Are you trying to ensure you score the best snow on your next ski trip, or are you searching for the ski resort with the most snow right now? There’s nothing more disappointing than going to a ski resort with lackluster snow conditions.
If you’re planning the perfect ski trip, then you have to bank on going to places that receive high amounts of snowfall each year so you can maximize your chances of getting good snow conditions during your stay.
Below, you’ll find a list of 7 ski resorts scattered across North America that receive the most snow each year. We’ll explain the costs of a day ticket, the terrain size, and the ski resorts’ snowfall statistics, so there’s bound to be a feasible destination for you!
Quick Jump
Ski Resort With the Most Snow in North America
This list focuses on ski resorts in North America that get the most snowfall on average, offering the best ski conditions. These resorts are not necessarily the biggest; although some are large. One thing they have in common is an above-average snow base each year.
Tip: For those planning a family ski holiday, read our guide of 7 family-friendly ski resorts.
Alyeska Resort – Alaska
- Average annual snowfall: 669 inches
- Skiable area: 1,610 acres
- Nearest airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $89
Alyeska Resort receives a whopping annual average of 669 inches of snowfall. Crowds and lift lines are almost non-existent crowds (even on powder days). You’ll have 1,610 acres of slopes to ride and seven lifts to access different parts of the resort.
The resort’s base elevation is merely 250 feet above sea level, but the lifts take you up to a height of 2,500 feet, well within the alpine region.
Roughly 11% of the terrain is beginner-friendly, with most of the resort’s terrain consisting of wide bowls and glades that will test even the best skiers and snowboarders. It’s safe to say that this resort is catered to those that are experienced.
A downside to this resort is its close distance to the ocean. This means that there may be lots of snow, but it’s not always light and fluffy and is often wet and heavy.
The heavy powder days require a good set of powder skis or a powder snowboard. If you’re a beginner, you should learn or a bit more about snowboarding in powder before heading out. All in all, if you want lots of snow and to escape crowds, then Alyeska is the place to be.
Mt. Baker – Washington State
- Average annual snowfall: 663 inches
- Skiable area: 1,000 acres
- Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $65
Located next to an active volcano, the Mt. Baker Ski Area is part of the Cascade mountain range. Averaging 663 inches of snow each year and only two and a half hours from Seattle, this resort is very accessible.
However, there is limited accommodation, so many people rent RV’s and stay in the surrounding areas. This mountain holds the world record for most snow in one season – an astounding 1,140 inches (95 feet) in the ’98-’99 season.
Mt. Baker is also close to the ocean, which makes some snowfall heavy and wet. However, depending on the weather system, there can be ample light and dry snow.
You’ll have access to 1,000 acres of skiable mountain-side, eight chair lifts, and 31 groomed runs. The ski areas are significant, but the real draw to this mountain is the backcountry, where you’ll find endless places of untouched powder, provided you have the adequate experience and gear to backcountry ski.
Alta Ski Area – Utah
- Average annual snowfall: 547 inches
- Skiable area: 2,614 acres
- Nearest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $125
- Mountain is accessible if you have an Ikon Pass
Tucked away within the Cottonwood Canyon, Alta receives an average of 547 inches of yearly snowfall. The summit peaks at 11,068 feet, which can be challenging for those who suffer from altitude sickness. It can also be very cold, so make sure to come prepared with a pair of your best ski gloves.
Hop on the base lift and rise 2,538 feet to the summit. The primary benefit of a resort at such a high altitude is the light and fluffy snow quality. However, a downside to this resort is its old-school rules.
Alta is one of two resorts in Utah that don’t allow snowboarders. So, if you’re planning on going on a trip with snowboarders or you snowboard yourself, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.
For those that ski, Alta is world-renowned for its deep powder runs and steep terrain that excites even the best skiers.
Sugar Bowl Resort – California
- Average annual snowfall: 500 inches
- Skiable area: 1,500 acres
- Nearest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $125
Home to the first chair lift in California, Sugar Bowl Resort has provided snow junkies with their fix since 1939. Today, there are 13 chair lifts and 1,500 acres of skiable area. Sugar Bowl has terrain that pleases everyone, from beginners to professionals.
Receiving yearly snowfall of around 500 inches, Sugar Bowl is a must-visit if you plan on going on a trip in California. The resort is less developed than the likes of Squaw Valley, but it offers a more authentic experience.
This resort caters to snowboarders and skiers of all skill levels, from beginner-friendly groomers to steep glades where fresh powder is guaranteed after each snowstorm. If you’re new to snowboarding, there are plenty of beginner-friendly snowboards for you to choose from.
Snowbird Ski Resort – Utah
- Average annual snowfall: 500 inches
- Skiable area: 2,500 acres
- Nearest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $120
- Accessible using an Icon Pass and the Mountain Collective
This ski resort is for all the snowboarders that can’t access Alta’s terrain. Snowbird is Alta’s next-door neighbor. A 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City gets you deep in the Cottonwood Canyon, where you’ll find this amazing resort.
Unlike Alta, Snowbird is open to both skiers and snowboarders. The resort receives an average of about 500 inches each season and claims to have the most extended ski season in Utah (November to July).
Snowbird, similar to Alta, has a summit of 11,000 feet and 3,218 feet of elevation from base to summit. Ten chair lifts give you access to 2,500 acres of skiable area. The terrain is perfect for all skill levels, ranging from steep tree runs to easy-going groomers.
Snowbird’s snow quality is top-tier, like Alta, so you’ll have ample steep and deep powder runs available for you. There are also 15 restaurants scattered around the resort, with several lodges for those who want to stay at the mountain’s base.
Whitewater Ski Resort – British Columbia
- Average annual snowfall: 472 inches
- Skiable area: 2,367 acres
- Nearest airport: Castlegar Regional Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $95
Located on the famous Powder Highway, Whitewater is the snowiest ski resort in Canada, averaging 472 inches each season. Two hours from the US-Canada border, Whitewater has 82 groomed runs, four lifts, and 1,184 acres of skiable area.
Well-known for its lift-accessed backcountry terrain, this resort is quieter than others on the list. With minimal cellphone service in the area, Whitewater is the perfect place to escape civilization and take advantage of the great terrain.
Due to its smaller size, the lift lines are short, and the crowds are minimal. You’ll quickly find fresh tracks in the multitude of bowls and glades within the resort’s ski boundaries. Whitewater is the place to come to if you want to escape the outside world and score deep powder with limited crowds!
Tip: if you want to explore more ski resorts in Canada, check out our list of the best Canadian ski resorts.
Jackson Hole – Wyoming
- Average annual snowfall: 469 inches
- Skiable area: 2,500 acres
- Nearest airport: Jackson Hole Airport
- Cost of day ticket: $160
- Accessible using an Ikon Pass and on the Mountain Collective
The last resort on the list is a true gem for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. Jackson Hole offers 2,500 acres of in-bound runs and over 3,000 acres of backcountry terrain.
The summit sits at 10,450 feet, with a rise of 4,139 feet of elevation from the base to the peak. A powder paradise for backcountry and resort riders, Jackson Hole has become a famous location due to its steep and technical terrain.
Averaging around 469 inches of snow each season, Jackson Hole is the place to go if you’re looking to challenge yourself and score deep powder. If you’re still relatively inexperienced, we recommend visiting the more beginner-friendly resorts on the list so that you make the most of your trip.
Final Thoughts on Ski Resorts With the Most Snowfall
Choosing between these resorts will maximize your chances of scoring the best ski conditions on your next trip. The ski resorts’ snow totals vary each season but they are still likely to be the ones with the most snow.
If you’re less experienced and want to visit a resort that offers beginner-friendly terrain, we suggest going to Snowbird, Alta, or Sugar Bowl. Alyeska, Jackson Hole, Whitewater, and Mt. Baker are the perfect choices for the powder hounds that want steep and challenging conditions.
