Top 8 Ski Resorts With the Longest Vertical Drops in North America

Let’s admit: Whether you’re a backcountry fanatic, a chairlift rider, or somewhere in between, skiing’s all about the downhill—the more time spent playing with gravity, the better.

Everything about our shared sport points to this essential, immutable fact. Crossover touring boots that prioritize the downhill are all the rage these days, as are skis that fall into the same gear category.

Yes, riding the lift with your pals or a meditative session on the skin track can be enjoyable and sometimes enlightening, but neither of these experiences will make you feel weightless.

That’s where ski resorts with large vertical drops come in. Obviously, you’ll need to find a way to get topside first, and, odds are, it’ll involve sitting on a chairlift. Once you’re there, though, opportunities to let your skis run abound. From the stunningly tall slopes of Revelstoke Mountain Resort to the tram-accessed steeps of Big Sky Resort’s Lone Mountain, these are the largest ski resort vertical drops in North America.

1. Revelstoke Mountain Resort, British Columbia—5,620 Feet

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, or “Revy” as it’s known by locals, is the undisputed champ of vertical footage. Its longest run is The Last Spike , a green run that transports skiers nearly 10 miles downhill as they wind all the way from the top of The Stoke Chair to the base village.

Kill The Banker, another well-known prolonged run at Revelstoke that bounces below the Revelation Gondola, serves more seasoned skiers, as does the higher altitude North Bowl. If you’re looking to test your downhill fitness—and have an incredible time in the process—there’s no better place to do it than Revelstoke.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia—5,280 Feet

Whistler Blackcomb, another British Columbian heavyweight, is jam-packed with awe-inspiring—and terrifying—terrain. The upper reaches of both Blackcomb and Whistler mountains provide access to ski-movie-worthy runs. The Peak Express chair at Whistler is a definite standout. With mettle-testing lines like The Coffin and Air Jordan, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to prove your worth. Or, if you’d rather sit back and watch, you can enjoy a dang good show as the world’s best freeskiers strut their stuff.

3. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado—4,425 Feet

In the land of high-altitude Coloradan ski resorts, Telluride Ski Resort reigns supreme. To access its final vertical feet, you’ll need to complete the Palmyra Peak hike, accessible from the Prospect Express. This long, challenging hike deposits skiers at a whopping 13,150 feet.

Flatlanders, be warned—you’ll be sucking air like nobody’s business at this altitude, so make sure to get some acclimatization under your belt before taking on Palmyra. But the slog is well worth it. The Peak features some of Colorado’s most interesting and challenging big mountain terrain.

Related: The 10 Highest Ski Resorts in the United States

4. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado—4,400 Feet

In the Aspen, Colorado area, there are four ski resorts: Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Snowmass, which boasts a towering nearly 4,500-foot vertical drop, is larger than the other three combined. This mountain truly has something for everyone, covering numerous peaks and over 3,000 acres of terrain. Expert skiers should venture to The Cirque Peak or Hanging Valley area, while those getting their ski boots under them can play on the intermediate groomed runs below.

5. Big Sky Resort, Montana—4,350 Feet

Big Sky Resort, Montana, notches its impressive vertical footage in style. The resort’s upper reaches are accessed via the recently updated Lone Peak Tram, which soars to the top of the 11,166-foot Lone Mountain. Unsurprisingly, getting down from this high-alpine vantage isn’t easy. The least challenging run is a single black diamond, while braver skiers can tackle runs like the Big Couloir or the North Summit Snowfield, which are classified as triple black diamonds. Big Sky recommends that skiers unfamiliar with Lone Mountain obtain a Tram Guide, who are equipped to provide customized instruction and, perhaps more importantly, confidence.

With over 4,000 vertical feet to play with, much of this resort’s terrain is gentle, mellow, and welcoming to those who aren’t auditioning for a part in a ski movie.

Related: 7 of the Most Scenic Ski Resorts in North America

6. Panorama Mountain Resort, British Columbia—4,265 Feet

Panorama Mountain Resort, British Columbia, often flies under the radar compared to its Western Canadian cousins like Whistler Blackcomb or Revelstoke Mountain Resort. That might make you assume that Panorama is a small, dinky ski area running a few two-seaters. It’s not.

With one of the largest vertical drops in North America and nearly 3,000 acres of skiable, patrolled terrain, this resort is a behemoth. The Monster X Snowcat functions as an in-resort shuttle, transporting skiers to the Goldie Plateau. From there, numerous double black diamonds await in the furthest reaches of Panorama’s terrain footprint.

7. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming—4,139 Feet

Like Big Sky Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, knows how to notch vertical in style. The towering Rendezvous Mountain is accessed by the bright red iconic Aerial Tram, known colloquially by its nickname: Big Red.

Atop Rendezvous Mountain are some of North America’s most well-known lines, including Corbet’s Couloir and the lesser-known but arguably more challenging S&S Couloir . The former plays host to the Kings & Queens of Corbet’s, a competition that draws a crowd of professional skiers as they fling themselves off a huge cornice. Lower down, near the finish corral, JHMR constructs a jump to give competitors another opportunity to get airborne.

Related: The 10 Best Backcountry Skiing Destinations in North America

8. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia—4,314 Feet

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is purpose-built for skiers seeking a challenge. The prolonged Golden Eagle Express gondola crawls into the high-alpine, providing access to numerous high-consequence lines. Many of these zones require hiking, which, at times, makes Kicking Horse Mountain Resort feel like a lift-served backcountry zone.

The spiny chutes and significant exposure add to that illusion, although you’ll rarely find yourself far from a groomed run that ends at the resort’s cozy base area. With a terrain portfolio that’ll test even the best expert skiers, it’s easy to see why the Freeride World Tour has chosen Kicking Horse Mountain Resort as a venue season after season.

* NOTE: Timberline Lodge boasts a vertical drop of 4,540 feet in certain conditions. The resort's Palmer Lift or snowcat service must be running, and the connector trail to the recently acquired Summit Ski Area must be open. We ultimately made the decision to exclude Timberline from this list, as you can't return to the top of the resort without taking a shuttle or vehicle.

Related: The 10 Most Exciting New Ski Lifts in North America

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