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No. 1: Deer Valley, UT (click for more details)
“I have skied many resorts in North America and none can compare to Deer Valley. It is superb in every way! Friendly, helpful, amazing customer service, fabulous views, and world class skiing! I love Deer Valley!”
Photo Courtesy of Ross Downard / Deer Valley.
No. 2: Sun Valley, ID
“Tradition, ambiance, great customer service, efficient lifts, beautiful location, amazing grooming… there is, quite simply, no place like it.”
Photo Courtesy of Jay Dash / Sun Valley Resort.
No. 3: Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
“A magical ski destination and everything you would expect from a word class resort. I will continue to go and recommend Whistler/Blackcomb whenever possible.”
Photo Courtesy of David McColm / Whistler Blackcomb.
No. 4: Snowmass, CO
“A ticket here gets you access to 4 mountains, but trust me, you’re going to want to spend all your time at Snowmass.”
Photo Credit: Scott Markewitz.
No. 5: Telluride, CO
“Am I in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe? Because this is Gnarnia. Seriously, please scatter my ashes here when I die.”
Photo Courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort.
No. 6: Vail, CO
“It’s the big man on campus for a reason. Designed by skiers for skiers, Vail is first class in every respect.”
Photo Courtesy of Todd Winslow Pierce / Vail Resorts.
No. 7: Jackson Hole, WY
“Nothing beats Jackson. For years I’ve felt this is the mecca of skiing – if you’re hardcore about the sport, you come here. And if you don’t find the terrain you’re looking for here, it doesn’t exist.”
Photo Courtesy of Wade McKoy / Focus Productions.
No. 8: Aspen Highlands, CO
“Between the small crowds and awesome skiing, Aspen Highlands is an experience you’ll never forget. Not to mention this is the best place to be on powder days!”
Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Swanson / Aspen Snowmass.
No. 9: Beaver Creek, CO
“I’ve skied at 39 different ski areas in my life and I keep coming back to Beaver Creek as my favorite. It’s as close to perfect as it gets.”
Photo Courtesy of Beaver Creek / Vail Resorts.
No. 10: Whitefish Mountain Resort, MT
“I love this hill so much I have a tattoo of it! There’s no way of even describing how perfect Whitefish is, it’s truly second to none.”
Photo Courtesy of Whitefish Mountain Resort.
No. 11: Steamboat Ski Resort, CO
“No crowds. No lift lines. Powder for all levels and all day. Great variety of terrain, friendly staff, locals, and guests.”
Photo courtesy of Noah Wetzel / Steamboat Ski Resort.
No. 12: Aspen Mountain, CO
“The terrain is challenging, the après ski is so festive, and the people are so friendly that it really is one of the best places I’ve ever skied.”
Photo courtesy of Jesse James Hoffman / AspenSnowmass.
No. 13: Big Sky, MT
“Big Sky has a huge amount of terrain and there is so much to ski that you never run out of runs to do. Lift lines remain relatively short and the snow quality is great. The kid’s ski school is absolutely wonderful and the instructors are great.”
Photo credit: Ryan Turner.
No. 14: Crested Butte, CO
“The steeps are unparalleled. Backcountry experience in back bowls. A lifetime of terrain.”
Photo credit: Trent Bona.
No. 15: Breckenridge, CO
“Incredible terrain and options for all abilities. The old mining town is genuine and had tremendous after ski options.”
Ready for more? Check out the Best in the West 2018: 16-30 here.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Dodds / Breckenridge.