15 Best Ski Resorts For Tree Skiing In North America

While I find any snow skiing to be fun, there’s something extra special about skiing at resorts known for their tree skiing and glades. These runs often have powder stashes, require a bit more skill, and generally have fewer crowds. 

If you’re like me and looking for the best ski resorts for tree skiing in North America, I have you covered with this curated list. 

1. Red Mountain, Canada

To be honest, I hadn’t heard of Red Mountain until recently, and boy, am I glad I know about it now. It’s one of those resorts that often goes under the radar but definitely deserves some time in the spotlight, thanks to its legendary terrain and laid-back atmosphere. 

The resort boasts 3,850 skiable acres, five different peaks, 300 inches of snowfall annually, and some of the best tree skiing in the world. If you are looking to head somewhere that experiences fewer crowds and more opportunities to find untouched powder, this is the place to be.

2. Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish may not be one of the big-name ski resorts and often gets overshadowed by Big Sky, but it’s definitely worth a visit. With around 3,000 skiable acres, part of which lies in Flathead National Forest, you can expect plenty of tree runs to explore. The resort also gets about 300 inches of snowfall annually, meaning frequent powder days and excellent conditions. 

Plus, being a lesser-known resort, the experience feels truly exceptional. Whitefish should be at the top of your bucket list if you’re after tree skiing with nearly endless options, abundant powder, and fewer crowds.

3. Mount Bachelor, Oregon

Mount Bachelor is one of my favorite ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, not only for its impressively long ski season but also for its location near Bend, a city I love for its numerous craft beer options and endless breweries. What many people don’t know is that Mount Bachelor offers some truly legendary tree skiing.

The resort is enormous, with over 4,300 skiable acres and an average of 410 inches of snowfall yearly. But what really stands out to me is the tree skiing.

My husband and I spent a lot of time exploring off-piste areas, quickly falling in love with the mountain. Thanks to its many tree-lined runs, it strikes a perfect balance between the luxury of a ski resort and the feeling of being in the backcountry. 

4. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Next on the list is A-Basin. What I love most about this resort is that it doesn’t have the typical village area or slopeside lodging, so it usually attracts fewer tourists. This gives the place an awesome local vibe, and the sense of community is truly next level.

Beyond the atmosphere, Arapahoe Basin is known for two key things. It’s usually one of the first resorts in Colorado to open and among the last to close, offering a long ski season with plenty of snow.

Another standout feature is its legendary tree skiing. A-Basin is a paradise for advanced and expert skiers, offering countless bowls, chutes, tree glades, and deep powder. If you’re after endless tree runs close to Denver, A-Basin should be at the top of your list.

5. Sugarloaf, Maine

You might be surprised to see a Maine resort on this list, but Sugarloaf definitely earns its spot. It’s renowned for offering some of the best tree skiing on the East Coast, thanks to its unique sidecountry terrain. This area, which includes Burnt Mountain and Brackett Basin, is like backcountry skiing but patrolled and maintained like inbound terrain. 

You’ll find cliffs, steeps, chutes, and plenty of glades to explore. They even offer snowcat skiing now, where you can ride a snowcat to the top and ski down. If you’re looking for top-notch tree skiing on the East Coast, Sugarloaf is the place to be.

6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is one of the most iconic ski resorts for advanced and expert skiers, largely due to the famous Courbet’s Couloir. While many know the resort for this legendary run, it’s also popular for its incredible tree skiing. 

With trees scattered across much of its terrain, it’s easy to find glades to carve through. The resort is packed with chutes, glades, bowls, and cliffs, making it heaven for expert skiers.

7. Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado

Steamboat was where I first experienced tree skiing, and I instantly fell in love. I got lucky with a massive snowstorm, allowing me to glide through the trees on untouched powder. It was a truly magical experience. The resort is famous for its champagne powder, which feels like you’re floating on air. If you can time your visit with a snowstorm, it can be an unforgettable experience. 

Just be sure to stay aware of tree wells and always ski with a buddy for safety. 

Overall, Steamboat offers countless tree runs throughout the resort, and being farther from Denver means you avoid the heavy crowds found at places like Vail and Breckenridge, making the experience even better.

8. Heavenly, California

Heavenly is undoubtedly one of the most iconic resorts in the United States. The ski resort offers a wide range of terrain for all skill levels, ranging from beginners to experts, boasts stunning views of Lake Tahoe, and has an unbeatable location near downtown with its casinos, restaurants, and accommodations. On top of all that, it’s home to some of the best tree skiing in the country.

Heavenly’s popularity can make it pretty crowded, but the great thing about tree skiing is that most people stick to the groomed trails, leaving the tree runs less crowded. With its diverse runs, excellent amenities, and breathtaking views, you’ll never get bored, making it one of the top resorts in California.

9. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

What’s not to love about Whistler Blackcomb? It’s the largest resort in North America, boasting an incredible 8,171 skiable acres, with an average of 408 inches of annual snowfall.

The terrain caters to everyone, from beginners to experts, and the resort offers endless options for shopping, accommodations, and dining. Plus, the tree skiing is simply unbeatable.

Whistler features an impressive selection of black diamond and double black diamond glade runs for those focused on tree skiing. And despite being one of the most popular resorts in North America, its massive size means that the expert runs never feel too crowded, making the experience even more enjoyable.

10. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

I’ve visited Aspen several times, and the ski resorts there always impress me. As the ski capital of the world, the four resorts in Aspen offer a variety of terrain, stunning views, and one of the coolest downtown areas with its shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Plus, there’s the added celebrity appeal during the winter season.

If I had to choose two resorts that stand out the most, it would be Aspen Snowmass and Highlands.

In this case, I’d pick Snowmass for its outstanding tree skiing, which is among the best in the area and in Colorado. The entire resort is sprinkled with trees, making it easy to navigate through them. Many tree runs are well spaced out, providing plenty of room for the whole family to explore confidently.

11. Whitewater Ski Resort, Canada

Whitewater Ski Resort is truly one of those hidden gems. Not many people are aware of this charming resort, and they’re often surprised when I mention it’s one of the best spots for tree skiing. Located in British Columbia, not far from the U.S. border, it offers a unique experience.

The resort boasts 3,247 skiable acres, with 1,367 acres inbounds and an impressive annual snowfall of 480 inches. With these incredible stats, you can expect outstanding inbound and backcountry skiing, along with some of the best tree skiing and powder stashes around.

If you’re looking for a Canadian resort that offers fewer crowds but an equally impressive experience, consider Whitewater Ski Resort.

12. Jay Peak Resort, Vermont

I’m genuinely obsessed with Jay Peak Resort! Located in northern Vermont, it offers a little bit of everything. First and foremost, this resort is an all-in-one destination featuring skiing, accommodations, restaurants, shops, and even an indoor water park. This makes it perfect for a family ski trip with endless activities.

For the purpose of this article, I also want to highlight the tree skiing at Jay Peak. Most of the trails are bordered by trees, and you can see them stretching as far as the eye can see, providing skiers and snowboarders with countless glade skiing options.

Although the resort has only 385 skiable acres, about 100 of those are designated as gladed terrain, making it a dream come true for tree skiing enthusiasts.

13. Revelstoke, Canda

Like many resorts on this list, Revelstoke is a fantastic destination for skiers of all skill levels, but it particularly shines for experts. The resort boasts 3,121 skiable acres, featuring four different bowls, impressive glades, chutes, and abundant powder. The mountain is enveloped by trees, offering countless tree runs to explore. 

For a truly memorable experience, I recommend taking the Stoke chairlift and checking out Clyde’s Secret Glades. You’ll quickly fall in love with this wonderful resort’s glades, welcoming atmosphere, and small-town charm.

14. Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley stands out as one of the more upscale resorts on this list. It is renowned for its skiers-only policy and celebrity presence. Guests can expect exceptional amenities, upscale restaurants, beautiful accommodations, and, of course, excellent skiing.

Although snowboarders can’t partake in the tree skiing here, skiers will appreciate the numerous glade options available. The resort boasts 2,026 skiable acres, with an impressive 930 acres designated as glades! With an average of 300 inches of snow each year, tree skiers will surely enjoy their time at Deer Valley.

15. Northstar, California

Last but definitely not least is Northstar, another fantastic resort in the Truckee-Tahoe area. I adore this resort for numerous reasons, including its charming village, excellent restaurants and shops, and a wide range of outdoor winter activities. And, of course, the terrain is simply fantastic.

Northstar features 3,170 skiable acres, an impressive ten terrain parks, and receives an average of 350 inches of snowfall each year, making it one of the best spots for advanced skiers in the United States.

I appreciate its diverse terrain, which ensures that the entire family can enjoy themselves; kids can learn on the groomers while adults explore the glade runs. With so many options available, you’ll never run of the runs on the ski slopes or the things to do in the village. It’s the perfect place to spend a winter getaway in California.

What’s Your Favorite Tree Skiing Resort?

Let us know in the comments!