North America's Best Ski Resorts 2025 Winners Announced
If you are planning a big ski or snowboard trip for next winter, right now is a good time to be thinking about it, because the two top multi-mountain passes in the industry, the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass, both recently went on sale for the 2025-2026 winter. These launch at the lowest price offered, then increase, then go off the market altogether. So, if you decide where to go now, you can buy the right pass and save some money. And if you are considering Big Sky, Montana, that's a pretty good idea. It's been the hottest destination in skiing for the past several years, and I absolutely love it. Apparently I am not alone: it was just voted North America's 'Best Overall Ski Resort' by the millions of user of OnTheSnow.com. The annual winners for North America's Best Ski Resorts were announced at the 2025 Mountain Travel Symposium this month.
There are a lot of travel websites these days, big and small, putting out lists, and many of them are of little practical use to consumers. In fact, to me, as a professional travel expert, some are outright idiotic. But for winter sports travel, I find OnTheSnow reliable and use it regularly myself, especially for up-to-date weather and snow conditions. It also has a straightforward basic background info summary and stats overview of each mountain, so you can get a good feel for a place you have never been, along with transportation info (how to get there) and prominent lodging options. Unlike some smaller players, it claims an impressive 8 million unique visitors within North America, from which the compile their annual Visitors' Choice awards. Most importantly to me, the winners in all the categories make sense, lending credence to the process.
While Big Sky was the big winner in the most important category, six other ski resorts won in multiple categories, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY for Best All-Mountain Terrain (Ikon Passs); Breckenridge, CO for Best Après-Ski (Epic Pass); Silverton, CO for Best Small Ski Area; Angel Fire, NM for Most Family Friendly; Purgatory, CO for Best Ski Area for Beginners; and Copper Mountain for Best Terrain Park (Ikon Pass).
Of these Angel Fire is the only one I haven't been too, but it does enjoy a very good reputation for families. Jackson Hole is a no-brainer for all-mountain terrain, for which it is justifiably world-renowned. Après-ski is probly the most competitive category and there are a lot of good options, but when it comes to ski towns, those with an Old West mining pedigree are always more fun than those purpose built, and Breckenridge is definitely one of the former, with a variety of saloons and colorful watering holes. Silverton is a true giant among smaller ski areas, a pilgrimage destination for big mountain skiers, and Copper Mountain is home to Woodward, arguably the most famous dedicated training facility in the world, drawing top pros in many disciplines. Beginner is another tough category, and I probably would have leaned towards Sun Valley, ID and its awesome Dollar Mountain for first-timers, but I like Purgatory as well.
'OnTheSnow's millions of website and app users are die-hard skiers and riders who collectively take millions of ski trips each winter,' said Chad Dyer, Managing Director of Mountain News, publishers of OnTheSnow. 'The North America ski season culminates with the Visitors' Choice Awards, when we get to honor and celebrate those resorts that OnTheSnow users have rated the top in North America.'
So, in short, the winners make sense and there is little to argue about here. That is especially true with Big Sky, which is just wrapping up an unparalleled decade-long massive infrastructure upgrade program called Vision 2025. Bigger is not always better, but when it comes to ski travel it is a big plus, and Big Sky is the second largest ski resort in the country with a stunning 5,850-acres, 4.350 feet of vertical (if you don't know, that is a lot), five terrain parks and 320 trails. The in-bound acreage is bigger than Jackson Hole and Telluride, my two other top U.S. favorites, combined. But the stat that may be most important of all is 400, as in annual inches of snow—more than most big Western resorts.
But it's not just numbers and size. Big Sky also has a very broad variety of terrain, from first time beginner to as advanced as you can handle. In fact, they break their terrain into half a dozen designations, versus the usual four: beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate, advanced, expert and extreme. It's a nice 50-50 split between the first three and the second three, and the double-black and beyond expert and extreme terrain off fabled Lone Peak is so challenging that America's most successful male skier of all time, Bode Miller, told me it was his favorite place in the country to ski. There are bowls, glades, groomers, long runs, steep runs, cliffs—if you can name a kind of terrain, Big Sky likely has it.
But it's not just the size that puts Big Sky ahead, it's a staggering list of recent improvements, many of them best in class. Among other things, Big Sky now has the most advanced lift system in North America—by far. It's the only one with three covered bubble chairs for bad weather, including the new Madison 8, the world's longest 8-passenger chair. This is one of two 8-passenger chairs here, also a first for North America. There is a new and very fast 75-passenger tram to the summit of Lone Peak, the first new tram built in North America in in 15 years. Coming online this winter is a very fast two-stage state-of-the-art gondola with 10-passenger cabins. Overall, there are 40 lifts, which means they can move a lot of people quickly and spread them out, and with all that terrain, you can ski runs you have to yourself even on busy days. I've been to Big Sky several times, including last winter, so I personally know this to be the case.
None of this happened by accident. Unlike almost every other major ski resort in the nation, Big Sky is family owned, and the family that owns it is a big believer in European skiing, which stresses larger resorts connected by mor efficient lift systems. In recent years there have been a lot of complaints about the corporate consolidation of skiing and a resulting lack of soul, but Big Sky has continued marching to its own drummer and doing things its own way while putting a lot of money where its mouth is.
So, to recap, there is a ton of snow and a lot of skiing, serviced by the most efficient lift network this side of Europe, and it is less crowded than most other big resorts. That in and of itself would be enough reason to go. But there's more. Big Sky operates four of its own ski-in/ski-out hotels in Mountain Village, the resort's main base area, several of which were revamped in recent years and are better than ever (the signature property is the Summit). But it is also home to the newest mountain resort from Montage Hotels—which promptly won the highest possible Forbes 5-Star award. The Montage also earns 5-Stars for its luxury spa and 4-Stars for its Cortina restaurant.
Big Sky is also home to Lone Mountain Ranch, the only luxury guest ranch located at a major ski resort in the U.S. creating a unique two-for-one vacation opportunity that I recently wrote about here at Forbes. There's nothing else like this, and for this winter, Lone Mountain Ranch just added a high-end cigar bar, a rarity in American skiing.
This is a lot, much of it brand new, but Big Sky is far from done, with more hotels, dining and amenities still to come in the next few years. The biggest thing on the immediate horizon (in addition to the new 2-stage gondola) is the impending debut of the world's first ski hotel from top tier luxury operator One & Only, which currently has a dozen Forbes 4 and 5-Star properties from South Africa to Dubai to Mexico. The One & Only Moonlight Basin will open this summer, well before ski season, at the base of the Moonlight Basin section of the resort, and this might be an even bigger luxury lodging happening than the Montage. Every One & Only property I have been to has been exceptional, they do a great job, this is a great location, and there is no more anticipated ski hotel opening in North America.
Big Sky is on the Ikon Pass, along with its notable Utah sister resort Brighton, outside Salt Lake City. Pray for snow!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Yahoo
Public Comment Window Opens for Vail's Proposed Lift Upgrades
The White River National Forest Service has opened a public comment period over a proposal for Vail Mountain to replace and upgrade several resort has proposed a replacement of the existing Chair 21 (Orient Express), which is a high-speed quad with a 2,400 person per hour capacity. The lift would be replaced by a 6-seater lift with a capacity of 3,600 people per hour in order to improve access to the Back Bowls, and decrease lift-line wait times. Additionally, Vail wants to replace Chair 15, which is currently a three-seater, with a quad chair to increase capacity from 1,400 to 2,400 people per hour. The replacement of Chair 15 would also allow for upgraded snowmaking infrastructure that would extend the chair's length. Vail's proposal also includes grading six acres of terrain along the Two Elk ridgeline between the top of the new Chair 21 and Two Elk Lodge to improve the flow of skier traffic in the area. This grading would eliminate several flat pitches of mountain and allow for Lift 24, which is currently a platter lift, to be removed. Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. All pieces of the proposal are a part of Vail's 2023 Master Development Plan and will take place within the existing boundaries of Vail Mountain Resort. Vail is one of 11 ski areas within the White River National Forest. The Forest Service is seeking public comment on the proposal by June 6, 2025. A decision is predicted to be made by September of 2025 for an estimated project start in June of 2026. Vail Resorts made headlines earlier this week with the announcement that CEO Kristen Lynch would be replaced by former Vail CEO Rob Katz. The resort ownership conglomerate also recently added six new European ski areas to the Epic Pass for 2025/26 including Sölden, Silvretta Montafon, Mayrhofen, Hintertux, Saalbach, and Comment Window Opens for Vail's Proposed Lift Upgrades first appeared on Powder on May 28, 2025
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sölden in Austria is Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price
Ski and ride Sölden in Austria with Epic Pass Sölden caps off a week of Austrian partnership announcements from Epic Pass Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year ($1,051 USD) through May 26 BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- With only one day ahead of the May 26 deadline to buy an Epic Pass for the lowest price of the year, Vail Resorts announced that Austrian skiing and snowboarding will be even more Epic with Sölden joining the 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. Located in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol less than 84 km from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is famous for its premium skiing on a seamlessly connected glacier and mountain ski area. Offering reliable snow from autumn through spring, thanks to its high-altitude terrain, two glaciers and state-of-the-art snowmaking, the resort delivers a world-class experience that blends alpine sport, entertainment and wellness. "Sölden stands out as a premier alpine destination with remarkable snow reliability and panoramic views from its mountain tops and glacier ski area," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "Sölden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass. In addition to the amazing skiing and riding, it also contains experiences that don't exist anywhere else like the 007 ELEMENTS Bond experience and the Aqua Dome." Sölden offers high-alpine adventure with modern flair. Highlights include the cinematic 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience at over 3,000 meters, the ice Q gourmet restaurant made famous in "Spectre" and the BIG3 Rally across Sölden's three highest peaks. With 31 lifts and 144 km of slopes, 33 cozy ski huts, an unmatched lineup of on-mountain entertainment and signature events, the resort is known for experiences that go far beyond skiing. Sölden is host to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening each October, and exciting events like the Electric Mountain Festival that brings international DJs to the slopes, and the Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live production on snow and ice. For winter 2025/26, Sölden is once again making a bold statement in innovation and infrastructure with significant investments, including two new high-capacity lifts that further enhance glacier access and guest comfort. For ultimate relaxation, Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme is one of Europe's most iconic thermal spas and a must-visit for wellness lovers. "We're proud to join the Epic Pass and open Sölden to a new global audience," said Jakob Falkner, CEO of Bergbahnen Sölden. "This partnership brings together innovation, alpine heritage, and our passion for unforgettable mountain experiences– while showcasing Sölden's unique mix of sport and entertainment worldwide." The Epic Pass ($1,051 USD for adults; $537 USD for children) and Epic Adaptive Pass ($527 USD for adults; $270 USD for children) will include five days of access to Sölden. Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year through May 26. May 26 is also the last chance to receive two Buddy Tickets (for up to 45% savings on a lift ticket) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets to help Pass Holders share days at their favorite resorts with family and friends. Further, May 26 is the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass with just $49 down. Pay $49 at the time of purchase, with the remainder of the purchase due mid-September. Sölden is the latest partner resort in Austria to be added to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 winter season capping of a week of exciting announcements from Vail Resorts. Earlier this week, Austrian ski areas Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon joined the 2025/26 Epic Pass roster. These new partners are in addition to existing Pass Holder access to Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski resort in Austria and one of the six largest ski resorts in the world. The Epic Pass now offers access to 34 resorts across ten ski areas in Europe, plus unlimited, unrestricted access to 37 iconic North American mountain resorts, like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more. With Epic Pass, skiers and riders have the flexibility to buy their Pass now and decide later where and when to ski or ride. Visit to compare Pass options and buy a Pass before prices increase May 26. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at or discover our resorts and pass options at SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
Epic Expansion: Sölden Joins Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN)' Global Ski Portfolio
Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN) has announced adding Austria's Sölden to its growing European network just ahead of the May 26 deadline for securing the 2025/26 Epic Pass at the year's lowest price. An aerial view of a mountain resort, its snow-capped peaks and lush ski slopes revealed in all their glory. Sölden joins five other Austrian destinations, including Mayrhofen and Silvretta Montafon, thus expanding Epic Pass access to 34 ski areas across Europe. Guests can purchase the Epic Pass now ($1,051 USD for adults) and gain five days at Sölden, with extra incentives such as two Buddy Tickets and six Ski With a Friend Tickets. With Sölden, the company has elevated the product's appeal and could potentially attract more international skiers. Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN)' Mountain Division, made the following comment: "Sölden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass. In addition to the amazing skiing and riding, it also contains experiences that don't exist anywhere else like the 007 ELEMENTS Bond experience and the Aqua Dome." The new positive outlook from Sölden comes amid internal shifts. Courtney K. Goldstein stepped down as Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer on May 16, 2025. Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN) described the move as personal and unrelated to company direction. Meanwhile, the downgraded price target from $185 to $160 continues to stand, with the BofA maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. While we acknowledge the potential of MTN as an investment opportunity, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MTN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the READ NEXT: 10 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Oversold Global Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure: None.
