United States

If you've already been to the US, it won't surprise you to know that the Americans' approach to scale, standards of service, choice and friendliness characterises their resorts as much as anywhere else. Slopes at ski resorts in the US are wide and immaculately groomed, accommodation is generous, the lifts are modern and there's a good variety of restaurants, bars and other amenities.

If this all sounds a bit clinical (which it might if you're used to European ski resorts), it's worth remembering the real reason you're considering skiing or snowboarding in the US at all - that fluffy white stuff. In the US, on the west coast at least, they get buckets of it. And riding conditions are generally fantastic.

Where can you go skiing or snowboarding in the US?

There are a surprising number of states in the US with decent ski resorts, the most popular of which include Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Vermont, Idaho and New Mexico. And though the east coast can't match the Rockies in terms of vertical, you'll find some great riding in Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania too.

Lake Tahoe in California stakes a claim for the largest collection of ski resorts in the US. There are 15 alpine resorts here and another eight that are used solely for cross-country skiing. Squaw Valley is often quoted as having the best terrain of them all. Although there's a good selection of intermediate runs here for those still finding their feet, it's for the steep slopes that Squaw Valley attracts so much attention. The resort's also hugely popular with snowboarders, thanks to its terrain parks and half-pipes.

Vail, in Colorado, is popular with intermediate skiers and snowboarders, especially those looking to hone their skills beyond the confines of the piste. The area has some good 'introductory' off-piste for those still fairly new to the concept.

Other ski resorts in the US include Steamboat - worth considering if you're a beginner or travelling with the family - and Keystone (both in Colorado). Jackson Hole in Wyoming is a favourite with extreme off-pisters, while Park City and Snowbird are both within 45 minutes of Salt Lake City airport, if convenience is high on your list of must-haves.

Accommodation - and après ski - in the US tends to be in town at the base of the mountain, as opposed to half way up it, as is common in Europe.

Cost

There's generally a huge choice of lodges, motels and luxury hotels at ski resorts in the US so you're unlikely to be priced out of too many places altogether.

Adult lift passes for a week range between US$190 and US$400.

Getting here

Resorts are generally pretty accessible by road and within reasonable transfer time from major international airports such as Denver, Salt Lake City or Reno.

To compare ski resorts in the US by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.