The Western U.S. is one of the most popular skiing regions in the world thanks to its high elevation, and exceptional snow covered mountains. The famous Rockies stretch from New Mexico into British Columbia and run through Colorado, the rugged Tetons in Wyoming, Utah's snow-blessed Wasatch Range, Idaho's Sawtooth Range and into Montana. Renowned as having light, abundant and dry powder, this part of the U.S. is a haven for powder skiers and snowboarders. In many of these Rocky Mountain ski towns, the ol' Western spirit is still pervasive and provide a unique look into the U.S.' pioneering, cowboy and mining history. Further west and separate from the Rocky Mountains sits California's beautiful, sun-basked Sierra Nevada mountains, which surround the pristine blue Lake Tahoe. Whether you choose the interior Rockies or the Sierras, you'll be treated to some of the most enduring icons of the American West: rugged mountains, peaks and canyons.
The Eastern US multiple ski resorts offer world class skiing within a few hours drive of several major hubs like New York City and Boston. These resorts tend to be more affordable than what you will find in the west. The mountains are lower in elevation than in the West, but snow-making equipment ensures these resorts have prime snow conditions. Vermont and New York are home to dozens of ski areas. Killington Resort with it’s six mountains and 140 trails is the largest in Vermont. There is a 3,000-foot vertical drop measuring 6 miles in length. Vermont's Mad River Glen is home to the last surviving single chairlift that takes you up to the most challenging skiing in the East. Whiteface Mountain Resort located in Wilmington, New York has the greatest vertical of any lift-serviced mountain in the Northeast. The nearby village of Lake Placid is where you’ll find après ski at it’s best. Sugarloaf, Maine is the largest ski area east of the Rockies. This year-round resort offers many winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, concerts, slopeside lodging and terrain parks. An advantage of skiing in New Hampshire is that many of the major ski resorts are close to one another. North Conway offers off-slope activities while being centrally located to Mount Washington Valley resorts.