The Best Ski Resorts for Advanced Skiers in USA - 2026 Rankings
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301,203 resort ratings from real skiers

The Best Ski Resorts for Advanced Skiers in USA

Looking to push your skiing to the next level? Our Advanced rankings showcase the resorts that our community rates highest for experienced skiers. These mountains offer challenging terrain, steep pitches, and technical runs that will test your skills and keep your adrenaline pumping. This unbiased list comes straight from fellow skiers who've tackled these slopes themselves – no marketing spin, just genuine feedback from the Snomad community. Been to any of these resorts? Submit your own review and help other advanced skiers find their perfect challenge.

Also check out our rankings for Experts, Off-Piste, Tree Skiing and Powder Zones to find your ideal terrain.

Best Ski Resort for Advanced Skiers in USA: Steamboat - Advanced Rating

Advanced skiers and snowboarders at Steamboat rave about the exceptional tree runs. A user who is an advanced snowboarder said the resort offers "the best tree runs in the world" with light, fluffy powder. The Christmas Tree Bowl is particularly praised, with many suggesting the hike up is absolutely worth it. Karen, a skier, highlights how the resort lifts efficiently connect different sides of the mountain. While the mountain offers spectacular off-piste options and challenging mogul fields, some users note there's limited extreme terrain. When fresh powder falls, the Japan trees become a must-visit area that "will change how you view skiing."

#2 Grand Targhee Resort - Advanced Rating

Grand Targhee is a playground for advanced skiers and boarders. One Snomad community member liked the "breathtaking views" and exceptional terrain, while another praised the resort for its "consistently excellent snow" year after year. The off-piste options are particularly impressive, with powder-packed tree runs that our users consistently rave about. A user who is an advanced snowboarder said you'll find "terrain for all" including "powder stashes among tree runs" and "glades with rollers and fun terrain." If you're after challenging slopes without the crowds of neighbouring Jackson Hole, this is your spot.

#3 Snowbasin - Advanced Rating

Advanced riders at Snowbasin rave about the exceptional terrain variety. "The mountain is in a league of its own," says Connor, who grew up boarding there. Challenging steeps, powder-filled bowls and quality tree runs feature prominently in user reviews. One Snomad community member liked that "the JP lift has some of the best powder I've ever gotten" with untouched sections multiple feet deep. The Olympic-level runs like Grizzly Downhill offer serious challenges, while the area's efficient lift system keeps queues moving quickly even on busy days. For those seeking variety, Snowbasin delivers with everything from wide groomers to technical backcountry options.

League Table
Region
Location
1st
Colorado

Steamboat

4.79 advanced rating (24 ratings)
2nd
Wyoming

Grand Targhee Resort

4.69 advanced rating (13 ratings)
3rd
Utah

Snowbasin

4.68 advanced rating (25 ratings)
4th
Wyoming

Jackson Hole

4.68 advanced rating (17 ratings)
5th
Oregon

Mt. Bachelor

4.67 advanced rating (9 ratings)
6th
Vermont

Smugglers' Notch Resort

4.63 advanced rating (8 ratings)
7th
Maine

Sugarloaf

4.63 advanced rating (8 ratings)
8th
Utah

Alta Ski Area

4.61 advanced rating (28 ratings)
9th
Colorado

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

4.61 advanced rating (22 ratings)
10th
Vermont

Jay Peak

4.57 advanced rating (29 ratings)

Featured Resorts

France

Les 2 Alpes

4.12 (401 ratings)
Italy

Pila

4.23 (67 ratings)
Austria

Sölden

4.54 (165 ratings)
Austria

Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

4.53 (163 ratings)
11th
Colorado

Purgatory

4.56 advanced rating (9 ratings)
12th
California

Palisades Tahoe

4.54 advanced rating (26 ratings)
13th
Utah

Beaver Mountain

4.54 advanced rating (13 ratings)
14th
Colorado

Copper Mountain

4.51 advanced rating (57 ratings)
15th
Utah

Snowbird

4.50 advanced rating (23 ratings)
16th
California

Bear Valley

4.50 advanced rating (12 ratings)
17th
Colorado

Beaver Creek

4.48 advanced rating (20 ratings)
18th
Utah

Powder Mountain

4.44 advanced rating (9 ratings)
19th
Colorado

Aspen Snowmass

4.42 advanced rating (31 ratings)
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