Top North American Ski Resorts: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Readers select the best ski destinations across the US and Canada for 2026.
1Annual Reader Recognition
The 39th annual Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the premier ski destinations across North America. Voters evaluated resorts based on trail quality, lift infrastructure, and après-ski culture. Montana’s Big Sky secured the top spot following a decade of significant transformation, while Colorado maintained its status as the leading US ski state.
2Buttermilk’s Playful Terrain
Buttermilk in Colorado functions as a massive terrain park, featuring seven distinct areas for all skill levels. It hosts major events like the X Games Aspen and The Snow League within its 22-foot Superpipe. Despite its competitive reputation, the mountain offers accessible beginner terrain and intense uphill trails for dedicated cardio enthusiasts.
3Winter Park Accessibility
As Colorado’s longest-operating resort, Winter Park remains a family favorite due to its proximity to Denver. The resort is currently expanding its snowmaking capacity on key base trails following a $40 million upgrade. Visitors can utilize the Amtrak Winter Park Express train, which drops passengers just steps away from the primary ski lifts.
4Beaver Creek Luxury
Beaver Creek emphasizes a high-end experience, offering daily complimentary chocolate chip cookies at 3 p.m. The resort features three fine-dining cabins and immaculate grooming standards across 167 trails. Its challenging Birds of Prey course is scheduled to host the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races in December 2026 for both genders.
5Alaska’s Unique Landscape
Alyeska Resort provides a distinct Alaskan experience located 40 miles from Anchorage. The terrain includes high alpine faces and extensive intermediate runs, catering to diverse ability levels. Beyond traditional resort skiing, it serves as a basecamp for heli-skiing and cat skiing, complemented by a 50,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor Nordic spa for recovery days.
6Tamarack’s Diverse Slopes
Tamarack in Idaho benefits from 300 inches of annual snowfall on its east-facing slopes. The resort offers 2,800 feet of vertical drop, encompassing open bowls, steep glades, and high-speed groomers. A new Mid-Mountain Lodge provides panoramic dining, while the base village supports various Nordic activities including fat biking and classic cross-country skiing.
7Sundance Mountain Expansion
Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance Mountain Resort is currently undergoing a multi-phase expansion in its back mountain area. The new Electric Horseman high-speed quad lift adds 60 acres of terrain, bringing the total to 605 skiable acres. Further expansion plans for the 2027-2028 season aim to add an additional 100 acres of terrain.
8Steamboat’s Modern Redevelopment
Steamboat has undergone a multimillion-dollar redevelopment, highlighted by the Wild Blue gondola that transports skiers to Sunshine Peak in 13 minutes. The resort is highly accessible, with flights from 18 major U.S. cities. It remains famous for its trademarked Champagne Powder and extensive tree skiing across its six distinct mountain peaks.
9Aspen Highlands Challenge
Aspen Highlands is defined by the Highland Bowl, a rite of passage requiring a 45-minute hike to reach the summit. Skiers are rewarded with 360-degree views of the Maroon Bells and 2,500 feet of steep bowl skiing. Mid-mountain dining at the Merry-Go-Round offers signature items like the pastrami bacon Boomerang Burger.
10Heavenly’s Dual-State Views
Heavenly Mountain Resort spans the border of California and Nevada, offering 5,000 acres of diverse terrain. The Skyline Trail allows skiers to traverse between states while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. With 300 days of sunshine annually, the resort is a popular destination for high-energy events and vibrant après-ski social scenes.
11Camelback’s East Coast Utility
Camelback Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania serves as a major training ground for East Coast skiers. Its advanced snowmaking capacity can cover the George Washington Bridge in one foot of snow within 24 hours. The resort features a large snow-tubing park and an indoor water park, making it a versatile destination for families.
12Taos Sustainability Focus
Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico distinguishes itself as the world’s first B-Corp certified ski resort and a CarbonNeutral destination. Recent investments of $3 million in glading and snowmaking have improved family accessibility. The resort continues to attract expert skiers with its challenging Kachina Peak terrain and iconic Al’s Run moguls.
Original article: Condé Nast Traveler — Top North American Ski Resorts: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards