What makes one snowboarding spot better than the next?
The “best-for-snowboarding” location in the United States is pretty subjective, really. But I believe it’s a mixture of facilities, the quality of pistes, the immersiveness of the snowboarding / skiing experience, and whether you have fun or not.
After traveling to some of the best snowboarding spots in the country, from Jackson Hole (Wyoming) to Snowbird (Utah), I’ve got some solid results.
Colorado is advertised as the best snowboarding state, but it’s kinda touristy for US residents (an incredible experience for “tourists” and non-US snowboarders). In comparison, fan-favorite states like Utah, Wyoming, and Montana have the most unique and immersive snowboarding experiences.
Best Skiing and Snowboarding Locations in the United States
1. Telluride Ski Resort and Vail, Colorado
| Number of Pistes | 84 |
| Top Lift | 12,254ft |
| Bottom Lift | 8,727ft |
| Vertical Drop | 3,527ft |
| Best Time of the Year | Early October to Late April |
| Other Activities | Stand-Up Paddleboarding, ATVing, Ballooning, Dogsledding, Paragliding |
The best part of Colorado’s snowboarding experience isn’t its facilities or some magical routes, but the non-existent queues. It’s even more apparent in Telluride Ski Resort.
Though that’s not to say it’s boring and ignored by tourists. If you time things correctly, you’ll have a fantastic snowboarding adventure all to yourself. No crowd. No long-standing queues.
The resort has routes for both beginners (who can enjoy snowboarding in an open area with beautiful views) and advanced boarders (who can try some of the expert-level routes like the infamous “Plunge.”)
And there’s more – Vail. The Golden Peak Terrain Park in Vail is what Colorado’s snowboarding is most famous for. It’s undoubtedly a tourist heaven.
Contact Information (Telluride Ski Resort):
- Phone: +1 (800) 778-8581
- Website: Visit Now
Contact Information (Vail):
- Phone: +1 (970) 754-8245
- Website: Visit Now
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
| Number of Pistes | 111 |
| Top Lift | 10,450ft |
| Bottom Lift | 6,300ft |
| Vertical Drop | 4,000ft |
| Best Time of the Year | Late December to Mid-March |
| Other Activities | Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning, Helicopter Riding |
Jackson Hole is one of the top three snowboarding locations in the United States. The Jackson Hole has something for everyone – the mountain has good trails for beginners. The park is considered best for intermediates and expert snowboarders. It also offers backcountry freeriding if you like that “me-time” like I do.
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 (307) 733-2292
- Website: Visit Now
3. Park City Mountain Resort & Snowbird, Utah
| Number of Pistes | 100 |
| Top Lift | 10,000ft – 11,000ft |
| Bottom Lift | 6,900ft – 7,700ft |
| Vertical Drop | 2,900ft – 3,100ft |
| Best Time of the Year | February and March |
| Other Activities | River rafting, Hang gliding, Mountain biking, Motorcrossing |
Utah is the best state in the United States for going snowboarding and skiing. It’s not only a favorite and “must-go” in the snowboarding community, but Utah also ranks in the top 10 for various other sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing, etc.
The snowbird in Utah also boasts of having the steepest pistes in Utah, where you can challenge your own skills while having a good time.
If you’re not ready for the Snowbird mountains, visit Park City Mountain resort without thinking twice and snowboard on their most famous routes, such as Three Kings and The Ridge.
Contact Information (Park City Mountain Resort):
- Phone: +1 (435) 649-8111
- Website: Visit Now
Contact Information (Snowbird):
- Phone: +1 (801) 933-2222
- Website: Visit Now
4. Big Sky Resort, Montana
| Number of Pistes | 250 |
| Top Lift | 11,100ft |
| Bottom Lift | 6,800ft |
| Vertical Drop | 4,300ft |
| Best Time of the Year | Late December to Early April |
| Other Activities | Ziplining, Whitewater rafting, Kayaking, Dirtbiking, Snowmobiling, Climbing |
The Big Sky is the crown jewel of snowboarding in Montana. With an average snow thickness of 400-inch every year, it’s one of the top three snowboarding states in the United States. At least, according to the snowboarding and skiing community.
It also has some of the most challenging and steep routes, such as the infamous 11,166 foot Lone Peak Summit that literally takes your breath away. In short, the Big Sky is not for the faint of heart.
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 (800) 548-4486
- Website: Visit Now
5. Whiteface Mountain, New York
| Number of Pistes | 75 |
| Top Lift | 4,416ft |
| Bottom Lift | 1,200ft |
| Vertical Drop | 3,350ft |
| Best Time of the Year | January and February |
| Other Activities | Shark diving, Skydiving, Flying, Helicopter flying, Ziplining, Rock climbing |
Finally, the city that never sleeps! I know you have wanted to visit New York for quite a while, well here’s a reason: the Whiteface Mountain ROCKS when it comes to freestyle snowboarding. So much so that it has hosted the Olympics twice.
It’s just the right amount of steep trails, open-area and beautiful views that make it the safe haven of freestyle snowboarders. Who needs a piste (trail) when you can just go out in the snow and have a good time doing awesome stuff? Not me.
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 (518) 946-2223
- Website: Visit Now
6. Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon
| Number of Pistes | 71 – 87 |
| Top Lift | 7,300ft – 9,065ft |
| Bottom Lift | 4,524ft – 5,900ft |
| Vertical Drop | 2,800ft – 3,100ft |
| Best Time of the Year | Late April to Late May |
| Other Activities | Windsurfing, Whitewater rafting, Paragliding, Rock climbing, Paddleboarding |
Mount Bachelor is the only snowboarding spot on this list known for its winds more than the terrain itself. Often described as a skatepark for snowboarders, Bachelor’s pistes have good enough wind to keep you going downhill. Thanks to the high speeds, it’s way more fun once you’re adept at controlling the snowboard.
And once you’re done with this one, you can visit the second famous Mount Head Meadows (for similar reasons, just more great routes).
Contact Information (Mt. Bachelor):
- Phone: +1 (541) 382-1709
- Website: Visit Now
Contact Information (Mt. Hood Meadows):
- Phone: +1 (503) 337-2222
- Website: Visit Now
7. Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows, California
| Number of Pistes | 100 – 170 |
| Top Lift | 9,050ft – 11,053ft |
| Bottom Lift | 6,200ft – 7,953ft |
| Vertical Drop | 2,850ft – 3,100ft |
| Best Time of the Year | December to March |
| Other Activities | Skydiving, Flying, Scubadiving, Highlining, Slacklining, Rock climbing |
Any “best snowboarding locations” list can’t be called complete without California’s Mammoth mountains. The altitude is high enough to take your breath away with some of the most mesmerizing panoramic views I have ever seen.
Mammoth Mountains are considered THE BEST family-friendly snowboarding locations in the United States. The 5.46 miles big terrain park has something for everyone – from beginners to experts and children to adults.
And if you’re not too fond of the dormant mountain, you can always go to the ever enchanting Squaw Valley located between Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows supposedly have the most consistent snow ratings over the past decades.
Contact Information (Mammoth Mountain):
- Phone: +1 (800) 626-6684
- Website: Visit Now
Contact Information (Squaw Valley):
- Phone: +1 (530) 452-4331
- Website: Visit Now
8. Mount Baker, Washington
| Number of Pistes | 30 |
| Top Lift | 4,900ft |
| Bottom Lift | 3,498ft |
| Vertical Drop | 1,493ft |
| Best Time of the Year | February and March |
| Other Activities | Diving, Surfing, Rock climbing, Biking, Windsurfing, Ziplining |
Mount Baker might as well be the most underappreciated location on this list. The world-famous spot falls right behind Wyoming and Utah and gets overshadowed when considering the “best location out there.”
Seriously though, you won’t find a single skier at the world-famous domain of snowboarders. With their current open-boundary policy, Mt. Baker is where snowboarders go to ride hard and genuinely rediscover their love of snowboarding. Including me.
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 (360) 734-6771
- Website: Visit Now
9. Stratton, Vermont
| Number of Pistes | 90 |
| Top Lift | 3,875ft |
| Bottom Lift | 2,000ft |
| Vertical Drop | 1,873ft |
| Best Time of the Year | Late Winter to Early Spring season |
| Other Activities | Rock climbing, Surfing, Hiking, Rollercoaster on a hill, Ziplining |
With 90+ easy to intermediate trails, Stratton is where you can take things easy and just have a good time. Stratton, in Vermont, is unanimously considered the best snowboarding location for beginners in the United States.
Oh, and did I mention you can learn to snowboard from pros like Ross Powers (Olympic bronze-medalist) at Stratton Mountain School.
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 (802) 297-4000
- Website: Visit Now
So, these were the top 9 states in the US with world-class snowboarding and skiing experience. Pick your poison; any one you choose is guaranteed to be a wild ride.
If you’re not yet sold, check out my other top locations articles to pin down the state with the most fun activities for you.
