Whistler
#1 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Open to skiers and boarders nearly half the year, thanks to its mountain and glacier offerings, Whistler provides terrain for winter enthusiasts of all skill levels. Plus, the mountain boasts one of the best après-ski scenes in the world.
Jackson Hole
#2 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Photogenic Jackson Hole is an excellent place to hit the slopes. Three ski resorts can be found in the Greater Jackson Hole area, but the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the clear favorite with 500 inches of snow each year and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain.
Telluride
#3 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Telluride’s rustic charm is enchanting, and with more than 2,000 skiable acres, the Telluride Ski Resort is the main place to shred powder. But it’s the rare combination of 300 sunny days and 300 inches of snow each year that makes Telluride every skier’s dream.
Vail
#4 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Vail lures thousands of skiers and snowboarders annually. It’s easy to see why: Vail Ski Resort contains about 5,300 skiable acres, making it the USA’s largest single-mountain resort. But make your plans well in advance – you’re not the only one yearning to hit these slopes.
Aspen
#5 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Historic Aspen Mountain, ultra-popular Snowmass and beginner-friendly Buttermilk are all worth a visit. But the alluring slopes are only part of Aspen’s indulgence. When the lifts close, visitors curl up in the area’s many luxurious lodges and hotels.
Lake Tahoe
#6 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Just 15 miles from northwest Lake Tahoe sits Squaw Valley USA, host of the 1960 Winter Olympics and home to about 4,000 skiable acres. But with several other resorts surrounding the lake, don’t limit yourself to just one.
Innsbruck
#7 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Aside from hosting the Winter Olymptics twice, this snowy Austrian town harbors nine ski resorts with slopes appropriate for skiers of all levels. When you’re not shredding powder, take a stroll along Innsbruck’s historic streets or warm up with some hearty local cuisine.
Banff
#8 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Banff enjoys some prime real estate in the Canadian Rockies. Sunshine Village is the most popular place for downhill skiing, but the runs at Mount Norquay won’t disappoint. After you’ve hit the slopes, you’ll find plenty of other ways to enjoy the winter weather.
Quebec City
#9 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: Among other ski resorts, Québec City is home to Mont-Sainte-Anne, which features Canada’s biggest vertical drop at 2,050 feet. After a long day on the slopes, warm up with a bowl of poutine: French fries smothered in cheese curds and hot gravy.
Stowe, VT
#10 in Best Ski Destinations
Why go: For a taste of the European Alps – without the hefty price tag attached – head to Stowe. Just beyond the classic New England town looms Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, which boasts world-class skiing, gondolas and Swiss-style chalets.