The 7 Ski Resorts With the Most Challenging Terrain

1. Palisades Tahoe, California

Editor's Picks: West Face, North Bowl, Dead Tree, Slot

Average Snowfall: 400 inches

Most Notable Runs: McConkey's, The Palisades, The Fingers

Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Sq*aw Valley, is a freeride skier's or snowboarder's dream. With interesting, challenging, and steep terrain off nearly every lift, you can't go wrong. Fans of ski movies should be familiar with the resort's famous in-bounds features, including The Fingers, The Palisades, McConkey's (formerly known as Eagle's Nest), and Granite Chief Peak.

Pop in the movie G.N.A.R. by Unofficial Networks the night before you plan to ski Palisades. Trust us, it will get you fired up to tackle the resort's intimidating terrain.

2. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, BC

Editor's Picks: Super Bowl, CPR Ridge

Average Snowfall: 300 inches

Most Notable Runs: Ozone, T1

The Freeride World Tour's (FWT) events are heavily concentrated in Europe due to financial reasons, but terrain plays a factor as well. In order to host an event, a ski resort has to possess a broad offering of big mountain terrain.

With that in mind, Kicking Horse is preparing to welcome the FWT back in 2025 for the eighth year. POWDER's Ian Greenwood was on hand at the '24 FWT stop at Kicking Horse and described the challenging terrain in detail. If you want to test your mettle on the same terrain as the world's best freeriders, head up to Kicking Horse.

3. Snowbird, Utah

Editor's Picks: Regulator Johnson, Gad Chutes, Mineral Basin

Average Snowfall: 500 inches

Most Notable Runs: Gad Chutes, Get Serious Chutes, West Baldy

Known for averaging more than 500 inches of 'The Greatest Snow on Earth', Snowbird's 3,000+ feet of vertical is a proving ground for skiers across the globe. The mountain regularly hosts junior level freeride events, and is the home resort of a laundry list of pro skiers that keep coming back.

Pace yourself if you're skiing Snowbird for the first time. The mountain is steeper than most, and Double Black trails represent a steep increase in difficulty from a single Black rated trail.

4. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Editor's Picks: Timber Glades, Steep Gully #4, Groswold

Average Snowfall: 350 inches

Most Notable Runs: The East Wall, The Steep Gullies, International

Arapahoe Basin hosts one of the longest seasons in the country with chairlifts usually running from late-October to mid-June. Thanks to the high-altitude, snow sticks around, and offers a spring season of steep descents and technical lines.

The Steep Gullies are in-bounds but require a hike back to the chairlift. Consider following a local or taking your time on your first run in the Gullies. This is steep, consequential terrain that's unlike what you'll find at many ski areas in North America. If you're looking for A-Basin's classics, head to The East Wall for a hike, and then prepare for the burn as you bump and bash through glades off the Pallavicini Lift.

5. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Editor's Picks: Walkries Chutes, Juarez, Jean's Glade

Average Snowfall: 300 inches

Most Notable Runs: Kachina Peak, Highline Ridge, West Basin Ridge

Taos Ski Valley's snowfall average doesn't stack up to places in Utah, but when Mother Nature sends a big storm Taos' way, there are few places on the continent with better terrain.

The ski resort's crown jewel is Kachina Peak. The towering 12,481' peak offers steep, challenging freeride terrain from top to bottom. Taos only opens Kachina when conditions align, but the rest of the resort is filled with challenging chutes and steeps. Go on a hike along Highlight or West Basin Ridges or stacks laps in the various glades descending steep faces.

6. Big Sky, Montana

Editor's Picks: Liberty Bowl, North Summit Snowfield, Three Forks

Average Snowfall: 400 inches

Most Notable Runs: Big Couloir, The Gullies, DTM

The summit of Big Sky's Lone Peak is easier to reach than ever, thanks to a new tram that opened during the winter '23/'24 season. Skiers are whisked to the 11,116' summit in the new tram cars with 75 of their best friends.

Big Sky has a litany of Triple Black rated trails that constitute 'No-Fall Zones'. Meaning that if you fall, you will risk serious injury or even death. These various chutes, steeps, and snowfields at Big Sky are no joke. Considering hiring a Tram Guide for your first few experiences in this big mountain skiing playground.

7. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Editor's Picks: Casper Bowl, Alta Chutes, Dick's Ditch

Average Snowfall: 458 inches

Most Notable Runs: Corbet's Couloir, S&S Couloir, Hobacks

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's terrain is the stuff of legends. Countless skiers and snowboarders have moved here to ski the resort's iconic in-bounds terrain and explore the wonders outside the ropes.

The most famous ski run at JHMR, and perhaps the world, is Corbet's Couloir, a daunting chute located within view of The Aerial Tram. It's where JHMR hosts the annual Kings & Queens of Corbet's freeride competition. Don't get pigeonholed into Corbet's, though. JHMR's terrain is vast, with near-endless opportunities to test your skills in the steep and deep.

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