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Best Ski Resort

By Readers' Choice On 11/21/24 at 12:00 PM EST

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Grab your goggles, boots and helmet—it's time to plan your next ski getaway! Everyone knows about the perfect powder in Aspen, Vail and Stowe, but there are plenty of other resorts across the U.S. worthy of your skis. Whether you love to tear up every black-diamond slope you encounter or prefer to sip hot toddies by the lodge fireplace, you'll find the ideal ski resort for your pace in our list.

These 10 ski resorts were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Bogus Basin | Boise, ID

Bogus Basin

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At Bogus Basin, miles and miles of Nordic trails and alpine runs await just outside Idaho's capital city. This nonprofit ski resort prides itself on a local feel and family-friendly slopes as well as thickly treed areas perfect for challenging yourself and discovering secret powder stashes. Catch a lift back to J.R. Simplot Lodge for a local brew or a hot mug of coffee.

2. Deer Valley Resort | Park City, UT

Deer Valley

Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Resort Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

Excellence meets fun at Deer Valley, known for offering one of the best ski experiences you'll find in North America. This exclusive, ski-only resort will have you feeling like a pro with its world-class ski school, luxurious lodging and valet service for your ski gear. If the immaculate runs and million-dollar views weren't enough, you'll also love the fireside fine dining, upscale shopping and cooking classes.

3. Whiteface Mountain | Wilmington, NY

Whiteface

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Ready to take on the greatest vertical drop on the East Coast? Then ride to the summit of Whiteface Mountain to traverse The Slides, some of the area's finest—and wildest—double-black-diamond runs. If freestyling is more your style, check out the terrain parks, each one catering to different skill levels. And there are plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes at this former Olympic venue too, perfect for admiring the Adirondacks.

4. Sun Valley Resort | Sun Valley, ID

Sun Valley

Photo by Sun Valley Photo by Sun Valley

Wide runs, excellent grooming and the perfect slope angle have turned Sun Valley into a must-go destination for every level of skier. The sunny slopes of Bald Mountain let you cruise downhill as fast as you want to go, and the gentle lines of Dollar Mountain—home of the world's first chairlift—work well for kids and beginners. For the adventurous, Sun Valley is one of the only resorts that offers heli-skiing.

5. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort | Snowmass Village, CO

Aspen

Photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass Photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

Add a little luxury to your winter getaway when you hit the slopes at Aspen Snowmass. The ski area, one of the largest in Colorado and home to the Winter X Games, is filled with long groomed trails and steep terrain. You can head down the mountain to explore Aspen's high-end shops or celebrate on-site with champagne, carrot cake and the resort's famous truffle fries.

6. Vail Ski Resort | Vail, CO

Vail Ski Resort

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As the largest ski resort in Colorado, Vail is synonymous with elite skiing thanks to its wide-open bowls, deep powder and luxe European vibe. After flying down immaculately groomed runs or exploring backcountry-style glades, make your way into town for a Michelin-star meal or stay on the mountain for endless views and local whiskey to warm you up.

7. Alta Ski Area | Alta, UT

Alta Ski

Photo by Rocko Menzyk Photo by Rocko Menzyk

With some of the best deep-powder skiing in the world, Alta Ski Resort has become a favorite for experts and beginners alike. You'll find a good mix of trails, from the gentle slopes of Crooked Mile to the wildly fun tree skiing on Westward Ho. After a practice run with the family or an off-piste adventure, warm up by the fire at one of Alta's award-winning lodge restaurants.

8. Telluride Ski Resort | Telluride, CO

Telluride

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The highly acclaimed Telluride Ski Resort gives you the feel of a remote getaway with the amenities of a high-end resort. Carve your way down the gorgeous See Forever trail, or take on the challenging terrain of Revelation Bowl. Dozens of restaurants on the mountain and in the idyllic towns of Mountain Village and Telluride make for a tasty après-ski.

9. Heavenly Ski Resort | South Lake Tahoe, CA

Heavenly Ski Resort

Photo courtesy of Heavenly Ski Resort Photo courtesy of Heavenly Ski Resort

The epic beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains meets the calm shores of Lake Tahoe at the aptly named Heavenly Ski Resort. The slopes cater to intermediate and advanced skiers, but the extra effort is worth it for the view from Ridge Run or the fast bumps going down The Face. Want a slower pace? Take in panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains with a gondola ride.

10. Steamboat Ski Resort | Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat Springs

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While Steamboat lays claim to some of the best powder in the area—famously called Champagne Powder—it's also popular for unique activities like winter horseback riding, snowshoe photography tours and even hot-air balloon rides over the snowy landscape of Yampa Valley. Ride to the top of Sunshine Peak, and then glide down the family-friendly Sundial run or carve through the thick trees on the Shadows line.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Catherine Parker headshot resized

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that's driven her across North America, visiting all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces and seven Mexican states as well as top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. After graduating from the University of Houston, Catherine started her career in travel and tourism as a Flight Attendant. A writer for over 10 years, she maintains an active roster of national publications. Catherine also publishes a travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. Her favorite places are national parks, museums and sidewalk cafés. She's torn between a weekend in the mountains or the beach.

Chez Chesak headshot

Chez Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 29-year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and chair of The Society of American Travel Writers' Central States Chapter. Learn more about him at www.chezconnects.com.

Misty headshot

Misty Milioto is a freelance writer and editor with 22 years of experience working with publications across the country. Publications have included Sunset; U.S. News & World Report; and Modern Luxury's suite of 80+ regional publications, such as Aspen Magazine, San Francisco Magazine and Scottsdale Magazine. She also oversees a luxury lifestyle blog at girlwilltravel.com. She loves everything from exotic destinations and outdoor recreation to exploring the bounty of foodie goodness in New Orleans, where she is currently based. You can connect with her on Instagram.

Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Tom and Kristy Manus

Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus are freelance travel writers for print and online publications, along with their website smalltownplussize.com. Kristi is a Madison-area native while Tom happily adopted Wisconsin after their marriage in 1995. After living in many states across the country, they moved to Eau Claire. They enjoy exploring different cultures, history, roadside attractions and nature through road trips on backroads and two-lane highways. Along with international travel, they have visited 48 states, with only Hawaii and the elusive Rhode Island remaining.