Transporting great skiers since 1971 | Photo: VeggieGarden | Cover Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The quality of a ski area can often be measured by the people who decide to call that mountain (or ski hill) their home.
Related: North America’s 10 Most Authentic Ski Towns
So in order to find the most shred-worthy ski hills in North America, we’ve gone coast to coast to find out which mountains host the best skiers/riders and why? Here’s what we found…
10 Ski Areas With The Best Skiers Per Capita
10) Aspen Mountain, CO
Arcing turns on Aspen Mountain | Photo: Marcin Wichary
With a legacy of famous skiers like Spider Sabich, Nick Devore, and TJ Burke– it should come as no surprise that Aspen Mountain continues to host some of the best skiers/riders in the country. Don’t believe us, check out the Bell lift line on a spring day.
Mountain Legend – Chris Davenport
9) Mad River Glen, VT
Parker Herlihy takes flight @MRG | Photo: Mad River Glen Facebook Page
MRG is the anti-thesis of the over-groomed, destination ski resort. Instead, the mountain is owned as a co-op by hardcore skiers and families alike, allowing for a challenging northeast ski experience day-in and day-out. No wonder some of the best skiers in the east frequent Mad River Glen.
Mountain Legend – Betsy Pratt
8) Sugarloaf, ME
The backside of Sugarloaf is no joke… | Photo: Sugarloaf Facebook Page
Every ski area parking lot is covered with them– Sugarloaf bumper stickers. One of Maine’s premiere ski areas, “The Loaf” is one of the few ski areas in the east with steeps that rival their western counterparts and its locals ski accordingly.
Mountain Legend – Seth Wescott
7) Jackson Hole, WY
Bryce Newcomb carving corduroy on “The Grand” | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
What hasn’t been said about the skiers at Jackson Hole that hasn’t already been said. They’re crusty, localized, and as intimidating as the lines surrounding the resort. Throw in 400+ inches of snowfall annually and there’s a reason why Jackson locals are some of the best powder skiers on the planet.
Mountain Legend – Doug Coombs
6) Stevens Pass, WA
460″ of annual snowfall makes for lots of powder turns | Photo: Stevens Pass Mountain Resort
Located just above the PNW pro-skier mecca of Leavenworth, WA lies Stevens Pass. Home to the late FWT legend Jim Jack, Stevens Pass is a skier’s ski area that maintains some world-class tree skiing in addition to some seriously ripping locals.
Mountain Legend – Jim Jack
5) Crested Butte, CO
Skiing around rocks is a prerequisite @CrestedButte | Photo: Chris Segal via Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Unlike it’s I-70 neighbors to the north, Crested Butte tends to attract the skiers who don’t mind going the extra distance for EXTREME terrain. Whether it’s watching the annual “Extremes” comp or just riding “The High Lift,” you’re bound to see some of the best skiers in Colorado ripping it up on “The Butte.”
Mountain Legend – Wendy Fisher
4) Mt Baker, WA
A rider’s paradise | Photo: Mt Baker Ski Area
Snowboarding’s roots are inextricably linked to Mt Baker Ski Area. In the 80’s the snow was too deep (and sometimes too heavy) for most skiers. Until fat skis came around, Mt Baker housed some of the best snowboarders on the planet. Nowadays, pro skiers and snowboarders alike call this PNW powder paradise home.
Mountain Legend – Craig Kelly
3) Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Image: Province of British Columbia
Whistler is home to more pro winter sports athletes than any other ski resort in North America. From Whistler’s famous Peak Chair to its massive backcountry, the massive Whistler Blackcomb terrain is matched solely by the quality of skiing from its finest athletes.
Mountain Legend – Eric Pehota
2) Squaw Valley, CA
“Check me out! I’m going to rip the SH*T out of this!” | Photo: Steve Jurvetson
Squallywood. It’s in your face and it’s not stopping anytime soon in Olympic Vally. The Fingers, Palisades, and Eagles Nest– If you can stomp any of these lines, you’re the best skier on the mountain… for an hour.
Mountain Legend – Shane McConkey
1) Alta/Snowbird, UT
@claudiabouvier gets air @Alta | Photo: Pit Viper
In the past two decades, Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts have supplanted ski areas like Squaw and Jackson as the go-to mecca’s for pro skiers and riders. On any given day, the lift line eye candy will make even the most seasoned skiers’ eyes pop. Prime-time peanut galleries can be found on Wildcat, Collins, and Gad 2 chairs.
Mountain Legend – Sage Cattabriga-Alosa