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

The Best Ski Resorts for Experts in USA

Ready to test your mettle on North America's most challenging terrain? Our expert skiing rankings showcase the resorts where the steepest chutes, gnarliest couloirs, and most demanding terrain await. These rankings come straight from fellow Snomad users who've conquered these slopes themselves – no marketing fluff, just honest assessments from passionate skiers and riders.

Have you tackled these expert playgrounds yourself? Share your experiences and help fellow powder hounds find their next challenge by leaving a review.

Looking for different vibes? Check out our rankings for Tree Skiing, Off-Piste, or Powder Zones to find your perfect mountain adventure.

Best Ski Resort for Expert Skiers in USA: Crested Butte Mountain Resort - Experts Rating

Crested Butte is an expert skier's paradise. Our reviewers mention that the mountain offers some of the most challenging inbounds runs in the country, with the North Face lift and High lift providing particularly thrilling experiences when conditions are good. The T-bar lifts access extraordinary terrain you won't find elsewhere. One Snomad community member liked the expert-only bowls and pistes around the backside, where exposed rocks and trees create a genuine challenge. The back of the mountain allows for fresh tracks all day, and while Rambo might give you bragging rights, users suggest it's actually the least interesting run on this remarkable hill.

#2 Beaver Mountain - Experts Rating

Expert skiers at Beaver Mountain rave about the hidden gem quality of this Utah resort. One Snomad community member liked the extensive backside with fantastic off-piste terrain, while another pointed out that the mountain offers "sick tree lines" when snow conditions are good. The family-owned mountain provides excellent powder runs with opportunities for fresh tracks all day, thanks to minimal crowds. The recent parking improvements have made Harry's lift more accessible according to Jake, an expert skier. Though small in size, experts find plenty to love with varied terrain that satisfies even the most experienced riders.

#3 Aspen Snowmass - Experts Rating

From the dedicated experts who've skied Aspen Snowmass, the verdict is clear - this is truly world-class terrain. Our reviewers mention that across the four mountains, there's something for every expert rider. Joshua, an expert skier, calls Snowmass "the best mountain in the US" with unmatched off-piste and tree terrain. The Highlands Bowl gets particular praise as a must-ski bucket list experience that rewards the hiking effort. Temerity and Heroes lifts make extreme terrain laps accessible, while powder stashes reportedly last for days after storms. As one Snomad community member who worked as an instructor put it: "You will absolutely LOVE it in Aspen/Snowmass!"

League Table
Region
Location
1st
Colorado

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

4.89 expert rating (9 ratings)
2nd
Utah

Beaver Mountain

4.75 expert rating (8 ratings)
3rd
Colorado

Aspen Snowmass

4.68 expert rating (33 ratings)
4th
Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort (MT)

4.63 expert rating (8 ratings)
5th
New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley

4.63 expert rating (8 ratings)
6th
Utah

Alta Ski Area

4.59 expert rating (41 ratings)
7th
Colorado

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

4.59 expert rating (34 ratings)
8th
Vermont

Jay Peak

4.56 expert rating (18 ratings)
9th
Washington

Mt. Baker

4.56 expert rating (8 ratings)
10th
Colorado

Copper Mountain

4.54 expert rating (45 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
California

Kirkwood

4.53 expert rating (19 ratings)
12th
Vermont

Sugarbush

4.47 expert rating (15 ratings)
13th
Utah

Brighton Resort

4.47 expert rating (15 ratings)
14th
Utah

Snowbird

4.44 expert rating (35 ratings)
15th
Colorado

Monarch Mountain

4.44 expert rating (9 ratings)
16th
Montana

Big Sky

4.42 expert rating (32 ratings)
17th
Colorado

Telluride

4.42 expert rating (12 ratings)
18th
Montana

Bridger Bowl

4.38 expert rating (12 ratings)
19th
Colorado

Winter Park

4.36 expert rating (40 ratings)
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