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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ironfn-]

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

[@bruhkamp]

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

[@LucasCatania17]

always good to see you man.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@shawneggers4484]

Great insight on all the resorts!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks shawn!

[@masonschultz8173]

Been here since 15k bro! Love the vids!

[@LucasCatania17]

aye appreciate that bro!!

[@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

[@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.

[@0xCUBE]

GRAND TARGHEE MENTIONED

[@LucasCatania17]

awesome resort!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@PeterSchrint]

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

[@PeterSchrint]

@@LucasCatania17 lmaooo

[@MrSpartanPaul]

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

[@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?

[@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]

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... 😜😜😜

[@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.

[@SilkOCE]

Will the Stoke Formula be on next weeks test?

[@LucasCatania17]

yep - will be on the live stream!

[@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

[@michaelkim9640]

you smart. snowbird is #1 for sure

[@LucasCatania17]

tough to beat no doubt!

[@AJ_Owens]

Great review

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks dude!

[@ccpmarch1980]

Science! Snow bird is king! It’s algorithmic

[@LucasCatania17]

Lmao 🤣

[@blakedarche8181]

Solid list.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks dude.

[@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).

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@Pgd10020]

Nice!

[@evanholt5400]

I’m typically a Colorado skier, but my family and I are making a trip to Sun Valley this year in January. Do you have any plans to go back this year? I never see it on your rankings

[@LucasCatania17]

not really! i love the sawtooth mountains and the town of ketchum is cool but i really don't care for the mountain if im being honest!

[@res_ipsa-REX]

My top three resorts... Sonwbird, 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!

[@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!

[@Odd_LiZard]

Hey man you’ve got me into buying some armada skis! I’m looking into the 106’s. Im having some difficulty finding out what the actual differences are between the ARV and the ARW 106’s. Let me know what you think, thanks!

[@LucasCatania17]

really the only difference between the ARV and ARW is what the ski is made out of. ARV is the designated men;'s line and is made of the poplar ash wood which is a bit heavier and stiffer and the ARW is designated for womens and made from the caruba core which is lighter and softer!

[@mtadams2009]

Nice review but you knock JH for the town being a little far from the resort but Alta and Snowbird have actually no town or nightlife at all. I have skied Alta and Snowbird and I love them both but JH just skies much bigger with little or no effort. No traversing. I have had bad conditions at both JH and Alta before. I am headed to Big Sky this March and I am already concerned about the snow conditions. Snow makes everything better. I need to get up to BC. Take care

[@rpwoida1981]

Lived in both Aspen and Whistler for 1 year each. Aspen was much better in terms of mountains, lift lines, and city feel. Whistler was better for the bowls and the snow (although the snow was much heavier). Good list. I'm thinking of moving to Steamboat, Park City, or Big Sky next year. Unfortunately, skipping out on this season -- I'm traveling SE Asia right now and getting my Advanced PADI (Scuba). Hope that 24/25 is a great season for you guys. Hope that 25/26 is legendary. LOL.

[@bearclaw5115]

You're living a fun life bro, enjoy!

[@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!

[@justinbayola]

dope!

[@LucasCatania17]

yew!

[@rfdffpm]

I’m surprised you ranked Mammoth at #5, when two years ago you ranked it at Number #3. Two years ago you were stoked on the sunset skiing and Alpine glow you got at Mammoth for the last hour of skiing. The wind and the upper mountain being closed does happen but not often to be concern.

[@LucasCatania17]

Fair! If I remember correctly, that ranking two years ago didn’t have Revelstoke and kicking horse in it - or did it?

[@dalej6985]

My son and I max out our days alta/bird, jackson, big sky. every year. Sometimes at the same time as you. ,

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s awesome. Stoked that you do that with your son.

[@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!

[@TheGrussell31]

You have to go to Crested Butte, man!

[@LucasCatania17]

I know man! On my list for this year

[@GarrettJohansen]

1 snowbasin 2 snowbird 3 Brighton

[@LucasCatania17]

Solid list bro!

[@michaellurie9138]

Ski The East!

[@LucasCatania17]

yeww!

[@joeschannel246]

Revy being so high is.... interesting

[@shaecloud4403]

I'm living at number 4 this season! Might move to #1 next season if dump doesn't win.

[@LucasCatania17]

sick bro see u up there!

[@JohnnieKav]

Big Sky shouldn't even be included on the list. Have to pay extra for tram rides, WTF? That's right up there with reserved / paid parking.

[@LucasCatania17]

thats a valid point!

[@mikefarr3536]

Being honest how, due u stay in Van most winter nites and how many miles and have u have many eng issues I have a 2021 4x4 spinter

[@LucasCatania17]

I don’t live in the van full time in the winter so let me be clear on that, but when I do spend extended periods in the van - I have a diesel heater, insulated window coverings and the van is very well insulated with sheep’s wool. I have 125k miles on my 2013 2wd sprinter and I haven’t had any issues but service regularly.

[@AlpineAriana]

My top resort is Crystal Mountain

[@LucasCatania17]

one of the most beautiful!

[@zacharygippe7873]

Ah. Okay first of all i sincerely appreciate Whistler being below mammoth. Like big time even when mammoth has snow draughts its still just better in every way possible minus getting there. Lol getting there is not easy unless you have a camper (lucas aye! 😂) but i dont. But as somebody from the PNW: i am shocked that crystal made this list even as an honorable mention.. like entirely at all. With the PNW: Stevens Pass, Mt Baker, Mt Hood Meadows, Mission Ridge, Schweitzer, White Pass even Mt Bachelor despite being flatter than day old beer all top it. Yes the snow is now utah. But we have a saying: if you can ski the PNW, you can ski anywhere. Especially if you can ski Mt. Baker which is the most difficult place out of all of them. In fact Mt Baker is more difficult than Squaw Valley believe it or not. Maybe not kicking horse or jackson hole.. i still need to find out. But hey i guess with the other points i have: the math is the math. I have been seeing AltaBird top lists all over and i want to go someday but am concerned that .. well the lift lines are rough there lol more than some people say they are I am also shocked that Revelstoke made it above Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine. Absolutely shocked. Especially with the gondola being half baked!

[@Arthur__Morgan_]

Where would you put vail on this list

[@WillCherichetti]

when are you coming to ski the east?!

[@LucasCatania17]

If the channel hits 100k, I will!

[@jasoncapecod]

It's time to go the the Alps.

[@LucasCatania17]

i think it is!

[@Joe-Skier]

Glad you have SQUAW VALLEY at #8 😊 When you mentioned Sierra cement and tracked out runs in 45 minutes im surprised you have Mammoth at #5. That being said, Mammoth is my favorite mountain

[@NoahLuce]

Can't complain about much about that list. AltaBird at the top and all is right with the world.

[@LucasCatania17]

agree bro!

[@slimey2460]

im afraid im never gonna be able to go anywhere other than my home 2 resorts because they just arent quite as good lmao

[@LucasCatania17]

never say never dude

[@sethery10]

Come hit Taos 😭

[@MrMuypop]

Just started the vid...better not have snowbird #1 ;)

[@MrMuypop]

I knew it!!!!! See you up there

[@LucasCatania17]

haha how predictable

[@Johnstonfour]

When are you gonna head up to colorado

[@LucasCatania17]

whenever the mountains open! ( besides wolf creek)

[@JHSports]

Meadows snubbed 😅

[@LucasCatania17]

meadows is fun!

[@AlexanderWootten-b3y]

whistler blackomb is way too low should be at least number 3 100 percent better than kicking horse and revelstoke

[@melode221]

Either go with a real subject list or break down to every aspects 😂.

[@davegleason8007]

Yeah, Colorado resorts all suck. Utah and BC all the way.

[@LucasCatania17]

Never said CO resorts suck! I’m sure CB would make the list once I’ve been there.