Olympics Top 10 Resorts in the West for Overall Satisfaction (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
The Overall Satisfaction category is the one survey rubric that keep us editors scratching our heads year and after. The list is always a near-equal mix of amenity-filled destination resorts and soulful independent ski areas known for their challenging terrain rather than their chai lattes. As far as we can figure, the only thing they all have in common is that they’re all places where skiers feel welcome, and in return, leave feeling happy and content with their experience.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
This year’s crop is no exception. Regardless of what is--or isn’t--in their respective base villages, these 10 resorts are doing something right when it comes to keeping skiers satisfied.
Top 10 Resorts in the West for Overall Satisfaction
No. 10: Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Score: 8.80
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Value
Weaknesses: Apres, Dining
What Readers Say
“Loveland isn’t a megaresort nor does it have a ton of fancy amenities. It’s more of a bagged lunch or crockpot kind of place. But that’s exactly what I love about it. The runs are rarely crowded, you can usually get a Lovparking spot (except maybe on holidays weekends), and the people who work and ski there are genuinely friendly and seem happy to be there. For me, it’s my happy place during the winter.”
“Loveland is truly for everyone who skis or wants to learn how to ski. There’s so much diversity in the terrain as well as a dedicated learning area on a smaller slope down the road.”
No. 9: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, B.C.
Score: 8.84
Other Strengths: Value, Parking
Weaknesses: Access, Family
What Readers Say
“Great conditions and terrain, easy to stay close to the resort for reasonable prices. Snow always seems to be excellent on the top of the mountain.”
“Uncrowded, excellent terrain variety with the best trees around. Huge vertical!”
No. 8: Steamboat Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.85
Other Strengths: Family Friendly, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Challenge, Terrain Variety
What Readers Say
“This was an awesome snow season. I love First Tracks. I can always find great skiing, regardless of when it snowed last. They have done a great job with grooming in the past few years. I like the new beginner area of Greenhorn Ranch. I love the authentic town, which is not just a resort.”
“Steamboat is a really special place. The mountain is fun, and has been getting even better with all of the improvements to the lift infrastructure and the base village. And then there’s the real-life town of Steamboat Springs, with great shopping, dining, and more places to stay. No such thing as a bad vacation here!”
No. 7: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Score: 8.87
Other Strengths: Challenge, Apres
Weaknesses: Access, Value
What Readers Say
“With four mountains it’s uncrowded, the terrain variety is serious--I’m obsessed with steep blues as an ex-racer--the snow is (usually) perfect, you can just get into the flow of skiing.”
“Snowmass is the best ski mountain I have ever visited, with its amazing base village, so many new dining and lodging options. Aspen is only 20 minutes away and very easy to get to has all the dining and nightlife you can imagine. The best ski experience I have ever had.”
No. 6: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyo.
Score: 8.95
Other Strengths: Challenge, Apres
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Jackson is an awesome resort and this year made even better with epic snow conditions. I love it. I’ll be back as I have been for the last 20 years!”
“Well laid-out, thoughtful trail design, good lift design--in other words, it’s easy to get around the resort with the lifts, not always the case with other resorts.”
No. 5: Alta Ski Area, Utah
Score: 9.00
Other Strengths: Challenge, Snow
Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Access
What Readers Say
“Been visiting Alta for two weeks a year (early January and early March) for 15 years. Best snow year ever. I have skied all over North America and Europe and Alta is no. 1.”
“Good all-around resort. Enough terrain for beginners, intermediates and experts, but clearly a blast for advanced powder hounds.”
No. 4: Sun Valley, Idaho
Score: 9.04
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Value, Terrain Variety
What Readers Say
“Awesome terrain. Great low-density snow. Authentic town. Excellent ski infrastructure.”
“Sun Valley is still the best resort in the Northwest! Best runs, smallest lift lines.”
“Sun Valley should be on everyone’s bucket list. Nothing specific, the whole package is the amazing. We love staying in Ketchum, there’s everything from cute B&Bs to chic hotels. There’s also lodging by the mountain for those who want to slopeside experience.”
No. 3: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Score: 9.05
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Access
Weaknesses: Value, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Wonderful customer service. The mountain is perfect for advanced skiers. Park City is a fun town with a variety of dining options at all price levels. The resort is so easy to get to.”
“Great grooming, food is excellent, everyone is there to help you get to where you want to go.”
No. 2: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
Score: 9.22
Other Strengths: Challenge, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
What Readers Say
“A-Basin is an American Classic that hasn’t changed much compared to the rest of the big resorts.”
“Arapahoe Basin is awesome for anyone who cares more about skiing the mountain and less about the frills of a ‘resort.’ If your goal is a run or two and then go shopping or bar-hopping, this isn’t the place for you.”
No. 1: Powder Mountain, Utah
Score: 9.41
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Value
Weaknesses: Lifts, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Best place I’ve found to ski great terrain and never wait in lines. Powder lasts for days and the people are so friendly. It’s no Deer Valley with amenities, but you won’t starve.”
“The fact that Powder limits the number of skiers/riders every day makes for nonexistent lift lines, so there’s little concern for collisions. I love that you can find fresh tracks far longer than at most resorts. The snow last year was of epic proportions and high quality.”
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