The Best ski area in every state
-What makes a ski resort “the best” you might ask. Well several factors are taken into account here, including: Vertical rise, total skiable acres, annual snowfall, lift infrastructure and number of trails. When those numbers tend to be rather close, other factors come into play such as: Crowd size, vibe/atmosphere and length of season.
-This list was compiled through many weeks and months of skiing/riding at many of these resorts as well as hours of research and information gathering online. Like any good “best” list, there is certainly room for debate, but overall, the metrics used to weed out each State’s #1 are pretty sound.
Happy scrolling…
~Z. Phelan~
Best Ski Area in every state
Rating the top ski area in each U.S. State alphabetically.
Vertical: 150ft
Acreage: 1
Snowfall: >12″
Lifts: 2
Trails: 1
Alabama:
Cloundmont
The answer is “Yes, Alabama does have a ski area.” Albeit a small one that is hardly ever open. On the grounds of a golf course, this bunny slope opens once or twice a season for short periods when Northern Alabama gets a little dusting of snow or cold enough temps for snowmaking.
Vertical: 2,500ft
Acreage: 1,610
Snowfall: 669″
Lifts: 7
Trails: 76
Alaska:
Alyeska
Although there are several other ski areas sprinkled around the Great State, none besides Juneau’s Eaglecrest is particularly notable for their size or amenities. Alyeska is by far the most developed ski area in AK and claims the second most annual snowfall of any ski area in the World, making it the best ski area in Alaska.
Vertical: 2,800ft
Acreage: 777
Snowfall: 260″
Lifts: 8
Trails: 55
Arizona:
Arizona Snowbowl
An easy choice here, as Snowbowl is one of only 4 ski areas in the State, and claims the most vertical, most terrain and most lifts including high-speed chairs and a gondola. Plus they have the longest season Nov-May. With ever rising ticket prices to prove it, AZ Snowbowl is the best ski area in Arizona.
Vertical: 3,100ft
Acreage: 3,500+
Snowfall: 400+”
Lifts: 25
Trails: 175
California:
Mammoth Mountain
Plenty of room for argument here, especially for those who love the steeps and deeps at Palisades, or the views at Heavenly. But there’s no denying that Mammoth has them all beat with the most altitude, most trails, most snowfall and by far the longest season of anywhere in Cali! Making it the best ski area in California.
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Vertical: 4,425ft
Acreage: 2,000+
Snowfall: 300″+
Lifts: 19
Trails: 147
Colorado:
Telluride Ski Resort
Massive vertical, stunning views, a plethora of trails, and ample infrastructure help Telluride stand up to any other ski area in Colorado and the fact that they’ve only been mildly tainted by the far reaching grasp of the corporate ski powers in America, allows Telluride to edge out the competition and claim the title of the best ski area in Colorado.
Vertical: 650ft
Acreage: 107
Snowfall: >100″
Lifts: 7
Trails: 25
Connecticut:
Mohawk Mountain
With only 4 ski areas in the State, and none of them very big or tall, Mohawk seems a clear choice as it has the most vertical rise and best terrain offerings. Connecticut’s first and best ski area is Mohawk Mountain.
Vertical: 3,400ft
Acreage: 2,457
Snowfall: 221″
Lifts: 17
Trails: 120
Idaho:
Sun Valley
Idaho has a ton of awesome medium to large sized ski areas spread around it’s vast and diverse mountain ranges, however for all of their attributes, none can stand up to the “King of Fall Line Skiing.” Awesome terrain, huge vert, and great views make Sun Valley clearly the best ski area in Idaho. Oh, and it’s one of the most historically relevant ski areas on the continent as well.
Vertical: 475ft
Acreage: 139
Snowfall: 50″
Lifts: 10
Trails: 19
Illinois:
Chestnut Mountain Resort
By far the most vertical of any ski area in the State, and the only ski area that is more than a bunny hill. Chestnut has the most lifts in Illinois, plus night skiing and numerous trails. Previously voted as “the #1 Midwest ski resort” by Transworld Snowboarding, Chestnut Mountain Resort is the best ski area in Illinois.
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Vertical: 400ft
Acreage: 100
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 13
Trails: 24
Indiana:
Perfect North SLopes
One of only two ski areas in Indiana, PNS has the most vertical feet, best snowmaking and most acreage in the State, making it the best ski area in Indiana.
Vertical: 475ft
Acreage: >200
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 6
Trails: 21
Iowa:
Sundown Mountain Resort
Sundown Mountain has the most lifts, trails, acreage, and vertical in the State. Making it the clear choice for the best ski area in Iowa.
Vertical: 2,340ft
Acreage: 884
Snowfall: 167″
Lifts: 18
Trails: 139
Maine:
Sunday River
With one of the longest seasons on the East Coast, some of the best snowmaking, amazing scenery and ample vert, Sunday River is by far the best ski area in Maine and one of the top ski areas in the East.
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Vertical: 700ft
Acreage: 172
Snowfall: 100″+
Lifts: 12
Trails: 33
Maryland:
Wisp
The first, best and only ski area inside of the State of Maryland, Wisp is an all-seasons resort with a lot to offer. With a broad infrastructure, night skiing and decent vertical, Wisp is the best ski area in Maryland.
Vertical: 1,150ft
Acreage: 170
Snowfall: 100″
Lifts: 9
Trails: 45
Massachusetts:
Jiminy Peak
With the State’s highest lift served peak, most lifts, most trails, and an ample vertical drop, Jiminy Peak is the clear choice for best ski area in Massachusetts.
Vertical: 900ft
Acreage: 585
Snowfall: 273″
Lifts: 2
Trails: 105
Michigan:
-Mount bohemia
One of the most unique and intriguing ski resorts in the country. Snow-cat skiing, overnight yurts, lake effect snow and no grooming help to make Mount Bohemia one of kind and by far the best ski area in Michigan and a star of the upper Mid-West.
Vertical: 825ft
Acreage: 1,000+
Snowfall: 115″
Lifts: 7
Trails: 92
Minnesota:
Lutsen Mountains
With almost double the vertical and quadruple the skiable acreage of it’s competitors, and boasting arguably the best lift infrastructure in the Mid-West, the Lutsen Mountains stand tall above the rest and is clearly the best ski area in Minnesota.
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Vertical: 310ft
Acreage: 60
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 7
Trails: 14
Missouri:
Hidden Valley
Only two ski areas exist inside the State boundaries of Missouri, and while they may not be close in proximity, their stats are almost identical. Both are also recent acquisitions of Vail Corp. Hidden Valley however, has the slight advantage in vertical, number of lifts and operational longevity and can claim the title of best ski area in Missouri.
Vertical: 4,350ft
Acreage: 5,800
Snowfall: 400″
Lifts: 36
Trails: 317
Montana:
Big Sky Resort
Since enveloping it’s neighbor Moonlight Basin, Big Sky now has some of the best statistics in all of North America, and is by far the best ski area in Montana, and is certainly in the conversation of top ski areas on the North American continent. Massive vertical, huge acreage, modern lifts, dry snow and limited crowds are just some of what makes this resort one of a kind and an absolute “must visit” for any skier or snowboarder.
Vertical: 1,800ft
Acreage: 1,200+
Snowfall: 350″
Lifts: 8
Trails: 70+
Nevada:
Mount Rose
While the lake views may be limited here, the steeps and the snow quality are unparalleled in the Tahoe Basin. While giving an honorable mention to the half of Heavenly Valley that resides in the Silver State, it would be improper not to name Mount Rose Ski Tahoe as the best ski area in Nevada. It only takes two words to prove they own that title: “The Chutes.”
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Vertical: 2,180ft
Acreage: 282
Snowfall: 160″
Lifts: 11
Trails: 72
New Hampshire:
Cannon Mountain
It’s hard to argue with the stats here: Cannon Mountain boasts the highest peak, most vertical, most lifts and one of the best lift ticket prices for a large resort in the Northeast. While a case could be made for Wildcat or Loon as far as terrain and heritage goes, on pure statistical dominance, Cannon Mountain is the best ski resort in New Hampshire.
Vertical: 1,040ft
Acreage: 167
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 5
Trails: 29
New Jersey:
Mountain Creek
Its only competition being a neighboring bunny hill and an indoor ski area, Mountain Creek stands out as the clear favorite for best resort in New Jersey. Boasting several peaks, good snowmaking, decent vert and some night skiing, Mountain Creek holds it’s own in the Northeast.
Vertical: 3,131ft
Acreage: 1,294
Snowfall: 300″
Lifts: 13
Trails: 110
New Mexico:
Taos Ski Valley
Unquestionably the biggest and best ski area in the entire Southwest, Taos has some of the steepest terrain in the entire country, and paired with dry snow, low crowds and a cool village, there is no other place in the region that even comes close. Taos Ski Valley is easily the best ski area in New Mexico.
Vertical: 3,430ft
Acreage: 288
Snowfall: 190″
Lifts: 12
Trails: 90
new york:
Whiteface Mountain
One of the largest ski areas on the East Coast and by far the biggest in New York, Whiteface has the Empire State’s highest peak and most vertical terrain and is just a stone’s throw from beautiful Lake Placid, making it the top spot and best ski area in New York.
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Vertical: 1,200ft
Acreage: 125
Snowfall: 70″
Lifts: 9
Trails: 20
North Carolina:
Sugar Mountain
A proper all season’s resort, Sugar Mountain boasts some of the best stats of any resort in the Southeast, with decent vert, good snowmaking and a variety of trails. A clear leader in the region for an around Winter experience and hands down the best ski area in North Carolina.
Vertical: 450ft
Acreage: 80
Snowfall: 40″
Lifts: 4
Trails: 16
North Dakota:
Huff Hills
While North Dakota certainly has ample snow and cold conditions during the Winter months, the lack of geographical contours limit the State to only 3 operating ski areas, all of which are rather small. Huff Hills is the clear leader with the most lifts, vertical and ski trails in the State and is easily the best ski area in North Dakota.
Vertical: 300ft
Acreage: 144
Snowfall: 22″
Lifts: 12
Trails: 20
Ohio:
Mad River Mountain
Not to be confused with Vermont’s Mad River Glen, MRM edges out it’s in State competition slightly to claim the title of best ski area in Ohio with: Most vertical, most lifts, most trails and the highest summit.
Vertical: 4,540ft
Acreage: 1,685
Snowfall: 540″
Lifts: 9
Trails: 42
Oregon:
Timberline Lodge
There are certainly steeper and deeper ski areas in the State with far better terrain, but it’s hard not to put Timberline at the #1 best ski area in Oregon when they have things on their resume such as: Free cat-skiing, most vertical terrain, most snowfall, best Spring Pass and the longest ski season on the continent.
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Vertical: 1,072ft
Acreage: 82
Snowfall: 100″
Lifts: 5
Trails: 34
Pennsylvania:
Blue Knob
Although not as well known as some other regional ski areas, Blue Knob boasts the highest lift served terrain in Pennsylvania, the most vertical feet, and the most challenging ski runs with tree skiing and actual double black diamond runs.
Vertical: 245ft
Acreage: 36
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 3
Trails: 12
Rhode Island:
Yawgoo Valley
A small ski area for a small State. Yawgoo Valley is the only and therefor the best ski area in Rhode Island and serves as a multi-purpose site with snow tubing and even a water park for Summer ops.
Vertical: 1,100ft
Acreage: 600
Snowfall: 150″
Lifts: 5
Trails: 25
South Dakota:
Terry Peak
An easy choice here, as Terry Peak Ski Area has the highest lift served skiing between the Alps and Rockies. Western South Dakota’s Black Hills offer stunning views and a laid back vibe. Terry Peak has the most vertical, best lift infrastructure and most acreage of any ski area in the State and is the best ski area in South Dakota.
Vertical: 773
Acreage: 38
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 4
Trails: 10
Tennessee:
Ober Gatlinburg
The one and only ski area in the State, Ober Gatlinburg is an all-season’s resort with some modest skiing and snowboarding terrain each Winter that is serviced by an aerial tram and several chairlifts. It’s easy to proclaim OB the best ski area in Tennessee.
Vertical: 3,240ft
Acreage: 2,500
Snowfall: 500″+
Lifts: 13
Trails: 85
Utah:
Snowbird
With the longest ski season in the Wasatch, some serious steep terrain and a back door into Alta, Snowbird is unquestionably the best ski area in Utah. Snowbird also has one of the most modern lift systems in the State and is one of the top areas for average annual snowfall.
Vertical: 3,050ft
Acreage: 1,509
Snowfall: 250″
Lifts: 22
Trails: 155
Vermont:
Killington
While many of Vermont’s ski areas may have better terrain, a deeper history, and certainly more soul, none can stand up to the pure size and statistical prowess of the mighty Killington. With the most vertical, highest peak, and most lifts in the State, plus the longest ski season in the East, it’s hard not to call Killington the best ski area in Vermont.
Vertical: 1,003ft
Acreage: 129
Snowfall: >50″
Lifts: 5
Trails: 25
Virginia:
Wintergreen REsort
Boasting the most skiable acres, highest lift served peak, and most trails of any ski area in the State, Wintergreen is a clear choice for the best ski area in Virginia.
Vertical: 1,500ft
Acreage: 1,000
Snowfall: 663″
Lifts: 10
Trails: 38
Washington:
Mount Baker
This was a tough call, as Crystal Mountain clearly has the advantage in terrain amount and variety, as well as better steeps and lift infrastructure. However, total annual snowfall, quality vibe, low ticket prices and a less corporate structure win the day here. I mean how could the “Snowiest ski area in the World” not be the best ski area in Washington State? Impossible!
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Vertical: 1,500ft
Acreage: 244
Snowfall: 180″
Lifts: 14
Trails: 60
West Virginia:
Snowshoe Mountain
The largest ski area in all of the Southeast, Snowshoe Mountain easily takes the title of best ski area in West Virginia with it’s unique summit village, ample vertical terrain and wide trail variety.
Vertical: 700ft
Acreage: 210
Snowfall: 75″
Lifts: 7
Trails: 68
Wisconsin:
Granite Peak
While some of Wisconsin’s smaller ski areas may have a longer season and certainly cooler names (Little Switzerland, Trollhaugen Troll, Christmas Mt), none can compare with Granite Peak for shear size and altitude. Not to mention it’s one of the oldest ski areas in the country and by far the best ski area in Wisconsin.
Vertical: 4,139ft
Acreage: 2,500
Snowfall: 460″
Lifts: 16
Trails: 131
Wyoming:
Jackson Hole
Another easy pick, as most of the rest of the ski area offerings in the State of Wyoming are less than half the size and none hold the legend and lore of this World-Famous ski area. The steep and deep Jackson Hole is not only the best ski area in Wyoming, but is one of the best and most well known ski areas on the globe.
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The Best Ski area in every State