Ski resorts such as Mammoth Mountain, Big Sky Montana or the Lake Placid resorts cater to advanced skiers seeking to escape the frustration of being slowed down by

beginners in their path. These slopes allow advanced skiers to move at their own pace and to test their own abilities to the maximum, taking risks without being afraid of mowing down slower skiers.

The Best Expert Resorts

Some of the best resorts geared toward experts include:

Alta

The Alta resort in Utah is mainly designed for intermediate skiers, though it does have 35% terrain for advanced users and 25% for beginners. Overall there are twenty runs and six lifts with an average annual snowfall of around 500 inches. While not as modern as some resorts, patrons at Alta appreciate the fact that it stays true to old school skiing. The main aims of the resort are to keep their prices low and the number of people on the slopes to a minimum. This helps to cut down accidents and gives skiers the pleasure of skiing uninterrupted. Alta is best known for its Powder Hounds and there are nine more difficult trails for advanced skiers such as Cameron Spur and Shanty Girl.

There are childcare facilities if you are skiing with the family, though this can be expensive. There are a number of restaurants within the resort and there should be something to suit all tastes and budgets. There are also a number of different accommodation options but none are glitzy, simply clean and functional.

Arapahoe Basin

Arapahoe Basin in Colorado has approximately 367 inches of annual snowfall and is known for good bumps and powder that appeal to expert skiers. There are 67 different runs with 45% of the terrain designed for intermediate skiers and 20% terrain for experts.

Many skiers say that this resort offers big-mountain challenges which create life-altering experiences. It is the highest-elevation skiing resort in the Rocky Mountains and five of the lifts provide access to expert terrain. The East Wall is a steep, above-timberline terrain which provides access to an extra 110 acres of expert-level backcountry. You also may want to try out the famous double-black diamond run which is known as one of the most challenging runs in North America.

Big Sky Montana

The Big Sky Montana resort is famous for its lack of crowds, good powder and gorgeous scenery. There are an amazing 150 runs and 17 lifts with an annual snowfall around 400 inches. If you really want to test your ability then the 11,166 foot "Lone Mountain" should be at the top of your list. The Lone Peak tram takes you straight to the top where 360 degrees of expert-only terrain await. The Big Couloir also tests your abilities to the limit with a 42-degree, 2,000 foot mountain. Here there is no room for error and there is definitely no option to bail out when you ski Big Sky.

Chamonix

There are 75 different runs with a staggering 48 lifts and around 264 inches of annual snowfall at the Chamonix resort. The Les Grands Montets offers terrain that is long, steep and un-groomed, excellent for advanced skiers. The Point de Vue and the Pylones are two other options which many skiers find to be more fast than terrifying.

It isn't the best resort for advanced skiers but it certainly provides a few challenges along the way! There are festivals, a cinema, music and a museum to entertain you if you have had enough of the slopes. There are also plenty of accommodation options open to you with campsites, hotels and other tourist residences available to suit all budgets.

Jackson Hole

With 96 runs, 12 lifts and 459 inches of annual snowfall, the Jackson Hole resort based in Wyoming is absolutely ideal for the expert skier. There are many dangerous cliff areas and rapidly changing weather changing conditions that will test even the most advanced athletes who ski Jackson Hole. The Corbet's Couloir is a double black diamond run which provides a 20 foot jump inside a 10 foot wide chute. The resort has recently added another 200 acres of expert terrain. There are numerous spas and plenty of shops to keep you busy while you take a break from skiing. There is also a great variety of places to dine out and plenty of nightlife.

Continue to: World Famous Lake Placid Resorts for Ski Experts

Find a Top-Rated Ski Resort for Beginners
Ski the Best: The World's Top Ten Ski Resorts
Family Fun Guaranteed in Vermont's Smugglers' Notch Resort
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: Jewel of British Columbia

Mammoth Mountain

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