What Ski Resort Has the Best Tree Skiing? The People Have Spoken
We recently asked our Facebook followers one of skiing’s most passionately debated questions: “What ski resort has the best tree skiing?”
Hundreds of responses poured in — from powder hounds who swear by Steamboat’s Champagne Powder® to East Coasters defending Jay Peak’s glades with the intensity of a hockey playoff. Others, true to form, refused to share their secrets.
The People’s Choice: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
When it comes to tree skiing, Steamboat absolutely dominated the discussion.
“The Boat! Of course!” — Jim Paul
“Aspen trees galore and low-moisture powder.” — Tom Peters
“Steamboat hands down.” — Grant Stuart
It’s not hard to see why. Steamboat’s legendary Shadows and Closets glades are practically made for tree skiing — perfectly spaced aspens, deep snow, and plenty of hidden lines that stay fresh for days.
Fun Fact:
Steamboat trademarked the term “Champagne Powder®” back in 1958 after a local rancher described the snow as “so light it tickles your nose like champagne.”
East Coast Pride: Jay Peak, Vermont
While Colorado and BC get the headlines, the East Coast faithful made their voices heard loud and clear — Jay Peak is king of the glades.
“Jay … the dip, Timbuktu, Bullwinkles, Everglade…” — Greg Taylor
“Jay Peak and Cannon Mountain. Not up for debate.” — Benjamin Michael Trister
“Jay Peak! It’s all about Deliverance.” — Rob Paul
Jay’s combination of natural snowfall (the most in the East), creative gladed terrain, and a dedicated local following makes it one of the most authentic tree-skiing experiences anywhere.
The BC Factor: Revelstoke & Red Mountain
When we looked north, Revelstoke was the most cited Canadian destination.
“Revelstoke. Nothing beats fresh light fluffy powder face shots and steep ass trees.” — Chris Hofstetter
“Canada – Red Mountain and Revelstoke. Interior BC has the best tree skiing in North America.” — Jamie Shanks
Fun Fact:
Revelstoke has the largest vertical drop of any ski resort in North America — a staggering 5,620 feet (1,713 m). Combine that with endless tree lines and it’s no wonder it’s a bucket-list stop for powder hounds.
Around the World: Japan, Italy & Beyond
Our international readers chimed in too — with Japan’s “Japow” getting serious love.
“Niseko, Japan.” — Nicholas Prechter
“Rusutsu #1.” — Ben Rayder
“Virtually anywhere in Hokkaido for worldwide.” — Jason Capell
And there were a few offbeat global gems:
“Alta Badia, Italy.” — John Greening
“Hatsvali, Georgia.” — Luka Goshteliani
Fun Fact:
Hokkaido, Japan averages more than 600 inches of snow annually, much of it the ultra-dry “blower pow” that makes tree skiing there feel like floating through a dream.
The Secret Keepers
Not everyone was willing to spill. Some of the followers dont want to share the goods.
“Why the hell would I give it away? It would be skied out all the time.” — Norm Zimmer
“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” — Douglas Wall
“The one with the most RIP headstones.” — Tom Sharbuno
“Nunya Resort has by far the best tree skiing of all time.” — Doug Sattem
Fair enough — respect the stash. 🤫
By The Numbers: Top Resorts by Mentions
Below is a chart tallying the most frequently mentioned resorts from the hundreds of responses we received.
| Rank | Resort | Mentions | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Steamboat Springs, CO | 40+ | USA (West) |
| 🥈 2 | Jay Peak, VT | 25+ | USA (East) |
| 🥉 3 | Revelstoke, BC | 15+ | Canada |
| 4 | Mount Bohemia, MI | 10+ | USA (Midwest) |
| 5 | Vail, CO | 10+ | USA (West) |
| 6 | Mt. Bachelor, OR | 9+ | USA (West) |
| 7 | Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA | 8+ | USA (West) |
| 8 | Whitefish, MT | 6+ | USA (West) |
| 9 | Heavenly, CA/NV | 6+ | USA (West) |
| 10 | Mad River Glen, VT | 5+ | USA (East) |
(Data based on ~250 Facebook comments, October 2025)
Takeaway: It’s All About the Snow (and the Trees)
If there’s one thing this thread proved, it’s that the best tree skiing depends on what you’re after — perfectly spaced aspens, tight hardwoods, steep evergreens, or just the quiet magic of powder between trunks.
Or as one commenter wisely put it:
“Your best powder day tree skiing is the run that no one ever sees and is found where nobody else ever goes.” — Bill Maharry
