10 Best Ski Runs in North America for Every Type of Skier
When it comes to skiing, North America boasts some of the most diverse and exciting ski runs in the world. Whether you're a beginner making your first turns, an intermediate ready for long cruisers, or a seasoned pro seeking the most extreme ski terrain, there's a ski run for everyone. Spoiler alert: you’ll have to sign a waiver for the most extreme ski run on our list. Pack your bags (with heated ski apparel) for your next ski vacation to try one of North America's 10 best ski runs.
Beginner Skiers
Even on your way to mastering pizza and french fries, the ski world can be your oyster. These gentle runs are the best in North America for conquering your entry-level ski skills.
Schoolmarm – Keystone, Colorado
Schoolmarm is the quintessential cruiser ski trail. It stretches 3.5 miles from the summit of Mount Dercum to the Mountain House base, with Rocky Mountain views all around. Fun drops mix with flat sections to make a playful trail for any skier, even brand new.
Polecat – Wildcat, New Hampshire
New Hampshire's longest novice run, Polecat, meanders from the top to the bottom of Wildcat. Easy dips and rolls wind all around the mountain. Close-up views of Mount Washington, essentially across the street, make the scenery as enticing as the cruiser skiing.
Green Line Down – Blackcomb, Canada
This seven-mile ski run cruises from the top to bottom of Blackcomb Mountain. It starts from the top of the 7th Heaven Chair, offering stunning Canadian Rocky Mountain views from top to bottom. Pro tip - head into Rendezvous at the bottom for a bite to eat.
While learning to ski, protect yourself against the cold and any distractions that come with it. A heated vest is the perfect layer to add to any activity, or wear in your daily life.
Intermediate Skiers
As your ski skills progress, so do your trail options. Here are the intermediate runs in North America you should travel for.
Longshot – Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Rolling terrain and spectacular vistas make this 5.3-mile intermediate run a hoot from top to bottom. A 5-minute hike to the start from the top of the Elk Camp lift sets the tone. Although the run isn't difficult, it is a leg-burner.
Road Runner – Mammoth Mountain, California
Winding down the backside of Mammoth Mountain, this 3-mile intermediate run offers stunning views of the Minaret Range and the east side of Yosemite National Park. The varied terrain makes for an exciting, but not overwhelming, ski trail. Road Runner is the easiest way down from the summit.
Wilmington Trail – Whiteface Mountain, New York
This two-mile cruiser, Whiteface's longest run, features gorgeous views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Smooth cruising gives way to a few headwalls and narrow sections, adding excitement.
The Last Spike – Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada
This 9.5-mile run may be marked as a green circle, but it's the longest run in North America! The sheer length of this trail makes it an awesome choice for intermediates. It's a leg burner with amazing views or simply a half-hour cruiser.
Expert
These North American ski trails should be on every skier's bucket list. Maximize your time on the slopes on your next ski trip with a heated ski jacket. No one wants to spend time warming up in the lodge when you could be skiing!
Corbet's Couloir – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
This legendary line is not for the faint of heart (or skiing skills). It's a bucket list ski run for many and the site of the extreme Kings and Queens of Corbet's competition. The couloir, a tight 45-degree run between towering rock walls, is one thing. The corniced entry is another. Depending on the season, a 25- to 30-foot wall of wind-packed snow caps the entry to the chute. The options to get past the cornice include mandatory air time and technical hop-turn maneuvering.
Jackson is one of the coldest ski resorts in North America[link to 6 Coldest Ski Resorts], so dress warm!
The Big Couloir – Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky's Lone Peak offers a slew of tram-accessed tight couloirs and steep lines off the mountain's summit. You'll need to sign out with ski patrol, bring a partner, and carry a full cadre of avalanche gear to attempt these lines. Only two skiers are allowed to descend Big Couloir every 15 minutes. It's definitely a ski run for the bucket list!
White Heat – Sunday River, Maine
Known as the "longest, steepest, widest, lift-serviced double black diamond" on the East Coast, White Heat is the stuff of legend. It's a steep run, sometimes groomed and sometimes covered with battered moguls. White Heat hosts the legendary mogul competition, the Bust N' Burn. White Cap Lodge, at the base of White Heat, is the perfect spot to sip a brew and watch the action.
No matter your skill level, this hand-picked list of the best ski runs in North America offers something for every skier. Whether you’re taking on scenic beginner trails or bucket list double black drops, dress for a full day on the slopes with ororo’s heated ski apparel. See you on the slopes!
