So does size matter? Who really knows. But a big ski resort with plenty of terrain to explore is a very attractive proposition. For the first article in our ‘Top 10’ series, we are looking at the 10 biggest ski resorts in North America. You might be surprised at which resorts are featured. This list does not include cat skiing acreage, and is correct as of now. As more resorts develop including the planned connection between Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, the top 10 will change. We’ll keep you updated!
To help with context, we have added a comparison figure to show how many times the size of Perisher each resort ranked is.
It is easily the biggest and has been for a long time. Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain were originally two separate, competing resorts. However they merged in 1997 to create Whistler Blackcomb and the terrain reached its current size in 2004.
Now both Vail owned, Park City and the Canyons merged in 2015 to create the largest ski area in the States, and second largest in North America.
Powder Mountain is a tricky resort to rank, as there is a lot of different figures floating around for their actual size. Based on skiable terrain including cat ski access, it would be number one at 8464 acres (compared to 8171 in Whistler), however based on lift serviced terrain and for the sake of a fair comparison, we are putting them at number 3
A bit further off the beaten (by Australian's) track, Big Sky has a real Big Mountain feel about it. Recent development is putting it firmly on the map as an up and coming destination for international skiers and boarders.
Colorado makes it’s only entry into this list with Vail Mountain. It is also the largest ‘single mountain’ ski area in the list – not formed through mergers and combinations with other resorts.
Heavenly currently holds onto the crown of largest ski area in Tahoe, and also has a staggering 3048m of elevation at the top, with over 1000m of vertical to ski.
Mt Bachelor boasts the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington in the Pacific Northwest and you can head off in any direction through 360 degrees from the summit. Another up and coming resort in the Aussie Skiers Bucketlist in North America!
Sun Peaks is growing rapidly, with investment in all resort areas, and most importantly for this list – in new chairlifts and terrain. The most recent is the new Crystal Chairlift in 2020 (a replacement with better uphill capacity and a higher top station) as wella s the brand new Orient Express which opened in 2018.
Lake Louise is big and spacious, and with some distant plans to expand further. Set in the Canadian Rockies with awe inspiring views, it is a stunning destination.
Red Mountain is a hidden gem on the powder highway. A new lift opening up a whole new peak to ski on Grey Mountain, Red offers rustic charm and is rated #1 in most acres per skier in North America. However the secret is out now, so hit it up soon while it can maintain that stat!
Changes are afoot in this Tahoe resort. First up is a name change due in 2021 in to remove the offensive term ‘Squaw’ from the resort’s title. The second is a lift connection with Alpine Meadows (already on same lift ticket) which will see it skyurocket up the list into the top 5!
1. Whistler Blackcomb
3306 hectares = 2.65 x Perisher
It is easily the biggest and has been for a long time. Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain were originally two separate, competing resorts. However they merged in 1997 to create Whistler Blackcomb and the terrain reached its current size in 2004.
2. Park City Mountain
2954 hectares = 2.37 x Perisher
Now both Vail owned, Park City and the Canyons merged in 2015 to create the largest ski area in the States, and second largest in North America.
3. Powder Mountain, Utah
2900 hectares = 2.3 x Perisher
Powder Mountain is a tricky resort to rank, as there is a lot of different figures floating around for their actual size. Based on skiable terrain including cat ski access, it would be number one at 8464 acres (compared to 8171 in Whistler), however based on lift serviced terrain and for the sake of a fair comparison, we are putting them at number 3.
4. Big Sky, Montana
2347 hectares = 1.88 x Perisher
A bit further off the beaten (by Australian’s) track, Big Sky has a real Big Mountain feel about it. Recent development is putting it firmly on the map as an up and coming destination for international skiers and boarders.
5. Vail
2140 hectares = 1.7 x Perisher
Colorado makes it’s only entry into this list with Vail Mountain. It is also the largest ‘single mountain’ ski area in the list – not formed through mergers and combinations with other resorts.
6. Heavenly Mountain, California
1942 hectares = 1.56 x Perisher
Heavenly currently holds onto the crown of largest ski area in Tahoe, and also has a staggering 3048m of elevation at the top, with over 1000m of vertical to ski.
7. Mt Bachelor, Oregon
1747 hectares = 1.4 x Perisher
Mt Bachelor boasts the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington in the Pacific Northwest and you can head off in any direction through 360 degrees from the summit. Another up and coming resort in the Aussie Skiers Bucketlist in North America!
8. Sun Peaks, Canada
1728 hectares = 1.39 x Perisher
Sun Peaks is growing rapidly, with investment in all resort areas, and most importantly for this list – in new chairlifts and terrain. The most recent is the new Crystal Chairlift in 2020 (a replacement with better uphill capacity and a higher top station) as wella s the brand new Orient Express which opened in 2018.
Equal 9. Lake Louise, AB
1699 hectares = 1.36 x Perisher
It’s big and spacious, and with some distant plans to expand further. Set in the Canadian Rockies and overlooking that iconic lake, there is a lot to love in Lake Louise
Equal 9. Red Mountain, BC
1699 hectares = 1.36 x Perisher
A new lift opening up a whole new peak to ski on Grey Mountain, Red offers rustic charm and is rated #1 in most acres per skier in North America. However the secret is out now, so hit it up soon while it can maintain that stat!
10. Squaw Valley, California
1456 hectares = 1.17 x Perisher
Changes are afoot in this Tahoe resort. First up is a name change due in 2021 in to remove the offensive term ‘Squaw’ from the resort’s title. The second is a lift connection with Alpine Meadows (already on same lift ticket) which will see it skyurocket up the list into the top 5!
