When you dream of becoming an expert skier, you’re probably picturing yourself flying down the mountain surrounded by fluffy white powder. And the good news is, the ski resorts in North America see more snowfall each year than most other places in the world. Which means your dreams of being covered in powder are perfectly capable of coming true.
All you have to do is read this list of the snowiest ski resorts in North America, work on your ski skills, and book a flight!
Keep reading to learn which 10 ski resorts receive the most snow in North America.
Top 10 Snowiest Ski Resorts In North America
Mount Baker Ski Resort, Washington
Mount Baker Ski Resort in Washington State sees more snowfall annually than anywhere else in the world, and it truly is a winter wonderland.
Mount Baker is not only the snowiest ski resort, it’s also excellent for beginners due to its expansive beginner terrain and excellent learn to ski program. Whether you’re just learning how to ski for the first time or are chasing powder with the pros, Mount Baker has something for everyone.
Mount Baker Ski Resort opens by Thanksgiving each year and remains open until late April/early May. My favorite time to visit is March!
Alyeska Resort, Alaska
Alyeska Ski Resort in Alaska is one of the snowiest ski resorts in the world, receiving up to 660 inches of snowfall each year. This remote resort located in Girdwood Alaska is an incredible area to visit if you’re looking for some epic outdoor adventures such as heli-skiing, cat skiing, and watching for wildlife such as bison and moose in many seasons.
Alyeska Ski Resort normally opens in late November/early December each year and remains open until May. I highly recommend making a visit if you’re looking to cross a really epic resort off of your bucket list!
Alta Ski Area, Utah
Alta Ski Area is a ski area (not a ski resort) in Utah that receives around 540 inches of snowfall each year. Not only does it receive a lot of snow, but it receives high quality powdery snow, making it the perfect place to enjoy the frictionless riding you’ve seen in your dreams.
With over 2600 skiable acres to explore, you’ll never get bored at Alta Ski Area. And it is a ski only area, meaning you don’t have to worry about snowboarders flying by.
Alta Ski Area opens on or by Thanksgiving each year!
Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah
If you’re looking for the same white fluffy powder at Alta but want to try a different activity, head 2 miles away to Snowbird Ski Resort, also in Alta. Snowbird receives an average of about 500 inches of snowfall annually and offers many activities to try within their 2500 acre resort.
Choose from over 168 runs to ski or snowboard on or try something new such as snowmobiling, cat skiing, or heli-skiing. No matter what you do, I promise you’ll have a fun time in Alta, Utah!
Snowbird Ski Resort opens on or by December 1st each year.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in Beautiful British Columbia is one of the best ski resorts in the world, and one of the snowiest. Seeing over 460 inches of snowfall each year on its 8000+ skiable acres, it’s no wonder that over 3 million people visit each year to enjoy the epic views and excellent powder.
Whistler Blackcomb has 37 chair lifts, over 200 trails, and every winter activity you can think of from skiing, ice climbing, dog sledding, bungee jumping, and more. Be sure to plan a visit here this winter!
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort opens by December first each year and remains open until about mid-May.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Grand Targhee Ski Resort is a hidden gem in the Teton Valley/Jackson Hole area. It receives over 500 inches of snowfall each year of the famously fluffy Teton snow and is the only place in Wyoming where you can go cat-skiing.
With over 2600 skiable acres and adventure lovers everywhere, you’ll never be bored in Grand Targhee Wyoming. Be sure to plan a ski trip this winter for a winter escape in deep powder!
Vail, Colorado
Vail Colorado is one of the busiest ski resorts in the world and receives over 350 inches of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest as well.
Vail attracts more than 1.3 million visitors each year thanks to its fluffy snow, legendary back bowls, and wide range of things to do. When you’re not skiing, try your hand at snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and enjoying live music in the German-inspired downtown area.
Vail truly is a winter paradise that you must cross off of your bucket list this winter!
Stevens Pass, Washington
Stevens Pass Ski Area is a ski area in the Cascade Crest not too far from Seattle that sees over 500 inches of snowfall each year, making it one of the snowiest ski areas in the world.
It’s a ski area not a ski resort, so you won’t find lodging at the base, but it’s an excellent place to practice your skills for the day in some high quality snow. I highly recommend checking out Stevens Pass when planning your ski trips this season!
Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood Ski Resort in Northern California is located just south of Lake Tahoe and receives over 500 inches of snow each year. Kirkwood is known for its steep and technical trails, so I would recommend visiting when you’re comfortable skiing trees. When you’re just starting out skiing, check out Heavenly Ski Area in Lake Tahoe and then move here when you are ready!
Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon
Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon is such a fun place to ski thanks to its diverse and playful terrain. It sits at a lower elevation, but on the south side of the mountain that gets dumped with snow.
Mount Hood has plenty of highly rated beginner and intermediate terrain, so I highly recommend visiting if you’re just getting started skiing or looking to improve your skills.
