A standard practice in 2024 is firing up Google, searching for a restaurant, business, activity, etc., and scrolling through reviews and comments until a suitable match is found. Using the court of public opinion is often a great method to minimize poor results and manage expectations, particularly in unfamiliar locations or with new activities.
What if the same methodology is used to find the highest-rated ski areas and resorts in popular ski states?
The following list presents the highest-reviewed ski areas and resorts in popular ski states according to a Google search, along with a pertinent comment describing why from real reviewers. Interestingly, although not included here, most of the lowest-rated resorts in each state scored well above a 4.0-star average, indicating that the ski industry provides excellent customer service and quality experiences for patrons. For this list, only resorts with over 400 reviews are considered to provide a relevant sample size, and the list is ordered alphabetically by state. In the event of a tie score between two ski areas, the resort with the most reviews has been selected. This list in no way reflects SnowBrains’ views or opinions.
Do you agree with the court of public opinion?
Alaska
Arctic Valley Ski Area, 4.6 Stars with 431 Reviews
Review: I can’t tell you how good this place is because then you’ll all go there. It’s beautiful, amazingly priced, fantastic service, stellar tubing, but I’m not going to tell you how good it is. Only that you won’t regret it if you go.
Arizona
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, 4.7 Stars with 2,547 Reviews
Review: Nice ski hill at the top of Mt. Lemmon. Given the location / situation, it’s a really cool spot. The staff was friendly and efficient. The place wasn’t too crowded and lift lines were 3-4 max. This is a great spot to learn, for a warm-up for a big ski trip, or for a nice day with friends.
California
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, 4.7 Stars with 3,306 Reviews
Review: Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort provides an exhilarating snowboarding experience with its fantastic fresh powder. Beyond the slopes, the vibrant atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for those seeking not only thrilling runs but also memorable apres-ski moments. A perfect blend of adventure and a lively nightlife, Mammoth Mountain allows you to build unforgettable experiences both on and off the slopes.
Colorado
Arapahoe Basin, 4.8 Stars with 5,033 Reviews
Review: Phenomenal ski resort with some of the most breathtaking scenery you can get. First time visiting and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Rental staff, lift operators, store staff and restaurant staff were all fantastic. Food prices are typically high at these places but this food was well worth it. Also the view while eating is unmatched. I’ll say the terrain is on the challenging side but manageable with plenty of options. Would definitely come back.
Idaho
Bogus Basin, 4.7 Stars with 943 Reviews
Review: I love our little ski resort! I’ve never had a bad experience here. Everyone is helpful, informative, and kind. My family enjoys the whole mountain summer or winter. The prices are perfect, the lifts, are perfect, and the food is pretty good too for something quick while you’re on the mountain.
Maine
Sugarloaf Mountain, 4.7 Stars with 1,505 Reviews
Review: This is THE ski resort in Maine to go to!! Do not miss this property! It is actually a 4 season area. The mountain bike trails are extensive and everyone loves it! This NW Maine location is pure beauty and not to be missed!
Michigan
Nubs Nob Ski Resort, 4.8 Stars with 1,318 Reviews
Review: I’ve only been here my second year in a row and it’s by far one of my favorite ski resorts in Michigan and I snowboard about 30 days a year just in Michigan. They have the best snow, the best employees and the best vibes making the 4 hour drive worth it. Definitely a family vibe here. The beer choices are fantastic and the food isn’t over priced. The glades are amazing and challenging. The runs are fun and curvy. I plan on coming here for many years to come.
Minnesota
Giants Ridge Recreation Area: 4.6 Stars with 963 Reviews
Montana
Showdown Montana, 4.8 Stars with 458 Reviews
Review: Great small mountain with nice amenities. Fun skiing with varied terrain keeps anyone entertained. I enjoyed every aspect of this mountain. Lift lines never got terrible, free wifi in the lodge, challenging and diverse terrain, parking… these all contributed to a lovely skiing weekend.
New Hampshire
Bretton Woods, 4.7 Stars with 1,567 Reviews
Review: In a virtual snowless New Hampshire winter, Bretton Woods gave me and my family an amazing skiing experience. We skied the day after a horrific wind/rain storm. The grooming team did an incredible job. The terrain is great for families with a variety of skiing abilities. Highly recommend.
New Mexico
Ski Santa Fe, 4.6 Stars with 2,010 Reviews
Review: A wonderful place to ski! Whether you are going solo or with the whole family this place is fantastic! The lines move fast and the lifts are well maintained. Perfect power day in the clouds! New Mexico at it best! Santa Fe luxury so close and the adventures of a lifetime waiting on the top of the mountain. Perfect place to shred!
New York
Willard Mountain, 4.7 Stars with 405 Reviews
Review: This is a great little mountain! Family owned and super friendly and cozy environment. Reasonably priced and interesting trails. Great for beginners and intermediate riders and skiers but there are a few places for experts as well. The tubing looks fun and it’s great that you don’t have to do much climbing or walking to where you need to be. Even though it’s been a rough winter for maintaining snow, they’ve done pretty well with production and there weren’t too many icy places like I’ve seen elsewhere. Highly recommend the ski lessons for all ages as well!
Oregon
Hoodoo Ski Area, 4.7 Stars with 1,348 Reviews
Review: Hoodoo Ski Area is such a fun place to ski! Our group had a blast exploring the mountain and checking out the tree runs. We loved the wide open groomers as well as the ample off piste options. This friendly ski area is great from experts and new skiers alike, and all at an amazing value! The staff there were all extremely helpful and seemed to enjoy being there, from the parking staff, guest services, cafeteria attendant, lifties and patrollers. 100% worth a visit.
Pennsylvania
Bear Creek Mountain Resort, 4.5 Stars with 3,443 Reviews
Review: Our family had a day trip here for skiing and snowboarding. 2 adults, 5 kids from college to 7. All had a great time. Prices for rental and lift ticket were great for our family. One switch between board and skis was free; helmet was included in the fee. Lines were great and slopes well maintained with many options for all levels. We will definitely go back.
Utah
Brighton Resort, 4.6 Stars with 6,715 Reviews
Review: I LOVE BRIGHTON. Some of the best snow on earth. I really admire Brighton’s mission to save it’s visitor’s money. That’s not something you see often, especially at a ski resort. Parking is almost entirely free, there is a spot to eat your food brought from home, and lift tickets are cheaper than most resorts. Plus they have a brand new 6-seater lift. I used to not be the biggest fan of this place, but I have certainly changed my mind! 10/10
Vermont
Killington Resort, 4.7 Stars with 3,662 Reviews
Review: A marvelous ski resort with unique local atmosphere, plentiful runs of different variety, it’s own style in music at the base and waffles on the mountain, great overnight grooming, nice and friendly staff, cozy but modern and top-quality lodges at the peak and the base. We absolutely loved it here.
Washington
Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area, 4.8 Stars with 554 Reviews
Review: Not a huge fan of rope tows but the poma T bar was great, there’s a moderate amount of terrain. A lot more than I was expecting. Lots of steeps wish there was more cliffs. All said blew my expectations away 10/10
Wisconsin
Trollhaugen Ski Area, 4.7 Stars with 1,456 Reviews
Review: I went there skiing for the first time, I liked all the different runs and varied terrain. The people who work there are so kind and courteous and were asking us if we were having fun and if there was anything they could do. The lift operators and employees in the chalet were really welcoming and nice, and it made the whole experience even better. The lift ticket rates are really reasonable here and it’s a really nice chalet and base area. I will be back!
Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, 4.7 Stars with 3,661 Reviews
Review: Great resort even if you don’t catch any powder days. If you get lucky with the snow this mountain will spoil other mountains for you. Long runs and great terrain. Crowds spread out nicely because the mountain is so big. If you are lucky you can even see some moose hanging out at the bottom of the trails. Ride the tram to the top for the views and Grab a waffle.
What about Snowshoe in West Virginia? It may not compete directly with a lot of these, but it’s big, cold, and easily the best in WV.
What about Minnesota??!! Easy choice…Lutsen Mountain.
Absolutely right. We have added Minnesota, and no, it’s not Lutsen (they received 4.5 Stars)
Where’s Minnesota?
Funny that Arapaho Basin (in Colorado)is on the list. This ski area is very, very challenging for the newbie and average skiers. If you go, you’re sure in for a thrilling adventure on the slopes/mountains at Arapaho Basin. It is a nice challenge for the experienced skiers and boarders.
Some good picks, but Killington for Vermont? No way that should be highest rated. It’s super commercial, expensive and crowded full of nyc and Boston weekend trippers. Any number of MRG, Stowe, Jay, Okemos, Smugglers, Magic, Bolton or Bromley is far and away better for any number of reasons.