7 Largest Ski Resorts In The United States in 2024

For those who love the thrill and excitement of skiing, the United States is a winter paradise. Boasting some of the largest ski resorts in the world, these destinations offer breathtaking views, diverse terrain, and an array of activities that are sure to make your winter vacation unforgettable. 

From seasoned skiers to first-timers, these seven largest ski resorts in the U.S. cater to all levels of expertise with world-class slopes, luxurious amenities, and an atmosphere that’s second to none.

So, pack your bags, grab your skis, and get ready for an adventure as we explore the magnificent beauty and excitement of the largest ski resorts in the United States!

1. Park City Resort (Utah)

Welcome to the unparalleled ski destination in the United States, Park City Ski Resort, located near Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Park City Ski Resort offers over 150 miles of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Guests are efficiently transported up the mountain via 42 lifts, and the winter sports area sits at elevations ranging from 6,700 to 10,000 feet.

In the 2015/2016 season, Park City and Canyons ski resorts joined forces to create one massive ski resort, now known simply as Park City. Over $50 million was invested into the project, creating an 8-person Interconnecting Gondola lift, cemented Park City’s place as the largest ski resort in the United States. 

Located just a short half-hour drive from Salt Lake City, Park City is the perfect and convenient place for those passionate about winter sports.

Park City Ski Resort is the ultimate winter sports destination, open for business from mid-November to early April. If you’re looking for the best time to visit, the months of December to March are the cream of the crop, with an average annual snowfall of 248 inches.

With 7,300 skiable acres, you’ll never run out of terrain to explore. And when it comes time to rest and recharge, Park City has you covered with a range of ski-in/ski-out hotels and resorts. But that’s not all. The resort is also a popular training ground for the U.S. Ski Team, so you may just catch a glimpse of the next Olympic champions as you shred the slopes.

Adult tickets start at $259, and children’s tickets at $166, making a winter getaway to Park City accessible for families.

2. Big Sky Resort (Montana)

Big Sky Resort, located in Montana, is the epitome of an endless winter wonderland. With 150 km of slopes and 62 miles of ski routes, skiers and snowboarders will find ample opportunities to escape the crowds and enjoy a unique skiing experience. The resort’s 38 lifts offer a comfortable and efficient way to get to the top of the mountain and take in breathtaking views from elevations ranging from 6,791 to 11,166 feet.

Big Sky Resort boasts a massive 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and over 300 runs, giving skiers and snowboarders a variety of options for their next adventure. The resort spans four mountains, providing skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels with the chance to explore intertwined terrain levels and unparalleled ski experiences.

One of the most sought-after experiences at Big Sky Resort is the tram-accessed steeps of Lone Peak, rising to an elevation of 11,166 feet and offering a massive 4,350-foot vertical drop. With two acres per skier and 400 inches of consistent snowfall, the resort provides skiers with abundant space and reliable snow conditions year after year.

When the winter months arrive, Big Sky Resort transforms into a winter paradise for skiers and vacationers searching for a snow-filled adventure. However, as the weather warms and the snow melts away, the resort reveals its stunning beauty in the summer and spring seasons. 

In addition to hotels, Big Sky Resort offers a range of vacation rentals to suit any budget and length of stay, including cozy cabins, spacious condos, and luxurious private homes. The resort offers various options for adults and children, with prices starting at US$ 222 for adults and US$ 147 for children.

3. Aspen Snowmass (Colorado)

Aspen Snowmass in Colorado, USA, is home to the magnificent ski resort of Snowmass. Snowmass is a ski and snowboard paradise, boasting an impressive 5,500+ acres of terrain that will thrill and challenge winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.

This winter wonderland offers an incredible 147 miles of ski and snowboard slopes, serviced by a fleet of 20 lifts. With an elevation range between 8,113 and 12,510 feet, Snowmass is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Nestled 7.5 miles from Aspen, Snowmass is the largest of the Aspen ski resorts and offers visitors a convenient ski-in/ski-out experience. The charming Snowmass Village boasts an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient and picturesque base for exploring the resort. With lift access directly from the village, you’ll be on the slopes in no time!

The best time for a ski vacation at Snowmass typically falls between the months of December and the first week of April, when the resort experiences its most consistent snowfall and optimal conditions on the slopes. On average, Aspen Snowmass receives a staggering 289 inches of snow each year, making it a winter sports haven.

In terms of pricing, Snowmass offers adult lift tickets for $229, while children’s tickets can be purchased for $169.

4. Vail Ski Resort (Colorado)

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the world-renowned Vail ski resort in Colorado offers a unique winter sports experience. With 145 miles of diverse slopes and 34 lifts, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy their time on the mountain. The resort sits at elevations ranging from 8,061 to 11,263 feet, providing stunning views and breathtaking runs.

The stunning Vail ski resort boasts a vast skiable terrain of 5,317 acres, making it a giant among ski destinations in the United States. 

If you’re planning a trip, the prime time to visit is between December and March or June to September. Winter months offer the best skiing and snowboarding conditions, while the warmer summer months are ideal for hiking and exploring the breathtaking Vail Valley.

Vail is known for its abundant snowfall, receiving an average of 242 inches of snow per year, ensuring that the slopes are always covered in a blanket of white.

Located at the base of the slopes, the heart of the Vail Valley is the charming Vail Village. Inspired by Austrian architecture, this upscale mountain town exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. 

When it comes to dining, Vail has plenty of options on the mountain. Take the Gondola to the top, and you’ll find a multi-tiered complex of restaurants and cafeterias, each offering its own unique cuisine. Vail is not just a ski resort but a complete vacation destination. The resort offers a range of accommodation options to suit visitors’ needs and budgets, from cozy condos to luxurious hotels. 

The cost of a day ticket for the Vail ski resort can vary depending on the time of year, but on average, adult tickets are priced at $275, and children’s tickets at $190.

5. Palisades Tahoe – (California)

The Palisades Tahoe ski resort, located at the stunning Lake Tahoe in the Western United States, offers winter sports enthusiasts an incredible 124 miles of slopes and 31 miles of ski routes to explore. With 43 lifts at their disposal, guests can easily access the ski area that ranges from 6,200 to 9,000 feet in elevation.

Each winter, Palisades Tahoe is blanketed with an average of 400 inches of fresh, powdery snow, making it a winter sports paradise. As the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, it spans across two mountains and offers a massive 6,000 acres for guests to enjoy. March is a magical time known as “Sweet the Spot” to visit the Palisades Tahoe ski resort. 

Adding to its rich history, Palisades Tahoe was the proud host of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, a testament to its world-class facilities and slopes. 

Freestylers will also be thrilled to know that the resort features extensive terrain parks to showcase their skills. And with breathtaking views of the stunning deep-blue Lake Tahoe, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a truly memorable experience on the slopes.

The Palisades Tahoe ski resort offers guests thrilling slopes, endless amenities, and a range of comfortable and convenient accommodation options. At the base Village and High Camp, visitors have a range of options to choose from, including comfortable lodges, upscale condos, and various other accommodations to suit their needs and preferences.

Day tickets are available for those looking to hit the slopes at Palisades Tahoe. Prices vary depending on age, with adult tickets priced at US$269, youth tickets at US$242, and children’s tickets at US$188. 

6. Steamboat Ski Resort (Colorado)

Situated in the heart of Colorado, Steamboat Ski Resort beckons winter sports enthusiasts with its sprawling 105 km of slopes and 18 lifts. Skiers and snowboarders can soar to new heights, literally, as the resort sits at elevations ranging from 6,900 to 10,565 feet. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the slopes of Steamboat.

The Steamboat Ski Resort has made a name for itself as a family-friendly destination, offering innovative programs such as “Kids Ski Free” and “Kids Fly Free.” The resort’s children’s center provides top-notch care and activities during the day and evenings.

Steamboat Ski Resort has an average annual snowfall of a whopping 368 inches, covering its sprawling 2,965 acres. The ski season at this picturesque destination typically runs from late November to mid-April. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best times to visit are just after the holiday rush and in late February or early March when clear, powdery conditions are at their peak. 

Steamboat Ski Resort’s landscape is dominated by sprawling condo complexes, offering a wide range of options to accommodate any type of family. Whether you’re a small family, a large group, or traveling solo, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation to fit your needs.

For adults, a one-day ski pass at Steamboat ski resort costs around US$269, while children can enjoy the slopes for US$172.

7. Breckenridge Ski Resort (Colorado)

Breckenridge, a popular ski resort in the state of Colorado in the United States, offers an extensive skiing and snowboarding experience with 95 miles of thrilling slopes. The resort is equipped with 35 lifts to ensure a smooth and efficient ride for all guests, taking them to elevations ranging from 9,600 to 12,841 feet above sea level. Breckenridge is the highest ski resort in the USA, meaning it hosts amazing snowy conditions and fantastic ski slopes.

Breckenridge is renowned for its abundant snowfall, receiving an impressive average of 292 inches of snow each year. The resort is a winter sports paradise with five majestic peaks and 2,908 skiable acres. 

Breckenridge Ski Resort opens its doors to winter sports enthusiasts from mid-November to Memorial Day, weather permitting. If you’re looking for summer activities such as hiking and biking, the best time to visit is from late June to early October. During the winter months of December to April, the resort is in peak condition, offering perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. 

The picturesque village of Breckenridge also boasts the title of the highest ski village in North America. With a staggering elevation of 9,600 feet, the town attracts adventurers from all over the world with its Victorian charm. As skiers take on the slopes, they will experience a range of difficulties, starting with gentle forest runs and gradually increasing in difficulty as they progress up the mountain to the challenging bowls.

Breckenridge is also home to the tallest chairlift in the United States, standing at 12,480 feet.

Regarding accommodations, visitors have a wide range of options, including cozy bed & breakfasts and luxurious ski-in/ski-out condos. Breckenridge has a lodging option that will suit your needs and make your ski vacation unforgettable.

For those looking to hit the slopes for a single day, the prices for a day ski pass in Breckenridge are US$ 255 for adults and US$ 159 for children.

Summary Of The 7 Largest Ski Resorts In The United States

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/MikeLaptev