Ski resorts are loads like snowflakes – no two are the identical. Skiers in Canada and the USA have seemingly limitless decisions for schussing, carving, gliding or French-frying down the slopes. And that’s simply the snowboarding –there’s additionally the apres ski scene, the lodgings, the eating places, the buying and the general vibe to think about. Selections, decisions…

As you begin planning for winter, it’s straightforward to change into overwhelmed by the dizzying array of choices on the market. That will help you resolve the place to spend your winter trip, we have put collectively this information to a number of the greatest ski locations in North America. Right here’s the place to go.

1. Schweitzer, Idaho, USA

Greatest for tree snowboarding and epic views

Idaho could also be greatest identified for its potatoes, however the Gem State additionally has nice snowboarding, with greater than a dozen uncrowded, laid-back resorts to select from. One in all our favorites is Schweitzer, a 2900-acre winter playground situated within the Idaho Panhandle, roughly 60 miles south of the Canadian border.

Schweitzer is the biggest ski space in all of Idaho. Its spaciousness, coupled with the truth that the closest main airport is simply 90 minutes away in Spokane, Washington, means you by no means have to fret about ready in an extended carry line. The drive from Spokane can also be straightforward and exquisite.

Schweitzer has greater than 1200 bushes dotting its slopes, so in case you love carving out and in of snow-dusted forests, that is your house. Maybe the most effective half? On a bluebird day, you’ll have a transparent view of the glowing waters of Lake Pend Oreille from the highest. Framed by snow-dusted evergreens and rolling hills, the scene might have been plucked straight off an image postcard. And, in accordance with legend, the lake is house to the infamous “Pend Oreille Paddler,” much like Scotland’s Loch Ness monster.

Planning tip: Ebook a room at Humbird, a brand new boutique lodge that opened in Schweitzer’s base space in 2022. All 31 of Humbird’s modern, Scandinavian-inspired rooms face southeast and so they have large image home windows, so you’ll be able to proceed admiring Lake Pend Oreille lengthy after you’ve hung up your skis for the day. Staying at Humbird, you’ll be able to simply head into Sandpoint, Idaho, for après-ski drinks or dinner, and also you gained’t have to fret about schlepping your gear again up the hill the subsequent morning.

2. Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada

Greatest for northern lights and engaging Canadian treats

Extra individuals go to Banff in the summertime, however powder-hounds select winter for his or her journeys to this Alberta mountain city. Except for ice skating on Lake Louise and soaking within the geothermal waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs, you can too hop between three completely different ski areas situated inside Banff National Park.

Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay every have their very own vibe. If you must decide only one, make it Banff Sunshine Village – this 3300-acre swath of ski nation is perched atop the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies, on the border between Alberta and British Columbia. Should you journey the Nice Divide chairlift, you’ll be capable to say you visited each provinces!

As a result of it has so little gentle air pollution, Banff Sunshine Village can also be an excellent place to remain up late and look ahead to the northern lights. The aurora borealis dances throughout the evening sky right here so continuously that the resort even has a devoted “aurora cam” broadcasting the present. For the most effective possibilities of recognizing the aurora, ebook a room at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the resort’s solely ski-in, ski-out lodge. 

Planning tip: Should you get hungry on the slopes, glide down the Banff Avenue run till you see the small, brilliant crimson BeaverTails shack. Right here, you’ll be able to deal with your self to a quintessentially Canadian pastry dusted with cinnamon and sugar (The Basic) or smothered in decadent toppings, like chocolate hazelnut unfold or apple pie filling.

3. Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado, USA

Greatest for mellow snowboarding and top-notch culinary adventures

Beaver Creek Resort usually will get overshadowed by its bigger, extra well-known sister, Vail, however whereas each are enjoyable, in case you’re in search of a barely extra mellow vibe and also you admire good foods and drinks, make Beaver Creek your property base. You’ll be able to simply buzz between the 2, and each are included on the Epic Pass.

After shredding Beaver Creek’s 2082 acres of snowy terrain by day, head right down to the bottom space round 3pm, in any other case often known as “Cookie Time.” Each afternoon, cooks come round holding platters of heat, ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies which might be completely free. It’s the right pre-après-ski snack.

Afterward, ditch your ski boots however go away your coat on for dinner at Beano’s, a country, fine-dining cabin situated proper on Beaver Creek’s slopes. To get right here, you’ll must climb aboard a sleigh hooked up to a snowcat, however don’t fear about being too chilly – the journey is simply 20 minutes lengthy, and there are blankets within the sleigh. Plus, on clear nights, you’ll be too busy stargazing to note the nippiness. On arrival at Beano’s, heat up by the huge stone hearth, then tuck into decadent, seasonal dishes impressed by the encompassing peaks. 

Planning tip: Should you’re snowboarding with little ones, you’ll want to drop by the Candy Cabin, which has bins, barrels and dispensers filled with candy treats. Visiting this magical, on-mountain spot will most likely be the spotlight of their whole week.

4. Snowbasin Resort, Utah, USA

Greatest for unleashing your inside Olympian and stargazing

Nonetheless buzzing from the Paris Olympics and fascinated about the winter model in 2026? Get a style of Olympic snow at Snowbasin Resort, situated in Huntsville, Utah, roughly an hour north of Salt Lake City.

When Salt Lake hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, the lads’s and ladies’s downhill, super-G and mixed races have been held at Snowbasin. So if you go to, you’ll be able to ski the identical slopes as Olympians did, even in case you don’t go fairly as quick! Salt Lake Metropolis has been chosen to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, so Snowbasin can be again within the highlight as an official Olympic snowboarding venue earlier than too lengthy.

When your legs want a break, loosen up in considered one of Snowbasin’s luxuriously over-the-top lodges, which function tall ceilings, stone fireplaces, large home windows, chandeliers and rustic-chic decor. Take a look at the loos – posh granite flooring, Italian lighting fixtures, wooden paneling, plush furnishings and ultra-private stalls make these the poshest restrooms you’ll discover in any ski space, wherever. 

Planning tip: Snowbasin doesn’t have any on-mountain lodging, however the slopes are only a 10-minute drive from downtown Huntsville. Examine into the Compass Rose Lodge, an intimate boutique lodge with its personal observatory and highly effective telescopes. As quickly as you resolve the dates of your journey, ebook a “star stroll” tour on the lodge so you’ll be able to admire galaxies, nebulae, constellations and planets earlier than falling into mattress. 

5. Jackson Gap Mountain Resort, Wyoming, USA

Greatest for wildlife sightings 

In case your Netflix historical past is nonstop wildlife documentaries, begin planning a visit to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ASAP. Positioned in far western Wyoming, this 2500-acre ski space is thought for its gnarly, ruggedly steep slopes and big powder dumps. Its brilliant crimson aerial tram can also be iconic, whisking skiers up 4139 vertical toes in lower than 10 minutes.

However there’s a lot extra to do and see right here moreover snowboarding. Simply exterior of downtown Jackson, you’ll discover the National Elk Refuge, a federal web site that protects greater than 24,000 acres of wildlife-filled wilderness. Because the identify suggests, elk are considerable on the refuge, and so are wolves, coyotes, bighorn sheep, ermine, trumpeter swans, birds of prey and waterfowl. In the course of the winter, you’ll be able to admire these animals from the consolation of a horse-drawn sleigh because it glides throughout the snow. 

For much more wildlife viewing alternatives, head to Grand Teton National Park, which is much more magical and serene within the winter. For a touch of arts and tradition, take a look at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, which has greater than 5000 items of animal artwork in its assortment.

Planning tip: If snowboarding is your high precedence, ebook slope-side lodging in Teton Village (we fee Hotel Terra and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa). Should you plan on exploring past the slopes, verify right into a extra centrally situated lodge in downtown Jackson, just like the Alpine House, Anvil Hotel or Cache House. For a splurge, deal with your self to a couple nights at Amangani, an ultra-luxury property the place you would possibly rub elbows with a star or two.

6. Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado, USA

Greatest for Wild West vibes and adrenaline-pumping occasions

The snow at Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado is so gentle, so fluffy, so good in actual fact that the ski space dubbed it “Champagne Powder” and obtained the identify trademarked (no joke). White stuff apart, Steamboat Springs must also be excessive in your winter bucket checklist due to its something-for-everyone snowboarding and Wild West vibes.

The resort has greater than 3741 acres of terrain that ranges from accessible and beginner-friendly slopes to hardcore, expert-only stuff. And in case you actually need to problem your self, Steamboat added 650 extra acres of superior and skilled slopes that have been beforehand out of bounds in 2023.

Pack a cowboy hat and boots, in case you’ve obtained them, as a result of Steamboat can also be brimming with Western allure. Watch skilled rodeo cowboys zoom down the slopes throughout the annual Cowboy Downhill, then retreat to Vista Verde Guest Ranch for an genuine (and splendid) dude ranch expertise. If you might want to clean up your wardrobe when you’re right here, head to FM Light & Sons, a historic, fifth-generation Western attire store that’s been open since 1905. 

Planning tip: Don’t miss the Steamboat Winter Carnival, which has been going sturdy since 1914. The schedule is jam-packed with enjoyable actions, however one of many highlights is the skijoring race down Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat’s important downtown road. Watch skiers get pulled by horses at high pace whereas making an attempt to navigate jumps, gates, turns, cones and different obstacles.

Honorable mentions

There’s a lot extra snow in them thar hills. Listed here are extra of our favorites.

• Mammoth Mountain: A number of powder and towering lodgepole pines in California’s Jap Sierra.

• Stowe Resort: A glitzy, New England ski space with tons of historical past.

• Aspen Snowmass: 4 Colorado ski resorts that cater to a high-end clientele.

• Park City Mountain Resort: A humongous Utah ski space with greater than 7300 acres of various terrain.

• Club Med Charlevoix: A uncommon all-inclusive ski resort in Québec, Canada, the place you don’t have to fret about surprising prices when you arrive.

• Palisades Tahoe: An iconic Lake Tahoe spot that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and just lately modified its identify from Squaw Valley.

• Whistler Blackcomb: A sprawling British Columbia resort with greater than 8000 acres of snow.