We all remember the best runs we’ve had in our lifetime, and they likely all involved deep, light powder. It is evident that at the pinnacle of the ski or snowboarding experience, snow quality often steals the spotlight. Thankfully, North America has no shortfall of ski resorts that offer up some of the finest snow quality around.

Good snow quality is determined by a combination of factors, including temperature, humidity, elevation, and the type of precipitation a region receives. Cold temperatures help preserve snow in its powdery form, while low humidity contributes to lighter, drier snow with high snow-to-liquid ratios. Elevation and slope aspect also play a crucial role as higher altitude, north-facing slopes typically result in colder, more stable conditions that keep the snow fresh and less prone to melting or compacting.

Below is our list of the resorts who offer guests the best snow quality in North America. To populate the list, we referenced resorts who had the top snow scores from PeakRankings and cross-referenced them with the snowfall scores from ZRankings to put them in order. This is an elite list as there are certainly many resorts who feel they belong, but only nine who rose to the top.

#9 Revelstoke, BC

Revelstoke boasts exceptional snow quality thanks to its location in British Columbia’s interior, where cold, moist air from the Pacific collides with the Columbia Mountains, resulting in consistent, light, and dry powder. The resort’s high elevation and diverse terrain further ensure that the snow remains fresh and enjoyable throughout the season.

#8 Powder Mountain, UT

Powder Mountain boasts exceptional snow quality thanks to its unique geographic location, which captures abundant snowfall from storms sweeping through the Wasatch Range. Its low skier density ensures the snow remains fresh and untracked for longer, offering an unparalleled powder experience.

#7 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY

Jackson Hole boasts exceptional snow quality due to its unique location in the Teton Range, where storms consistently deliver quality snow that is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The resort’s high elevation and cold temperatures help preserve the snow’s fluffy texture, making it a favorite among powder enthusiasts.

#6 Wolf Creek, CO

Wolf Creek Ski Area is renowned for its exceptional snow quality, thanks to its location in southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. With an average annual snowfall of over 400 inches and minimal crowds, the pristine snow remains fresh and untouched longer, creating ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders.

#5 Solitude, UT

The snow quality at Solitude is exceptional due to its prime location in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, which regularly receive over 500 inches of light, dry powder annually. Its sheltered terrain preserves the snow’s consistency, providing perfect conditions for skiers and snowboarders.

#4 Grand Targhee, WY

Grand Targhee boasts exceptional snow quality due to its location on the western slope of the Tetons, where storms deliver abundant, light powder that earns the nickname “Wyoming’s Dreamcatcher.” Its high elevation and consistent cold temperatures preserve the snow’s dry, fluffy texture, making it a paradise for powder enthusiasts.

#3 Brighton, UT

You may be noticing a theme with Utah-based resorts, and Brighton is no different. Known for its consistently light, dry powder, the resort’s frequent storms from the Great Salt Lake provide an abundance of fresh snowfall.

#2 Snowbird, UT

Located high up Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah, Snowbird is known for its exceptional snow quality where dry, powdery snow is consistently delivered by cold storms. The resort’s favorable weather patterns ensure an abundant and reliable snowfall season after season, offering some of the best skiing conditions in North America.

#1 Alta, UT

Located just a bit further up Little Cottonwood Canyon than Snowbird, Alta takes the top spot for the best snow quality. The area’s favorable weather patterns, combined with its high elevation and proximity to moisture-laden storms, create ideal conditions for powder skiing throughout the winter season.

It may come as no surprise to some that Utah took five of the top nine spots. Trademarked as “the Greatest Snow on Earth,” Utah’s ski resorts consistently draw powder hounds from around the globe, offering unparalleled conditions that make every turn and carve unforgettable.

• Related: VIDEO: Ski Utah Shares 60-Seconds of the Greatest Snow on Earth

With snow quality being a major consideration for the most dedicated skiers and snowboarders, the resorts on this list deliver conditions that will keep them coming back year after year. With pristine snow, diverse terrain, and breathtaking scenery, these resorts truly offer some of the best snow conditions winter has to offer.