The 9 Highest Ski Areas in North America

Lucas Gauthier | October 31, 2022 |

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Breckenridge, colorado, highest — The view of alpine summits surrounding Breckenridge Ski Resort – PC: Breckenridge

With over 700 ski areas in North America spanning from beautiful Lake Tahoe to the corner of Maine, every location has something unique to offer. In honor of the great diversity of skiing across North America, this article will recount the highest-elevation ski areas on the continent.

Related: Silverton Mountain: North America’s Highest Ski Area

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1. Silverton Mountain, Colorado – 13,487 feet

Those brave enough to venture out to the all-expert terrain mountain of Silverton get access to the highest ski area peak in the United States… but only if you’re willing to hike up. Their highest lift-served elevation comes in at 12,075 feet off the only chair at the resort that picks people up from the quaint base area at 10,400 feet.

Silverton Chair, colorado, highest, — The only chair at Silverton with Storm Peak in the background – PC: Silverton

2. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado – 13,150 feet

The famed Telluride Ski Resort nestled in Southern Colorado is surrounded by a plethora of high peaks, including multiple nearby 14ers. Thanks to the prominence of the resort surefooted hikers can ascent the boot pack from the highest lift-served elevation at 12,515 feet up the Gold Hill Stairs that lead to the sub-summit of Palmyra Peak overlooking the extreme terrain below. From there dedicated skiers can, with one short lift ride, travel down to the town of Telluride, located at a base elevation of 8,725 feet.

Telluride, colorado, highest — The view of Palmyra Peak and surrounding extreme terrain at Telluride – PC: Telluride

3. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – 13,050 feet

A-Basin has long been known as a destination for extreme skiing, and the ski area shows it with a plethora of cliff-filled chutes and extreme lines visible from nearby Loveland Pass. The unique high altitude location of A-Basin, situated under the prominent 14ers, Grays and Torreys allow its lifts to keep spinning until the 4th of July in good snow years. The high lift-served and base elevation of 12,456 and 10,520 feet respectively allow the Basin to offer the longest season in Colorado.

Arapahoe Basin, colorado, highest, — The view up the East Wall at A-Basin – PC: Al’s Blog

4. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado – 13,010 feet

Loveland’s high base elevation, perched at 10,800 feet above the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70, creates a great environment for fresh snow and powder days. Lift 9 at Loveland Basin shuttles guests up to an elevation of 12,700 feet situated on the Continental Divide. With hiking and the popular “Ridge Cat” servicing the summit of Golden Bear Peak at 13,010 feet.

loveland, colorado, highest, — Skiers sending it on Loveland’s extreme terrain – PC: Austin Grisham

5. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado – 12,998 feet

The famous Lake Chutes, accessed from the summit of Peak 8 at 12,998 feet, allow access to some of the most challenging extreme terrain in Colorado. Breck’s abundant high alpine terrain is serviced primarily by the Imperial Superchair, which holds the title of the highest chairlift in North America at 12,840 feet. With enough willpower, eager skiers can descend from the summit nearly four miles to downtown Breckenridge at an elevation of 9,600 feet.

The view of the Lake Chutes at Breckenridge – PC: Author

6. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado – 12,510 feet

At Aspen Snowmass, the Cirque platter lift allows access to the highest point at the ski resort. Servicing a unique mixture of alpine bliss and stunning views of the surrounding Elk Mountains the Cirque platter serves as a unique destination when it’s open. The high alpine peak of Aspen Snowmass is in contrast with the hotel-lined base area situated at 8,104 feet.

The view down from the Cirque platter at Snowmass – PC: Liftblog

7. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico – 12,481 feet

Installed in 2014, the Kachina Peak lift allowed for skiers and riders to access the high point of Taos Ski Valley when avalanche and snow conditions permit. The top terminal of the lift sits just two miles southwest of the highest elevation in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak. From atop Kachina Peak, expert skiers have access to an infinite number of lines down the headwall of the mountain towards the base area at 9,200 feet.

The view to Kachina Peak from across Taos Ski Valley – PC: Taos

8. Copper Mountain, Colorado – 12,441 feet

While Copper Peak is the highest point of this resort, no lift at the resort will get you there. The Storm King T-Bar, the highest lift at Copper Mountain will bring you close, but from the top of the lift, a short hike is required to reach the summit. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views where you can then drop into Spaulding Bowl for some expert ski terrain.

9. Keystone Ski Resort, Colorado – 12,408 feet

At Keystone, Independence Mountain serves as an alpine getaway serviced by hiking and snowcat expeditions. Due to the isolated nature of the surrounding terrain, those dedicated enough to make the two-mile hike to the bowl must also hike out to protect sensitive wildlife terrain beneath the bowl. The Bergman Express services the highest lift-served elevation at 12,230 feet. Additionally, at night guests can take advantage of night skiing from Dercum Mountain down to the base elevation of 9,280 feet.