The quality of a ski area can often be measured by the people who decide to call that mountain (or ski hill) their home.
Related: North America’s 10 Most Authentic Ski Towns
So in order to find the most shred-worthy ski hills in North America, we’ve gone coast to coast to find out which mountains host the best skiers/riders and why? Here’s what we found…
10 Ski Areas With The Best Skiers Per Capita
10) Bridger Bowl, MT
When a mountain can claim the status of the onetime stomping grounds of both Scot Schmidt and Doug Coombs you know it’s for real. Bridger skiers are some of the best in the country thanks to aggressive terrain that sits just feet from the chairlifts.
Mountain Legend – Scot Schmidt
9) Stowe, VT
Smashing the front four at Stowe, VT will make you one sharp skier. Stowe skiers are some of the hardest chargers on the east. It’s no wonder that some of the best skiers from Tahoe to Jackson cut their teeth skiing Mt. Mansfield.
Mountain Legend – Jay Bowen (Stockli Jay)Â
8) Mad River Glen, VT
MRG is the anti-thesis of the over-groomed, destination ski resort. Instead, the mountain is owned as a co-op by hardcore skiers and families alike, allowing for a challenging northeast ski experience day-in and day-out. No wonder some of the best skiers in the east frequent Mad River Glen.
Mountain Legend – Betsy Pratt
7) Jackson Hole, WY
What hasn’t been said about the skiers at Jackson Hole that hasn’t already been said. They’re crusty, localized, and as intimidating as the lines surrounding the resort. Throw in 400+ inches of snowfall annually and there’s a reason why Jackson locals are some of the best powder skiers on the planet.
Mountain Legend – Doug Coombs
6) Stevens Pass, WA
Located just above the PNW pro-skier mecca of Leavenworth, WA lies Stevens Pass. Home to the late FWT legend Jim Jack, Stevens Pass is a skier’s ski area that maintains some world-class tree skiing in addition to some seriously ripping locals.
Mountain Legend – Jim Jack
5)Â Crested Butte, CO
Unlike it’s I-70 neighbors to the north, Crested Butte tends to attract the skiers who don’t mind going the extra distance for EXTREME terrain. Whether it’s watching the annual “Extremes” comp or just riding “The High Lift,” you’re bound to see some of the best skiers in Colorado ripping it up on “The Butte.”
Mountain Legend – Wendy Fisher
4)Â Mt Baker, WA
Snowboarding’s roots are inextricably linked to Mt Baker Ski Area. In the 80’s the snow was too deep (and sometimes too heavy) for most skiers. Until fat skis came around, Mt Baker housed some of the best snowboarders on the planet. Nowadays, pro skiers and snowboarders alike call this PNW powder paradise home.
Mountain Legend – Craig Kelly
3)Â Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Whistler is home to more pro winter sports athletes than any other ski resort in North America. From Whistler’s famous Peak Chair to its massive backcountry, the massive Whistler Blackcomb terrain is matched solely by the quality of skiing from its finest athletes.
Mountain Legend – Eric Pehota
2) Squaw Valley, CA
Squallywood. It’s in your face and it’s not stopping anytime soon in Olympic Vally. The Fingers, Palisades, and Eagles Nest– If you can stomp any of these lines, you’re the best skier on the mountain… for an hour.
Mountain Legend – Shane McConkey
1)Â Alta/Snowbird, UT
In the past two decades, Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts have supplanted ski areas like Squaw and Jackson as the go-to mecca’s for pro skiers and riders. On any given day, the lift line eye candy will make even the most seasoned skiers’ eyes pop. Prime-time peanut galleries can be found on Wildcat, Collins, and Gad 2 chairs.
Mountain Legend – Sage Cattabriga-Alosa