9 Most Visited Ski Resorts in the United States
A guide of the busiest ski resorts in the United States based on the annual number of visitors.
Skiing is one of the most beloved winter activities in the United States, and millions flock to some of the best resorts each year. Below are the 9 most visited ski resorts in the United States, listed in order from the 9th most visited to the #1 spot.
I’ve included annual visitor numbers, trail breakdowns, locations, and highlights so you can plan your next ski adventure with ease.
9. Killington Ski Resort
Location: Killington, Vermont
Address: 4763 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751
Annual Visitors: 850,000
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 19%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Expert/Advanced: 41%
- Highlights:
- Largest ski area in the eastern U.S.
- Extensive terrain parks for freestyle skiers.
- Vibrant après-ski scene with lively bars and restaurants.
Known as "The Beast of the East," Killington is a favorite among East Coast skiers. Its reliable snowmaking and diverse terrain make it ideal for all skill levels, and its vibrant nightlife keeps the energy going after the lifts close.
8. Steamboat Springs Ski Resort
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Address: 2305 Mt Werner Cir, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Annual Visitors: 950,000
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 14%
- Intermediate: 42%
- Expert/Advanced: 44%
- Highlights:
- Famous for its “Champagne Powder®.”
- Renowned tree skiing and glades for experts.
- A friendly Western-style town with hot springs nearby.
Steamboat’s light, fluffy powder is its calling card, but I also loved exploring its expansive tree skiing areas. After a day on the slopes, a soak in the nearby natural hot springs is the perfect way to unwind.
7. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Address: 120 Lower Tiehack Rd, Aspen, CO 81611
Annual Visitors: 1 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 6%
- Intermediate: 47%
- Expert/Advanced: 47%
- Highlights:
- Four ski areas in one: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
- Luxurious accommodations and fine dining options.
- Hosts the annual X Games and other prestigious events.
Aspen Snowmass is synonymous with luxury and elite skiing. Whether you’re a beginner at Buttermilk or an expert at Aspen Highlands, there’s something for everyone. And the high-end dining options in Aspen are second to none.
6. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
Location: Mammoth Lakes, California
Address: 10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Annual Visitors: 1.3 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Expert/Advanced: 35%
- Highlights:
- High elevation ensures a long ski season, often lasting into June.
- Over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain.
- Incredible views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Mammoth Mountain is a top pick for spring skiing. The long runs and stunning scenery kept me coming back, and the wide variety of trails means it’s great for families and advanced skiers alike.
5. Keystone Ski Resort
Location: Keystone, Colorado
Address: 21996 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
Annual Visitors: 1.2 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 12%
- Intermediate: 39%
- Expert/Advanced: 49%
- Highlights:
- One of the best night skiing destinations in the U.S.
- Three unique mountains offering varied terrain.
- Family-friendly activities like snow tubing and sleigh rides.
Keystone is a crowd-pleaser with its combination of night skiing and family-friendly features. I especially loved skiing under the lights—it’s a unique and exhilarating experience.
4. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Address: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Annual Visitors: 1.2 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Expert/Advanced: 35%
- Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
- Unique location straddling California and Nevada.
- Thriving nightlife and nearby casinos.
Heavenly lives up to its name with its jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe. It’s also a fantastic choice for those looking to mix skiing with a little nightlife, thanks to its proximity to casinos and entertainment.
3. Park City Ski Resort
Location: Park City, Utah
Address: 1345 Lowell Ave, Park City, UT 84060
Annual Visitors: 1.4 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 8%
- Intermediate: 42%
- Expert/Advanced: 50%
- Highlights:
- Largest ski area in the U.S., with over 7,300 acres.
- Ski-in, ski-out access to Park City’s charming historic Main Street.
- Hosts the Sundance Film Festival.
Park City offers endless terrain and a lively atmosphere. I loved ending my ski days by strolling down Main Street for some shopping and dining—it’s the perfect combination of adventure and leisure.
2. Vail Ski Resort
Location: Vail, Colorado
Address: 522 Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657
Annual Visitors: 1.6 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 18%
- Intermediate: 29%
- Expert/Advanced: 53%
- Highlights:
- Over 5,300 acres of terrain, including the famous Back Bowls.
- Luxurious village with high-end shopping and dining.
- World-class accommodations and spas.
Vail’s sprawling Back Bowls are a dream for experienced skiers, but the resort’s size and variety ensure everyone can find their favorite spot. The village is a destination in itself, with its upscale shops and restaurants.
1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Address: 1599 Ski Hill Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Annual Visitors: 1.65 million
- Trail Breakdown:
- Beginner: 11%
- Intermediate: 31%
- Expert/Advanced: 58%
- Highlights:
- High alpine terrain with a peak elevation of 12,998 feet.
- Five unique peaks offering diverse terrain.
- A lively town with plenty of après-ski options.
Breckenridge takes the top spot for good reason. The skiing is phenomenal, especially for advanced skiers looking to tackle high alpine terrain, and the town’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination.
These ski resorts are the most popular in the U.S. for good reason. For those of us who love to ski, there isn't anything that really compares to a good powder day on a new resort we've never explored. If you know, then you know!
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