Alta/Snowbird, Utah
Ideal for powder.
ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 500 INCHES
THE EXPERT: JULIAN CARR, 30, PROFESSIONAL SKIER AND OWNER OF DISCRETE HEADWEAR

Tell Us What You Think

Did we nail the best resorts in North America? Or did we miss your favorite ski area? Weigh in on our ski resort smackdown.

I've never been anyplace where the snow falls as frequently and as light and as deep as it does here. At Snowbird, you get off the tram and you're sitting atop thousands of acres of big-mountain lines. At Alta, you have to traverse to most of the stashes, but the powder lasts longer. And they're both 20 minutes from the city; you can land at the airport and be skiing in an hour. On a powder day, head to Alta's Wildcat chair—it has the shortest lift line—and ski off to the right. In the afternoon, take a few laps on Snowbird's tram and then hike Baldy. HOT TIP If there's a big storm coming, spend the night in Little Cottonwood Canyon, not Salt Lake. They'll close Highway 210 to do avalanche work, and by the time they open it you'll have had both resorts to yourself for three hours.