One of the best things about skiing and snowboarding in the U.S. is that no matter where you are, you’re probably not all that far from a top-notch resort or epic ski hill of some kind. In the Northeast, you can hit the slopes in the Adirondacks, Appalachians, and even the Presidential Range. Out West, you’ll find world-class skiing in the Rockies, the Sierra Nevada, and the Cascades. Even the Midwest has its fair share of excellent hills to hone your skills on. This list is our pick for the ten best places to snowboard in the US.
Mt.Hood, Oregon
Just 90 minutes away from Portland, Mt. Hood Meadows boasts 2,150 acres and 2,777 vertical feet of mountain fun. Experienced riders can plunge down Heather canyon or venture through glades, while beginners can hone their skills on the smoother slopes. Meadows also features a variety of snowboard terrain parks that are worth checking out, especially the 18ft superpipe.
As Oregon’s grandest peak, Mt. Hood is home to three incredible and diverse ski resorts. Timberline Lodge and Ski Area is the only ski-in, ski-out lodge in the state.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth has earned a reputation as one of the best ski and snowboard areas in California. As the name suggests, the ski areas is huge, with 3,100’ of vertical drop to match. Spread across the 3,500 skiable acres, there is an amazing array of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Mammoth Mountain resort sees an average of 400” of annual snowfall. With a summit elevation of 11,053 feet, this snow is often lighter than other California ski and snowboard resorts. All of this powder comes with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making Mammoth an amazing area to chase powder turns under bluebird California skies. It’s not all about the powder, however, Mammoth has not only great beginner infrastructure, but world-class terrain parks, too. Couple with a nice base area village, Mammoth is a great destination ski and snowboard resort that is also pretty close to Los Angeles.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is well known as one of the best ski and snowboard destinations in the world. The mountain is epic, the snow is deep, and the town of Teton Village is a classic ski town. Skiers and snowboarders from around the world travel to Jackson Hole every winter to experience the 2,500 acres and over 4,000’ of steep and gnarly riding. Serving the mountain is one of the most iconic ski lifts in the world, the Jackson Hole Tram, which delivers skiers and snowboarders from Teton Village to the 10,450’ summit of Jackson Hole. The skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole is famous for it’s challenging steeps, which have attracted a hardcore local bunch of riders, and the very long continued fall lines that makes for great skiing and snowboarding for all abilities. Off of the mountain, Teton Village and the nearby town of Jackson are a great mix of old-school cowboy influence and dedicated skibums.
Whitefish, Montana
At the edge of Glacier National Park in Montana’s Rocky Mountain range lies a lively little town called Whitefish and the adjacent Whitefish Mountain Resort, just a few minutes drive northwards. Over 3,000 acres of the great outdoors are accessible with breathtaking views over mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. The runs themselves are lovely and wide and there are enough on offer to keep even the most enthusiastic of amateur snowboarders happy. Plus there’s a free shuttlebus service between the town and the resort so you can make your way back after a hard day on the slopes and enjoy a well-earned meal and a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars in town.
Mt . Bachelor, Oregon
Get your camera ready because Mt. Bachelor offers some of the best views you’ve ever seen. It’s completely surrounded by the spectacular Deschutes National Forest (two million acres of it, to be exact) so there’s nothing but wilderness in sight. Unlike your typical mountain resort, there’s no on-mountain lodging or base village, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Snowboarders will feel completely immersed in nature as they’re sliding down 4,318 acres of terrain that ranges from the easy to extreme.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley lures snowboarders from around the country with not one mountain but two — as the name suggests, both are frequently drenched in sunshine. Beginners can swoosh down the smooth, open runs of Dollar Mountain or have fun at the terrain park complete with 76 trails and a 22ft high superpipe (the largest in the Northwest). Meanwhile, Bald Mountain has everything advanced riders crave, including groomers, glades, and a dramatic 3,400ft drop.
Telluride , Colorado
Tucked away in Colorado, Telluride offers varied terrain ideal for beginners and seasoned snowboarders alike. Advanced riders can blaze down the Plunge or hike to the extreme terrain of the 13,000ft Palmyra Peak while newbies can practice their skills on the gentle slopes of Ute Park or Prospect Bowl. Don’t expect big crowds here: the slopes are pretty quiet, which means there’s more room for you to enjoy.
Apsen, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass has many draws; celebrities have second, or third, homes here, ski and snowboard bums come for the snow, and visitors come for this combination of luxury and deep powder. Aspen is one of the most well known Colorado ski and snowboard destinations in the world for these among many other reasons, including its long and storied ski history. With four separate ski and snowboard areas, there is an amazing selection of terrain, for movie stars and powder hounds alike. In total, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands make up over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain. Amongst all of this terrain is some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Colorado.The town of Aspen is a destination in itself for many who prefer to sample the upscale shopping and dining rather than spend their time on the slopes.
The variety of terrain is enough to keep skiers and snowboarders of any ability busy for days, making Aspen Snowmass a great destination for longer trips. It’s location in the Roaring Fork Valley, about three and a half hours from Denver, keeps away the crowds that often plague other Colorado ski and snowboard areas.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Seasoned snowboarders can experience an offering of terrain parks that include boxes, rails, rollers and jumps. There are enough Pocono terrain parks to keep you snowboarding all winter long. Each resort offers a wide variety of features for beginner and novice riders to enjoy and prepare for the bigger parks too. So while the sun is shining and the powder is fresh, grab your board and hit the slopes because snowboarders love the Pocono Mountains!
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are a gem and a nature lover’s delight. Sprawled out in the lush, charming and rustic wilderness of northeastern PA, the Poconos has a reputation for forestry, wildlife and outdoor activities, one of which is snowboarding.
Taos, New Mexico
The pristine terrain, epic snowfall, and abundance of après-ski opportunities keep Taos’s ski resorts on top-10 lists year after year. Within the area called The Enchanted Circle, options abound for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from kids and beginners to extreme enthusiasts (i.e., people who enjoy launching themselves off cliffs). Whether you want to cruise with the kiddos or scare yourself silly on the steeps, Taos has the terrain you’re dreaming of and the ethereal powder to make your dreams come true.
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