Best Ski Resorts in America

When planning your next winter vacation consider heading to one of the best ski resorts in America. While everyone has his or her own idea of what the best resort encompasses, SKI magazine has been ranking ski areas for the last 23 years, and their annual best list is considered the gold standard.

The slopes at Beaver Creek are some of the best in the nation.

Each resort is ranked according to:

• Terrain
• Grooming
• Ski lifts
• Terrain parks
• Apres ski spots
• Dining options
• Family programs
• Lodging options
• And more

The following resorts reflect the top venues that offer visitors the whole winter experience rather than just a good ski day. The best ski resorts in America are a diverse group of destinations; some are more family-friendly, while others are better for a guys' or girls' ski weekend. No matter which one you choose, you are certain to have an unforgettable experience.

1.

 One of Utah's many fantastic ski resorts, Deer Valley is located just minutes from Salt Lake City. Considered by SKI magazine as the top ski area in North America, this resort has perfected the art of the ski vacation.

 Deer Valley has been nominated the number one ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine for three years in a row. With several incredible lodging options, a vast array of dining venues, and six phenomenal mountains, Deer Valley has plenty of fun to spread around.

2.

 The official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler Blackcomb is consistently one of the best ski areas in North America.

 Breathtaking vertical drops, 8,000 acres of terrain, and some of the most epic snowfall in America all make Whistler one of the best ski resorts in America. Add excellent lodging, a fantastic nightlife, and top notch dining, and this resort easily beats out other competitors.

3.

 The largest single ski resort on the continent, Vail is a beloved Colorado icon. Its back bowls are legendary and its nightlife is world renowned.

 A jaw-dropping 5,289 skiable acres, 31 lifts, one gondola, and three terrain parks all make Vail the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders. The town has been undergoing a major facelift over the past few years, adding extra luxury lodging and updating its amenities to provide an even more exciting winter experience.

4.

 Park City is one of Utah's premier ski resorts. It is located just 36 miles from Salt Lake City and was the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

 In 2008, Forbes Traveler Magazine named Park City one of the 20 "prettiest towns" in the United States. Its beauty is only surpassed by its skiing and winter playground amenities, including superb lodging, dining and family activities. Their ski and snowboard lessons are some of the best in the nation, with plenty of options to choose from.

5.

 Just a hop away from Vail, Beaver Creek packs a powerful punch into its cozy valley. It is known for luxury accommodations, fine dining and a secluded, away-from-it-all ambience.

 Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier, Beaver Creek has trails for all levels. The slopes are immaculately groomed each night, but there are also phenomenal powder stashes and bump runs for those who like more challenging terrain. After a long day of skiing, stop at one of the many area restaurants for a relaxing cocktail and some of the best food in Colorado. Afterwards, a dip in the hot tub or a relaxing spa treatment will polish off your day perfectly.

6.

 Snowmass is the second largest ski area in the country. With a rise of 4,406 feet, it has the highest vertical of any ski area in the country.

 Aspen has all of the glitz, but Snowmass delivers on the snow and skiing. This perennial Colorado favorite is the perfect family destination. It has a brand new base village, complete with super luxury hotel accommodations and stunning ski-in-ski-out condos. With plenty of programs for children, new dining and nightlife options, Snowmass proves that you don't need Gucci or Dior to make it into the top ten.

7.

 Since 1936, Sun Valley has been a destination resort for those who love winter activities. Its awe-inspiring wilderness--nearly one million acres--is just one of its many charms.

 Because of its constant-pitch terrain, various degrees of difficulty and relative absence of wind, Bald Mountain, part of the Sun Valley resort, is considered one of the top ski mountains in the world. In addition to the skiing and snowboarding, Sun Valley also offers a host of winter activities, including mushing with a pack of huskies, ice skating, snowmobiling and even winter fly fishing. In addition to its accolades from SKI, Conde Nast Traveler magazine named it one of the top ten ski resorts in 2008.

8.

 Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mammoth is a favorite destination for Californians. However, its 3,100 feet of vertical and 3,500 acres of terrain make it a world-class mountain for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.

 When California gets hit by a Pacific storm, Mammoth ski area is the place to be. With nearly six or more months of snow, this resort has one of the longest ski seasons in North America. Shopping, dining and nightlife are all part of the "play hard" atmosphere at this California resort.

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