SKI Magazine’s 2027 Resort Guide Rankings for North America: Top Resorts in the East and West

Every year, SKI Magazine releases its Resort Guide, where its readers rank the top 50 resorts in North America—30 in the west and 20 in the east. It is one of the most comprehensive and longest-running rankings in the industry. These rankings are unique because they rely solely on reader surveys, and one might argue there is no better way to gauge how good a resort is than by asking the people who visit.

How the results are determined

SKI’s editorial staff does not create the rankings. Each spring, the magazine sends an electronic survey to approximately 200,000 people on its email lists. Respondents rate resorts on 18 different criteria, including snow quality, grooming, terrain, lifts, après-ski, lodging, dining, and guest service. Each category receives a score from 1 to 10, which contributes to the resort’s overall ranking.

However, not all categories carry equal weight. SKI gives greater importance to core skiing factors, including snow, challenge, terrain variety, grooming, and lifts. The change came after years of reader feedback asking the rankings to place more emphasis on the actual skiing experience than on amenities and off-mountain offerings.

To keep the results fair, resorts must receive a minimum number of responses to qualify. The survey also uses safeguards to prevent duplicate submissions through email addresses and IP addresses. SKI emphasizes that reader responses determine the rankings. Editors do not choose the winners, resorts cannot pay to improve their positions, and advertising relationships do not influence the results.

Here are the top five in both the East and the West, along with the full list at the end.

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Top 5 Resorts in the East

#5 Magic Mountain Ski Area, VT

Magic Mountain in southern Vermont reentered SKI Magazine’s rankings at No. 5, earning high marks for terrain variety, challenge, guest service, value, and local flavor. The independent ski area is known for its steep terrain, excellent glades, natural snow, and welcoming, old-school atmosphere that appeals to everyone from families to advanced skiers. While it lacks extensive lodging, grooming, and resort amenities, readers appreciate its affordable skiing, laid-back community, and authentic mountain culture.

#4 Mad River Glen, VT

Mad River Glen, VT, climbed from No. 8 to No. 4 in this year’s rankings, earning high marks for terrain variety, challenge, value, and local character. The independently owned, skier-run mountain is known for its natural snow, challenging bumps, glades, and famous single chair, offering an old-school experience that stands apart from modern mega-resorts. Its limited grooming, small footprint, sparse amenities, and parking challenges may not appeal to everyone, but those quirks are part of what makes Mad River Glen special.

#3 Killington, VT

Killington Resort climbed from No. 6 to No. 3 in SKI Magazine’s 2027 rankings, earning high marks for terrain variety, snow quality, challenge, lifts, and grooming. The East Coast’s largest ski area offers extensive terrain, reliable natural and manmade snow, and plenty of dining, après, and nightlife options along the Access Road. However, high prices, weekend crowds, and weaker family appeal remain drawbacks, making Killington particularly attractive to strong skiers and groups of friends.

#2 Bretton Woods, NH

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, climbed from No. 5 to No. 2 thanks to its consistently excellent grooming, efficient lifts, quality snow, and family-friendly atmosphere. Its connection to the Omni Mount Washington Hotel adds upscale lodging, dining, and guest service, making it a popular choice for families and skiers seeking a comfortable, relaxing vacation. While it lacks challenging terrain and a wide variety for advanced skiers, recent improvements include a redesigned terrain park at Fabyan’s Express and additional snowmaking infrastructure on Upper Express.

#1 Saddleback, ME

Maine’s Saddleback Mountain earned the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year, with readers praising its challenging tree skiing, varied terrain, reliable snow, and excellent value. The independent resort offers more than 600 acres of skiing, a welcoming local atmosphere, and an authentic New England ski experience that puts the mountain first. Its biggest drawbacks are its remote location and limited dining, lodging, and après-ski options, but readers feel the quality of skiing makes the trip worthwhile.

• Related: The Top 11 ‘Bougie-est’ Ski Resorts in America

Top 5 Resorts in the West

#5 Big Sky, MT

Big Sky Resort dropped from No. 1 to No. 5 but remains one of North America’s premier ski destinations, offering an enormous variety of terrain, challenging expert runs off 11,166-foot Lone Peak, and excellent options for skiers of all abilities. Its extensive lift network, including the new Explorer Gondola, makes navigating the mountain easier and helps skiers maximize their time on the slopes. However, high prices for lodging, dining, parking, and tram access, along with limited après-ski options and a lack of local flavor, remain drawbacks.

#4 Alta, UT

Alta Ski Area climbed from No. 6 to No. 4 in this year’s rankings, earning top marks for snow and challenge thanks to nearly 550 inches of annual snowfall and its legendary bowls, chutes, and steep terrain. The Utah resort maintains an old-school, skier-focused atmosphere that prioritizes great skiing over flashy amenities, although its limited nightlife, family activities, and skiers-only policy may not appeal to everyone. Recent improvements include the completion of Albion Lodge’s multiyear renovation and expansion, along with additional women’s camps, clinics, and lessons.

#3 Snowbasin, UT

Snowbasin, Utah, held steady at No. 3 in SKI Magazine’s 2027 rankings, earning high marks for its convenient access, fast lifts, excellent grooming, guest service, and upscale on-mountain dining. Located just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, the resort offers terrain for all ability levels, from wide-open groomers to challenging bowls and steeps, making it a great option for mixed-ability groups. Its biggest drawbacks are limited on-site lodging and nightlife, although nearby Ogden and Salt Lake City offer plenty of alternatives.

#2 Lake Louise, AB

Lake Louise jumped from No. 15 to No. 2 thanks to its 4,200 acres of diverse terrain, impressive snow, spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery, and relatively affordable ski trips. Recent improvements include new terrain connections, expanded tree skiing, an upgraded Top of the World chairlift, and additional snowmaking. While the resort lacks slopeside lodging and much après-ski activity, nearby Banff offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and accommodations, with free shuttles connecting the town to the mountain.

#1 Banff Sunshine, AB

Banff Sunshine claimed the No. 1 spot in SKI Magazine’s 2027 Reader Resort Survey for the first time, climbing from No. 2 last year. The Canadian resort impressed readers with its reliable natural snowfall, long season, fast lifts, stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, and varied terrain ranging from groomed runs to challenging alpine steeps. While lodging and nightlife remain its weaker categories, new après offerings, including live music, DJs, and additional dining options, are adding to its appeal.

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The SKI Magazine Resort Guide offers a genuine, skier-vetted look at the best mountains North America has to offer. By prioritizing core ski experience metrics and relying solely on thousands of reader votes, this list provides unbiased resort rankings to help you plan your own unforgettable trip this season.