Our experts have selected the largest ski resorts in the US and Canada. If you’re looking for varied terrain and a lot of ski miles these ski areas are your perfect ski holiday destinations. If you haven’t skied in North America before, you’re in for a treat. Expect excellent service and unique landscapes. It’s a different atmosphere to skiing in the Alps in Europe. Take a look at our top 8 biggest ski resorts in North America.
1. Aspen, USA
Aspen has an impressive 461km of pistes to explore, which makes it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The stunning views of the Rock Mountains alone make this destination a must-visit. The ski area is home to many international sports events such as the X Games and World Cup ski racing. Advanced skiers will love the many challenging pistes and off-piste terrain on offer. There are also great alternative slopes for intermediates and beginners. It’s one of the biggest ski mountains in USA.
Stay At:
In the heart of Aspen, the Hotel Little Nell is one of the premier hotels in this stylish resort.
2. Whistler, Canada
Whistler has 200km of pistes to explore. The resort is on many ski enthusiasts’ wish lists. This is due to the fact it has an incredible snow record and fantastically varied terrain. As well as the marked slopes, the off-piste opportunities are incredible. When it’s powder day Whistler is the place to be. This ski resort has something for everyone. The Canadian resort is one of the more famous destinations on our biggest ski resorts in North America list.
Stay At:
Pan Pacific Village Centre is one of the finest condominium hotels in town in Whistler.
3. Park City, USA
If you’re looking for a well-connected ski area, Park City is perfect with 250km of pistes to enjoy. 38 state-of-the-art lifts make it easy to access the slopes. The US ski resort was host to snowsport events in the 2002 Winter Olympic games. This put Park City on the global map. More than 100 ski runs are perfectly groomed each day to maximise the ski or snowboard experience. The village has a colonial American style with small wooden buildings and wide-open streets.
Stay At:
Located alongside world-renowned ski slopes, Hotel Park City has been rated “top ski hotel” by Condé Nast Traveller.
4. Vail, USA
One of the largest ski resorts in the US is Vail. The ski area has an impressive 234km of pistes to explore. The resort is well connected to neighbouring resorts Beaver Creek, Heavenly and Northstar with an Epic Sk Pass. The pistes are suited mainly for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are a lot of red and black runs to challenge yourself on. When there’s fresh snow the Back Bowls are the place to be. Head out early to get fresh tracks as it’s a popular spot. Expect high-speed lifts, brilliantly maintained pistes and excellent service in the ski resort.
Stay At:
Hotel Lodge at Vail in Colorado is located slopeside and is one of the top hotels in the resort.
5. Heavenly, USA
Heavenly has a whopping 378km of slopes to enjoy. The views alone make the US resort certainly lives up to its name. The beautiful mountain landscape overlooking South Lake Tahoe on the border between California and Nevada is breathtaking. The slopes are great for all abilities which are ideal for mixed-level groups. Heavenly is unique in the ski world because it’s also a casino resort. So there’s a lively nightlife scene after you’ve hit the slopes.
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.
6. Banff, Canada
There are three main ski resorts in Banff; Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise. There’s 264km of piste to enjoy with a full lift pass. The amount of individual villages and slopes is why Banff makes our largest ski resorts in North America list. The skiing on your doorstep is incredible and easy to access. As for accommodation, there’s a wealth of choices. There’s something for different price ranges. The snow record is fantastic with an average of 360-400 inches of snow each ski season.
Stay At:
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is perfect for ski and snowboarding holidays in the beautiful town of Banff.
7. Fernie, Canada
The powder record and varied terrain make Fernie a very appealing destination. There is 142km of pistes available to explore, making it one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. Much of the accommodation is ski-in ski-out and is reasonably priced. You can drop into powders bowls or head into tree runs if you’re a keen off-piste skier. There are two areas to stay in Fernie the main resort or the town located a bit away from the slopes. The resort has a relaxed atmosphere, whereas the town is a bit more lively.
Stay At:
Sitting in the mountains, Hotel Lizard Creek Lodge in Fernie is close to the resort with ski-in ski-out access.
8. Palisades Tahoe, USA
Made famous by the legendary freeride skier Shane McConkey, Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) is one of the largest ski resorts in the US. It hosted Winter Olympic snowsport events in 1960 and has since become California’s most prominent ski resort. There’s 100km of terrain that suits all abilities. The off-piste is some of the most iconic around. The famous ‘Fingers’ decent off the KT-22 lift has seen some of the best skiers and snowboarders drop in.
Stay At:
The Village at Palisades Tahoe offers the finest ski-in ski-out accommodation in California.
To find out more about the largest ski resorts in North America, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
