Top 10 Resorts in the West with the Friendliest Guest Service (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
Unlike snow conditions, the amount of challenging terrain, or the lodging options on tap at a ski resort, the quality of the guest service is more subjective. Do you feel welcome at this place? Do you feel safe on the mountain? If you have a question or need guidance, is there anyone around to ask? It may not seem as important as some of the more concrete rubrics in the survey, but that’s certainly not the case.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
When you go on vacation, you want to feel like you’re on vacation. At these 10 resorts, voted to have the best guest service in SKI’s 2024 Reader Resort Survey, you certainly will.
Top 10 Resorts in the West for Guest Service
No. 10: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
Score: 8.32
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Challenge
Weaknesses: Lifts, Dining
What Readers Say
“Taos has amazing terrain, super nice people, amazing snow, lots of sun, and is a favorite place for us.”
“Families especially. Taos has something for everyone and the ski school is amazing. My now 15-year-old learned to ski here when she was 2 and she rips on two planks or her board now. ‘Taos being too hard’ is a myth designed by the bros to keep tourists away. It’s great for families.”
No. 9: Brighton Resort, Utah
Score: 8.48
Other Strengths: Value, Snow
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Brighton has a special place in my heart! I love the vibes, the terrain, the lifties, and so much more.”
“Great unpretentious family-friendly resort with diverse terrain and employees who genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs. There’s something for everyone here.”
No. 8: Beaver Creek, Colo.
Score: 8.55
Other Strengths: Lodging, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Challenge, Value
What Readers Say
“I enjoyed the vibe at Beaver Creek, the mountain hosts were great, the accommodations were nice, and I loved the free cookies!”
“I felt so incredibly spoiled at this resort, everyone was super friendly and it’s a very family-friendly place. Lovely people here!”
No. 7: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Score: 8.62
Other Strengths: Lifts, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Access, Value
What Readers Say
“First-class resort, on-slope information easy to access, grooming was excellent, lifties were polite and helpful, Easy to get around.”
“Great wide-open intermediate to advanced terrain. Uncrowded slopes. Wonderful service--friendly! Snow conditions were excellent.”
No. 6: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
Score: 8.77
Other Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Terrain is challenging. Employees are friendly and accommodating. Snow is great and abundant.”
“The best vibe in all of skiing. The employees are friendly and cheerful, and the mountain always delivers.”
No. 5: Steamboat Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.78
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Challenge, Terrain Variety
What Readers Say
“Love the town, the people, and the resort--very friendly and welcoming place.”
“This was my third time to Steamboat. During the other two trips we got epic conditions with deep powder. This time it was just average. It was nice to see how the base is now better organized than the last time I was here (2011). Sometime progress can be good.”
No. 4: Snowbasin Resort, Utah
Score: 8.82
Other Strengths: Lifts, Grooming
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Dining
What Readers Say
“Snowbasin is incredible. The staff is like family and treats everyone that shows up like they are, too.”
“I love the aura, it really has a nice rustic/modern vibe which is hard to nail. Their demo skis are extensive and the staff always knows exactly what you’re looking for. The entire staff is knowledgeable of the resort and have great recommendations for terrain and where to ski for your level. Over all this mountain is great!!”
No. 3: Powder Mountain, Utah
Score: 9.05
Other Strengths: Snow, Value
Weaknesses: Lodging, Apres
What Readers Say
“No place in the country better than Powder Mountain. Amazing terrain, deep powder, friendly staff and all around great experience. Wish more resorts were like this instead of trying to squeeze every dollar out of you.”
“I love powder mountain because it’s the biggest in North America and it’s built upside down. The employees are great and so are the guests, awesome place to make friends.”
No. 2: Sun Valley, Idaho
Score: 9.08
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Snow, Value
What Readers Say
“Cleanest resort I’ve ever been to. Great attention to detail! The staff keeps the resort looking perfect and it’s so well run.”
“Sun Valley had not only exceptional ski terrain (ranging from wide-open bowls, challenging intermediate groomers to tough moguls), pristine mountain views and beautiful amenities, but the most welcoming down-home yet sophisticated atmosphere punctuated by the occasional flannel and cowboy hat. Everyone--and I mean everyone--we encountered, from fellow skiers to guest services to the bartenders, were welcoming, helpful and friendly.”
No. 1: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Score: 9.45
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Expensive but classy location with superlative customer service.”
“Lots of smiling, friendly, courteous staff in every department. Feel like a valued customer.”
“Other than the great food, incredibly friendly staff (where DO they find these people???), incredible grooming, and varied terrain, they also have the worlds best hot chocolate.”
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