World's 50 Best Ski Resorts

This resort is valued for its variety of terrains suitable for every level skier. The mountain has five interconnected peaks providing a chance to ski anything from steep runs and difficult bumps to groomed trails for beginners. Many people's favorites are the alpine coaster and alpine slides. The resort is known for being very family-friendly. It has ski and snowboarding schools that offer lessons, women's programs, guides, camps and other special deals. The wide open runs and the resort's 2,358 acres of terrain across four mountains bring thousands of people every season. The place has a lot of history. Breckenridge was the first ski resort in the state to allow snowboarding and it hosted the World Snowboard Championships in 1986.

What people love about Vail is that even the newbies can go to the top of the mountain and ski down. The best snow is there and the resort has a lot of different green runs. This is a bit unusual because the learning areas of almost all mountains are at the base. The resort is huge. It is among the largest in the world with more than 5,200 acres of developed ski and snowboard terrain, including seven legendary Back Bowls. They are the best option to escape the crowds. The north facing Blue Sky Basin is also very quiet and has endless backcountry trails, in addition to its many advanced terrains. The resort leaves some of its land totally ungroomed for the most advanced skiers out there.

El Nino is affecting the winter season in California and it's making it awesome. There is more and more snow covering the already spacious terrain. Skiers and snowboarders appreciate the lift system which easily connects the different peaks on the mountain. Mammoth Mountain is very high – 11,060 feet – which makes the snow season longer than many other places. It lasts until June! The resort gets more than 400 inches of snow and 300+ days of sunshine a year. This well-developed location is a bit out of the way but that makes it ideal for people who want to escape huge masses of people. Bonus: The resort is near the world-famous Yosemite National Park.

Deer Valley is known for its world-class customer service. People like the fact that they are treated like royalty when they visit. The staff's goal is to make your life easy. Families visit because of the friendly environment and skiers love the après culture. The resort has been voted the best one in the country several times by the World Ski Awards. Deer Valley has great powder snow. The resort is a niche in the ski market because it's only for skiing. Snowboarding is banned. Many skiers love the fact that they don't have to constantly look around for possible "flying objects." Deer Valley includes six mountains for all levels. There are plenty of glades, moguls, and bowls for advanced skiers. Powder skiing fans love the cat skiing at Park City Powder Cats.

Jackson Hole, home to the Corbet's Couloir, an extremely popular expert ski run, is one of the most famous ski resorts in the country. It was named North America's No. 1 Ski Resort in 2013 by SKI magazine. The challenging terrain is what attracts most skiers of intermediate and advanced levels. In fact, half of the runs are only for experts. The resort, the nickname of which is "The Big one," is on many skiers' bucket lists. The place has about 4,100 vertical feet of skiing. Even the cat tracks are all marked intermediate. Backcountry skiing doesn't get much better than at Jackson Hole. The view is gorgeous anywhere you turn. The resort has everything – trees, bumps, bowls, cliffs, groomers... Jackson Hole is considered high-end but also reasonably priced.

Sun Valley is a historic resort. Locals are proud of it for being the first to offer a chairlift and the first "modern" ski destination in the country. The Bald Mountain, which has a lot of challenging bowls and glades off the peak, is where most visitors go. The Dollar Mountain has a 22-foot superpipe. It is more beginners-friendly because the trails have no trees. People love the fact that the resort has some very, very long runs. You get to enjoy the ride down for a while before you have to head back to the lift. There are a lot of opportunities for off-piste skiing, and the snow is always perfect.

The Aspen-Snowmass resort complex is loved for offering many options for all levels of skiers. The terrains are easily accessible via runs or lifts, which are pretty fast. Families love to go there because the resort offers many different classes for adults and children. Couples and single people love it because of its proximity to Aspen (and its awesome nightlife). The higher you go up the mountain, the less crowded it gets. Snowmass has the most blue runs, bowls and tree skiing. People like "America's original downhill run" – Ruthies Run – which can take you all the day to Aspen. It's very fast. Skiers like to go on Ajax because there are no green runs, hence, few newbies. Cross-country skiing is visitors' favorite. They have the opportunity to ski 60 miles of trails connecting Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt.

Telluride is known for the resort's overall terrain and best lift infrastructure. There are 18 lifts, two of which are high-speed gondolas. Seven are high-speed quads. People love the runs because they take your straight to the charming old town of Telluride. The runs themselves are equally pleasant. The Revelation Bowl is fairly new – it was opened in 2008 – but is quickly becoming the attraction for experts. The ski area is more than 2,000 acres (810 hectares) in size. The trails are usually so big and wide, they feel empty.

The name gives it away but the Big Sky resort is really, really BIG. The terrain on which you can ski is the largest in the state – 3,832 acres. The vertical drop is 4,366 feet, one of the biggest in the country and North America. Some call the resort "the biggest place you've never skied." It's fairly remote and quiet. Big Sky is among the least crowded ski destinations in the U.S. If you go on a Wednesday, for example, you may encounter only a few people along the runs. Most visitors go ski the Lone Peak Tram. Go to the Challenger lift bordering Moonlight Basin if the line is long. The terrain is pretty much the same. Big Sky has historically been a favorite location for intermediate skiers, but the resort has added steeps, chutes and cliffs, making it popular with more-experienced skiers as well.

Kirkwood is preferred by many for the snow quality. It's very light and dry because of the resort's location atop the Sierra Crust. Advanced skiers prefer Kirkwood (and Mammoth) if they are in the Tahoe area. They love it for its diverse terrain – plenty of long and narrow hills at the top. The resort has a lot of nice medium-steep terrains too. The atmosphere is generally quiet so everyone feels at home. Most of the people who go there are ski enthusiasts, who just want a great terrain. The resort is not very close to other populated areas, so traffic is not a problem.

Jay Peak gets a lot of snow – about 370 inches on average a year. The resort is, not surprisingly, known for its great powder. A popular attraction is the aerial tram. It's the only one in the state and can get 60 people to the summit in seven minutes. You can ski 78 trails on 385 acres of available terrain. About a third of them are idea for backcountry. The glades are famous there because they hold awesome snow after a storm. Many are perfect for beginners because they are quite wide. Tree skiing at Jay offers remarkable views. Backcountry skiers love to go there.  Jay Peak was featured in the SKI Mag Resort Guide in the Top 20 Eastern Ski Resorts, Best Challenge, Best Character, Best Dining, Best Lodging, Best Off-Hill Activities, Best Overall Satisfaction, and Best Terrain Variety.

Freeskiers love Squaw Valley for its terrain. The more adventurous visitors like it because the ski ground can change quickly but not abruptly. The resort hosted the 1960 Olympic winter games so you know it has the goods. The resort has more than 3,600 acres of skiable terrain. The bowls near the top have no trees so you can ski down freely in a very wide open space. Extreme skiers love the Squaw Valley for its many black and double black trails. They take up about 30 percent. The resort sees very few cloudy days. It's in California after all. Bonus: The bars and restaurants in the village vary significantly so everyone can find something they like.

Killington, the nickname of which is "the Beast of the East," is the largest ski resort in the East Coast. You can find everything there whether you've never skied before or have done it for 30 years. The resort is home to the largest vertical drop in New England – 3,050 feet. Killington includes six mountains with a total of 155 downhill trees. The longest one, which is also the longest in the eastern part of the country, Juggernaut, is 6.2 miles. It's a green run so you can enjoy it with anyone. Bonus: Skiing at Killington lets you see majestic views of five neighboring states, mountains and Canada.

Snowbird is known for its off-piste terrain, as well as its expert and extreme ski ground. Many of the runs are very steep and narrow. The best snow in the state is found there. Visitors love going to the resort for its many après opportunities. The trail breakdown is pretty even so no one feels excluded: 27 percent beginner, 38 percent intermediate and 35 percent advanced. Fresh snow is almost guaranteed all the time because the average amount of snow on the mountain is 500 inches a year.

The fact that cars' license plates have the "Greatest Snow on Earth" written on them should be a hint. It's light, dry and plenty. People give the resort five stars in all categories – from family-friendly to overall value and expert runs. The vibe there is very energetic. Park City has a lot of blue-square groomers. More adventurous skiers like the moguls. Families like it because the kids' groups are never more than five children, so everyone can get a lot of attention. Park City is the only resort with lift access directly to the town's historic Main Street.

Mount Snow is top rated for its terrain park in the picturesque Green Mountains of southern Vermont. The resort has 80 trails, and most of them are blue. Beginners are happy there, too, because they get to ski on easy terrains starting from the 3,600-foot summit and finishing down at the base. The resort's most famous attraction is the Carinthia, a huge area only for terrain parks. They have all kinds of jumps, rails, and a superpipe. You can count on having lots of snow because the resort has one of the best snowmaking systems in the business.

The ski resort is known for its perfect low-moisture snow – it has about 5 percent water content – and beginners' terrain. People who are new to skiing go there to learn. Intermediate slopes are also well-praised. Being one of the oldest ski resorts in the country (it opened in 1939), it insists on keeping up with traditions. Snowboarders are not allowed. Skiers enjoy 2,200 acres, 116 trails and plenty of off-piste powder runs. You can't expect to find rough terrain there. Snowbird is connected to Alta so you can easily ski in between.

People like the après ski activities as much as they love the terrain. Stowe is known for its high-end vibe. Regardless, many visitors go because they say the money is worth it. The Stowe Mountain Lodge is a 312-room luxury hotel and spa that has been recognized as one of the greenest, most sustainable luxury hotels in the world. The resort includes two mountain peaks – Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Skiers have a lot of choices – 116 trails. Three-quarters of them are designed for intermediate and expert levels. Adrenaline-seekers can go to the freestyle terrain parks.

Whatever you imagine you can see or do while skiing, Heavenly most likely has it. People appreciate the resort for the astonishing views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada they get to enjoy while skiing through California and Nevada. The park is open until April thanks to its snowmaking system. It covers more than 70 percent of the area. People choose among 100 trails in 4,800 acres of ski and snowboard terrain. The resort gets crowded sometimes but it has a lot of fast lifts to make people as comfortable as possible.

Beaver Creek is one of the best resorts in the country for families. The resort is also known for being "The Ivy League of Ski Schools." Advanced skiers should not despair; there is plenty runs they can challenge themselves on. The resort has 1,815 acres of skiable terrain. Half of it is dedicated to new and intermediate skiers. Visitors love the Beaver Creek Village because of its enthusiastic feel and lots of shops and restaurants.

Whiteface Mountain outside Lake Placid is often overlooked. This is a good thing because skiers don't have to deal with masses of people. The conditions are very good. Most visitors like the place because of its family-friendly activities as well as trails for beginners. Intermediate and advanced skiers are not complaining either. The resort has the largest vertical drop (3,430 feet) of any destination east of the Rockies. Some of the runs are very long and most are quite challenging. Lift lines are a rarity.

Among other things, people like the pricing – $80 for an adult and access to plenty of skiable acres. Visitors have ranked Grand Targhee high for its off-piste runs, snow, challenging trails and (no) crowds. Most skiers go there to enjoy some of the best intermediate trails and deep snow. The resort is also known for its stunning scenery, backcountry access and cat skiing. Bonus: Grand Targhee is just about 10 miles away from Grand Teton.

Timberline is known for its blue terrains. About half of the resort's trails are designed for skiers advancing to intermediate level. The resort boasts about 3,690 vertical feet (the most in all of the Pacific Northwest). People love it for its overall value. You can access more than 1,400 skiable acres for $68 for adults. Mt. Hood, where sunscreen is distributed at the entry, is better known among advanced skiers. The runs are longer than Timberline's by about 1.5 miles. The terrains also offer a little more variety. People love going night boarding there.

Solitude is great for powder hounds. The snow is wonderfully deep. Most of the slopes are for beginners and intermediates, so, it's no wonder, the resort attracts many families. It is not very popular, even though it's just about 30 miles away from Salt Lake City, compared to other better known places in the area. But that just means that you'll have the runs pretty much all to yourself. Bonus: There are two swimming pools outside you can jump into to relax after a long day of skiing.

Locals call it Smuggs. Most of the 78 trails in the resort are blue, making Smugglers' Notch among the most preferred ones by families.  Experts get to enjoy some difficult runs too, including the triple-black-diamond run Black Hole, which is also the only one in the East. Cross-country skiers go to Smuggs because it offers them 18 miles of trails. Bonus: Visitors say that the best time to go is in March.

With six incredible terrain parks, 2,000 acres and 46 trails I can assure you, you will not be disappointed at Sierra-at-Tahoe! This resort features the only halfpipe in South Lake Tahoe. Take group and private lessons to enhance your skills. Women have the option to partake in women's camps and kids are offered private and group lessons as well!  *Bonus: They offer tubing, a snow-play area and four adventure zones just for kids!

For the ultimate winter adventure visit Brighton, Utah! Brighton is not just for skiing, they take pride in offering 100% of their mountains terrain to high speed quads! But if you are there just for skiing, enjoy 1,050 acres and 1,875 vertical feet of slopes.  Brighton also offers, bus transportation, high quality ski and snowboard rentals, lockers to store your personal belongings and the option to sign up for ski and snowboard school. Bonus: They offer 22 runs of night skiing!

Go Nordic skiing and explore four different terrain parks at Snowbasin resort. They offer a large amount of Nordic trails, along with, tubing, lodging and group discounts. Stay at Lakeside Resort Properties, Ben Lomond Suites, or Canyon Pines Best Western Plus. Plan your child's birthday party at Snowbasin. Take their friends tubing! Or, get your all day tubing pass for only $30. Are you new to skiing? Maybe you want to enhance your skills. Snowbasin also offers adult and youth lessons. 

Okemo Mountain Resort has some of the most innovative parks in the region. Work with a professional instructor at their ski and ride school. Take group lessons, private lessons, join women's programs and place your kids in their children's programs. They also offer season-long children's programs and a seasonal program for advanced riders called AmplitudePLUS. Okemo provides you with the chance to go skpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. *Bonus: Ride their Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster for an enjoyable ride through the alpine forests.

Keystone is offering you a chance to ski on the largest mountain in Summit County. They have 3,148 skiable acres, 20 lifts and the largest night skiing operation in all of Colorado! The resort has a luxury spa, an ice-skating rink and on-and-off mountain dining venues. Take private or group lessons at their ski and ride school. They offer lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Stay at East Keystone if you are looking for a vacation rental, or stay at Mountain House for a close proximity to the children's ski school, dining and shopping.

Italy is the home of numerous World Cup Nordic Skiing Championships. In 1956 Cortina d' Ampezzo hosted the first Italian Winter Olympic Games. They have a variety of ski lifts and guarantee a long ski season due to their snowmaking capabilities. They offer a vast amount of shopping, ranging from high fashion, to artisans' shops and antiques stores. Enjoy delicious meals at 14 Michelin starred restaurants and when you are looking to relax, get a beauty treatment in their SPA area.

Alagna Resort is located at the foot of one of Europe's highest mountains. They offer heli-skiing, off-piste powder skiing, ice skating and artic boat skiing.  Grab a bite to eat at Dir und Don for tasty pizza or try some of their delicious Italian pasta. Stay at Hotel Cristallo for the ultimate relaxation. Enjoy their wellness spa, cocktail lounge and delicious restaurant. Or, stay at Agriturismo Rusa, it is a peaceful bed and breakfast that can be accessed on skis. There you can enjoy their active farm, private bath and beautiful terrace.

Kitzbühel provides you with 170 km of incredible slopes, 54 cable cars and lifts. Try skiing, cross-country skiing, freeriding, ski touring and winter hiking.  Stay at the Bruggerhof hotel in Kitzbühel year-round. They offer rooms with a bath, shower and telephone. Workout in their fitness center and take their free hotel bus to Kitzbühel's sports and entertainment centers. When you finished your day of winter sports, try out a relaxing massage with one of Kitzbühel's wellness programs.

St. Anton is the perfect vacation destination for intermediate and expert skiers.  They usually get around 275 inches of snowfall annually. Their top elevation reaches as high as 9222 feet, and they have runs up to five miles long! Join one of their ski schools and work with one of their 300 professional instructors. Along with their skiing, St. Anton is known for their exciting nightlife.  They have a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, along with great shopping and late night discos.

Murren ski resort is absolutely stunning. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and views of peaks of the Eiger. If you are looking for a challenge, try their off-piste and fast descents for skiers. They have 13 ski lifts, 3 cable cars and 6 chairlifts. At Murren, you have the opportunity to go carving, heli-skiing and freeriding. If you are looking to learn how to ski, sign up for ski school. Murren has a ski and snowboard school that offers private and group lessons. Stay at the Hotel Jungfrau in Haus Finel for close proximity to the ski school.

Bernese Oberland resort has 4000 metre peaks, 255 ski lifts and some of the most stunning scenery in the Bernese Alps. It is surrounded by over 800 lakes and beautiful mountains. Bernese Oberland is the venue for Switzerland's World Cup races. One of their top events includes the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup Adelboden. They offer cross-country runs, great winter hiking and snowshoe trails. Stay at the Le Grand Bellevue for elegant rooms and beautiful mountain views. They also provide you with a delicious restaurant, gym and spa.

Verbier ski resort is a bit pricey, but worth every penny! They have the largest lift-linked ski domain in all of Switzerland. They have 88 ski lifts, 27 chairlifts, 46 surface lifts and 10 gondolas. Verbier offers off-piste terrain, and ski schools for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers. Stay at the W Verbier Hotel for close proximity to the Verbier cable car. This hotel is a 5-star hotel with a heated outdoor pool, gym, and spa area. Your room is equipped with a bath tub, shower, free Wi-Fi, balcony, coffee machine and flat-screen TV. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and take advantage of their 24-hour concierge service.

Visit Whistler for a vacation beyond your wildest dreams. Whistler has been voted America's #1 ski resort, and we can definitely see why! They have high mountains, powder-filled bowls, and smooth corduroy. Adults, teens and kids can take ski and snowboard lessons with professional instructors. Whistler also offers zones on the mountain specifically dedicated for families where they can spend quality time together and children can play happily on the mountain.  After your fun on the mountain, make your way to the village. They have 134 bars and restaurants to choose from, along with your choice of getting a spa treatment and going shopping.

Riksgransen ski resort has six ski lifts, 29 pistes and a vertical drop of 387 meters. Sign up for their ski package; this includes your ski pass and accommodation. Riksgransen also offers a great ski school for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers. Choose to take a private lesson, go on a private tour or go ski touring. Stay at the Hotell Riksgransen for close proximity to the ski lifts. Choose from a skier's room, single-/double room or a suite. Located in the hotel is a delicious restaurant, bar, spa and doctors office.

Meribel ski resort is the home of the 3 Vallées. Catch incredible views of the Alpine peaks.  Take ski and snowboard lessons to enhance your skills and choose a ski school for your children to attend. Try alpine skiing, freestyle, cross-country skiing, slalom skiing and snowboarding. Stay at the Studio Fee Des Neiges located in the heart of the Les Allues village, it has a close proximity to the Meribel center. Take advantage of their free shuttle bus, eat out at their local restaurants and enjoy yourself at their exciting bars. Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi access, a sofa bed, full kitchen and terrace.

Wanaka ski resort is the home of the largest heli-skiing area outside North America. Ride on their incredible slopes and off-piste terrain. Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and dog sled tours. After you explore the mountain, head to Mt Aspiring National Park for spectacular views of glaciers, waterfalls, rainforests and valleys. Stay at Edgewater in Lake Wanaka; they provide you with access to their tennis courts, day spa, and sauna. Rooms are equipped with internet access, TV and a bath tub.

Treble Cone, Craigieburn and Mt Hutt have the best overall terrain in New Zealand. Treble Cone ski resort sits on the side of a mountain and has some of the most beautiful scenery. Compared to the other New Zealand ski resorts, Treble Cone has the highest recorded average annual snowfall. Craigieburn has some of the most difficult ski and snowboard terrain in New Zealand. They offer heli-skiing and the opportunity to explore back-country terrain. Mt Hutt ski resort is the perfect resort for beginner and intermediate skiers. They have 365 hectares of treeless terrain and are less crowded than other resorts in the area.

The Niseko resorts includes, Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, Niseko Village Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri Ski Area. The Hanazono has perfect terrain for beginners. Grand Hirafu is the largest of the resorts; it has amazing snow powder and a lot of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Village ski resort is great for your off-piste powder skiing. It has some really long skiing and snowboarding trails. Annupuri is known for their flawlessly groomed runs. Check out the spectacular views from their slopes.

Nozawa Onsen is a beautiful village, some of which is located in larger Kogen National Park. With over 50 km of trails, you are sure to find one to fit your needs. Shiga Kogen has a large variety of terrain, over 80km of trails and approximately 68 lifts. Beginners, try tree skiing, moguls and slopes. Stay in the Ichinose Village for close proximity to restaurants and bars. Bonus: Get free access to the shuttle bus system with your lift pass!

The Nevados de Chillan ski resort is built on top of a Chillan volcano. Go skiing, downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and dog sledding. The slopes are usually uncrowded and the terrain is very enjoyable. Stay at the Hotel Gran for a 5-star hotel experience. Bring your money because this hotel is located right next to a casino. Included with your stay are lift tickets and three meals. Bonus: It also has close proximity to ski access.

The Naeba resort is located in Yuzawa town, it is the perfect resort for anyone looking to learn how to ski or enhance their skills. The mountain has 13 ski lifts, and offers ski schools, snowboard school, children's attractions and a snow park. Stay in the center of the resort at the Naeba Prince Hotel. They have 1,300 guest rooms and a wide variety of services right in the hotel. Some of these services include public sauna, ski and snowboard lockers, a hot spring, game room and a childcare center.

Red Mountain Resort has three mountains with 110 runs spread throughout. They offer 2,682 skiable acres and about 1,000 acres of terrain on Grey Mountain. Try cross-country skiing at the Black Jack Ski Club. There, you can participate in skate skiing and classic skiing. After, catch a ride in their snowcat to the top of the mountain and ride down its 2,054 foot vertical drop! Looking for a place to stay? Stay at the Silvertip Lodge; their rooms are equipped with a private deck, TV/DVD player, wireless internet and storage space for your skis and snowboard. Plus, you are at close proximity to the cross-country trails and mountain restaurants.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the ultimate heli-skiing destination. They have more than 100 ski and snowboard runs and over 30 lifts. Go cat skiing, Nordic skiing, dogsledding, paragliding and even sign up for snow school. Stay at The Sutton Place Hotel for a luxurious experience. They have 205 guest rooms, a fitness room, day spa, outdoor heated pool and three outdoor hot tubs. Grab a bite to eat at La Baguette or Rockford Wok | Bar | Grill.

Visit Tremblant resort for some of the most exciting freestyle skiing around. They have over 30 acres of terrain specifically for freestyle. Have fun on their ramps, jumps and banked turns. Stay at the condos at Le Boise; they offer four bedroom homes with a living room, fully equipped kitchen and washer/dryer. When you are ready to explore the resort, make sure you check out the casino de Mont-Tremblant, the delicious restaurants, bars and the assortment of shopping.

Silverton's snowfall average is over 400 inches! Go on a guided or unguided ski day and explore the mountains. Book your all-day Heli skiing adventure; for one price get six drops and your lift ticket. Grab a beer at the Avalanche Brewing Company, coffee at the Mobius Coffee & Café and a bite to eat at the Kendall Mountain Café. Stay at the Triangle Motel for the ultimate comfort and luxury. Enjoy wireless internet, private baths and cable TV in your room of choice.