Your season pass to skiing in the Northwest

It’s hard to beat this resort for pure beauty, as it offers gorgeous ocean and mountain views. The aerial tramway is extremely scenic, showcasing views of Chugach State Park, glaciers, streams, and local wildlife. Skiers benefit from 1,610 skiable acres and 76 named trails, along with a vertical drop of 2,500 feet. The resort is home to the longest continuous double black diamond in North America, known as North Face. Night skiing is also offered. The average annual snowfall is 669 inches.

When: Daily, 10:30am – 5:30pm
Where: 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK

This small but lovely ski resort proves that you don’t have to be bigger to be better. It offers 640 acres of terrain and 36 marked runs, as well as a vertical drop of 1,400 feet. There is an even split between intermediate and expert runs, while 20% is dedicated to novice trails. The terrain is varied, offering steeps, glades, and cliffs. Several trails are also available for cross-country skiers. The average annual snowfall is 350 inches.

When: Thu – Mon, 8am – 4pm; closed Tue and Wed
Where: 3000 Fish Creek Rd, Juneau, AK

Established in 1936, this ski resort was the first to open on North American soil and has been embraced by lovers of winter sports ever since. It offers more than 3,400 vertical feet and over 65 runs on 2,000 acres of varied terrain. It also offers adventure trails for children, making this a good choice for families. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides are also on offer at this resort. The average annual snowfall is 200 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 1 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley, ID

This resort offers 45 runs including glades, steeps, cornices, and cruisers. It boasts 1,020 acres of skiable terrain and a 2,800-foot vertical drop. The east-facing slope comes with the added benefit of minimum wind and maximum snow retention. The majority of the slopes are considered intermediate, while 17% fall into the novice category. The average annual snowfall is 300 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 311 Village Dr, Tamarack, ID

Located in the Madison Mountain Range, this popular skiing destination merged with the nearby Moonlight Basin a few years ago, making it the biggest ski complex in America. It boasts 5,800 skiable acres and over 4,350 vertical feet, so huge crowds and packed slopes aren’t an issue. 60% of the terrain caters to advanced skiers, but people of all skill sets will have plenty to do at this resort. The average annual snowfall is 400 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT

This ski resort offers stunning views of Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest. A total of 105 marked trails are available, along with a vast selection of bowl and tree skiing options. The longest run is the Hellfire, which spans 3.3 miles. Don’t forget to visit the charming town of Whitefish, which was voted one of the best ski towns in the world by National Geographic. The average annual snowfall is 300 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT

Skiers flock to this area each year for its long seasons and diverse slopes. It offers over 4,300 acres of terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington. The mountain tops out at an elevation of 9,065 feet and a vertical drop of 3,365 feet. If you’re a novice, you can take advantage of Carrousel, a beginners lift which offers an easy ride up the mountain. The average annual snowfall is 462 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR

Located in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest, this resort features 65 runs and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet. It also has the most black diamond runs of any resort in the state and offers the largest night skiing terrain in the country. The resort puts on a number of events each winter, including Saturday night fireworks and themed decade nights. The average annual snowfall is 300 inches.

When: Mon – Thu, 3 – 10pm; Fri – Sat, 9am – 11pm; Sun, 9am – 10pm
Where: 87000 US 26, Government Camp, OR

Located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, this popular destination offers 2 ski areas located between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. Ski runs are accessed from the White Salmon base area (elevation 3,500 feet) and the Heather Meadows base area (elevation 4,300 feet). The highest skiable elevation is at 5,089 feet, and the area offers 38 ski runs for people of all skill levels. The average annual snowfall is 663 inches.

When: Every day, 9am – 3:30pm
Where: WA-542, Mile Marker 52 (White Salmon base area); WA-542, Mile Marker 55 (Heather Meadows base area)

This ski area is located in the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range and receives an abundance of snowfall each season. The site is located inside 2 national forests—Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie on the west side and Wenatchee National Forest to the east. It’s impossible to get bored here, as the area offers 52 major runs on 1,125 acres of skiable terrain. The top elevation (5,845 feet) can be found at Cowboy Mountain. Night skiing is available on certain days, so check the Stevens Pass website for an up-to-date calendar of events. The average annual snowfall is 460 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 93001 NE Stevens Pass Hwy, Skykomish, WA

Skiers will be in heaven at this resort, which is known for its varied terrain. There are 116 named trails here, of which 50% fall into the expert category. It also offers the longest continuous vertical drop of any ski resort in the US, at 4,139 feet. Ski runs are found on Rendezvous Mountain and Apres Vous Mountain, which is better for beginners. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a number challenging backcountry skiing options. The average annual snowfall is 475 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Where: 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY

Located within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this ski area is known for its extremely powdery snow on Fred’s Mountain and Peaked Mountain. The area boasts 2,600 acres of terrain and a vertical drop of 2,270 feet. Be sure to hike to the summit of Mary’s Nipple for stunning views of Grand Teton National Park, Mt. Owen, and Middle Teton peak. The average annual snowfall is more than 500 inches.

When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Where: 3300 Ski Hill Rd, Alta, WY