As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns from balmy to crisp, people are taking inventory of their winter gear and planning their dream vacation for this upcoming ski season. To christen the beginning of the Skiing season, Ski Mag has published their 2023 Resort Guide, which includes a list of top Ski Resorts in 2023 as voted by readers in their annual Readers Resort Survey.
In this article, we will break down the top 5 places to Ski in 2023 in the United States according to Ski Mag readers so you can spend less time researching and more time getting excited to hit the slopes this winter!
1) Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
Average Snowfall: 220”
Lifts: 18
Trails: 121
Sun Valley is a complex with immense history and offerings for everyone in the family. The Resort contains Bald Mountain, which contains hundreds of trails and is considered one of the world’s best skiing mountains. Along with Bald, Skiers have access to Dollar Mountain, a family-friendly hill meant for those getting acclimated to skiing and for those looking to try new tricks on a less intense slope. This mountain has seven progressions to ensure new skiers gain the skills they need to tackle Bald mountain!
Along with world-class skiing, Sun Valley Resort boasts wonderful food, a plethora of hotel options, family activities such as an indoor ice rink, and even an infamous thrift store for those looking to score a bargain on their vacation!
For information on booking winter lift tickets for Sun Valley, check their ticket page when it opens for the winter season!
2) Deer Valley, Utah
Average Snowfall: 300”
Lifts: 21
Trails: 101
Deer value is a ski-only resort nestled in Northern Utah, less than an hour from Salt Lake City. They are known for superb customer service, and their goal is to ensure that your vacation is as enjoyable and carefree as possible. The mountain contains 2,026 acres which are spread over 6 different mountain peaks. The resort also has elevated mountain cuisine, including three day lodges for a quick bite during the day and multiple premium restaurants for a great dinner at night. Lastly, the resort has its own phone application for guests to order food, make restaurant reservations, and track trail status!
The resort aims to provide an exclusive experience to guests by limiting the number of skiers on the mountain each day. According to their website, they often sell out, and it is recommended to book tickets in advance. See their website for more information on tickets.
3) Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Average Snowfall: 300”
Lifts: 42
Trails: 336
Aspen Snowmass, located in central Colorado, aims to make skiing the centerpiece of your stay. They have over 300 trails and have the largest average snowfall on our list. The resort has 4 expansive ski areas, the largest of which is Snowmass Mountain which offers a wide range of trails ranging from beginner all the way to double black diamond. You can ski at Snowmass for multiple days without doing a single run more than once.
Although skiing is the focus here, Aspen Snowmass has plentiful dining options and on-mountain family fun, such as an Alpine coaster and tubing. The resort offers ticket discounts if purchased up to 7 days in advance. For more information, check out their website!
4) Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
Average Snowfall: 276”
Lifts: 8
Trails: 78
Smugglers’ Notch is the first resort on our list on the east coast, and it is widely regarded as one of the best in the region. It boasts over 1,000 acres of trails and has the only triple black diamond trail in the eastern United States. Smuggler’s notch is known as a family-friendly park with world-class instructors, mascots that gallivant around the mountain to the delight of children, and a Funzone that includes laser tag, a bouncy house, and other fun activities.
5) Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Average Snowfall: 200”
Lifts: 10
Trails: 97
Last but definitely not least on our list is Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski resort located at the northern tip of the state. Along with making the top 5 overall ski resorts, Bretton Woods received multiple rewards, including #1 scenery and #1 grooming in the eastern United States. The resort spreads over 464 acres and has beautiful alpine views of White Mountain National Forest.
Along with Skiing, Bretton Woods offers an abundance of other activities, such as a breathtaking canopy walk and rock climbing. Tickets and passes can be purchased through the Bretton Woods online store.
Want to explore national parks during your ski trip? You are in luck – Read here for more information!
