Brains
As much as the skier community craves deep, jaw-dropping powder days, it’s hard to deny the pure joy of bluebird days. There are few feelings that match cresting the top of a ski lift on a gorgeous blue sky day and seeing mountainous views surrounding you. Although, skiing down the run in that same setting may top it.
That’s why we compiled a list of the top seven sunniest ski areas in the United States.
#7 – Park City and Deer Valley, Utah
In seventh place, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are no strangers to bluebird ski days. Even with plenty of clear blue sky days, these resorts still get the infamous amounts of fluffy, dry snow that Utah is so well known for.
#6 – Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Finishing in sixth place, Aspen Snowmass provides plenty of scenic clear-sky ski days. Snowmass is one of four resorts in the Aspen area. The other three, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, share a similar climate to Aspen Snowmass, allowing visitors and locals to experience a wide variety of bluebird scenery.
#5 – Crested Butte, Colorado
In fifth place is another Colorado classic, Crested Butte. With 1,547 skiable acres and 3,062 ft of vertical rise, there is plenty of terrain to enjoy the peacefulness of a bluebird ski day.
#4 – Big Bear, California
Unsurprisingly, California has made the list. In fourth place is Big Bear. With two peaks, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, Big Bear would be a great place to soak in some rays on the slopes. It also offers the nearby Bear Lake to enjoy the sun after a long day of skiing.
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#3 – Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Rounding out the top three is Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. Being so south, it is not shocking that Taos has an average of 290 days of sunshine per year. However, do not worry; they still get an average of 180 inches of snowfall yearly. These factors make Taos an excellent option for enjoying a few bluebird days.
#2 – Mammoth Mountain, California
In second place is another popular California resort. Mammoth Mountain not only has seemingly endless sunny days but also offers one of the longest ski seasons in America. Typically, Mammoth wraps up the season in June.
#1 – Palisades Tahoe, California
More than 300 sunny days per year
In first place is yet another California ski resort. Palisades Tahoe has the most sun on a yearly basis out of all ski areas; it’s not known as the Spring Skiing Capital® for nothing. Palisades Tahoe is home to some infamous extreme terrain. The Fingers are renowned terrain found at Palisades, and what better way to drop in than on a bluebird powder day?
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281 Days on average for Purgatory in SW Colorado. No traffic jams and minimal lift lines.
Good read!