The Most Popular Ski Resorts In The U.S. For The 2023 Season

The ski season is firmly up and running and with no lack of snow taking us into 2023, the only real question is where to get your New Year dose of mountain-focussed fun?

Booking portal Holidu has compiled a list of the 50 most popular ski resorts in the US based on Google searches and incorporated data on ski pass and accommodation prices to show which are the most searched against the best value – information you can interpret in different ways. For those interested in facilities and amenities, pricing and popularity the list is a go-to of where to visit; for those more interested in solitude, minimal crowds and something off the beaten track, it works in exactly the opposite way.

The top ten popular ski resorts in the US

1. Copper Mountain, Colorado

Celebrating its 50th anniversary over the 2022/23 season, it seems fitting that Copper Mountain in Colorado is the most searched for ski destination in the United States. It’s not hard to see why – it’s the largest of four resorts in Summit County, a self-contained resort set on an easy-to-navigate mountain with a little bit of something for every type of skier and boarder.

The more moderate west slopes cater to beginners and intermediates while the steeper eastern runs are the preferred terrain of the more advanced, all served by 25 lifts. There are also 16 miles of cross-country trails, terrain parks, a chock-a-block events calendar, and charming villages serving up fantastic accommodation, food and après ski.

2. Crystal Mountain, Washington

Washington’s largest ski resort sits just two hours from Seattle in the northeast corner of Mt Rainier National Park and boasts 11 lifts serving 80 named runs and more than 2,600 acres and 2,400 vertical feet of terrain to explore. And with an average of more than 400 inches of annual snowfall, it’s an obvious go-to for day trips as well as longer stays, meeting the needs of everyone from beginners to professionals.

Those that make the trip will be rewarded not only with epic skiing and boarding, but also with awesome views across the Cascade Range with sight of all five of Washington’s volcanoes on clear days.

3. Palisades Tahoe, California

The first of two Californian resorts in the top ten, Palisades Tahoe is a giant of the ski community – as much for its history and reputation as its size. Two mountains serve up 6,000 skiable acres of terrain served by 34 lifts, with 59% of the trails rated at expert level putting it in the top 10% of most difficult ski resorts in North America.

But that certainly doesn’t mean Palisades Tahoe is for the elite only. Its sheer scale and variety caters to every level of skier and it boasts one of the longest seasons in the country with spring skiing every bit as vibrant as the winter scene, especially in the legendary pond skimming competition.

4. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado

Colorado’s second entry on the list is Breckenridge Ski Resort, or Breck as it’s better known, located at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Ten Mile Range. Hosting just shy of 3,000 acres of ski terrain that incorporates the infamous Five Peaks and three base areas served by 35 lifts, it is a winter sports nirvana. Home to more than 180 winter trails, Breck’s Five Peaks are renowned for their variety and quality and famed for their above-the-treeline High Alpine terrain that delivers incredible views.

Away from the winter sports, the mountain town at Breck is a gem that draws visitors from all over the world – a vintage, bustling and lux ski resort steeped in a history that reaches all the way back to the Gold Rush.

5. Hunter Mountain, New York

Part of Greene County around three hours northwest of New York City, Hunter is a ski resort that runs across three mountains with 320 skiable acres and 67 trails pretty evenly spread across skill levels from beginner to expert. A subsidiary of Colorado-based Vail Resorts, its proximity to the Big Apple makes it super popular for day and weekend trips, so opting for a mid week visit should help reduce the crowds (and the cost of ski passes and accommodations).

6. Big Sky Resort, Montana

In Madison County, Montana, Big Sky Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the US based on acreage, which makes for almost endless options to get your ski and snowboarding kicks. Just under 6,000 acres over 4,350 vertical feet on one massive peak, its 38 lifts serve a vast tangle of runs, slopes and trails that are showered with an average of more than 400 inches of the white stuff every year.

7=. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

Eagle County’s Vail needs no introduction – renowned around the world for the scale and quality of its snow, runs and après ski. Set at the foot of Vail Mountain within the White River National Forest, it’s the third largest ski resort in the US with around 5,200 acres of ski terrain to navigate, glide over and, where appropriate, shred the hell out of.

7=. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

Our second Californian entry is also the state’s largest ski resort with more than 4,800 acres of skiable terrain over 3,500 vertical feet spanning the Nevada border. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Tahoe, it’s a resort that more than lives up to its name thanks to the average 360 inches of annual snow and 300 bluebird days – just don’t forget your sunblock.

9=. Snowbird, Utah

Just 29 miles from Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, Snowbird is an all-rounder destination beloved by families for its huge range of winter activities. But with an average of more than 500 inches of snowfall a year covering its 2,500 skiable acres and 140 runs, it’s also a big mountain destination with as much to offer the experts and adrenaline junkies.

9=. Mount Snow, Vermont

In South Vermont’s Green Mountains, Mount Snow rounds out the top ten with 600 acres of ski terrain over 1,700 vertical feet served by 19 lifts. It’s a family friendly resort with significant snow-making capabilities should the annual 150 inches of snow not be enough. In Carinthia it’s also home to one of the best terrain parks in the country.

You can see the complete list of the top 50 ski resorts here.