity
- World-class freestyle experience
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Severely frustrating navigation logistics
- Outdated lifts in some areas
- Lack of truly extreme terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
28
Deer Valley
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
Park City
Rockies
#
28
in
Overall Rankings
#
22
in
United States
#
4
in
Utah
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.
Pros
- Outstanding guest services
- Top-tier mountain facilities and infrastructure
- Crowd-mitigating cap on ticket sales
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Built-up, artificial mountain aesthetic
- Less diverse terrain than other Utah resorts, especially for experts
- Inconvenient navigation experience
- Ban on snowboarders
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
26
Kicking Horse
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
Golden
Rockies
#
26
in
Overall Rankings
#
7
in
Canada
#
4
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (3 hrs), Kelowna (4 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 may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.
Pros
- Snow quality and preservation
- Incredible expert terrain
- World-class mountain aesthetic
- Long vertical drop
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Poorly-designed lift network
- Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
- Modestly-sized lift-serviced footprint
- Incredibly long laps required to ski or ride key terrain
- Much more difficult to reach than other destinations
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
23
Grand Targhee
71
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
Alta
Rockies
#
23
in
Overall Rankings
#
19
in
United States
#
2
in
Wyoming
Nearest City:
NA
Jackson Hole (1.5 hrs), Salt Lake City (4.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Wyoming resort isn’t the largest or craziest out there, but it offers incredible snow and a distinctive, remote vibe.
Pros
- Excellent snow quality
- Incredible glade terrain
- Consistent conditions
- Limited crowds
- Local feel
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- some text
- Modest footprint and vertical drop
- Perennially foggy conditions
- Limited expert terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
20
Mammoth
72
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
Mammoth Lakes
West Coast
#
20
in
Overall Rankings
#
16
in
United States
#
1
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Mammoth Lakes (20 mins), San Francisco (5.5 hrs), Los Angeles (5.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This massive resort offers a highly competitive experience only hours from Southern California, although variable weather patterns may not make it the best place to fly to.
Pros
- Substantial footprint
- Diverse variety of terrain
- World-class terrain park setup
- Breathtaking rock-lined landscapes
- Phenomenal spring-skiing experience
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Variable weather patterns resulting in inconsistent conditions
- Poorly-designed on-mountain signage
- Lift chokepoints at some junctions
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
25
Big White
71
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
Kelowna
Rockies
#
25
in
Overall Rankings
#
5
in
Canada
#
3
in
Colorado
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:
Indy Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.
Pros
- Distinctive tree terrain
- Family-friendliness
- Diverse beginner and intermediate terrain
- Well-designed crowd flow
- Convenient ski-in/ski-out village
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- some text
- Perennially overcast, low-visibility conditions
- Facilities hard to access from upper-mountain areas
- Inconveniently slow lifts in some areas
- Lower quantity of extreme terrain than some competitors
- Ease of travel from most U.S. cities
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
24
Steamboat
71
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
Steamboat Springs
Rockies
#
24
in
Overall Rankings
#
20
in
United States
#
11
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (3.5 hrs), Salt Lake City (6.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
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’s not the most striking ski resort in the world, standout tree terrain and significant recent lift and terrain improvements help this northern Colorado resort hold its own against the other destinations.
Pros
- Distinctive glade terrain
- Snow quality
- Sizable footprint
- Lively local town
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Less striking footprint than some competitors
- Underwhelming bowl terrain
- Ease of access to expert terrain
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
22
Sun Valley
72
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
Ketchum
Rockies
#
22
in
Overall Rankings
#
18
in
United States
#
1
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
This Idaho mountain offers a world-class terrain experience for families, but snow and conditions are not as consistent as at other Rockies resorts. Despite a recent terrain expansion, the mountain still isn’t ideal for experts.
Pros
- World-class family-oriented terrain
- Stunning upper-mountain bowls
- Top-of-the-line facilities
- Lower crowds than other Rockies resorts
- Charming slopeside town
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Less reliable snowfall and conditions than other Rockies resorts
- Very little consistently open expert terrain
- No lodging directly on-site
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
21
Palisades Tahoe
72
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
Olympic Valley
West Coast
#
21
in
Overall Rankings
#
17
in
United States
#
2
in
California
Nearest City:
NA
Reno (1 hr), San Francisco (3.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Two of Tahoe’s best ski areas have now been linked as one continuous lift-served destination, but the resort still functions as two separate mountains in many ways.
Pros
- Wide variety of demanding expert terrain
- Unique topography
- Lively base village
- Top-notch spring skiing experience
- Large overall footprint
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Wind exposure, especially on beginner and low-intermediate terrain
- Serious congestion issues in some areas
- Variable openings for lower-elevation expert terrain
- Impractical lift link between Palisades and Alpine sides
- Considerable access road traffic on weekends and holidays
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
19
Winter Park
72
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
Winter Park
Rockies
#
19
in
Overall Rankings
#
15
in
United States
#
10
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (2 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
Expert
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Although it can get crowded, this conveniently located Colorado destination has a lot to offer for a wide variety of visitors.
Pros
- Snow quality
- Wide variety of tree terrain
- Long, demanding mogul runs
- Available intermediate bowl terrain
- Expansive footprint
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lack of easily accessible advanced and expert bowl terrain
- Crowd flow in some popular areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
18
Keystone
72
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
Keystone
Rockies
#
18
in
Overall Rankings
#
14
in
United States
#
9
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (2 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
Intermediate
To
Advanced
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Colorado resort offers unique, enjoyable slopes and finally boasts lift-serviced high-alpine bowls, but it still falls somewhat short in its lift-served footprint size and expert terrain.
Pros
- Solid mix of groomed, mogul, and tree terrain
- High-alpine bowl terrain for all ability levels
- Uniquely-designed footprint
- Night skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Long travel time to and from furthest mountain areas
- Smaller lift-served footprint than many competitors
- Very limited true expert features
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
14
Arapahoe Basin
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
Dillon
Rockies
#
14
in
Overall Rankings
#
10
in
United States
#
5
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Denver (2 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon, Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Advanced
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While slow lifts and a lack of on-site lodging may turn some people away, this local favorite offers some of the most extreme terrain in Colorado.
Pros
- Snow quality
- Extremely demanding expert terrain
- Lower crowds than other Colorado resorts
- Season regularly extends into June
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Hiking required for some trails
- No on-site lodging
- Slow lifts in some areas
- Altitude that can be overwhelming for some
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
17
Aspen Highlands
72
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
#
17
in
Overall Rankings
#
13
in
United States
#
8
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Aspen (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
While modestly sized, this Aspen resort offers a surprisingly local feel and a diverse, demanding expert footprint.
Pros
- Snow quality
- Isolated feel
- Extensive selection of long, demanding expert terrain
- Iconic bowl skiing
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Modest footprint
- No beginner runs
- Scant single-black terrain
- Lack of lower-mountain lift redundancies
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
13
Revelstoke
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
Revelstoke
Rockies
#
13
in
Overall Rankings
#
4
in
Canada
#
2
in
British Columbia
Nearest City:
NA
Kelowna (2.5 hrs), Calgary (4.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon, Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Advanced
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This one-of-a-kind Canadian Rockies resort should be on every expert’s bucket list, but it feels like it hasn’t been developed to its full potential.
Pros
- Unparalleled vertical drop
- High-elevation snow quality
- World-class advanced and expert terrain
- Astounding views in upper-mountain areas
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Underbuilt lift network
- Half-baked beginner and intermediate experience
- Variable conditions in lower-mountain areas
- Perennial fog
- Nearby lodging in short supply
- Much more difficult to reach than other destinations
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
5
Banff Sunshine Village
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
Banff
Rockies
#
5
in
Overall Rankings
#
2
in
Canada
#
1
in
Alberta
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (1.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Limited
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon, Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This absolutely striking resort has consistent snow and terrain for everyone, although frigid spells are common during the core season.
Pros
- Snow preservation
- Top-tier views
- Diverse terrain for all abilities
- Extraordinarily long season
- One-of-a-kind upper-mountain village
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Occasional extreme cold spells
- Long morning lines at base gondola
- Terribly designed trail map
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
12
Big Sky (With Tram Add-On)
76
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
Big Sky
Rockies
#
12
in
Overall Rankings
#
9
in
United States
#
1
in
Montana
Nearest City:
NA
Bozeman (1.25 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
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a number of logistical problems persist.
Pros
- Snow quality
- Size
- Diverse terrain for all ability levels
- Extremely demanding expert runs
- Breathtaking scenery in upper mountain areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Ease of navigation
- Slow or issue-prone lifts in some areas
- Crowd flow under stress-case conditions
- Inconvenient or impractical on-mountain facilities
- Price
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
11
Lake Louise
75
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
Lake Louise
Rockies
#
11
in
Overall Rankings
#
3
in
Canada
#
2
in
Alberta
Nearest City:
NA
Calgary (2 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon, Mountain Collective
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
While it sees the occasional extreme cold spell, this Banff resort’s jaw-dropping vistas and varied terrain distinguish it from competitors.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic
- Extraordinarily long season
- Incredible advanced, expert, and freestyle terrain
- Crowd management
- Value
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Occasional extreme cold spells
- Poorly-placed upper-mountain facilities
- Slow lifts in some mountain zones
- Arduous traverses in many areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
12
Big Sky
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
Big Sky
Rockies
#
12
in
Overall Rankings
#
9
in
United States
#
1
in
Montana
Nearest City:
NA
Bozeman (1.25 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
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a number of logistical problems persist.
Pros
- Snow quality
- Size
- Diverse terrain for all ability levels
- Extremely demanding expert runs
- Breathtaking scenery in upper mountain areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Ease of navigation
- Slow or issue-prone lifts in some areas
- Crowd flow under stress-case conditions
- Inconvenient or impractical on-mountain facilities
- Limited or difficult extreme terrain access
- Tram access an extra-cost add-on
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
3
Jackson Hole
80
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
Teton Village
Rockies
#
3
in
Overall Rankings
#
2
in
United States
#
1
in
Wyoming
Nearest City:
NA
Jackson Hole (40 mins), Salt Lake City (5 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
Advanced
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation. Beginners need not apply.
Pros
- Extremely demanding terrain
- Snow quality
- Crowd flow on non-tram lifts
- Breathtaking scenery
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Limited beginner and low intermediate terrain
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Force Rank
8
Telluride
77
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
Telluride
Rockies
#
8
in
Overall Rankings
#
6
in
United States
#
3
in
Colorado
Nearest City:
NA
Montrose (1.5 hrs), Albuquerque (6 hrs), Denver (6.5 hrs)
City Name
City Name With Time
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Pass Affiliation:
Epic Pass (full pass only)
Epic
Ikon
Mountain Collective
Other
Recommended Ability:
From
Intermediate
To
Extreme
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
Extreme
Despite its modest size and reputation for extreme terrain, this beautiful, remote resort delivers an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Pros
- Diverse terrain for all ability levels
- Striking resort scenery
- Relatively low crowds
- Unique variety of lodging options
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lower average snowfall than some other Colorado resorts
- Variable openings and long hikes required for most extreme terrain
- Slow lifts in some areas
Pro Con Item [Backend]
