Photo Credit: Telluride Facebook Page

Whether new lifts, new terrain, or new El Niño forecasts, various factors have already altered this winter’s powder chase. So with all the following considered… Here are the Top 10 Ski Resorts to Visit this Winter. Plan Accordingly.

10. Taos, NM

Taos
Photo Credit: Ski Taos Facebook

If the predicted El Niño trend goes according to plan, resorts across the southwest will receive above average precipitation. That said, the most underrated resort in the southwest is Taos, New Mexico. When Taos receives abundant snowfall, its steeps and chutes are some of the best in the lower 48. Combine that with a revamped base area as well as the new Kachina lift and Taos looks to have a potentially historic season.

Also: Ever Seen Taos on a Deep Day?

Annual Snowfall- 305 inches

Vertical Drop- 3,250′

Skiable Terrain- 1,294 acres

9. Crested Butte, CO

Photo Credit: Chris Segal via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Chris Segal via Wikimedia Commons

Yes… We are definitely counting our chips early with the whole El Niño thing and Crested Butte falls in line with those hopes. What is normally some of the best billy goat skiing around will turn into full on powder skiing as storm after storm barrels into southern Colorado, leaving Crested Butte with one of their more consistent seasons in recent memory.

Annual Snowfall- 300 inches

Vertical Drop- 3,062′

Skiable Terrain- 1,547 acres

8. Mt. Bohemia, MI

Mount-Bohemia

As of late, Mt. Bohemia has received ample press within the ski industry. The Upper Peninsula ski area is known as the Midwest’s home of extreme skiing and for good reason. The ski area clearly states on its website “No Beginners Allowed” and once you enter the densely wooded “triple black diamond” terrain titled “Extreme Backcountry” it’s obvious that this is not your normal Midwestern landfill covered in snow.

Annual Snowfall- 273 inches

Vertical Drop- 900′

Skiable Terrain- 500 acres

7. Snowbird, UT

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The late great owner of Snowbird Ski and Summer resort, Dick Bass passed away this past year. Bass’ vision was to create a resort that accessed the best snow in the entire world in a European fashion. He accomplished that goal in 1971, when the first tram in Little Cottonwood Canyon took skiers to the top of 11,000′ Hidden Peak. So pay your respects by taking a trip to snowbird this year.

Annual Snowfall- 500 inches

Vertical Drop- 3,240′

Skiable Terrain- 2,500 acres

6. Kicking Horse, B.C.

Photo Credit: Kicking Horse Facebook Page
Photo Credit: Kicking Horse Facebook Page

Kicking Horse is rapidly rising within the ranks as one of the key providers of rowdy terrain in North America. The resort, which is located outside of Golden, British Columbia has the fourth largest vertical drop in North America and all that vertical is complimented by chutes, trees, and pillows, that litter the 2,800+ acres of ski terrain.

Annual Snowfall- 295 inches

Vertical Drop- 4,133

Skiable Terrain- 2,800 acres

5. Whitefish, Montana

Photo Credit: Donnie Clapp via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Donnie Clapp via Wikimedia Commons

300 annual inches is enough when its just you and the Flathead County locals ripping around the mountain. Located on Big Mountain, Whitefish is a ski area for skiers not looking for a destination ski vibe or the bro-brah pace of Jackson. With ample tree skiing, Whitefish is a soul skier’s paradise and it’s going to be a while before this one gets blown up.

Annual Snowfall- 300 inches

Vertical Drop- 2,353

Skiable Terrain- 3,000 acres

4. Jay Peak, VT

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According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the east coast is going to have another cold and snowy winter and Jay Peak will most likely receive the most snow as the infamous Jay Cloud descends on its flanks for the 2015-2016 ski season. Maybe it’s time to book a trip east instead of west?

Annual Snowfall- 377 inches

Vertical Drop- 2,153′

Skiable Terrain- 385 acres

3. Jackson, WY

DSCN0554

This year marks Jackson’s 50th anniversary and as a way to celebrate, JHMR will be opening the brand new Teton Lift that will take skiers to the top of what was formerly known as the hike-to-terrain of the Crags. However, hiking is no longer necessary to access the majority of what once was a pseudo backcountry experience. Now you can just lap the Crags all day and hopefully, tram line will be quite a bit shorter.

Annual Snowfall- 459 inches

Vertical Drop- 4,139

Skiable Terrain- 2,500 acres

2. Squaw Valley, CA

Squaw Valley’s Eagle’s Nest/McConkey’s prime on St. Patrick’s Day
Squaw Valley’s Eagle’s Nest/McConkey’s prime on St. Patrick’s Day

Bruce Lee? Godzilla? I thought it was just called El Niño but it seems as though some weather reporters have gotten creative with this year’s meteorological phenomenon. That said, it’s been 4 years since Squaw has had an above average season and ski bums aren’t the only ones who need a stellar snow year. The entire state of California needs the Sierras to have a record snow year. We’re rooting for ya big guy…

Also Watch: What El Niño Means for Tahoe’s Winter 

Annual Snowfall- 450 inches

Vertical Drop- 2,850

Skiable Terrain- 3,600 acres

1. Telluride, CO

Photo Credit: Telluride Facebook Page
Photo Credit: Telluride Facebook Page

Telluride has been biding its time (albeit not as long as Squaw) for a historic year of powder skiing. And with this year’s El Niño coming in hot, chances are good for an above average winter in southern Colorado and especially Telluride. That said, when the goods are good, Telluride may be the best skiing in the world let alone the state of Colorado.

Must See: “Surviving Telluride”

Annual Snowfall- 309 inches

Vertical Drop- 4,425′

Skiable Terrain- 2,000+ acres

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