In Europe, it’s not uncommon to find ski resorts seamlessly connected, offering skiers the luxury of exploring vast, interconnected terrains without ever leaving the slopes. This model of resort mergers has created some of the world’s most expansive and versatile ski areas, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe.

However, while some mergers have occurred in the U.S. over the years, it’s still not as widespread. By following Europe’s lead, certain U.S. ski resorts could merge to create massive ski domains, offering unmatched variety, convenience, and a world-class experience that rivals the best Europe has to offer. There have been some examples over the years, such as Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin in Montana, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort in Utah, and in California when Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows merged before becoming Palisades Tahoe.

Below are some of the prime candidates for U.S. ski resort mergers. These potential unions, though many of them highly unlikely, could level up the industry, offering skiers and snowboarders the ultimate in convenience, variety, and sheer mountain majesty.

Mad River Glen & Sugarbush, VT

Sugarbush and Mad River Glen are two of Vermont’s most highly regarded ski resorts and are about five miles apart by road. The two ski resorts are located in Vermont’s Mad River Valley and are close enough that many skiers visit both during their trips to the area. The drive between the two typically takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on road conditions. The area between the two resorts is less than twice the size of Sugarbush.

Physically connecting the two resorts with a ski trail or lift would be complex but exciting. A backcountry or off-piste route could link the two, though it would require careful planning and consideration of environmental and land ownership issues. This would create a unique skiing experience, potentially attracting more visitors to the region.

Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain Resort, & Deer Valley, UT

This is the big one that would truly be a European level upgrade. The idea isn’t new. This vision to create the most efficient and enjoyable interconnected mountain resort ski experience in North America has officially been around for over a decade and the idea has been a topic of conversation for over 30 years. If it ever comes to fruition, the long-discussed concept of connecting the central Wasatch resorts would offer over 18,000 acres of skiing and riding and over 100 lifts.

While all the ski areas are committed to the idea, none of them have immediate plans to initiate their portion of the project at this time. It’s a big commitment that takes thoughtful planning to be done right. In addition, planning, approvals and funding for each of these connections is substantial, although it would only take six chairlifts and about 1,000 acres of terrain to connect all the resorts. The website onewasatch.com continues to live on, although it does not appear it has been updated recently.

Stowe & Smugglers Notch, VT

This is a controversial one as Smugglers’ Notch is an independently owned mountain, while Stowe is owned by Vail Resorts. The two mountains have talked about a connector gondola in the past before the idea was abandoned in 2023 as feelings about the project were heavily divided.

Combining the 485 acres of Stowe with over 1,000 acres of accessible terrain at Smugglers Notch—while appealing to some—would have to be done carefully as each has its own unique character and appeal. Combining them would require balancing these aspects to maintain what makes each resort special while offering a cohesive experience. An improbable mega expansion could include adding Bolton Valley as well, as all the terrain between it and the others is mountainous and could be connected by backcountry ski routes or lifts.

Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Meadows, & Skibowl, OR

The three resorts on Mt. Hood, Oregon, all offer something different and could create a diverse skiing experience if combined. Timberline, on the south side of the mountain, is known for its terrain parks and intermediate trails. Mt. Hood Meadows, on the east side, is renowned for its advanced terrain, while Skibowl, located lower down the mountain, is known for its great terrain and the largest night skiing in the country. Timberline already has the largest vertical drop in the U.S. at 4,500 feet as it descends all the way to Summit Ski Area in the town of Government Camp. As of right now, there is no way to get back up to Timberline, however, the master plan includes a gondola to connect the two. From Summit Ski Area, Skibowl is just across the highway.

The biggest challenge would be linking in Mt. Hood Meadows as the enormous White River Canyon separates the two resorts. A base-to-base lift or a gondola similar to Whistler’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola across the canyon would be required. For dreamers, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, located at a lower elevation on the north side, could be connected, adding thousands of acres of terrain to explore.

Killington & Pico Mountain, VT

Connecting Killington and Pico Mountain, both located in Vermont, has been a topic of interest for some time, and there are a few ways this could be achieved to create a seamless ski experience. The most direct way to connect the two resorts would be to build a lift system, such as a gondola or a high-speed chairlift, that runs between Killington’s existing lift network and Pico Mountain. The lift could be designed to connect mid-mountain areas of both resorts, offering scenic routes and minimizing the vertical difference between the bases of the two mountains.

Another option would be constructing ski trails that link Killington and Pico Mountain to provide a natural way to ski between the two resorts. These trails would need to be carefully planned to account for the terrain and environmental impact, offering intermediate and advanced routes for a broader appeal. Depending on the terrain and forested areas between the resorts, some trails could be cross-country or backcountry routes, adding an adventurous element for skiers.

Recently a group of passionate local passholders purchased both Killington and Pico Mountain from POWDR. Who knows what the new ownership group has in mind?

• Related:Killington Resort, VT, Has Been Sold From POWDR to a Group of Local Passholders

As ski resorts across Europe have demonstrated, merging can lead to incredible benefits, offering skiers unparalleled access to vast, interconnected terrain. In the U.S., following this model could elevate the skiing experience to new heights, creating destination resorts that rival the best in the world.

By combining resources, terrain, and amenities, these potential mergers could set the stage for the next evolution in the ski industry. The dream of effortlessly exploring multiple mountains in a single day could become a reality, making the U.S. ski scene not only more competitive globally but also more exciting for every level of skier.