Skiing and snowboarding offer adventurous travelers both thrills and stunning locations. North America has an abundance of spectacular spots for these sports. Here are the top 15 skiing and snowboarding resort locations.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

The Jackson Hole ski resort is over half a century old and is still atop spot for both skiing and snowboarding. It is popular for both the level of snowfall there and its challenging terrain. The recent addition of a fast ski lift has also aided in making this place one of the best snowboarding and skiing destinations on the continent.

Aspen Highlands reputedly offers some of the best skiing terrains in the state. Here you find some impressive routes for skiers of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, experienced skier or even snowboarder, this is the place for you. The most beauteous and challenging area is the Highland Bowl. The ski lift network here serves the entire four-mountain area.

Revelstoke is great for snowboarders as well. Here you will find good ski lifts and the official “highest level of vertical descent” on the continent. The 5,620 feet drop is also a favorite of the adventurous. If you would like to get a bird’s eye view of the ski area here prior to hitting the slopes you can take a heli-skiing trip.

Vail is one of North America’s most well-known and longest-established resorts. In fact, it was specifically was modeled after a Bavarian mountain village ensconced in the highlands of Europe. There are 193 trails available as well as seven official skiing bowls here. If you’re a snowboarder hoping to hone your skills or simply looking to show off you can take advantage of the superpipe.

11Sun Valley, Idaho, USA

Veteran visitors often praise Bald Mountain’s challenging ski slopes, especially the popular 3400-foot vertical drop. They are also generally sheltered from the wind, which makes for a more stable and enjoyable ski area. The adjacent Dollar Mountain features beginner and intermediate ski routes. There are a great terrain park and uphill transporter as well.

The huge Whistler Blackcomb resort is less than a 2-hour drive from Vancouver. Almost every year it draws the highest amount of winter sports enthusiasts, with more than 2 million visitors during the season. The resort not only has enough ski lifts, restaurants and bars but it also has the longest and highest unsupported cable car span on the planet.

Stowe is home to two mountains, Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. The resort has a great gondola and ski lifts. Both mountains are linked by the system so transportation from slope to slope is easy.

Intermediate ski routes are also available for skiing and snowboarding. Don’t worry, though, if you’re an expert, they’ve got you covered here too. Luxury accommodations are available.

8.Big White, British Columbia, Canada

One of the big attractions at Big White is the popular 2,549-foot vertical drop. It also has several illuminated slopes and is thus Western Canada’s largest night skiing area. The resort features 16 ski lifts. Big White also includes extreme routes for those bored with the expert routes. There’s also a snow tubing course, a terrain park, and wonderful views.

This is a nice place to be at any time of the year. In the winter, however, it’s a snow-white paradise perched high up in the mountains. This snow bowl is perfect for experienced skiers. More than half of their 110 trails are officially graded as “expert.” They also have snowmakers on both the beginner and intermediate ski slopes.

This is one of the few US resorts that does not presently permit snowboarding on the ski slopes. They have great snowmaking equipment and the varied slopes are well-maintained. The resort is actually upmarket and luxurious and offers good food and drink to boot. They have everything you need to have a very comfortable stay.

The Lake Louise resort has one of the largest ski areas anywhere on the continent. The resort features 145 official marked trails. They welcome visitors of all skill levels from beginner through expert (and snowboarders too.)

There are a number of different off-piste opportunities as well. The resort offers different accommodation options too. Choices range from high-end digs to dorms in the hostel.

Situated amidst the awesome Adirondack Mountains, this resort was once host to the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. A great place for winter sports, it includes the highest vertical drop on the east coast and a complete range of routes for all ability levels. The Lake area provides ample opportunities for hiking too. There are several choices of accommodations, bars, and eateries too.

Experts say that the Monterreal is the “only real ski resort” in the country. The best time to visit is in the months of December and January. If there’s not enough actual snow for decent skiing there’s a special dry slope. So, if you are in Mexico and feel the need to ski or snowboard someplace unusual then this is the place.

2.Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada

Here at Sun Peaks ski routes are flanked by snow-dusted trees. They offer downhill racing areas, good cross country skiing trails, and Nordic skiing too. There is also a good variety of bars, hotels, and restaurants as well. There are even special paths to help visiting skiers get in and out of their various hotels.

This mountain resort is perfect for any skier regardless of ability. It includes routes for skiers of varying abilities. It also features a fun, treeless bowl if you really enjoy the powder. The historic locale is perhaps most famous for being the home of the very first bank that the outlaw Butch Cassidy robbed. The village was specifically designed to easily accommodate skiers too.