Welcome to the ultimate winter adventure reference. As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, ski enthusiasts across North America eagerly anticipate the thrill of hitting the slopes. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a snow bunny just starting out, the US and Canada combined boast a diverse array of 804 ski resorts, each offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating runs.
The Scope of North American Skiing
From the iconic slopes of Park City and Vail to the hidden cross-country skiing gems scattered throughout New England, North America offers more skiing variety than any other continent. The Pacific Northwest, Canadian Rockies, Vermont's Green Mountains, and the Colorado high country each offer completely different skiing experiences.
Fun Fact: Killington's History
The earliest known ascent of Killington Peak on skis occurred in February 1917, when a group of Green Mountain Club members ascended the mountain on a particularly cold day. One of the two skiers in the group was Charles P. Cooper, who led additional winter ascents of Killington while serving as president of the Green Mountain Club.
The Northeast
Vermont alone has 20+ ski areas, from Killington (the biggest in the East) and Stowe to smaller gems like Magic Mountain, Mad River Glen, and Burke Mountain. New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut round out the New England ski scene with dozens more options.
The West
Colorado leads with over 30 ski areas including Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride, and Steamboat. Utah's 'Greatest Snow on Earth' means resorts like Alta, Snowbird, and Park City draw skiers from around the world. Wyoming's Jackson Hole regularly ranks among the best ski resorts globally.
How Many Have You Skied?
The full list of 804 resorts — from major destination resorts to small community hills — is a testament to how deeply skiing and snowboarding are woven into North American culture. Setting a goal to ski one new resort each year would take you over 800 years to complete. Better get started.
