The 9 Biggest Ski Resorts In North America Worth Visiting
Want to hit the biggest ski resorts in North America? You’ve come to the right spot.
I’ve skied at many of the largest ski resorts in North America, and the ones I haven’t visited yet are on my list.
If you’re curious about which resorts are the biggest and what sets them apart, keep reading for details on their size and unique features beyond just the amount of terrain they offer.
The Biggest Ski Resorts In North America
Keep reading as I explore the biggest ski resorts in North America and highlight their size, unique features, and what makes each one worth a visit.
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb sits in British Columbia and is the largest ski resort in North America. It’s home to an impressive 8,171 skiable acres of terrain divided into 20% green runs, 35% blue, 25% black diamond, and 20% double blacks, so the terrain is pretty equally split. This makes it a great mountain for those just starting out as well as those who have been skiing for years.
As an advanced skier I really love the amount of advanced and expert terrain the resort offers including 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers.
Not to mention the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is the longest continuous lift system in the world. This lift is not only incredibly convenient but also offers stunning views, and it’s quite an experience to say you’ve been on the highest and longest lift in the world.
Last but certainly not least, while the resort’s over 200 named trails and 37 lifts are impressive, what truly amazes me is the 408 inches of snowfall each year.
This remarkable amount of snow not only provides plenty of powder days but also extends the ski season, offering some of the best spring skiing in March and April and typically staying open until May.
- Skiable Acres – 8,171
- Named Trails – 200+
- Lifts – 37
- Average Snowfall – 408 inches
- Terrain Parks – 3
- Best Place To Stay – Fairmont Chateau Whistler
2. Park City Resort, Utah
Next on the list is Park City Resort in Utah, boasting an impressive 7,300 skiable acres, making it the largest ski resort in the United States.
The terrain is divided into 8% green runs, 42% blue runs, and 50% black diamond runs. Despite the seemingly small percentage, the 8% beginner terrain still offers plenty of space for beginners due to the resort’s vast size. With 42% blue and 50% black diamond runs, Park City definitely caters more to intermediate and advanced riders though.
While the extensive skiable terrain is the highlight of this resort, I also appreciate the extra effort with over 330 trails and 40 lifts. Having so many trails and lifts helps spread people out, preventing overcrowding in certain areas.
Plus, being able to access trails by lift means you don’t have to constantly hike to new terrain, making the experience much more enjoyable.
What stands out to me, besides the legendary terrain, is the addition of two ski villages for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy: Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village.
This not only offers more shopping, dining, and accommodation options but also helps distribute the crowds, preventing one base area from becoming overcrowded.
- Skiable Acres – 7,300
- Named Trails – 330+
- Lifts – 40
- Average Snowfall – 355 inches
- Terrain Parks – 7
- Best Place To Stay – Condos at Motherlode
3. Palisades Tahoe, California
Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley, is my favorite ski resort in California and the largest ski resort in Lake Tahoe.
A really cool feature about Palisades Tahoe is that skiers used to have to pick between skiing at Palisades Tahoe or Alpine Meadow up until they created a fantastic gondola that ties the two resorts together called the Base to Base Gondola.
Due to the connecting lift, skiing at Palisades Tahoe is kind of like skiing at two different resorts but with the convenience of skiing at just one.
Palisades boasts an impressive 3,600 skiable acres, with terrain divided into 25% green runs, 45% blue runs, and 30% black diamond runs. It also features 16 bowls for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
Alpine, on the other hand, offers 2,400 skiable acres, with 25% green runs, 40% blue runs, and 35% black diamond runs. As you can see, while the terrain distribution is similar, Palisades is significantly larger.
The coolest part is that these mountains are now connected by a lift, allowing riders to enjoy a combined 6,000 skiable acres!
While the total skiable acres of terrain is super impressive, what really stands out to me is the 400 inches of snowfall these mountains get each year. This allows for an impressively long ski season as well as plenty of legendary powder days.
Palisades Mountain Stats:
- Skiable Acres – 3,600
- Named Trails – 170+
- Lifts – 29
- Average Snowfall – 400 inches
- Terrain Parks – 5
- Best Place To Stay – The Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe
Alpine Mountain Stats:
- Skiable Acres – 2,400
- Named Trails – 100+
- Lifts – 13
- Average Snowfall – 400 inches
4. Big Sky, Montana
Next up on this list with an astonishing 5,850 skiable acres of terrain and the largest ski resort in Montana is Big Sky.
The terrain at Big Sky is spread between 15% green runs, 25% blue runs, 42% black diamond runs, and 18% double black diamond runs. It’s an overall great resort for beginners, intermediates, and experts but really thrives with its advanced and expert territories.
Overall, I really love Montana’s numbers. Not only is the ski resort massive, but it also offers a nice variety of ski levels for beginners and experienced riders alike. With 320 named trails and 38 lifts, the resort effectively spreads out the crowds.
Additionally, they receive an annual average of 400 inches of snowfall, which is perfect for powder days and a long ski season.
While these numbers are impressive, what really stands out to me are the continual lift upgrades. In 2023, they installed the Lone Peak Tram, which carries more passengers faster to the resort’s summit.
In 2021, they introduced the Swift Current 6, featuring a weatherproof bubble (a favorite of mine for its protection and fun experience). In 2018, they introduced North America’s first 8-seat chair. These are just a few of their recent projects.
Having skied at over 20 resorts across North America, I’ve experienced countless chair lifts. Slow chairs always frustrate me because they waste time that could be spent skiing.
I appreciate that Big Sky goes above and beyond to maintain efficient lifts. This dedication significantly enhances the skiing atmosphere and overall resort experience, and I love it.
- Skiable Acres – 5,850
- Named Trails – 320
- Lifts – 38
- Average Snowfall – 400 inches
- Terrain Parks – 5
- Best Place To Stay – Big Sky Resort Village Center
5. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Vail is one of my favorite ski resorts, partly because of its sentimental value. It was the first resort I visited out West, and my husband and I loved Colorado so much that we ended up living there for about two years, making countless trips to Vail.
Another reason I love Vail is its convenient location, just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Denver, one of my favorite cities. But beyond my personal connection, Vail is also one of the largest ski resorts in the world, with 5,371 skiable acres. The terrain is divided into 18% green runs, 29% blue, and 53% black diamond terrain.
I’ve skied at Vail as a beginner, intermediate, and advanced skier, and it truly excels in catering to all levels with plenty of space for everyone. It’s fantastic for beginners, offering one of the best ski schools in the United States (I took lessons here myself!).
For advanced skiers, Vail’s legendary back bowls are a highlight. With 7 different bowls, there’s enough variety to spread out the crowds without being overly intimidating. It’s one of my favorite places in the world for skiing bowls because of how many options there are.
Besides the great location and terrain, Vail Village is another standout. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes, offering iconic après ski options. You simply can’t go wrong with a visit to Vail.
- Skiable Acres – 5,371
- Named Trails – 278
- Lifts – 32
- Average Snowfall – 354 inches
- Terrain Parks – 2
- Best Place To Stay – The Arrabelle At Vail Square
6. Powder Mountain, Utah
Powder Mountain is a unique and sometimes debated ski resort. Many argue it’s the biggest ski resort in North America, but there’s more to the story. While parts of the resort are public, others are private. This article focuses on the public areas, as those are accessible to everyone.
Powder Mountain offers 5,050 public skiable acres (therefore, it’s not the biggest ski resort in North America), with 15% green runs, 29% blue runs, and 56% black diamond runs.
Opinions vary on the private sections—some appreciate having exclusive access for real estate owners, while others wish the entire resort was open to all visitors. Regardless of your stance, 5,050 public skiable acres is still impressive.
Another standout feature of Powder Mountain is its cap on passes: 3,000 winter season passes and 1,500 day passes. This ensures the slopes aren’t overly crowded and lift lines remain manageable.
- Skiable Acres – 5,050 Public Skiable Acres
- Named Trails – 140
- Lifts – 8
- Average Snowfall – 360 inches
- Terrain Parks – 2
- Best Place To Stay – Compass Rose Lodge
7. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
Heavenly Mountain Resort, located in both California and Nevada, is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It’s renowned for its breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the unique experience of skiing in two states, along with its epic terrain.
Heavenly offers 4,800 skiable acres, divided into 2% green, 80% blue, and 18% black diamond runs. While it accommodates all levels, it truly shines for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Beyond the skiing and snowboarding, what I love most are the stunning views and the unique experience of enjoying both mountain and lake scenery. There aren’t many resorts where you can get such spectacular mountain vistas alongside a beautiful, massive lake.
Another fantastic feature is the resort’s four base areas, with two in each state. This provides numerous shopping, dining, and accommodation options, effectively spreading out the crowds so it never feels overcrowded.
- Skiable Acres – 4,800
- Named Trails – 97
- Lifts – 28
- Average Snowfall – 251 inches
- Terrain Parks – 1
- Best Place To Stay – Black Bear Lodge
8. Mount Bachelor, Oregon
Mount Bachelor is my favorite ski resort in Oregon and one of the largest in North America. Located in Bend, it offers 4,323 skiable acres, divided into 15% green runs, 30% blue runs, and 55% black diamonds and double blacks.
What stands out to me about Mount Bachelor is the absence of slopeside lodging. While you won’t find ski-in/ski-out accommodations here, I actually love this aspect because it brings a strong local presence, with visitors coming from Bend and Sunriver. It also helps keep the crowds down, attracting those who don’t mind the short travel.
Another feature I love is the impressive 410 inches of snowfall each year, spread throughout the season. This results in a long ski season and excellent spring skiing. I’ve skied here in April and can attest to it being one of the best places to ski in spring!
- Skiable Acres – 4,323
- Named Trails – 101
- Lifts – 12
- Average Snowfall – 410 inches
- Terrain Parks – 15
- Best Place To Stay – Oxford Hotel Bend
9. Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia
Sun Peaks Resort, located in British Columbia, is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
Sun Peaks boasts 4,270 skiable acres, with 10% green runs, 58% blue runs, and 32% black diamonds and double blacks. This mix of terrain caters to all levels, with a special emphasis on intermediates and experts.
One of my favorite features of this resort is its 19 different gladed areas. These are perfect for those who enjoy tree skiing and finding great powder stashes.
- Skiable Acres – 4,270
- Named Trails – 139
- Lifts – 13
- Average Snowfall – 237 inches
- Terrain Parks – 1
- Best Place To Stay – Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre
FAQs About The Biggest Ski Resorts In North America
Keep diving in below as I answer a few frequently asked questions about the biggest snowboarding resorts in North America.
What is the largest ski resort in North America?
The largest ski resort in North America is Whistler Blackcomb.
Is Vail bigger than Big Sky?
No, Big Sky is bigger than Vail. Big Sky has 5,850 skiable acres of terrain whereas Vail has 5,371.
Which is bigger, Vail or Whistler?
Whistler is bigger than Vail. Whistler Blackcomb has 8,171 skiable acres of terrain whereas Vail has 5,371.
Final Thoughts On The Biggest Ski Resorts In North America
If you’re aiming to explore the biggest ski resorts in North America, this list has you covered. I’ve skied at many of these resorts, and the ones I haven’t are still on my bucket list.
If you’re undecided after checking out this list, you can’t go wrong with any of them. However, Vail Ski Resort and Palisades Tahoe are two of my top recommendations. I hope this list helps you plan your next ski vacation!
