The Best Ski Areas in North America, According to Skiers + Snowboarders

Honoring ski resorts from Vermont to California, Liftopia — the largest online and mobile marketplace for lift tickets and mountain activities — unveiled the 2017-18 Best in Snow Awards, recognizing the most beloved ski areas in North America. The Best in Snow Awards calculates survey feedback from thousands of skiers and snowboarders to determine the ski areas consumers are most passionate about.

With seven categories including the Top 10 Best in Snow, Beginner-Friendly, Most Challenging, Family-Friendly, Best Snow Consistency & Quality, Least Crowded and Best Value, the Best in Snow Awards level the playing field between big and small resorts to uncover the true top ski areas across North America. Winners are ranked and divided into five regions: Northeast, West Coast, High West, Southeast and Midwest.

So, according to skiers and snowboarders across the country, which are the best places to hit the slopes in North America? Here are the results so you can book your winter vacation with ease.

Most Beginner-Friendly Ski Area

Participants took into consideration the quality of instructors and programs, terrain and snow; crowds; the size of the resort; and the cost of lift tickets, rentals and programs.

Bretton Woods, N.H.

Most Challenging Ski Area

These areas offer the most difficult runs. Participants took into consideration vertical drop, terrain variety and difficulty including glades and off-piste and snow conditions.

Magic Mountain, Vt.

Most Family-Friendly Ski Area

Participants considered quality of instructors; terrain variety; on- and off-slope activities, amenities and attractions; and cost of lift tickets, rentals and programs.

Titus Mountain, N.Y.

Most Snow Consistency and Quality Ski Area

Participants took into consideration annual snowfall, snow quality, snowmaking, grooming crews, snow conditions and trails open.

Alta, Utah

Least Crowded Ski Area

Winners were determined based on the total number of skier and snowboarder visits annually, skiable acreage, lift capacity and participant feedback on the least crowded ski area.

Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, Calif.

Best Value Ski Area

Participants considered cost of lift tickets, rentals and programs; accessibility; terrain variety; on- and off-slope activities, amenities and attractions; and surrounding area.

Magic Mountain, Vt.

Top 10 Overall Ski Areas in North America

Want more? Discover the full results for each region, as well as the methodology behind the Best in Snow Awards.