It’s a Friday night and you are out on the deck, having a drink after dinner with a group of friends. Someone has just come back from a ski holiday and starts raving about how much better it is out there. No lines, no chains, deep snow, and the flights weren’t too bad either.

You love good food, so naturally you ask about the best restaurant. The mate next to you lives for a party in snow boots, so you know the next question will be about the après scene and whether champagne sabering is a go.

Argh, it’s the kind of conversation we have in our toasty North Shore office almost daily. We love the snow. We have all travelled. We are all so different with our preferences and ride styles, and boy, do we have a lot to share. As you can imagine, it sometimes gets a bit spicy, but one thing we all agree on is that clicking or stepping in and hitting the slopes is a whole different level of satisfaction.

There are so many destinations, resorts, and mountains to choose from, so how could we ever pick and agree on the world’s best? Luckily, the team at Condé Nast Traveler have done it for us. In fact, they asked their readers to weigh in on which North American resorts truly stand out, considering not just the snow but the mountain-town charm, cosy restaurants, and après-ski scenes.

Below are the best ski resorts in North America from Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

10. Vail, Colorado, United States. Score 86.67

9. Aspen Mountain, Colorado, United States. Score 88.00

8. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada. Score 90.00

7. Panorama Mountain Village, British Columbia, Canada. Score 91.67

6. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, United States. Score 93.33

5. Big Sky, Montana, United States. Score 94.04

4. Beaver Creek, Colorado, United States. Score 94.44

3. (tie). Snowmass, Colorado, United States. Score 95.00

2. (tie). Deer Valley, Utah, United States. Score 95.00

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States. Score 98.40

This list of sensational ski destinations proves there are so many incredible resorts out there, and choosing the right one really comes down to you and you only.

Your snow holiday should be as unique as your ski style. Whether you are chasing family fun, backcountry thrills, or luxe lodge living, we will design a trip that ticks every box. We take the time to get to know what you’re into and craft your itinerary with the same care we would put into our own.

Let’s see how we can make your next snow holiday the best one yet, and who knows, it might just be to one of the world’s best resorts. It’s a win-win, and you deserve nothing less than the best.

We help with flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes, activities, and more. Connect with our Snow Holiday Experts on NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 to see if this could be the one for you.