Top 7 Sunniest Ski Resorts in America

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 7 sunniest ski areas in the United States. 

#7 – Park City and Deer Valley, Utah

229 sunny days per year

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 manage to get the infamous amounts of fluffy, dry snow that Utah is so well known for. 

#6 – Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

246 sunny days per year

Finishing in 6th place, Aspen Snowmass provides plenty of scenic clear-sky ski days. Snowmass is a part of four total 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 alike to experience a vast variety of bluebird scenery. 

#5 – Crested Butte, Colorado

273 sunny days per year

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

285 sunny days per year 

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 close by Bear Lake to enjoy the sun after a long day of skiing. 

#3 – Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

290 sunny days per year

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, not to worry, they still get an average of 180 inches of snowfall per year. These factors combine to make Taos an excellent option for enjoying a few bluebird days. 

#2 – Mammoth Mountain, California

300 sunny days per year 

In second place is another popular California resort. Mammoth Mountain does not only have seemingly endless sunny days but it also offers one of the longest ski seasons in America. Typically Mammoth wraps up the season in June, but this year they are promising bluebird ski days into August.

#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 amount of 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?