- Ski Magazine ranked the top 30 ski resorts in the West based on a reader survey.
- Seven ski/snowboard areas in Utah made the magazine's 2026 list.
- Snowbasin ranked in the top three for the third straight year.
Seven Utah ski resorts made Ski Magazine’s list for the best 30 in the West, including one that ranked in the top three for the third straight year.
Every spring, the magazine sends its resort survey electronically to about 200,000 people on its email lists. Respondents are asked to rate a resort on 18 criteria, from the skier-centric metrics of snow, grooming and challenge to the lifestyle amenities such as après, lodging and guest service.
Resorts earn a score between 1 and 10 in each category, which add up to their overall score. The magazine assigns higher value to the core ski-related categories of snow, challenge, terrain variety, grooming and lifts. This means that resorts that scored higher in those categories will see a boost in their ranking.
Most ski resorts strive to offer well-rounded vacation experiences, but some do it better than others, according to Ski. Colorado and Utah dominate the ranking with 11 and seven ski areas, respectively, on the list.
Seven of Utah’s 15 ski/snowboard areas make the list
Here’s where Utah ski areas ranked among Ski’s “Top 30 Resorts in the West,” and a blurb from the magazine review:
No. 30 Park City
Despite its spot at the bottom of the Top 30, this place has so much to offer. Readers love the ski area’s terrain variety, off-slope amenities and sheer size, with dozens of comments praising its overall offerings. “It’s huge and there’s so many different types of terrain to ski,” gushed one reader. “It’s fantastic for all levels of skiers!”
No. 27 Powder Mountain
A rugged, proudly unpolished ski area with slow lifts, quiet lodges and old-school accommodations, Powder has a loyal following who have been through lots of change since Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings bought a majority share in the ski area in 2023. Since moving to a semi-private operation model where homeowners get access to certain exclusive terrain and chairlifts, the resort’s relationship with its locals has soured a bit. “Don’t develop for private use at the expense of public skiing,” said one survey respondent.
No. 26 Solitude
After dropping out of the Top 30 two years ago then staging an impressive rebound to No. 8 in last year’s rankings, Solitude landed at No. 26 this year. Readers lauded the down-home feel of the place while noting that it skis bigger than it appears. Part of that is thanks to Honeycomb Canyon, the sidecountry-eque pod of expert terrain featuring technical chutes, bowls and trees. “Honeycomb Canyon is a one-of-a-kind experience,” enthused one survey respondent. “It’s an awesome feeling being so isolated from the rest of the resort while on inbounds expert terrain.”
No. 14 Snowbird
What is it about Snowbird that inspires a near-religious devotion among serious skiers? Judging from the reader commentary, the trademark light and dry powder it gets could have something to do with it. Snowstorms hit Little Cottonwood Canyon with incredible consistency, dropping Utah’s signature powder on slopes that seem to be built for technical skiing. “This resort has the best snow and the most legendary terrain out there — no other factors can outweigh this,” stated one survey respondent.
No. 9 Deer Valley
If a ski vacation could be distilled into a single word, Deer Valley’s might be “effortless.” Everything here is designed to make your ski vacation as relaxing and seamless as possible. The slopes are groomed to perfection each morning, a hallmark that keeps corduroy connoisseurs coming back for more. “Grooming has been elevated to an art form here.“
No. 6 Alta
If there’s such a thing as a ski pilgrimage, Alta is it. High in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon, this skiers-only mountain has somehow resisted the glitz that’s come to define ski culture in North America — and that’s exactly what readers love about it. “It’s Alta! The best snow on the planet and terrain to match. Nothing else matters.”
No. 3 Snowbasin
Despite racking up top honors in our rankings for the last several years, people still call Snowbasin a “hidden gem.” We’re not sure that really applies these days, but there’s no doubt that readers dig what this resort is putting out into the world. Only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Snowbasin ranks high for its easy access. But what’s even more impressive is that it scores equally well for its parking scene — two attributes that typically do not go hand in hand. “You drive up, wait in little to no traffic, and then always get a parking spot,” explained one Snowbasin skier. “No other resort I’ve visited has been as convenient.”
This marks the third consecutive year the northern Utah resort has made Ski Magazine’s top 30 resorts in the West, which includes Canada.
“Being in the top three for the third straight year is absolutely brilliant. I’m thrilled for the recognition my team deserves with this honor,” Davy Ratchford, Snowbasin general manager, said in a press release.
“Our goal has always been to deliver an unmatched experience; from the moment our guests arrive, to their final run and toast to a day well spent.”
Top five ski/snowboard areas in the West
Here’s Ski Magazine’s top five in the West with a blurb from the review:
No. 1 Big Sky, Montana
Sliding into our top spot this year, Big Sky is a rite of passage for serious skiers — a place where expansive terrain, consistent snowfall, and arguably the continent’s most modern lift network serve up North America’s most complete mountain experience. At least that’s what a bunch of our readers said: “No matter what you’re looking for, Big Sky has it.” “Best total vacation experience we have ever had.” “The terrain is the best in the country!”
No. 2 Banff Sunshine, Alberta
Readers lauded Banff Sunshine’s fast lifts that have been continuously upgraded over the last several years, including two with new bubble enclosures to protect from the wind at this largely above-treeline resort, a much-appreciated creature comfort. “Almost all high-speed lifts!” shared one Banff Sunshine fan.
No. 3 Snowbasin, Utah
See above
No. 4 Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
When it comes to terrain variety and challenge, Aspen Snowmass’ four mountains really can’t be beat—from Aspen Mountain’s in-town steeps and Buttermilk’s beginner offerings to the family-friendly terrain and amenities at Snowmass and Aspen Highlands’ sheer vertical and hike-to adventures. If you ski at any level, you can find your terrain here. “It’s the perfect resort for whatever you need,” commented one reader. “Just send the fam and the vacationers to Snowmass and let the ski pros rip Highlands and Ajax all day long.”
No. 5. Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Grand Targhee is one of those rare places in skidom that still feels like a secret. With more than 2,600 skiable acres and a magical reputation for deep, consistent snow all season, Targhee might be a local’s hill, but it’s one that is piquing the interest of skiers from all over the continent. Much to the chagrin of its longtime devotees, mind you: “Don’t advertise, don’t do powder reports,” pleaded one Targhee fan. “Keep it a secret!”