USA Today Ranks North America’s Top 10 Resorts: Did Your Favorite Make the Cut?

The votes are tallied and the new USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice ski resort rankings are officially out. These lists spark debate but also remind us how diverse and massive our ski terrain really is. We’ve looked through the results, and here is our breakdown of the resorts that made the list.

The Mountain West always dominates, and this year is no exception. Utah’s Snowbasin Resort clinched the top spot for the second year in a row, earning its title as No. 1. Snowbasin is famous for its Olympic heritage and 3,000 acres of terrain that includes wide-open bowls and steep alpine skiing. It’s clearly a standout for convenience and a refined experience, with free parking and little to no traffic.

Meanwhile, the California icons continue to impress. Palisades Tahoe (#8) and Mammoth Mountain (#9) both claimed spots in the top 10. Palisades Tahoe, a TGR favorite, boasts 6,000 acres across two mountains, featuring legendary terrain like the cliffy steeps of KT-22.

Further north, Big Sky Resort (#7) in Montana is aptly nicknamed "Biggest Skiing in America". With 5,850 acres and consistent snowfall, this is a magnet for anyone seeking huge mountain exposure. It truly embodies the scale that defines big mountain riding.

Utah placed two resorts on the list, with Deer Valley Resort coming in at No. 6. Deer Valley is known for its impeccable, skier-only grooming and polished guest experience. While it caters to luxury, it still offers over 5,700 acres of varied terrain and is in the midst of a massive expansion, adding thousands of acres and new lifts for the 2025-26 season.

Don't sleep on the East and Midwest. The list highlights some truly unique destinations that demand a different kind of skill set.

Vermont’s Killington Resort, "The Beast of the East," landed at No. 5. Killington is famous for having the highest lift-served terrain in the region and one of the nation’s longest seasons, making it a cornerstone of the East Coast ski experience. Additionally, Smugglers’ Notch Resort (#2) and Loon Mountain Resort (#10) represent the best of New England, offering everything from family-friendly programs to challenging, deep-rooted terrain.

Perhaps the most unique inclusion is Mount Bohemia, Michigan at No. 3. This is not your average resort; Mount Bohemia is raw, ungroomed, lift-accessed backcountry. With deep lake-effect snow and a culture built around adventurous skiing, it stands alone in the Midwest for expert skiers. It’s a pure, no-frills experience for those who appreciate the grit of un-tracked powder.

Finally, Aspen Snowmass (#4) brings the Colorado heat, offering a truly varied experience across four mountains and more than 5,700 combined acres. From the steep pitches of Aspen Mountain to the expansive terrain parks at Snowmass, this legendary area is a must for any serious skier or rider.

The lesson here is simple: whether you prefer the convenience of Snowbasin, the sheer scale of Big Sky, or the raw, deep snow of Mount Bohemia, the best of American skiing is diverse and beckoning. Get after it.