20 Amazing Destinations for Ski Lovers in North America

A record-breaking number of people are expected to travel this winter season. If you're one of the lucky ones trekking across America, or even Canada, to ski or snowboard, you're in for a real treat with one of these perfect ski resorts. The hardest choice you'll be faced with is narrowing down which one of these places you'll want to visit.

Snowmass in Aspen, Colorado is a premier winter mountain destination. Four mountains provide ample territory for you to adventure down. With trails for skiers of all levels, along with some pretty beautiful scenery, this resort is a must for any snowboarder or skier. There are even free village shuttles and multiple village gondolas to get you to the slopes as quickly as possible.

With recent renovations to the Creekside Lodge, new pedestrian bridges and upgrades all around the area, Snowbird in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains is upping their game to provide a better ski experience for all. But Snowbird is not for the faint of heart-the mountain is dominated by advanced runs, so this may be a better resort for the more advanced skier.

If you picked up a winter stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Lake Tahoe this Black Friday, you will not be disappointed. Heavenly Mountain Resort is one of my favorite ski locales. With beautiful views, challenging runs, multiple learning areas and ski schools, this mountain should be on every skier's bucket list. And you can even ski between two states-California and Nevada.

Rated one of the best places to ski in Canada, Sunshine Village Ski Resort lives up to the hype. Three incredible mountains for you to choose from include Goat's Eye Mountain, Lookout Mountain and Mount Standish. Five different lodges allow you to stay in the village with the convenience of ski-in/ski-out. Be on the lookout, you may even get to see a celebrity like Lindsey Vonn on this mountain.

Ranked by Liftopia as one of two top winners for Overall Best in Snow, Alta, Utah is known for its fresh powder, snow volume and overall snow quality. Right now, Alta is forecasting 10 inches or more in a 'Monster Snow Alert'. And with less than an hour commute from the airport, the ease of getting to Alta makes this a favorite for many who have to fly for a great ski destination.

It's difficult to decide which part is better in Vail-the village area or the slopes. Vail is modeled after an alpine town and is a treat to visit even in the summer. The mountain is known for its legendary terrain with slopes for all levels-there are even a few greens at the very top of the mountain! Make sure to check the town's event calendar for special festivals like 'Vail Snow Days,' which include free concerts around the town and mountain.

A favorite for my family, Jackson Hole has runs for every type of skier and snowboarder and a great ski school for those just starting out. From restaurants featured on Food Network to the iconic archway made of antlers, this city has so much to offer. Plus there is even a snowmobile company that will take you on a tour through Yellowstone National Park to see Old Faithful. We were fortunate enough to also see a bison on our tour.

Did you know that Vail Resorts has actually expanded to the East Coast? Stowe Mountain Resort offers two mountains, including the highest peak in Vermont, multiple activities and resort-style accommodations. If visiting with some who are not avid skiers or maybe just want additional things to do, this is the perfect spot for you. Since Vail Resorts purchased the property, skiers and snowboarders also have the option to purchase the Epic Pass, allowing them a season pass to all of the company's resorts across the U.S., Perisher in Australia and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia.

Rated one of the top ski resorts in Utah, Park City Resort has entered a new era with more to do and ski than ever. And although many may now consider Park City and Canyons Village one giant ski resort, only intermediate level and above skiers will be able to traverse the connecting slopes of the two areas. But with six terrain parks and more than 7,000 skiable acres, you'll really need to plan for a long stay or even separate trips to enjoy all Park City and the Canyons Village has to offer.

Canyons Village at Park City Resort offers the perfect ski-in/ski-out community in Park City, Utah-and it's less than an hour away from the airport. At Canyons Resort, three ski lifts will transport you up the mountain and to your preferred level of slopes-including the Orange Bubble Express, the country's first heated and 'bubbled' chairlift. Canyons Village actually links you to the Park City runs, creating more than 130 exciting runs. You're definitely going need more than a day to explore the terrain.

Colorado's Keystone Resort has three summits to choose from and offers 3,000 acres of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. But there's more than just skiing at this resort! From snow tubing to ice skating to sleigh rides, Keystone offers the perfect winter getaway for families. There's even the World's Largest Snow Fort for kids at the top of the first peak!

Mount Saint-Anne may only have one slope, but you can ski down both the North and South side of the mountain, doubling the ski area available to you. One of my favorite things about this destination is the long trails. There are even some runs that go from the very peak all the way to the bottom of the mountain, meaning you'll spend more time on the slopes and less time waiting for ski lifts. Plus it's only a thirty-five minute trip to Quebec-the perfect winter destination with its Ice Hotel and Winter Carnival.

Montana's Big Sky Resort has one of the largest skiable acres, clocking in at well over 5,000 acres and 36 chair lifts. But the most impressive factor? It's all part of one lone peak. Needless to say, you'll be traversing pretty high up this mountain, 4,350 vertical feet to be exact, but you'll also be rewarded with majestic views, challenging terrain and hours of perfect skiing.

This is the earliest that all five summits have been opened at Colorado's Breckenridge Ski Resort going back more than a decade. With over 110 inches, the area has already been pounded with snow this season. The Dew Tour returns for its eleventh year in mid-December if you're looking to check out some awesome half-pipe riding or Slopestyle competitions. Or you can check out one of the four award-winning terrain parks for yourself and con your siblings into trying out the 22-foot superpipe.

One of the most disappointing things I've found as a skier? A packed mountain. It can be hard to navigate around a slew of people going in different directions at varying speeds. And by the time you near the base, it can be absolutely frustrating to maneuver your way back to a chair lift in a crowded area. Luckily there's Solitude Mountain Resort, located in the Big Cottonwood Canyon in Solitude, Utah, boasting a much-less-crowded ski experience. It may sound like a smaller resort with only 1,200 skiable acres, but with 80 runs and three bowls, there is plenty of room on this mountain.

Since the age of five, Smugglers' Notch in South, Vermont has held a special place in my heart-this was the very first place I learned to ski. With skiing, snow tubing, walking around the village or spending some time at the spa after a hard day of riding, there is no shortage of things to do at this resort. It really is the perfect family resort and a great place to learn if you're just starting out.

Telluride is perfectly located among Colorado's San Juan Mountains-the highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in North America. Hike-to trails, terrain and backcountry skiing make this one of the best resorts for the adventurer skier or rider. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy the slopes here, try out snowbiking or guided snowshoeing.

The stats alone for Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia make this one of the best places to ski in Canada. While there may be over 8,000 acres, 5,000+ vertical feet and more than 200 trails to enjoy, the real show-stopper is the breathtaking landscape. This is definitely one spot you'll be itching to travel back to on a regular basis. Plus the very walkable town of Whistler, with its great restaurants, shopping and other winter activities, makes this even more desirable as the ultimate ski destination.

Hoping to set a World Record for most skiing Santas this year, the best word to describe Crested Butte is fun. While the trails are great, with tons of bowls for those who love powder and exciting terrain parks you can trick siblings into entering in almost unknowingly, there is just a vibe that this mountain gives off that is a little difficult to explain. Everyone I encountered was just laid back and looking to have a good time.

Although it may not be the conglomerate that Park City and Canyons Village turned into, Deer Valley offers pristine trails at what some would consider a less-crowded venue. Plus if you're traveling with beginner skiers or riders, there are greens all over the mountain, not just at the base. If you're in the area, be sure to check out the locally sourced, small-batch St. Regis Barrel Select Gin.