North American ski resorts with the longest vertical drops
Our shared sport emphasizes this essential, immutable truth. Today, crossover touring boots and skis that emphasize downhill performance are all the rage.
Yes, riding the lift with your buddies or going on a meditative skin track can be enjoyable and sometimes enlightening experiences, but they won’t make you feel weightless.
That’s when you need large vertical drops at ski resorts. Getting topside will require you to take a chairlift, which is probably the only way to get there.
However, once you’re there, you’ll have plenty of chances to let your skis run. Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts some of the highest slopes in North America and Big Sky Resort has Lone Mountain, which is accessible by tram.
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia – 5,280 ft
Whistler Blackcomb is another British Columbian heavyweight that boasts breathtaking terrain—but also some terrifying ones.
Ski movie-worthy runs can be found on the upper reaches of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. Definitely one of Whistler’s highlights is the Peak Express chair.
Whether you choose the Coffin or Air Jordan, you’ll find plenty of chance to prove yourself. If you don’t mind watching, you can see an awesome show of free skiing from some of the world’s best.
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2. Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado – 4,425 feet
Telluride Ski Resort reigns supreme among high-altitude Colorado ski resorts. It’s possible to reach its last vertical feet via the Palmyra Peak hike from the Prospect Express. Skiers reach 13,150 feet at the end of this long, challenging hike.
Before taking on Palmyra, flatlanders are advised to get some acclimatization under their belts. It’s worth the effort, though. A big mountain area as interesting and challenging as The Peak.
3. Colorado’s Aspen Snowmass – 4,400 feet
Snowmass, Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Buttermilk are the four ski resorts in Aspen, Colorado. Combined, Snowmass’ vertical drop is nearly 4,500 feet, the largest of the three.
Numerous peaks and over 3,000 acres of terrain make this mountain a true gem. Beginners might want to try The Cirque Peak or Hanging Valley, while experts can try intermediate groomed runs below.
4. Montana’s Big Sky Resort – 4,350 ft
Montana’s Big Sky Resort notches impressive vertical footage. On 11166-foot Lone Mountain, the resort’s upper reaches are reached by the recently reconstructed Lone Peak Tram. Getting down from this high-alpine vantage isn’t easy.
Skiers can tackle the Big Couloir or the North Summit Snowfield, three-black diamond runs, which are the least challenging. Skiers unfamiliar with Lone Mountain are advised to arrange for a Tram Guide to help them gain confidence and customized instruction.
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5. Panorama Mountain Resort, British Columbia – 4,265 ft
British Columbia’s Panorama Mountain Resort often goes unnoticed compared to western Canadian neighbours like Whistler Blackcomb. Panorama might seem like a small two-seater skiing area. No.
Nearly 3,500 acres of skiable, patrolled terrain make this resort one of the biggest in North America. Skiers are transported to the Goldie Plateau by the Monster X Snowcat. Several double black diamonds await within Panorama’s terrain footprint.
6. Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 4,139 ft
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, knows how to do vertical in style. Located at the foot of Rendezvous Mountain, the bright red iconic Aerial Tram is nicknamed Big Red.
Rendezvous Mountain hosts some of North America’s best-known lines, including Corbet’s Couloir and the less-known but perhaps more challenging S&S Couloir.
Kings & Queens of Corbet’s draws a large crowd of professional skiers as they attempt to land on a cliff in the former. JHMR constructs another jump near the finish corral so competitors can gain altitude.
7. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia – 4,314 ft
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is designed for skiers who seek a challenge. Golden Eagle Express gondola crawls into high-alpine terrain, providing access to many high-conclusion lines. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort often feels like a lift-served backcountry zone due to the many zones that require hiking.
This illusion is reinforced by the resort’s deep canyons and significant exposure, although you’ll rarely find yourself without a groomed run. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s terrain portfolio makes it easy to see why the Freeride World Tour chooses it year after year as a venue.
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