The height of a ski resort can be important for snow conditions throughout the season. The higher the ski terrain the more likely there’ll be reliable snow. Our experts have created a list of the highest ski resorts in North America. These are the highest ski resorts in both the USA and Canada.
Breckenridge, USA
Part of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge boasts an altitude of 2,925m – 3,915m. This makes it one of the highest ski resorts in North America, if not the world. Only Zermatt comes close in Europe (1,620m – 3,820m). It isn’t only the height that it offers. You can explore 139km of fantastic pistes that has something for all levels of skiers. Advanced skiers in particular love the area for the amount of challenging black pistes and off-piste. Off the slopes, the choice is incredible because of the 140 bars and restaurants you can visit. A truly big ski resort.
Stay At:
Located at the base of Peak 8 and with direct access to four chairlifts, One Ski Hill Place boasts the ultimate location.
Aspen Snowmass, USA
Snowmass in particular has an altitude of 2473m-3813m. The combined ski area of Aspen Snowmass has some of the best skiing in the US, with 461km of pistes to explore. There’s something for all levels of skiers. Anywhere in the ski area, you can admire the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Maroon Bells peaks, some of the most photographed in the USA. It has also hosted international events such as the X Games and the FIS World Cup Alpine Finals. Off the slopes, the food is incredible and on-trend. Any cuisine you can think of is available in the village. Chefs from around the country come to serve great food in Aspen.
Stay At:
In the heart of Aspen, the Hotel Little Nell is one of the premier hotels in this stylish resort.
Winter Park, USA
Winter Park has a great snow record largely down to its high altitude of 2,743m-3,676m. The ski area is made up of five well-linked sectors with 143km of pistes to explore. Whether you’re looking for easy blues or deep powder, Winter Park is suited for everyone. In the village itself, there’s plenty to do and visit. You can treat yourself to fine dining or just grab a quick bite to eat, depending on your price point or preference. As for the après scene, there’s a few places that have live music and a great selection of beers.
Stay At:
The Zephyr Mountain Lodge offers a convenient ski-in ski-out location at the base of Winter Park.
Beaver Creek, USA
An altitude of 2,740m-3,485m makes Beaver Creek one of the highest ski resorts in North America. The ski resort has a great luxury reputation and has a relaxed atmosphere. Ski, dine and sleep in style when you visit this US resort. In the village, there’s heated pavements and escalators to the slopes. There’s a great selection of beautiful luxury accommodation. You can also shop in designer shops and enjoy some of the best food around.
Stay At:
Brilliantly situated at the base of the lifts in Beaver Creek, the Hotel Beaver Creek Lodge is one of the best hotels in town.
Vail, USA
Vail is one of America’s best-known ski resorts and has a reputation for being a top-class resort. The snow conditions are great because of its high altitude of 2,457m-3,525m. As for the skiing, it’s superb with 234km of pistes to enjoy. Vail has some of the best piste preparation in the ski industry, so expect immaculately groomed slopes when you visit. Off the slopes, there’s a large variety of restaurants to enjoy delicious food. Whether it’s fine dining or some of the best pizza in town, there’s something for everyone.
Stay At:
Hotel Lodge at Vail in Colorado is located slopeside and is one of the top hotels in the resort.
Mammoth, USA
Mammoth is usually one of the first North American ski resorts to open and one of the last to close. This is due to its high altitude of 2,425m-3,370m and unique weather cycle that has given the area a great snow record. You can enjoy 90km of pistes or 100km of cross country in the area. Down near the villages, there’s beautiful walks near Mammoth lakes and the woods. You can enjoy a wide selection of cuisine at the many restaurants available in the area too.
Stay At:
The Westin Monache resort is superbly located close to the gondola in Mammoth. It boasts fantastic amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.
Heavenly, USA
Located overlooking the stunning South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly has an altitude of 1,900m-3,068m. This makes it a powder hounds dream with fantastic off-piste terrain opportunities to enjoy in the area. The 378km of slopes are mainly suited to intermediate and beginner skiers, but there are a few challenging black runs too for more advanced skiers. Situated on the border of California and Nevada there are influences from both states on the ski resort.
Stay At:
This luxury lakefront lodge opened in 2017 with 154 guest rooms, three restaurants, three bars, an outdoor heated lakefront swimming pool and hot tub and spa.
Lake Louise, Canada
The highest ski resort in Canada on our highest ski resorts in North America list is Lake Louise. It has an altitude of 1,600m-2,636m In the heart of the Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a truly stunning part of the world. You can ski 100km of perfectly groomed pistes that has something for all levels of skier. There are some fantastic luxury accommodation options in the village. The area has a relaxed atmosphere with peaceful bars and restaurants to visit after a day on the slopes.
Stay At:
The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a fabulous five-star hotel situated on the lakeshore of the beautiful Lake Louise.
Kicking Horse, Canada
Kicking Horse has a fantastic reputation for having unbelievable powder skiing throughout the season. Its altitude of 1,190m-2,445m and location makes for reliable snow during the winter. The ski area has 100km of slopes to enjoy, most of which are suited for advanced skiers. Most of the pistes are steep and are graded black, great if you’re searching for a challenge. Skiers from around the world visit Kicking Horse for its fantastic off-piste skiing opportunities.
Stay At:
Copper Horse Lodge is a luxury boutique lodge in Kicking Horse, superbly located for the Golden Eagle Express gondola.
Panorama, Canada
Panorama is a purpose-built ski resort which means your accommodation will be no more than five minutes from the slopes. The Canadian ski resort has an altitude of 1,181m-2,400m and has a reliable snow record. It has 100km of excellent pistes, that are most suited to intermediate skiers. However, if you’re an adventurous advanced skier, you can book heli-skiing for the day with a local mountain guide. The off-piste opportunities are superb. In the village, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet relaxing spa or lively nightlife, you’re in for a treat.
Stay At:
The Panorama Upper Village Condos are modern apartments, situated in an exceptional ski-in ski-out location.
To find out more about the highest ski resorts in North America, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
