The 10 Best Ski Resorts of 2025, According to USA TODAY

A great ski trip starts long before the first chair—it begins with choosing the right mountain. With winter storm cycles spinning across America and resorts firing up their lifts, skiers are looking for the places that deliver the best terrain, the deepest snow, and the most memorable days on the mountain. To help make that decision easier, USA TODAY 10Best assembled a panel of experts to nominate the top contenders, then readers across the country cast thousands of votes to crown their favorites.

The result is a definitive list of 10 resorts that rise above the rest, whether for their vast acreage, historic character, family-focused amenities, or sheer ability to make every run unforgettable.

Here are the winners:

10. Loon Mountain Resort — Lincoln, New Hampshire

Loon spreads more than 400 acres across three peaks, offering 73 trails, reliable snowmaking, and a strong terrain park scene. Its lift network and approachable layout make it one of New Hampshire’s top all-around mountains.

9. Mammoth Mountain — Mammoth Lakes, California

California’s highest chairlift-accessible peak delivers massive terrain and dependable sunshine. With 178 trails and 25 lifts, Mammoth offers wide-open skiing and long seasons under its signature blue skies.

8. Palisades Tahoe — Olympic Valley, California

Boasting 6,000 acres across two legendary mountains, Palisades Tahoe offers everything from groomers to cliffy steeps. More than 170 trails and 30 lifts link the terrain across both Alpine and Palisades, accessible with a single ticket.

7. Big Sky Resort — Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky earns its “Biggest Skiing in America” reputation with 5,850 acres, 320 named runs, and nearly nonexistent lift lines. Its consistent snowfall and sprawling layout make it a magnet for big-mountain skiers.

6. Deer Valley Resort — Park City, Utah

Famous for its skier-only policy and polished guest experience, Deer Valley spans 5,726 acres of groomers, bowls, and guided terrain options. Lessons with Olympians and family packages add to its all-ages appeal.

5. Killington Resort — Killington, Vermont

“The Beast of the East” is home to the region’s highest lift-served terrain, nearly 2,000 acres, and one of the nation’s longest seasons. Killington’s 155 trails offer a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain.

4. Aspen Snowmass — Aspen, Colorado

With four mountains and more than 5,700 combined acres, Aspen Snowmass offers one of the most varied ski experiences in the country. From the steep trails of Aspen Mountain to the terrain parks and groomers at Snowmass and Buttermilk, the options feel nearly endless.

3. Mount Bohemia — Lac La Belle, Michigan

Mount Bohemia stands alone in the Midwest for advanced skiers seeking natural, ungroomed terrain. With 900 vertical feet, deep lake-effect snow, and a culture built around adventurous skiing, it’s a hidden gem that punches far above its size.

2. Smugglers’ Notch Resort — Jeffersonville, Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch blends family-friendly programming with challenging terrain across three interconnected mountains. Glow tubing, guided adventures, and deep local roots help make it one of Vermont’s most beloved winter destinations.

1. Snowbasin Resort — Huntsville, Utah

Snowbasin tops the 2025 list thanks to more than 3,000 acres of bowls, groomers, and steep alpine terrain, all served by a state-of-the-art lift network of trams, gondolas, and high-speed chairs. With Olympic heritage and a refined mountain experience, it stands as one of the premier ski destinations in the country.

These 10 resorts reflect the full spectrum of what skiers and snowboarders value most: big snow totals, variety, accessibility, and the ability to create the kind of days that stay with you long after you leave the mountain. Whether you prefer a polished destination like Deer Valley, a rugged challenge like Mount Bohemia, or the scale and history of Snowbasin, this year’s winners showcase the depth and diversity of skiing across North America.