The Unofficial Networks Facebook Page has been going strong. We’ve built a loyal following of over 180,000 passionate skiers and snowboarders. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge, offering insights into skiing and mountain culture that are truly impressive. Yesterday, we tapped into our community by posing the question: “What ski area produces the best skiers?” Posted yesterday, the query sparked an incredible response. It garnered over 564 comments by 10:40 AM EDT on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The enthusiasm and diversity of opinions demonstrate how passionate people are about discussing their ski hill or one they have great respect for.
To analyze the responses, we’ve compiled the most frequently cited ski areas into chart. This chart showcases the resorts that stand out in the eyes of our community for producing top-tier skiers. From the icy slopes of the East Coast to the steeps of the West, the results highlight a range of regions renowned for their challenging terrain and rich skiing heritage. These are the places where skiing truly revolves around thrill and expertise. Below the chart, you will find some intriguing observations and standout quotes that capture the spirit of the debate.
You can cast your vote for “What Ski Areas Produce The Best Skiers?” HERE
Interesting Observations from the Responses
The responses to the question “What ski area produces the best skiers?” reveal a rich diversity of opinions. There is a strong emphasis on both technical skill and Olympic success as markers of excellence. Palisades Tahoe leads with 14 mentions. It is often praised for its challenging terrain and history of producing versatile skiers across disciplines like racing, freestyle, and freeride. Keola O Makani Wills noted: “Best all around? Squaw no doubt. From racers to park rats and free ride senders.”
Similarly, Jackson Hole (10 mentions) is noted for its steep, deep terrain. Jay Morris commented, “Jackson Hole. No contest… Locals crushing their favorite line, pros losing their minds.” This highlights its reputation for nurturing top-tier talent. The East Coast also has a standout. Burke Mountain (9 mentions) is frequently cited for its role in developing Olympic racers like Mikaela Shiffrin. Darryl Hall pointed out: “Burke in VT. That’s where many US Olympic racers, US National ski team members have trained.”
This mix of regional pride and specific achievements shows the healthy debate over what defines the “best” skier. This is especially true when considering skiing as a core skill.
An interesting aspect of the responses is the debate over whether challenging conditions or structured programs produce the best skiers. This debate often splits opinions between East and West Coast resorts. Eastern areas like Sugarloaf and Cannon Mountain are lauded for their icy, variable conditions that build technical proficiency. Patrick Sweeney states, “Whiteface. After skiing blue ice in -20°F, everywhere else is easy.”
Conversely, Western resorts like Steamboat Springs (8 mentions) are backed by statistics. Paul Senkow notes, “Steamboat Springs has more Olympic athletes retired than any other town. It is called Ski Town, USA.” Some respondents, like Chris Misuraca, challenge the premise entirely. They state, “The best skiers… get better by going to as many places, in differing weather, conditions, and with a variety of other skiers and riders, as often as they can.”
This diversity of perspectives is further enriched by humorous takes like Dylan Wheatley’s. They said, “Whatever hill I skied at, because I am the best skier on the God damn mountain,” adding a good shout-out to G.N.A.R. In the end, personal experience often shapes how one views skiing, and it accounts for the richness of the sport’s culture.
