MY ALL TIME TOP 10 SKI RESORTS!

[@LucasCatania17]

blessed to have been able to experience so many different ski resorts & locations throughout my years on skis. there are so many incredible mountain ranges, ski towns and chair lifts out there. every resort has its own magic that makes it special and unique. ranking resorts is never an easy or objective feat to undertake. let me know what your top resorts are! all stoke squad stickers are in stock at www.lucascatania.com/shop if you're interested in picking any up before the season gets underway!

[@jonahgreenfeld9022]

love your content man so inspirational. hope ill see you in mammoth this year ill be rocking the helmet sticker

[@LucasCatania17]

@@jonahgreenfeld9022 thanks dude! cant wait to see it

[@freekzero]

Couldn't agree more on every resort having its own magic. I did 48 resorts in a season (many years ago) and didn't come across one that I didn't enjoy, even when I hit them in bad conditions. I generally found myself with matching opinions to yours regarding terrain. It's tough to have an overall opinion on a single visit though, since it tells you nothing of the average crowds, snow quality, and reliability. And I didn't touch the facets that ski media pays more attention too: hotels, food, and other entertainment, given that I just went right from the slopes to my RV. And yeah, definitely need to do Crested Butte when you get the chance. Don't remember any other standouts that you didn't mention. Except maybe Silverton which I only know by reputation since I didn't get to it. And maybe Fernie if you're in the area. Baker also cool (but not alpine gnarly) if you're driving through WA.

[@zodiach]

crazy you've never skied the east at all. Huge blank space on your map means missing out on a lot of skiing history and quality resorts.

[@LucasCatania17]

@ I grew up in central New York for 23 years

[@rmnley]

As someone with well over 100 days at bigsky I tend to agree. When it's good its really good, when its bad its bad. If we had Big Sky's terrain with little cottonwood snowfall that would be the GOAT resort

[@LucasCatania17]

glad to hear that. the terrain is really some of the best out there. it's just hit or miss with snow imo.

[@mtadams2009]

I am headed out there in March and it’s my biggest concern and the reason I have avoided it.

[@deenobrown1]

Big sky is my favorite. It could get rocky and a little dicey, but when it’s got good coverage and fresh powder it’s tough to beat. I always say if every mountain had great coverage and a 2’ powder day, Big Sky would be the best of them all.

[@deenobrown1]

So true. Snowbird definitely has the most dependable snowfall. It’s truly amazing. If Big Sky had that kind of snow, nothing would come close. But Big Sky’s Tram skiing is unreal. True Big mountain skiing. If I recall correctly, Lucus didn’t go on the tram. At least in the video I watched of his, he didn’t. The tram terrain is unbeatable.

[@djdjrox]

@@LucasCatania17Luckily Big Sky is having an epic year so far!!

[@jaria4745]

I live in Finland and I was a foreign exchange student in Utah in 1980-81. I was really impressed by Alta and Snowbird. The quality and amount of snow + slopes were incredible. In Europe there a plenty of good ski resorts like 3 Valleys, Dolomiti Super Ski, St Anton, Val dIsere, Saalbach, Ischgl, Chamonix, Zermatt, Verbier etc., but I have not experienced similar dry and light powder like in Utah.

[@pixiescesar]

I usually ski in france ans austria, is Finland good to ski? I mean the overall experience

[@jaria4745]

@pixiescesar Hi, in Finland we do not have high mountains like the Alps. Our hills are much smaller and ski runs are shorter. I enjoy skiing in Lapland at the end of March and in April. The best resorts are Yllas, Levi and Pyha. I stay max 3 days per resort because number of good ski runs is fairly limited and I get bored skiing the same slopes. In January and February it can be too cold to enjoy skiing.

[@augustwest5273]

Solid list! Been going to the Bird every year since 1985. Now I take my grown kids and they absolutely can’t wait every year. It never disappoints. Love watching your vids.

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s the way to do it!

[@zachmillang2903]

I like that Kirkwood was an honorable mention. There is some gnarly terrain there and they, along with SugarBowl and Palisades, seem to get the most snow in the Tahoe area.

[@LucasCatania17]

Dude sugar bowl is no joke either. That place scared the crap outta me

[@KingSolrac]

completely unrelated the graphic at 0:54 is so nicely made.. your editing as improved so much as well! here's to an awesome upcoming season!

[@samtueting7229]

I really enjoyed this video. As a person who has 50+ days at Big Sky, when it snows, its incredible. When its is average in snow, it is not fun

[@LucasCatania17]

Glad to hear I wasn’t totally off the mark on that one! Need to get back up there

[@tobiascarling5070]

Great list and video. Thanks Lucas! I am at a different stage of life 52 tears old) so my focus is slightly different Making top 10 lists and having a healthy debate is always fun. Of course, we are all biased by our experiences with a mountain, weather, snow conditions, powder, and a million other factors. I also factor in lift infrastructure and efficiency, crowds, and crowd control, the town and food options, ambiance, friendliness of locals, beauty, and unique features (taking a train up the mountain instead of ski lift; Zermatt, skiing through ice caves; Val Thorens, etc). All resorts require air travel since we are based in Tampa, Florida. I usually travel with my beautiful wife and 4 kids, but I do some guys and solo trips, as well. Here are my top 30 favorite ski resorts... 1) Zermatt - Cervinia, CH (IT) 2) Verbier (4 Vallees), CH 3) Val Thorens (3 Vallees - Meribel, Courchevel, etc), FRA 4) Whistler/Blackcomb, BC 5) Andermatt (SkiArena; Sedrun, Disentis), CH 6) Big Sky, MT 7) Mammoth Mountain, CA 😎 Aspen/Snowmass, CO 9) Vail, CO 10) Snowbird/Alta, UT 11) Deer Valley, UT 12) Saalbach/Leogang/Hinterglemm (Ski Circus), AU 13) Park City, UT 14) Sun Valley, ID 15) Banff Sunshine, AB 16) Lake Louise, AB 17) Jackson Hole, WY 18) Kirkwood, CA 19) Solitude, UT 20) Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley), Alpine Meadows, CA 21) Åre, SWE 22) Breckenridge, CO 23) A-Basin, CO 24) Winter Park, CO 25) Trysil, NOR 26) Crested Butte, CO 27) Mount Tremblant, QC 28) Kittelfjäll, SWE 29) Keystone, CO 30) Killington, VT

[@southside81]

Love that kicking horse and revy made it near the top, my local hills! Next time you come up north try and hit the kootenays and ski Whitewater near Nelson, BC, and Red Mountain in Rossland, BC. Insane snowfall, great slackcountry and terrain, very good small town authentic vibes.

[@BobE_Nagesh]

Thanks for the great list! I'm definitely hitting Kicking Horse and Snow Bird this season! I haven't been to that many resorts but my favorites are: 1) Lake Louise 2) Squaw Valley 3) Sugar Bowl 4) Banff Sunshine 5) Marmot Basin (Jasper)

[@themichaelbilello]

great video lucas, might as well throw my list up 1) Snowbird 2) Kicking Horse 3) Fernie 4) Lake Louise 5) Telluride 6) Alta 7) Jackson Hole 8) Grand Targhee 9) Revelstoke 10) Crested Butte *gotta mention the one and only Brighton as well gonna see where Whistler, Crystal, Red and some others fall on there this season!

[@LucasCatania17]

Hell yeah what a list, dude! I gotta get to fernie and CB this winter!

[@themichaelbilello]

@@LucasCatania17Crested Butte will change your skiing in one trip, it’s the scariest gnarliest mountain I’ve been to lol. So easy to get lost. Fernie is also insane, you won’t be disappointed.

[@bruhkamp]

Can't really argue with this list. Here's to a great season for all.

[@LucasCatania17]

always good to see you man.

[@CharlieH_design]

One thing to mention is tree skiing. In the Northern Cal, you have the redwoods that have big canopies so the trees are far apart. When the big Pacific storms hit the best pace to be. Compared to skiing in Colorado the trees are around 8-10" dia and tight hard to get any flow and any ability to choose your own lines.

[@Berendt119]

Sweet list! As a Canadian, I'm glad you liked Revy and the Horse so much. If you get the chance to come up again, I'd recommend checking out Fernie and Red as well.

[@LucasCatania17]

of course dude - fernie has been on my list for years now and sounds like i gotta add red, too! thanks for watching.

[@DonFender]

Skied the powder highway a few years ago. Loved Fernie!

[@jaytabac1889]

Good list. Sounds like we have similar criteria. Then thing i would advise those who intend on checking out Kicking Horse from Calgary is that it is NOT an easy drive. Maybe when you were there, weather conditions were good and there may not have been a storm, but the drive can be death defying. You should absolutely have a 4x4 vehicle with snow tires which are not always available at Calgary airport. Also, the road between Kicking Horse and Revelstoke can be closed for a day or more for avalanche control. As regular BC skiers, this has happened to us twice in the past 10 years or so. Finally, about Revelstoke, it's important to mention that the best terrain is not accessible from the chair. All of the best skiing, bowls, and snow require a climb followed by a horrible ski out that takes you all the way back to the bottom of the hill. With only 1 chair lift in Revy that accesses the top of the mountain, you will find yourself waiting in huge lift lines anytime there is a dump. Revelstoke has the potential to be the next Whistler, but it has a very underdeveloped lift system and you will find yourself seeing a large % of your day climbing, traversing, and waiting in lift lines.

[@LucasCatania17]

you are totally right. i have discussed in live streams how driving up in BC is terrifying. it is super dark and feels unmaintained during storms. i've done it in a rental car and also in my van from whistler to golden and calgary to revelstoke. and on your point on revelstoke, again spot on. there is a lot of traversing around and climbing yourself out of the holes to get back to the lift. thank you for sharing your valuable insight on these mountains. have a safe season!

[@bearclaw5115]

Thanks for the head's up.

[@markbart1424]

Great list and I came here to agree - Calgary to Kicking Horse is 3 hours in good weather. Not an easy drive and Kicking Horse to Revelstoke is not next door. Maybe relatively speaking but not exactly close. Otherwise-super cool channel you have.

[@PaulBruce-v2k]

They have improved the road a lot in the last decade. No more one lane, hugging the cliff, 18 wheeler behind and herd of big horn sheep in front, white knuckle driving through the pass

[@ThePdidy10]

Moved to SLC a year ago from flat land ND, didn't realize how spoiled I was at the Bird! Loved every day I was there and can't wait for this year! Great video, see you out there!

[@masonshipley8425]

My top 3 is Palisades, Steamboat, And Lee’s canyon in Nevada. I hit palisades on a thursday morning when they’d just got 9 inches and the mountain was pretty much empty so i got to enjoy great snow and no lift lines

[@JM-tr2mx]

This list is solid, and I concur with your hottest take-the order of the Cal resorts. I need to get to Canada this season. This just got me even more hyped for the season to start.

[@lilflo36]

I haven't been to too many mountains out that way so I'll do a ranking for what I've done all told: 1: Breckenridge- as an intermediate boarder...a paradise on peaks 7 and 8...never got back after the peak 6 expansion. 2: Wolf Creek- The tree skiing there of the Alberta Chair is amazing...I remember spending like close to an hour just zipping in and out of trees and just admiring the beauty. Breck beats it out by having an actual town near the resort...Wolf Creek is out there a bit 3: Monarch Mountain: Honestly it's a solid, albeit smaller resort. 4: Granite Peak Wausau WI: Was always my go to when I lived in the Midwest...could never beat the 700' vert there lol. Also, the "mountain" is a BEAST...surprisingly steep lines throughout. I haven't snowboarded in a few years due to dislocating my knee but I think I need to get back...

[@Know-it-all55]

Country club days at Altabird truly make them a class of their own.

[@ironfn-]

Awesome video man. Watching these last couple videos have been getting me so stoked for this season ❤

[@LucasCatania17]

glad to hear that dude!

[@heqitao]

I've only been to a few of these resorts. I can definitely say that now that I live in Utah, the Bird is unbelievable. Alta is amazing, but I refuse to go there anymore. I'm a skier, but I won't support prejudice of any kind, so no snowboards, no go. I would really like to try Mammoth this season and your list makes that sound even more enticing. Thx for all the work Lucus. I look forward to your travels in the snow 24/25. Stay healthy man.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks brother! appreciate you sharing. i think the no snowboarders is pretty wack in this day in age so i understand. mammoth is definitely a go! might not live up to bird/alta, but can still be a lot of fun during storm cycles!

[@bearclaw5115]

Prejudice? Give me a break dude. You're no Rosa Parks. 99.5% of American ski resorts allow snowboarders -real number-. Snowboarders will be just fine.

[@heqitao]

​@@bearclaw5115 So you have to be Rosa Parks to identify prejudice and take a stand? You must be an Alta skier, I've heard the same justifications from you guys for years. It is prejudice to not allow snowboarding, plain and simple and apologists just open the door for other kinds of prejudice to flourish. But this not the forum for this kind of argument. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable ski season. Take care out there.

[@Salted45]

Alta terrain cannot support snowboards. All the steep narrow stuff like High Rustler would get scraped off by lunch. I and II skiers don't hit those but some dude on a board for two weeks will and adios powder

[@heqitao]

@@Salted45 lol. smh.

[@fricknfrackii2513]

absolutely love the videos lucas! I look forward to your uploads every single week! I just ended up having to have double knee surgery so ill be sitting out the season a second year in a row but ill be living the ski season through your channel!👊

[@LucasCatania17]

wow man, super bummed to hear that! here's to a strong recovery this year so we can be on the slopes for 25-26!

[@fricknfrackii2513]

@@LucasCatania17 thanks so much man!

[@natelambka7654]

Great video! Home mountain is mammoth and love the big storms. Did ski the bird and Alta and the terrain was insane

[@LucasCatania17]

sick home mountain dude!

[@thomasjamieson92]

1. Alta. If I had one day left to ski in my life, it would be Alta. No brainer. 2. Snowmass. A ton of vertical and less crowded on powder days. 3. Snowbird. Great snow and endless options off the Tram. 4. Jackson Hole. Great terrain, great infrastructure, and 4000 ft. of vertical. 5. Vail. People bag on Vail Corp, but the Back Bowls and Blue Sky are awesome on a powder day. I’m 60 and live in Tahoe. Love Palisades and Mammoth, but would put them just outside the top 10. I hate crowds on powder days. Here are the best places to go in that regard: 5. Kirkwood; 4. Aspen Highlands; 3. Arapahoe Basin; 2. Grand Targhee; 1. Solitude.

[@russcontact]

“…the smells…” 😂💀 Never been to alta or the bird but both look and sound like skier heaven. I do hear horror stories about that road all the time though. Seems like a good place for train tracks, if that’s even possible? Thanks for your list. Haven’t seen the channel in a bit but glad to see you’re still going strong. I think you’re more legendary than you know! I fit boots at a big shop and your name gets randomly dropped every couple of weeks. Stay rad! 👍

[@sebastianblanno7806]

Skied the Bird for the first time last year. Ended up being my fave of the four Utah mountains I skied on my trip, and is one of my top resorts ever! Snowbird does not mess around! I get the hype.

[@LucasCatania17]

Hell yeah man!

[@bearclaw5115]

I'm going this year for the first time. I wouldn't be shocked if it tops my list too. Alta is like the holy grail but has a lot of traversing from what I hear and I don't enjoy that very much.

[@sebastianblanno7806]

@@bearclaw5115 Unfortunately did not get to Alta. Skied the bird with one of my snowboarder buddies, so felt bad bailing on him. However, when we were over at Park City a couple days later, I did get a solo day at Deer Valley when he took a day off. Just wish Alta was the one i got to try instead! lol

[@carterhudson2306]

Solid list! Having skied resorts in Alberta, BC, Wyoming and Utah, here’s my top 10. 1. Alta 2. Snowbird 3. Lake Louise (home hill, know it well enough to always find great snow) 4. Kicking Horse 5. Jackson Hole 6. Grand Targhee 7. Revelstoke 8. Sunshine Village 9. Castle Mountain 10. Panorama Yet to ski Fernie, Whistler, Red, Whitewater etc. Hope to ski more US resorts into CO and CA some day

[@Kthomasritchie]

I've only ever snowboarded at Jackson Hole from your list, but I can honestly say both Fernie and Red Mountain I had a way better experience. Have rode at Fernie 3 different times (a grand total of 15 weeks) and it's more my kind of scene. Way less crowds and way more snow. The problem with resorts like JH is they're just too busy.

[@carterhudson2306]

@ funny enough, Jackson actually averages more snow (450 inches a year) than either fernie or Red (400 and 300) while Jackson definitely gets worse crowds, I’ve skied there on pow days and never had to wait in line more than a minute or 2. Jackson’s appeal is abundant light snow with steep wide open terrain. I do find though that it is hard to be objective when ranking resorts. Everyone has their own preferences. I do think Canadian snow is overrated, although it can be dry and light, we just can’t rival the quantity that Wyoming and Utah resorts get, and they arguably have even lighter drier snow than we do.

[@TheTinFish]

Crazy story man. I think I ran into you on the mountain one time. You're that guy wears the hula skirt and coconuts right?

[@Kthomasritchie]

@@TheTinFish That sounds a heck of a lot like me.

[@TheTinFish]

@@Kthomasritchie Don't be fake bro. I seen u too

[@Jay-tc9on]

Solid list. Whistler is one of those that has to be up there for me. The wow factor is just incredible. The rain/sleet at the base does suck but as least they get a lot. Jackson was a bit of a suprise for me as well, when I got out there snow was not actually very good and due to the exposure and lower base it was very thin at the bottom during mid season. I actually preferred Targhee for just straight up skiing and snow quality (higher base) I have skied all of the cottonwoods resorts a bunch and like you love snowbird and alta., Its amazing how two places so close together could have different and unique feels. Makes a great trip. I do feel like Alta has better snow... For whatever reason snowbird feels more icy and hardpacked than Alta, it could just be a mental thing but if you aren't skiing fresh pow i do tend to notice it.

[@tonybrown6699]

Good list, the Bird is the Word! Palisades is my home mountain and I will say the Sierra Cement thing is a bit overblown. I've had some amazing powder there over the years. Would generally recommend Alpine Meadows side as it's got better hike to terrain and doesn't get skied out in 45 minutes like Squaw.

[@sbespn3820]

I really liked Whistler. I thought the lift lines at the bottom were bad, but once you got higher up the lines were short.

[@RTG5848]

Completely agree with Snowbird at the top of the list. I haven't found another mountain that offers 3000 ft vertical that's all skiable in one run. Most other places you've got to take 2 or 3 chairlifts to get to the top and you end up avoiding doing that again, ending up just spending time on maybe the last ski lift. Tram loops are amazing.

[@davidmann4315]

Jackson Hole has over 4000 verical skiiable with one lift ride. Whistler and Blackcomb over 5000 vertical with one lift ride.

[@rmsully14]

I've been to the majority of your 45. Take your van to Mt. Baker. Meet someone who knows the mountain overnight in the lot. The place is small if you don't know the terrain, but the best day I've ever had on a snowboard was there.

[@cedricdesgagne8141]

As a local Calgary skier, I feel a lot of gems not on this list, you wanna talk about snow, you cant talk about snow without talking about Fernie BC, accessible from the US via Kalispell Montana, cant talk about snow without talking about Whitewater in Nelson BC unlimited access to some of the sickest slack/side/backcountry almost right off the chair lift, access to Kootenay pass, Red Mountain supernatural British Columbia, friendly BC interior vibes, love Nelson, on the Alberta side, Castle Mountain in the Waterton Lakes area of southern AB to name a few, but yeah Revy and Kicking horse are staples of the Powder Highway. Sweet, now I really have to visit and ski in Utah and visit US friends, Alta, & Snowbird, love SLL, camp there every summer, love Utah! time to hit it in the winter look like classic! and a must, thanks for sharing! Many get lost with the big resorts. not saying Whistler is not grandiose but hit it on a powder day, and you'll understand what I mean, not the Whistler Blackcomb of the nineties, nevertheless a very impressive place but gets tracked inside a half day on a pow day, try some of these other resorts, you'll thank me for it.

[@ewallt]

Nice list. The complaints I can think of about Alta/Snowbird are road related. It can be really, really slow moving, and you can get stuck up there literally for days if you’re unlucky.

[@JordanKessler-g4t]

I’m moving to SLC from east coast for this season and have an Alta pass, most stoke I’ve ever felt for a season in my life

[@LucasCatania17]

you will never be the same dude. enjoy

[@typeofguyto]

Ive been skiing all my life at Alta. been to other places too but Alta is incredibly fun. Parking and traffic sucks around Christmas time though

[@jasonsong86]

Went to SLC two years ago and Snowbird was definetly on top of the list.

[@masonschultz8173]

Been here since 15k bro! Love the vids!

[@LucasCatania17]

aye appreciate that bro!!

[@deenobrown1]

If you want to catch Pallisades on a good day, look for storms that come from Alaska, not from the west or southwest. The storms from the north are usually colder and drier.

[@ryank4966]

Surprised your home mountain of park city didn’t make the list. Great rankings and methodology. We love watching your vids. Here’s our list: 1) Alta/Snowbird 2) Aspen - Snowmass / Highlands 3) Taos 4) Telluride 5) CB 6) Big Sky (Bridger an HM) 7) Whistler 8) Palisades 9) Steamboat (now that Fish Creek Canyon in) 10) Beaver Creek

[@aspensnowmass]

Stoked to be on your list!!! Let's get you on Ajax this winter!

[@LucasCatania17]

yes!! lets do it! need to get to Ajax. hand is healed up!

[@aspensnowmass]

@@LucasCatania17 So glad to hear about the hand! It's snowing here!

[@andrewdiamond2697]

3:20 - OK, My Top 3. 3. Big Sky, MT 2. Aspen/Snowmass, CO 1. Vail, CO. Runners up: Breck, Steamboat, Winter Park. That said, I've skied a lot more in the East, so I'm a bit limited on opinions I can have in the west.

[@davidsamuels4246]

Get yourself to Snowbird, you won't match the luxury of Snowmass or Vail but the skiing experience is amazing.

[@MrMuypop]

​@@davidsamuels4246nah man Colorado is where it's at ;)

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks for sharing your list, man! i like aspen a bit more than vail but both are stellar mountains!

[@wilmoore5259]

So I've been to Breck, Steamboat, Keystone, Copper and Beaver. We are looking at Big Sky, Vail or Aspen Snowmass for options for the next season two seasons. Which would pick for us to go to first out of those three?

[@andrewdiamond2697]

@@wilmoore5259 It depends on what you want. First, they are all on the pricey side for accommodations and transportation. It also depends on what pass product you have (IKON for Aspen and Big Sky; Epic for Vail): Big Sky - Really large and expansive with likely the best "high consequence" terrain. I love the isolated feeling and incredible vistas. Also, the Big Sky base altitude is lower at 6800 ft, so it's the best if anyone is prone to altitude sickness or has trouble adjusting to altitude. Probably the best, as long as you get it with strong snow coverage and don't care much about apres or dining. Vail - Best place to get lost and have trouble leaving at the end of the day. Incredible skiing, but doesn't have the the "Triple Blacks" of Big Sky. The views aren't as breathtaking as Aspen or Big Sky, but still beautiful country. Still, has a massive amount of challenging skiing all over the mountain. Probably the best apres and shopping, but second to Aspen for dining. Aspen - Really classic ski town, great place, but a bit overrun by billionaires. Each of the mountains has a different character - my favorite is Ajax (the original Aspen). Plenty of challenging terrain, but not much in the way of drops like Big Sky. Ajax and Highlands are excellent due to the complete lack of green circle terrain - everyone knows how a lift line works and how to get on and off of a lift - which is hard to explain how amazing that is until you experience it. Best dining and best shopping IF price is no object and a $5000 ski jacket is in your budget. Going solo, I'd pick Vail. For a family, I would go probably with Snowmass (Aspen) or Big Sky. P.S. BTW, if you are at Beaver Creek, the bus to Vail is free and about 20 minutes each way. P.P.S. please feel free to ping me with any specific questions.

[@Salted45]

The mention of wind in Mammoth is not a complaint. Avi, and many other spots, is whole dependent on it. Yeah, you gotta bundle up, but I'm a wind hunter. Even blue groomers get epic when they get hit right

[@LucasCatania17]

true that! mammoth has the best wind buff!

[@bearclaw5115]

Explain what you mean by wind improving the experience. I assume you mean snow filling in. Is there anything more to it?

[@gregjerome1911]

Two great things that make Alta just a tad nicer vs the bird, no boarders & just a bit better powder. There are days in March when the bird will get rain but Alta still gets snow. Definitely my favorite. The tram at the bird cant be denied. For a guy who's a serious skier, I can't believe you don't have 4WD.

[@LucasCatania17]

yeah i wish i had 4WD. just super expensive for a 4WD sprinter

[@scottaiken210]

Strong pitch for the Bird...time for them to step up again! Love that place.

[@LucasCatania17]

Ha thanks Scott!

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

I really like your suggesting about making your own ranking. I haven't been to enough resorts to make that really worthwhile - perhaps "The best of 6 resorts I've skied as a beginner." Although, I think a video focused on beginner/first-timer experience would be interesting. Most experts have no interest in making that kind of video and most beginners don't have the experience with enough resorts to make a fair comparison. With that, here is my ranking: 1. Beaver Creek - beginner's paradise, even a green "bowl" area and it has all the carpets. Green options top to bottom. 2. Breckenridge - some of the best long green cruisers with easy lapping. Base of 9 is the best beginner skiing for Colorado (with my limited experience). 3. Loveland Ski Area (Valley) - dedicated area for beginners and low intermediates, $50 for Valley at window is fire 4. Keystone - best "first time" experience as they have a learning area at the top, but no progression beyond that. Other activities for non-skiers. 5. Ski Apache - Nostalgia, where I learned to ski but I haven't been back in decades - epic view from the top (can see White Sands). 6. Winterplace (WV) - only been once, it was ok but can be icy even in core season. My only real option when I lived in NC.

[@LucasCatania17]

solid list dude. i like how you broke it down for more beginner focused skill level. i've been to all those in your top 4 and they definitely are great for intermediate skiing!

[@lilflo36]

I've been to Breck only one time (coming from the midwest and now living in New England) and as an advanced-intermediate snowboarder Peak 7 (and Peak 6 but I haven't been back since that expansion) were a PARADISE for me. Runs like Duke's Run and Angel's Rest were sublime when I went...and honestly even a majority of Peak 9 has solid intermediate terrain. I really like American as a good test for those who want to progress to Advanced terrain!

[@jdsboomin529]

The most important thing about Alta and Snowbird is you can ski between them! You can access some cool Snowbird terrain from Alta. I have never left Alta/Snowbird without an insane level of stoke!!! I would also rank Snowbird higher than Alta. I think that it is easier to find the goods at the bird even if you don’t know the mountain well plus the view of the cirque from the tram never gets old😍. I will say that on less than epic days I prefer Alta and also the more I ski Alta the more really fun terrain I’m finding. There is some really incredible stuff there if you’re willing to poke around and work for it ;) 🤫

[@ryanshipman4198]

Great report I am lucky to have grown up 35 minutes to the utah mountains. Until I went to Colorado or Jackson you have know idea how lucky I have been to good the blue days of the season each year.

[@dogwapofthebarnowlbakery3655]

As a Utah Homeboy, I knew the battle would come home Little Cottonwood! Not surprisingly, PeakRanking came to the same conclusion, although they combined the two resorts into one, which I found a bit strange since each has its own unique vide.

[@waltciii3]

I am a Mammoth homie, but I also love Aspen (Snowmass, Highlands, and Ajax), Whistler, and Snowbird. I'm from L.A. so Tahoe is a long drive, I may as well just drive to SLC instead. Also as a snowboarder, if I want to chill I will go to Brighton and Solitude for some groomers while in the SLC area.

[@sawyerhaupt]

Need to come to some small Montana resorts on a pow day. I won’t name drop them but they are unmatched in feel of pow days. Completely opposite of no friends on pow day.

[@rayrayjj]

Can't wait for this season!!

[@LucasCatania17]

hell yeah man!

[@carolineli3375]

Solid list! Love the bird

[@beastmode1]

The thing about the Bird is when it’s good it’s as good as any place. When it’s bad, it’s still good. There is so much high altitude north facing terrain there that its snow is nearly always good. I grew up in the northwest skiing at Mount Baker. When it’s good it’s really good there but when it’s bad, it is horrendous. I have hundreds of days at Snowbird and I can’t remember a single horrendous day.

[@jadenperry3055]

Nice work. Your content is always great and it’s cool you have started early this year. You gotta add Beaver Mountain (UT) to your list this year. It’s not gonna compete with the big mountains on this list, but a day or two after a storm, it’s still good. Small, family owned, great side country, and very cool vibe. Walk-ons all day long on a weekday. You’d love it.

[@LucasCatania17]

i've heard beaver get recommended quite a few times over the years and i gotta make it a point to try it out this year!

[@craigiannucci9914]

I think kicking horse should be above revelstoke because the way revelstoke functions is kind of weird and it takes two lifts to get back to north bowl

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s totally fair. Revelstoke does have a quirky lift system no doubt

[@AlexandreRochonBelec]

My top 5: 1. Revelstoke 2. Red Mountain Resort 3. Whistler / Blackcomb 4. Louise 5. Kicking Horse

[@Patrick_Profeta]

No Wolf Creek in Colorado? You have to check it out man! No fancy restaurants, places to stay, or parties. It is where you go if you just want to ski. And, the most amount of snow in Colorado.. Hope you get to check it out soon.

[@ttank7241]

What is your top 10 chair lifts assuming ideal conditions. My top two ( with 35 yr old legs...I am 65 now). 1) Grizzley chair Bear Valley Ski Resort, 2) KT22.

[@wilmoore5259]

Beaver Creek has been my favorite. But I've only been to Keystone, Breck, Copper and Beaver. Love Breck and Copper too. We are looking at Alta/Snowbird, Big Sky and Jackson Hole for this season and next season. I am a beginner - intermediate that's lives in the south - so wicked gnarly terrain isn't what we look for.

[@LucasCatania17]

beaver creek is fun! all good mountains. if you're more intermediate and you find yourself in utah, definitely recommend checking out park city and snowbasin!

[@collinmerideth8274]

Snowmass man, just do it. I’ve been to a few mountains in the Alps, Snowbird, the Big 3 in Alberta, and Aspen Snowmass and Whistler Blackomb. Snowmass is an amazing mountain, the crowds are non existent and it’s really no more expensive than any of the other big western resorts. I love the mountain and it’s why I’m going there AGAIN this year to ride.

[@wilmoore5259]

@@LucasCatania17 thanks for the reply. We are leaning to an Utah destination for next season. Everyone seems to recommend Alta, Park City and Snowbasin. Wish I live out west during the winter. Every winter I have to fight the urge to pack-up, leave my wife and go live in the mountains for 4 months. Love your videos man, keep up the good work!

[@res_ipsa-REX]

Jackson hole (assuming they are having a decent snow year) is the same as the Bird (off piste terrain) but with the addition of better groomers, in my opinion. But if you are planning a trip months in advance, it is hard not to just book an affordable place in SE SLC area and ski Little Cottonwood. Best bet for sure for the best snow (on average). Just get out of my way heading over to Gad II and stay off of STH for the first 60 minutes or so on a POW day... 😜😜😜

[@wilmoore5259]

@@collinmerideth8274thanks for the information man. I've got friends who've been to Snowmass and they had nothing but amazing things to say. It's between Jackson Hole, Aspen Snowmass, Alta and Big Sky right now.

[@SuperSTEIN24]

Honestly surprised mammoth is this high. I still think it’s a great mountain, but it’s hard for me to put it over palisades (grew up skiing squaw living in the valley). Mostly due to terrain diversity. If it’s windy at mammoth and the top of the mountain isn’t accessible it’s sort of a bummer. Palisades has KT at lower mountain and alpine has some awesome steep exposed bowl terrain if you are willing to hike to it. Good list though! Revy takes the cake for me but most people won’t want to deal with the hiking. Closest you’re gonna feel to being in a ski movie at a resort tho imo

[@LucasCatania17]

good points man! the lines at kt can be atrocious though when only the lower mountain is open but i guess the same can be said for something like chair 22 at mammoth. and yeah! revy has an awesome feel to it and terrain if youre willing to hike around a bit. cheers!

[@Joe-Skier]

@@LucasCatania17 next time you're at mammoth, try chair 25. It's long and slow but there's usually some great stash on that South side of Lincoln

[@africanjew1596]

I think you should try Mt Baker in Washington as a Colorado native, I loved it!

[@lelleiv]

here's me watching a top10 ranking of North American ski resorts fully knowing that I will never be able to afford a ski trip there, but luckily the Alps are close :) Hope you get to see Austria/Switzerland/France some day Lucas! You would probably love it at Chamonix or Val D Isere

[@LucasCatania17]

hey never say never! i definitely want to experience the alps someday!

[@AviationGod222_YT]

Your best ranking video!

[@LucasCatania17]

Glad you thought so!

[@mikesandydotnet]

I haven't skied too many resorts (definitely need to get to Revelstoke and Kicking Horse), but I'm certain that Snowbird is my favorite mountain; Alta is my favorite ski area-if that makes sense. I like Snowbird's terrain the most, and the ease with which you can access its best terrain gives it the slight edge for me over Alta. However, Alta Ski Area is better run than Snowbird (for example, Alta actually takes care to keep the lift lines moving and organized), it's less crowded, and the relative difficulty in accessing Alta's best terrain allows it to hold better snow conditions for longer.

[@LucasCatania17]

thats fair man! good breakdown & totally makes sense!

[@maxhaegele5361]

You gotta prove yourself worthy and come shred the ice coast this year🌨🌨

[@shawneggers4484]

Great insight on all the resorts!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks shawn!

[@patchcuratolo5201]

Holiday valley/hollimont #9 Okemo Stowe Park city Keystone Beaver creek Vail Breckenridge Whistler#1

[@craigiannucci9914]

OKEMO!!!

[@AnthonyFaucci]

LC's favorite run at the Bird is the tram ride

[@LucasCatania17]

Lmao!! You actually aren’t even wrong now that I think about it

[@AnthonyFaucci]

@@LucasCatania17 lmaooo

[@MrSpartanPaul]

The Smells!?!?! Not sure I want to smell anything lol.

[@res_ipsa-REX]

My top three resorts... Snowbird, JH, and Mammoth. Each one is better in some respects than the others. JH has the best terrain and ok snow but a pain to get to. Snowbird has great snow, great terrain and is easy to get to, but gets very crowded on POW days with aggressive skiers. Mammoth is just decent all around but a pain to get to.

[@LucasCatania17]

great breakdown! agree with just about everything!

[@SilkOCE]

Will the Stoke Formula be on next weeks test?

[@LucasCatania17]

yep - will be on the live stream!

[@erickurtz7315]

Snowbird, Revy, and KH top 3 for me. KH on a powder day might trump everything else, the terrain you can ski on is truly mind boggling it’s just less lift friendly than Snowbird

[@LucasCatania17]

i could definitely see that. i managed KH on some light pow days but would love to be there for a big storm cycle

[@Nathaniel-d3i]

No skiing this year due to new life happenings, but gonna plan on Alta next season! And bring the new kiddo :)

[@rolansereny7565]

Ooofa it’s sooo hard for the Bird/Alta to be at the top. I mean they are absolutely phenomenal, but I’ve been there 4 years in a row now and there is always something wrong. Either traffic is horrific, or because of a storm there are massive delays, parts of the mountain that won’t open …. On POW days there are always long lines and the snow gets cut up after just a couple runs. Then there is visibility which often make the backside useless .. regulator useless … so bad you can’t see 5 feet infront of you. I dunno maybe it’s just been my bad luck but with 4 trips to the bird it was truly great only once. I’ll keep coming though … hoping for that bluebird pow day I’ve never experienced there.

[@Sean_Court]

Excellent list with some solid ratings 🎿🏔

[@ryanevans2655]

Stunned you haven’t been to Wolf Creek!

[@Kylecunningham9231]

How do you feel about Brighton and solitude?

[@ChristianGilbert-x4o]

Mammoth is my Home Mountain! Lets Go!

[@michaelhennessy5672]

Thanks Lucas, this is awesome. How far away from this list would park city / canyons be?

[@bedforbj]

Good video, thanks (as always) for sharing and keeping the stoke high! I was surprised that Park City didn't get an honorable mention given your history there and love for Jupiter. Was that driven mostly by their reduced annual snow totals, or something else?

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks man! i dont think park city really has difficult terrain to be honest. i think all the other resorts mentioned, including the honorable mentions, have more difficult terrain than what park city offers!

[@klenaghanny]

Great video, but in terms of driving, Alta is really not far at all from Snowbird. The mountains are connected on skis. But I hear you on the other relative benefits of Snowbird vs. Alta.

[@klenaghanny]

BTW, I second your love for Mammoth. Even if conditions are crazy and the summit is closed, there is tons of great terrain around Chair 22 and Canyon! My 7-year old son was on the ski team at Mammoth.

[@LucasCatania17]

True!! And no doubt they are close, but in all fairness - the drive from just the helipad to Alta parking lot can take a long time during storms if the bypass road isn’t open!

[@charlesaceasarii1797]

Number 1 & 5 yessir 💪🏽👍🏾

[@LucasCatania17]

Hell yah!!

[@SteveBoyer10]

No hate from me. I’ve not skied nearly as many resorts as you, but I’d put Alta and Snowbird at the top as well. Snowbird is more expert, and SO fun. Alta is a bit more laid back, but still some excellent terrain.

[@LucasCatania17]

Spot on man! Both are so good. Hard to decide between the two.

[@NateLeeProductions]

I recommend you make two other videos ranking Ikon and Epic. As someone who only affords the Epic pass it would be useful to see your ranking/reasoning to help me plan.

[@LucasCatania17]

not a bad idea! ive been to a lot more ikon resorts than epic, however.

[@bearclaw5115]

The problem is that Epic doesn't have as many top tier resorts and those top places are obvious. For Lucas to sort the wheat from the chaff of all those lower resorts he'd have to spend a lot of time at places he doesn't really want to be.

[@HereWeGoAGreen]

So I’m a beginner snowboarder. Are these the same for snowboarding?

[@ark530abe]

come to Crested Butte this winter! good list never been to any yet

[@LucasCatania17]

I want to!

[@shaecloud4403]

I think the only resorts missing from your list would be Whitefish, MT, and the rest of the powder highway (Fernie, WH20) and Baker maybe not a resort, but w/e

[@LucasCatania17]

yah hopefully i can check those out someday!

[@coookalo]

Been watching your videos for a little over a year now and completely understand you prefer off-piste/tree skiing and the scoring behind this list. Im curious for someone like me who prefers groomed runs (knee injuries and I didnt grow up skiing every season), do these top resorts offer good groomed runs and do you think they are worth it to skier like me. I love black groomed runs, they are just few and far in between at least from my limited experience.

[@LucasCatania17]

I don’t think I would say that this list holds true in pursuit of black groomers. Most of the top 4 really doesn’t even have groomers. I think aspen snowmass, sun valley and deer valley would be among my top for steep groomers!

[@coookalo]

@ I know not in your recommendations but I’ll be headed to solitude this winter thanks to the ikon pass and looking forward to it!

[@blakedarche8181]

Solid list.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks dude.

[@smoothman]

I’m shocked there’s not much Colorado on this list? But then again I don’t know much about this stuff. 😂

[@LucasCatania17]

colorado is fun! of the resorts i've been to, i dont enjoy them as much as others.

[@chuckpinkert]

also average snowfall is less so they're sort of auto-eliminated with this formula

[@LucasCatania17]

@@chuckpinkert exactly

[@ccpmarch1980]

Science! Snow bird is king! It’s algorithmic

[@LucasCatania17]

Lmao 🤣

[@do5921]

If you’re going to lump all 4 Aspen resorts together, you should do the same with Alta and snowbird, no?

[@LucasCatania17]

i personally dont think. alta and snowbird are two different entities, but i could see your point with that!

[@tcuster55]

Mammoth is an awesome mountain.

[@0xCUBE]

GRAND TARGHEE MENTIONED

[@LucasCatania17]

awesome resort!

[@jeffcarrier7435]

The Ghee is great!

[@ABrotherOnTheSlopes]

You did good on the list....

[@unburntzhang6260]

watched your videos for so long, also a new slc local. Was wondernig what do you think about other resorst in CO, A basin, copper and so on, were they not as good in your opinions>?

[@DonFender]

RECALL- Lucas issued a recall on No. 1. He mistyped "Steamboat Springs". Dont waste your time in Utah. Mormons try to convert you. No alcohol. No Dispensaries. Ski Colorado!

[@LucasCatania17]

Lmao! Steamboat is awesome, too. Need to catch it on a pow dump.

[@brandoncall1476]

Yes, please go ski Colorado, Alta/Bird are terrible nightmares

[@Gsxrcal]

Surprised you’ve never been out east. Would love to see some content out here this season!

[@LucasCatania17]

actually grew up in syracuse, new york till i was 22!

[@bearclaw5115]

@@LucasCatania17 You said you've been skiing 25yrs. Did you only take trips out west back when you lived in Syracuse? It seems like you would have been all over Gore Mountain with it's 3 dozen glades (cool place if it has fresh snow).

[@LucasCatania17]

@@bearclaw5115 yeah! my dad bought a condo out here in 1993 so we just left our sk gear here and would come out over xmas break. i think i only skiied on the east a handful of times!

[@justinwight2213]

It’s very hard to have a top 10.. so many great resorts.. Steamboat and Heavenly are fantastic .. I would have to put Heavenly over Kirkwood !! What about Vail - surely that’s in the top 10..

[@DomHammerli]

1. Snowbird 2. Alta 3. Steamboat 4. Solitude 5. Brighton 6. Breckenridge 7. Beaver Creek 8. Park City 9. Vail 10. Jackson Hole These are all of the ski resorts that I have been to Snowbird, Alta, Steamboat, Solitude, Brighton, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Park City, Vail, Jackson Hole, Arosa Ski Resort, Switzerland, Nendaz 4 vallées Ski Resort Switzerland, Deer Valley. I think that Jackson Hole could be higher on this list, but I have only been there once and the snow was shit, so I had to put it pretty low. I like Deer Valley, but as a more advanced skier, in my opinion it doesn't have difficult enough terrain. I haven't been too anywhere in Canada, but I am planning to go to Whistler Blackcomb this year.

[@LucasCatania17]

thats a good looking list dude!! thanks for sharing

[@justinwight2213]

No way are Brighton and solitude better than Vail

[@justinwight2213]

I know snow can be better though

[@DomHammerli]

@@justinwight2213 I like Brighton and Solitude because I just think they have more expert terrain. I like Vail I just think that Brighton and solitude are a little more difficult.