Best Ski Destinations in the US Rocky Mountains

This former mining town in the Rocky Mountains is a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Home to the highest chairlift in North America, Breckenridge offers challenging skiing in high alpine bowls, along with lots of beginner and intermediate trails that are groomed nightly.

With the nickname Ski City, Salt Lake City is well known among serious skiers for its easy access to several legendary ski resorts including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. Alta is a particular favorite for experienced skiers, as snowboarders are not allowed.

Located at an elevation of 8,750 feet (2,667 meters), Telluride is surrounded by peaks of more than 13,000 feet (3,963 meters). The town of Telluride’s relatively small size offers a peaceful experience versus larger resort towns and is often a match for skiers seeking a relaxing mountain vacation. A free pedestrian gondola provides a fun extra for visitors seeking stunning view.

Aspen Mountain is renowned for its varied and challenging terrain. While this isn’t a place for beginners (the mountain doesn’t have any beginner runs; try nearby Snowmass for a family-friendly option), experienced skiers flock here to work on turns and fly through glades of fluffy snow.

Skiers in search of powder often head to the back bowls of Vail, home to over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of unspoiled skiing. Experts seeking steep black diamond runs will find several fun options in Vail. Nearby Beaver Creek also offers some challenging runs but has more family-friendly terrain, too.