20 Snowiest Ski Resorts Where Epic Powder Is (Almost) a Sure Thing
Powder hounds and snow enthusiasts know nothing beats the thrill of fresh powder under your skis. I’ve been snowboarding ever since I can remember. Even when visibility drops to nearly zero, and the snowflakes sting your face, the magic of floating through fresh powder makes the blizzard struggles totally worth it.
We all hope to get an epic snowfall the day before hitting the slopes, but why don’t you up your luck with some data. Based on findings from ZRankings, a well-regarded resource for snow statistics, we’ve rounded up 20 of the snowiest ski resorts where you can expect some of the most consistent and deep blankets of snow.
1. Alta, Utah (Rockies)
- True Snow: 517 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 100.0
Alta’s reputation for deep powder is no joke. According to ZRankings, this Utah resort has the perfect snow score and racks up an impressive 517 inches of snow annually. It’s not just quantity; Alta’s snow is light and dry.
The terrain is diverse, with challenging runs for experts but also welcoming for intermediate skiers. Alta doesn’t allow snowboarding, which some find a plus, but obviously, it’s a minus for others.
2. Snowbird, Utah (Rockies)
- True Snow: 497 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 97.5
Snowbird is right next door to Alta and one of my favorites in the nation precisely because we encountered pure powder bliss. It boasts almost 500 inches of snow each year and combines that with a tram that whisks you up 2,900 vertical feet in just minutes.
The terrain is steeper and gnarlier, and my more beginner friends definitely had a harder time here. Snowbird also welcomes snowboarders, so this is your spot if you ride.
The resort’sresort is famous for its spring skiing, carving turns in May. The après-ski scene is lively, with a range of options, all with stunning views of the Wasatch Range behind.
3. Brighton, Utah (Rockies)
- True Snow: 504 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 95.2
In a sea of incredible resorts around Salt Lake City, Brighton flies a little under the radar, but with over 500 inches of snow annually, it’s a hidden gem. This place is a local favorite, especially for night skiing.
Brighton’sBrighton is a bit more relaxed than its neighbors, with a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to more affordable passes, families love it here, too. But don’t be fooled—the snow here is top-notch.
4. Grand Targhee, Wyoming (Rockies)
- True Snow: 466 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 91.9
Grand Targhee is a lesser-known, low-key, no-frills resort that serious powder lovers don’t want everyone knowing about. The resort’s remote location near the Wyoming-Idaho border means it never feels too crowded.
The terrain caters to all levels but it’sis especially great for those who love powder-filled bowls. Snow preservation is excellent here, and the views of the Tetons are simply incredible.
5. Solitude, Utah (Rockies)
- True Snow: 437 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 88.6
True to its name, Solitude gives you just that: fewer crowds and plenty of peace. It may not get as much hype as some other Utah spots, but the terrain is varied and there’s some awesome backcountry access.
The village is small but cozy, with enough dining and lodging options to keep you comfortable. Solitude is perfect if you like to focus more on skiing and less on après-ski antics.
6. Wolf Creek, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 387 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 86.1
Wolf Creek is known for one thing: snow, and lots of it. It holds the title for the snowiest spot in Colorado, racking up nearly 400 inches annually. The mountain itself isn’t huge, but it’s packed with steep runs and deep powder stashes.
Wolf Creek’s another place where it’s not fancy, as there’s no big resort village at its base.
7. Baker, Washington (Northwest)
- True Snow: 651 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 84.5
Mt. Baker is legendary for its snowfall. We’re talking 651 inches on average, making it the snowiest ski resort in North America.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, so it doesn’t get the same massive crowds as other major resorts. That said, Baker is a playground for advanced skiers and snowboarders who love steep terrain and deep snow.
The area has a wild, untamed feel without big resort vibes. It’s all about the snow and the natural terrain. The resort is also famous for holding the world record for snowfall in a single season, so Baker is hard to beat if you’re after powder.
8. Kirkwood, California (Sierras)
- True Snow: 459 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 82.7
Kirkwood is a little more out of the way compared to other Tahoe resorts. It’s got a reputation for serious terrain and challenging runs, especially the chutes and cliffs that attract advanced skiers.
The vibe here is more laid-back compared to some of the bigger resorts in the area. It’s a great place to catch some fresh powder without the Tahoe crowds. The scenery’s rugged, and it feels like you’re really out in the mountains here.
9. Alyeska, Alaska (Northwest)
- True Snow: 488 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 82.5
Alyeska Resort feels wild and remote, and that’s because it is. This powder paradise sits in the Chugach Mountains giving you an authentic Alaskan skiing experience.
The slopes have a mix of everything, but the steeps and tree runs are what keep people coming back. With views of glaciers and the Turnagain Arm, it’s hard to beat the scenery. Alyeska also has a tram that gives you access to vertical drops you won’t find at most other places.
10. Winter Park, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 347 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 82.1
Winter Park is a Colorado staple with terrain for every type of skier. Families love it here for the wide range of beginner and intermediate runs, but there’s plenty to keep the experts entertained. Mary Jane Mountain, in particular, is famous for its moguls and more advanced terrain.
Winter Park’s location makes it super convenient from Denver, and that also means it gets crowded, but the snow is consistently good.
11. Loveland, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 344 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 80.5
Loveland may not be the flashiest resort in Colorado, but it’s less crowded than many other Colorado resorts. The energy here is unpretentious, and the season tends to start earlier and last longer than most.
Loveland is also incredibly close to Denver, making it an easy choice for a quick trip to the mountains.
12. Vail, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 354 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 78.3
Vail is basically the king of Colorado ski resorts. It’s huge, with 5,300 acres of skiable. The back bowls are what Vail is known for, with wide-open, powder-filled runs that stretch for miles. Vail’s terrain suits everyone, but the options are endless if you’re an intermediate or advanced skier.
The resort village is just as famous as the mountain, with luxury hotels, high-end dining, and plenty of après-ski options. This resort is definitely on the pricier side.
13. A-Basin, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 314 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 78.2
Arapahoe Basin, or A-Basin, is a favorite among locals for its challenging terrain and long season. Known for its high elevation, A-Basin often stays open well into June, offering spring skiing when other places have long since closed.
A-Basin isn’t fancy, as people come here for the skiing, not for the après-ski scene, though tailgating in the parking lot is a thing here, and it’s a good time.
14. Beaver Creek, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 325 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 77.4
Beaver Creek is a slightly more luxurious ski experience than some of its neighbors. The terrain is super family-friendly, with plenty of long, wide groomers. This serious skiing is done in the expert areas like Birds of Prey.
Beaver Creek is also known for its service, where you can munch on free warm cookies at the base of the mountain. The village is charming, with upscale dining and shopping to combine skiing with a bit of pampering.
15. Mammoth, California (Sierras)
- True Snow: 354 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 75.4
Mammoth is massive, both in terms of size and snowfall. What sets Mammoth apart is its long season; it’s one of the few resorts where you can ski well into spring, sometimes even summer.
The California views from the top are incredible, and the sheer variety of terrain makes it a favorite for skiers and snowboarders alike. Off the slopes, the town of Mammoth Lakes has a fun, laid-back vibe with plenty of places to grab a burger and a beer after a long day.
16. Lookout Pass, Idaho (Rockies)
- True Snow: 448 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 75.0
Located on the Idaho-Montana border, Lookout Pass might be small, but it’s known for being family-friendly and affordable. The terrain is a mix of beginner and intermediate runs. Still, advanced skiers can find some fun in the trees and steeper sections.
The atmosphere here is relaxed, and it’s one of those places where locals outnumber tourists. The ski school is top-notch, and it’s a great place to bring the kids for their first ski trip
17. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon (Northwest)
- True Snow: 383 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 74.6
Mt. Bachelor’s volcano-shaped terrain gives skiers and snowboarders a full 360-degree skiing experience around the mountain. The wide, open slopes are great for carving, and if you’re into off-piste adventures, tree runs in the backcountry access keep things exciting.
Bachelor’s long season can often last well into May. Plus, the nearby outdoorsy town of Bend is a craft beer lover’s dream for you to grab a pint after a powder-filled day.
18. Snowmass, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 295 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 74.3
Snowmass is part of the Aspen Snowmass complex, where you can use the same pass to enter four different resorts. Its distinct areas mean you can go from wide, easy groomers to steep, challenging bowls without technically leaving the resort.
Families love Snowmass for the variety of terrain and the more laid-back vibe compared to Aspen. It’s the largest of the four, and Snowmass has a great après-ski scene, too, though it leans more toward casual than extravagant.
19. Powder Mountain, Utah (Rockies)
- True Snow: 350 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 74.2
Powder Mountain is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, and with 350 inches of snow each year, it lives up to its name. What’s wild about this place is that it has more terrain than almost any other resort in North America, over 8,000 acres, but it never feels crowded.
The resort has capped the number of daily lift tickets, which means you’re not sharing your powder stash with a hundred other people even on a busy day. The vibe here is super chill, and you won’t find the high prices or fancy villages that come with bigger names in Utah.
20. Steamboat, Colorado (Rockies)
- True Snow: 368 inches
- Total Snow Score w/ Preservation: 74.2
Steamboat is known for its “champagne powder,” a dry, fluffy snow that’s the stuff of skier dreams. The mountain is massive, and the terrain ranges from wide groomers to challenging glades. Steamboat’s also famous for its tree skiing, which is among the best in the country.
The town of Steamboat Springs gives off a Western vibe, complete with hot springs to soak in after a long day on the slopes. It’s a little out of the way compared to other Colorado resorts, but that just means fewer crowds and more powder.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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