Top 10 Most Challenging Resorts in the West (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
Not all skiers want to stand at the mouth of a 35-degree couloir and feel that tingle of fear and anticipation as they peer into the depths below. But those of us who do should be able to find the goods easily enough at these ski areas, known for their extreme and expert slopes.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o in the West for 2024
Top 10 Resorts in the West For Challenging Terrain
No. 10: Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
Score: 9.03
Other Strengths: Lifts, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Parking, Access
What Readers Say
“Mammoth is a world-class hill. It’s all about the mountain itself and the awesome skiing it offers. Chair 23 is the most amazing expert level chair in the world. The downside is the mountain gets a lot of high wind days. Storms typically come with 50-plus mph wind.”
“I have skied Mammoth for a very long time and have been to most of the major resorts in the US and Mammoth is as good as any of them if not better than most of them.”
No. 9: Alta Ski Area, Utah
Score: 9.05
Other Strengths: Snow, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Apres, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Alta is a ski mountain, not really a resort. But that’s what makes it awesome It’s all about the skiing, not the dining, apres scene, or nightlife.”
“There is something for everyone here. You just have to be willing to traverse and hike a bit if you’re a hard-charger.”
No. 8: Telluride Ski Resort, Colo.
Score: 9.13
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Dining
Weaknesses: Access, Value
What Readers Say
“I would recommend to experienced or advanced skiers. There is plenty of terrain for beginners, but the bread and butter of Telluride is the vast hike-to and expert terrain.”
“When the snow is good, it’s an expert’s heaven with the amount of available hike-to/sidecountry terrain.”
No. 7: Palisades Tahoe, Calif.
Score: 9.20
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Apres
Weaknesses: Grooming, Value
What Readers Say
“Two great mountains, now connected by a gondola. Awesome, varied expert terrain (chutes, bowls, trees). Snow this season was epic.”
“When the snow is good and Silverado, Broken Arrow, and Headwall are running, skiing at Squaw is amazing. And at Alpine, when the snow is good and Promised Land is open and hiking off Summit is open, amazing skiing.”
No. 6: Snowbird Resort, Utah
Score: 9.22
Other Strengths: Snow, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Parking
What Readers Say
“Snow quality and terrain cannot be beat--it’s missing the frills of other places in terms on a village, lodging, restaurants, etc., but I don’t care about those things and in some ways it’s a bonus because it reduces the experience to be purely about the skiing.”
“Best mountain in the USA. Whatever you want Snowbird has it. Big boy skiing at its best!”
No. 5: Crested Butte, Colo.
Score: 9.25
Other Strengths: Nightlife, Value
Weaknesses: Grooming, Access
What Readers Say
“Amazing expert terrain. Pure, old-school technical skiing on dramatic, extreme terrain. Beautiful scenery. A bucket-list destination for the purist technical skier.”
“Great terrain, especially if you like extreme. Good lodging within short walking distance to lifts.”
No. 4: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colo.
Score: 9.32
Other Strengths: Value, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife
What Readers Say
"A-Basin has some of the best skiable terrain out of any resort I’ve skied at. They make lots of extreme terrain accessible in a great way. They also actively work to reduce crowds on the mountain and make it a great experience. It’s definitely a great local’s mountain, but I make sure to take anyone who visits me to A-Basin for a day so they can experience it."
“Best for advanced skiers. There is lots of super-expert terrain.”
No. 3: Big Sky Resort, Mont.
Score: 9.35
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Local Flavor, Value
What Readers Say
“There’s plenty to scare yourself here--the mark of a great resort!”
“Varied terrain. Expansive. One can ski with a destination in mind as opposed to simply skiing up and down lifts.”
No. 2: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyo.
Score: 9.55
Other Strengths: Lifts, Apres
Weaknesses: Value, Family Friendly
What Readers Say
“The snow at JH was fabulous! The expert terrain was dreamy.”
“Jackson isn’t for every skier and that’s what makes it great. If you have some skills it is the best skiing in the lower 48.”
No. 1: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
Score: 9.61
Other Strengths: Value, Parking
Weaknesses: Lifts, Dining
What Readers Say
“Taos is versatile and the terrain variety and challenge make it fun for many types of skiers. Good for the lovers of the steeps, moguls, families, couples getaways. Great ski school and learning terrain will help you to stretch and grow as a rider.”
“If you like expert terrain, this place is a must to ski. powder, chutes, trees are all waiting for you. Some serious bumps, too. Kachina bowl is just ‘Wow!’ The backside has some excellent cruisers and you never get jammed up with lift lines. Stay in Taos and enjoy 10- to 15-degree warmer temps when you come down.”
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