The U.S. has some vast ski areas, but which is the largest in each state? This article will break it down state by state to determine which resort offers the most skiable acres for each state with a ski area. Not necessarily the tallest resorts but those with the most expansive terrain choices.
Powder Mountain – Utah – 8,464 Skiable Acres
Powder Mountain tops the list with massive skiable acres and numerous ongoing improvements under new ownership. Located along the Wasatch Front in Utah, it receives over 500 inches of incredibly dry snow each season. Offering 167 marked trails and endless snowcat-accessible terrain, Powder Mountain is easily the largest in the U.S. for skiable acres.
Palisades Tahoe – California – 6,000 Skiable Acres
Palisades Tahoe is in the North Tahoe region of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has one of the longest ski seasons in the state, often operating through July Fourth weekend. With a wide variety of terrain, from easy groomers to the spicy chutes and cliffs of KT-22 and Headwall Express, there is surely something for everyone at this iconic destination.
Big Sky Resort – Montana – 5,850 Skiable Acres
Big Sky Resort is located in the northern Madison Mountain Range of Southwest Montana. Well known for its technical terrain, serviced by the Lone Peak Tram, it is a hard-charging paradise for alpine glory. Boasting over 400 inches of snow annually, the views of mountains in three different states are breathtaking.
Vail Resort – Colorado – 5,317 Skiable Acres
Vail Resort is a well-developed skier hotspot, founded in 1962 along Interstate 70 in Central Colorado. With luxurious amenities and incredible terrain selections, it’s no secret why Vail is one of Colorado’s most popular ski destinations. Offering 278 marked trails and legendary back bowls that sprawl seven miles behind the resort, Vail is Colorado’s largest ski area.
Mount Bachelor – Oregon – 4,323 Skiable Acres
Mount Bachelor in Oregon is perched on an old volcano, offering an incredibly unique ski experience. Situated on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range, this ski area provides incredible views and a wide terrain selection. Mount Bachelor has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often running through May.
Schweitzer Mountain – Idaho – 2,900 Skiable Acres
Schweitzer Mountain in Idaho’s Selkirk Mountain range has a colorful history dating back to 1963. Here, you will find heavenly views of three U.S. states, Canada, and Idaho’s largest lake. Widely considered the most family-friendly resort in Idaho and possibly the Pacific Northwest, this gem will surely please anyone who graces these slopes.
Grand Targhee – Wyoming – 2,602 Skiable Acres
Grand Targhee is an incredible ski area, living in the shadow of nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Situated just inside Wyoming’s western border on the western front of the iconic Teton Mountain Range, it is known for ample snow conditions. The “Ghee” is well known for its laid-back, family-friendly feel and incredible views of the Grand Teton and surrounding peaks.
Crystal Mountain – Washington – 2,600 Skiable Acres
Crystal Mountain in Washington is located on the outer fringe of Mount Rainer National Park in the Cascade Mountain Range. Well known for incredible terrain selection and backcountry access, one can also glimpse all five of Washington’s Volcanoes from this locale. Visitors here can also ride the only scenic gondola in Washington and dine in the state’s highest-elevation restaurant.
Alyeska Resort – Alaska – 1,610 Skiable Acres
Alyeska Resort near Girdwood, Alaska, offers incredible vistas and challenging terrain choices. This location is widely known for some of the most consistent snow conditions, averaging over 669 inches of snow annually. The Aerial tram reveals views of the Chugach Mountain Range and the Turnagain Arm of the Gulf of Alaska at sea level below.
Killington Resort – Vermont – 1,509 Skiable Acres
Killington Resort in Vermont’s Green Mountains is widely known as “The Beast of the East,” and for good reason. This resort is the largest ski area in Vermont and the whole East Coast. Due to an elaborate snowmaking system, it hosts the longest ski season in the East. Guests can enjoy 3000 vertical feet of skiing on Vermont’s second-highest peak. At one time, this location had the world’s longest gondola, which opened to the public in 1968.
Sugarloaf Resort – Maine – 1,360 Skiable Acres
Sugarloaf Resort is situated in Maine’s Northwest Mountains region and offers the largest skiable acreage in the state. It has a rich history dating back to 1953 when it opened the first rope tow for skiing access. Founded by the Sugarloaf Ski Club, this premier New England ski destination hosts events such as the U.S. Alpine Nationals and the North American Championship Series.
Taos Ski Valley – New Mexico – 1,294 Skiable Acres
Taos Ski Valley is a welcoming place with friendly locals in northern New Mexico. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, a sub-range of the southern Rocky Mountains. This place is well known for its steep technical terrain. Plenty of hiking access and a lift for experts make this a regular stop for the Freeride World Tour. The adjacent Wheeler Peak is the highest point in the state, making Kachina Peak the highest lift access in New Mexico.
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe – Nevada – 1,200 Skiable Acres
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is known for good snow consistency, being the highest base area in the Tahoe region. Mt. Rose has a good mix of terrain for all abilities, including an area called “The Chutes” for the seasoned extreme skier. With proximity to Reno and Lake Tahoe, this is a popular choice for many in Nevada and California.
Sunrise Park Resort – Arizona – 1,200 Skiable Acres
Sunrise Park Resort is located in Arizona’s White Mountains and is owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. This resort excels in beginner and intermediate terrain, making it a great destination for families and those looking to learn winter sports. Now offering a new half pipe, this location maintains a great terrain park scene for those interested in jibs and airs.
Lutsen Mountains – Minnesota – 1,000 Skiable Acres
Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski area in Minnesota and the Midwest. Located in the Sawtooth Mountains, with terrain spread across four different peaks, this location is surely a standout of the region. Offering the region’s only gondola, spectacular views of Lake Superior can be seen from nearly anywhere across all four mountains.
Kissing Bridge Ski Resort – New York – 700 Skiable Acres
Kissing Bridge Ski Resort in Western New York is a popular destination for New England families. This family-friendly resort has a well-balanced mix of terrain for all ability levels and offers night skiing for those interested. New this year is a huge 214% increase in snowmaking coverage to ensure an enjoyable ski surface even in low snow seasons.
Terry Peak Ski Area – South Dakota – 600 Skiable Acres
Terry Peak Ski Area is in the northern reaches of South Dakota’s Black Hills, in an area rich with early mining history. Recording an annual average of 150 inches of natural snow, Terry Peak has the most consistent snow surfaces in the Midwest. Its good variety of terrain choices makes it ideal for anyone who enjoys snow sports, shredders, and families alike.
Mount Bohemia – Michigan – 585 Skiable Acres
Mount Bohemia in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a Midwest extreme skiers’ paradise. Bohemia is tailored to experts, offering no grooming of the steep glades, rocky chutes, and cliff bands found here. Consistent lake effect snow provides the deepest snowpack in the Midwest paired with the tallest vertical of the region. A unique approach to ski access utilizes a bus system double the size of its lift infrastructure at this premier Great Lakes destination.
Bretton Woods Ski Area – New Hampshire – 464 Skiable Acres
Bretton Woods Ski Area in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is a top-tier New England ski destination. Among other awards, Bretton Woods was awarded the title of best grooming in the East by Ski Magazine for the 2024-25 ski season. A modern lift infrastructure, including an 8-person gondola, reveals stunning views of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.
Granite Peak Ski Area – Wisconsin – 400 Skiable Acres
Granite Peak Ski Area is on the north side of Rib Mountain, the highest point in the state. It offers a nice balance of terrain choices, inviting beginners, intermediates, and pros alike. Granite Peak also offers an extensive night skiing scene and the quaint little ski town of Wausau at the base.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort – Pennsylvania – 285 Skiable Acres
Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a local favorite year-round mountain destination in Southwest Pennsylvania. This location offers excellent grooming and a lively après ski scene on top of gorgeous views of the Laurel Highlands. A well-rounded four-season resort, there is something for everyone, no matter what time of year.
Snowshoe Mountain – West Virginia – 244 Skiable Acres
Snowshoe Mountain is an upside-down ski area with a beautiful ski village on top of the mountain. This area is a wonderful place to learn, mainly offering beginner and intermediate terrain with more advanced options. Beautiful views and well-groomed trails make this a favorite among Mid-Atlantic skiers and snowboarders.
Chestnut Mountain Resort – Illinois – 220 Skiable Acres
Chestnut Mountain Resort is a top choice in the Midwest, overlooking the Mississippi River valley below. Chestnut offers a healthy mix of terrain levels suitable for all ability levels, and a well-maintained seven-acre terrain park is the largest in the region. This location is a four-season destination offering a bike park, zipline, disc golfing, and more in the summer months.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort – Massachusetts – 168 Skiable Acres
Jiminy Peak is a self-sustaining resort in Massachusetts that generates power from a wind turbine on site—the only place in North America to do so. It is a great place to learn before stepping up to more difficult grades offered here. Solid grooming and night skiing make this a favorite near New York City and Boston.
Mountain Creek Resort – New Jersey – 167 Skiable Acres
Mountain Creek Resort in New Jersey is a convenient escape from New York City to ski or ride. This mountain offers an impeccable ski school program featuring terrain-based learning, a comprehensive approach to learning unique to this mountain. New for next season is a large investment in snowmaking capabilities, including automated machines to provide consistent quality surfaces.
Mad River Mountain – Ohio – 144 Skiable Acres
Mad River Mountain is Ohio’s largest resort offering and is included in the Epic Pass roster of resorts. This location combines Ohio’s highest elevation resort, largest skiable acreage, and tallest vertical drop in a family-friendly package. Most terrain here is either beginner or intermediate, making this a wonderful learning area, or just cruise with the group. A tubing course gives alternate winter options for fun, and Buckeye S’mores are free to guests on Sundays.
Wisp Resort – Maryland – 132 Skiable Acres
Wisp Resort is Maryland’s only ski area, making it the largest skiable acreage in the state. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, this resort offers night skiing, snow tubing, and a unique set of escape room situations for the whole family to enjoy. Here, you will find an enjoyable mix of terrain options for everyone in your group, as well as beautiful views of nearby Deep Creek Lake.
Wintergreen Resort – Virginia – 129 Skiable Acres
Wintergreen Resort is a spectacular four-season resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you will find diverse terrain selections that are naturally divided by the geology of these mountains. A developed beginner area houses multiple terrain parks and mellow slopes perfect for learning to ski or ride. Adjacent to the bunny slopes, you will find a bowl of mostly intermediate slopes serviced by the Big Acorn Quad chair. On the far side, you will find an all-advanced area serviced by the Highlands Express Six Pack lift.
Sugar Mountain Resort – North Carolina – 125 Skiable Acres
Sugar Mountain in North Carolina is surrounded by the beautiful Pisgah National Forest of the Appalachian Mountains. This family-friendly destination offers varied terrain for all levels and is 5,300 feet above sea level. On top of day skiing, Sugar Mountain offers its guests night skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating. In the summer, you can take a scenic lift ride, enjoy the mountain bike park, or watch an Independence Day fireworks show from the top of the Mountain.
Huff Hills Ski Area – North Dakota – 120 Skiable Acres
Huff Hills Ski Area is near Bismark, North Dakota, in the scenic Missouri River Valley. Boasting 80% snowmaking coverage and a modern terrain park, it is a welcoming place for the skiing folks of the Great Plains area. With 450 feet of vertical drop, it also offers hike-in terrain options paired with a good selection of varied terrain for all ability levels.
Mohawk Mountain – Connecticut – 112 Skiable Acres
Mohawk Mountain in Connecticut has a deep history, including founder Walt Schoenknecht’s pioneering early snowmaking practices. The mountain has an even spread of beginner to advanced terrain, and it also offers tubing and night skiing. In 1989, a devastating tornado ripped through the area, destroying much of the mountain’s resources. Since then, the mountain has been determined to rebuild better than ever.
Perfect North Slopes – Indiana – 100 Skiable Acres
Perfect Slopes North in Indiana is a charming place with something for everyone. It offers two terrain parks, snow tubing, and varied terrain for all levels, including a double black diamond named “Hollywood.” New this season are big upgrades in its snowmaking system, which provides consistent terrain that stays open long into the season.
Sundown Mountain – Iowa – 85 Skiable Acres
Sundown Mountain is part of a geologic phenomenon in which glaciers scoured flat much of the Midwest but left the immediate area untouched. This specific geology makes Sundown Mountain stand high above the surrounding terrain, making it feel much like a real mountain. It offers varied terrain for all skill levels and is the only Midwest ski area to win an award of excellence from the NSAA.
Hidden Valley Ski Area – Missouri – 65 Skiable Acres
Hidden Valley Ski Area is an Epic Pass offering located outside St. Louis, Missouri, near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Opened in 1982, it was converted from a golf course to a ski area. This is the largest tubing park and ski area in the state of Missouri. 100% snowmaking coverage and an inviting family resort feel make it a favorite winter getaway for folks in the St. Louis Area.
Ober Mountain – Tennesee – 38 Skiable Acres
Ober Mountain is a mountaintop adventure destination accessed by an aerial tram high above downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A plethora of winter activities are offered here, including skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, a mountain coaster, and wildlife viewing, to name a few. Summers offer mountain biking, rock climbing, summer tubing, ziplining, and more at this Smoky Mountains family destination.
Yawgoo Valley – Rhode Island – 36 Skiable Acres
Yawgoo Valley is the only ski area in Rhode Island and offers a quality, family-friendly skiing experience. Terrain choices for every ability level, 100% snowmaking capabilities, night skiing, and snow tubing make this area a local favorite in winter. In the summer months, Yawgoo Valley offers summer camps and a water park for families in the Rhode Island area.
Cloudmont Ski and Golf – Alabama – 9 Skiable Acres
Cloudmont Ski and Golf is a small but friendly ski hill in an unlikely location of Northeastern Alabama. Utilizing modern snowmaking, this ski area sees its best ski conditions during La Niña winters such as this one. Summer months offer an 800-acre dude ranch to enjoy a laid-back country getaway reminiscent of the olden days.
That is a lot of skiable acres consisting of thousands of different trails. A resort doesn’t have to be tall to have plenty of skiable acres, nor does it have to be massive to have an enjoyable day on the hill. So get outside and check out a new spot with this list as your guide.
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