As an Intermediate Skier, You Look for a Specific Ski Resort.
You’re not really a novice, but you’re not an expert skier (yet) – so where do you travel and which ski resort do you choose? That’s what you can find the answer to in this guide. We have listed the six best ski resorts for intermediate skiers, where we look at the following parameters:
- The percentage of intermediate terrain (blue runs): We know you want bang for your buck.
- The vertical drop: We know you want the chance to be challenged.
- The longest run: We know you consider the length of the ski trails when you decide upon a ski resort.
We also provide information about costs, off-mountain activities, and notes on the general vibe – because we know that there’s more to skiing than just elevation numbers and snow level forecasts. Après-ski opportunities are also essential knowledge in the planning process.
List of the 6 Best Ski Resorts for Intermediate Skiers.
Park City, Utah.
Total terrain: 7,300 acres.
Intermediate terrain: 41%
Vertical drop: 3,200 feet.
Longest run: Homerun (3.5 miles)
Park City is located in the Wasatch Mountains and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The 7,300 acres provide ample opportunities for fun and challenging intermediate runs. This is also an important factor to consider when deciding on when to go. Even in high season, the crowds have much space to disperse.
Après-ski.
The town vibe is energetic and the après-ski opportunities are many. The vibrant atmosphere is a result of the many hit (and historic) spots spread across Main Street and the resort itself. You can find everything from chilled bars to fancy restaurants at this Utah hotspot – take your pick!
Costs.
One-day lift prices are:
- Ages 5-12: $126 –$220.
- Ages 13+: $194 –$350.
Intermediate ski runs in Park City.
- Chicane: Perfect for cruising.
- Georgeanna: A blue path with a mix of challenging and easy sections.
- Dreamcatcher: Excellent intermediate terrain.
- King’s Crown: A smooth, groomed trail perfect for practicing turns.
- Tombstone: Long, winding blue trails.
- Assessment: Fewer crowds, perfect for finetuning your techniques.
- Homerun: The longest trail in Park City.
Deer Valley, Utah.
Total terrain: 2,342 acres.
Intermediate terrain: 45%
Vertical drop: 3,000 feet.
Longest run: Green Monster (3.85 miles).
Deer Valley is a ski-only resort that is located close to Park City in the Wasatch Range. Due to there not being any snowboarders, you can enjoy the blue runs among your fellow skiers. This makes for a consistent experience. Not to mention, the grooming of the slopes is unmatched to any other ski resort in Utah.
Après-ski
Deer Valley is known for its upscale amenities, making it a premium location for on-and-off mountain activities. In other words, the après-ski offer is varied and expansive, where you can enjoy everything from candlelit dinners to family gatherings.
Costs
One-day lift prices are:
- Ages 5-12: $126 –$220.
- Ages 13+: $194 –$350.
Intermediate ski runs in Deer Valley.
- Wild West: Perfect for carving.
- Stein’s Way: Scenic run through green pine forests.
- Triangle Trees: A well-groomed blue route.
- Nabob: Slightly steep and challenging intermediate run.
- Green Monster: The longest run in Deer Valley.
- Hidden Gem: Signature groomed blue runs.
Breckenridge, Colorado.
Total terrain: 2,908 acres
Intermediate terrain: 21%
Vertical drop: 3,398 feet
Longest run: Four O’Clock (3.5 miles)
Breckenridge ski resort is spread across five different mountain peaks, which makes it a preferred spot for alpine skiing. It has a unique, historic charm due its long history (it opened in 1961) and many people love it for group outings because its slopes cover a diverse range of ski levels. As an intermediate skier or snowboarder, you can really challenge yourself at Breckenridge.
Après-ski
The vibe at Breckenridge is lively and fun, where you can pick and choose from dozens of different bars, restaurants, and live music venues. After a fun time on the slopes and moving from peak to peak, you can carry on and move from one watering hole to another.
Costs
One-day lift prices are:
- Ages 5-12: $140 –$250.
- Ages 13+: $210 –$399.
Intermediate ski runs in Breckenridge.
- Cashier (Peak 9): One of the easier blue runs at Breckenridge.
- Bonanza (Peak 9): Good for groups or families.
- Montristo (Peak 7): Long run with tree skiing options.
- Lower Lehman (Peak 7): Scenic views.
- Crescendo (Peak 8): Bumps practicing.
Winter Park, Colorado.
Total terrain: 2,908 acres
Intermediate terrain: 20%
Vertical drop: 3,081 feet
Longest run: Village Way Trail (4.6 miles)
Winter Park, in the Rocky Mountains, is an alpine resort and touted for its challenging runs. Over half the runs are considered advanced, making it a no-brainer destination for snow lovers. As an intermediate, you can take this opportunity to fine-tune your skills and techniques – but avoid taking too big risks.
Après-ski
Live music, dining for groups, families, and friends, and shopping. You can really get it all at Winter Park. Move directly from the slopes to do some shopping, enjoy a beer and a meal, and finish the night with a local artist. Can’t get any better!
Costs
One-day lift prices are:
- Ages 5-12: $120 –$220.
- Ages 13+: $170 –$320.
Intermediate ski runs in Winter Park.
- Jabberwocky: Turn practice with a view!
- Cranmer: Cruise along a long path, perfect for practicing technique with high speed.
- The Sleeper: Fewer crowds.
- Hughes: A nice blue run with turns.
- Lonesome Whistle: A rolling blue run among trees.
- High Lonesome Express: The whole territory is a blue-run haven!
Snowmass, Colorado.
Total terrain: 5,700 acres
Intermediate terrain: 43%
Vertical drop: 4,406 feet
Longest run: Longshot (5.3 miles)
Covering 5,700 acres of skiable terrain, there are many blue runs to choose from at Snowmass. This is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves with a bit more diverse trails. Being one of the popular Aspen ski resorts, Snowmass is renowned for its high-quality snow, service, and off-mountain activities.
Après-ski
Off-mountain activities make up a big part of what Snowmass and Aspen as a whole are all about. It’s where you turn up – but also where you can wind down. Across all mountains, there are fun activities throughout the season, from partying and DJs to concerts. At Snowmass in particular, there are two hotspots, Elk Camp and its patio and The Cabin and its spectacular views.
Costs
One-day lift prices are:
- Ages 5-12: $150 –$270.
- Ages 13+: $230 –$410.
Intermediate ski runs in Snowmass.
- Sneaky’s: Classic, scenic blue run.
- Longshot: Snowmass’ longest run.
- Grey Wolf: Beautiful views.
- Naked Lady: Easy to avoid crowds here, and opportunities for fun turns.
- Silver Bell: Scenic descents.
- Big Burn: Snowmass’ signature cruising terrain for intermediate skiers.
Sun Valley, Idaho.
Total terrain: 2,457 acres
Intermediate terrain: 42%
Vertical drop: 3,400 feet
Longest run: Warm Springs (3 miles)
Sun Valley ski resort in Idaho is home to two mountains, Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain. Both fantastic destinations for skiers and riders and span 2,457 acres of skiable terrain. Bald Mountain, in particular, caters well to intermediate skiers and riders.
Après-ski
The vibe at Sun Valley is something special. Dubbed America’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley is both relaxed and upscale. Its historic roots combined with unmistakable ski terrain, makes it a great destination for on- and off-mountain activities. Après-ski at Sun Valley consists of drinks at the lodge with incredible views, live music, and nice drinks and varied food options.
Costs
One-day lift prices are:
- Ages 5-12: $120 –$220.
- Ages 13+: $190 –$310.
Intermediate ski runs in Sun Valley.
- Flying Squirrel: Well-groomed blue run.
- Limelight: A popular blue run at Sun Valley.
- Warm Springs: Longest run at Sun Valley.
- Ridge: Great cruising.
Remember Your Gear.
Depending on whether you’re a skier or a rider, you of course need to bring your ski, ski poles, and/or board (if you’re not renting your gear, which is also a nice option). Remember all your accessories as well, from helmets to boots. A nice tip is to pack in a ski gear bag, like the Db Weigh Lighter Helmet Bag.
Clothing is also essential, and comfort is key. Layer up in wool and wrap yourself in a flexible, breathable, and insulating ski jacket and pants combination. That way you stay warm on the slopes without compromising mobility.
Pack it in Db snow bags.
If you’re worried about travelling with ski gear on planes, don’t be. We got the best ski and snowboard bags for air travel, ready for your journey. Some options include a long, compressible ski bag meant to streamline the packing and transport of skis and ski poles.
The spacious Snow Roller has compartments that also provide space for goggles and helmets. Another choice is the Snow Essential Ski Bag with adjustable straps. It’s also available as a snowboard bag.
Get more tips here: How to travel with your ski gear
Choose the Right Ski Resorts for Your Level.
The Ultimate List of the Best Ski Resorts Across America.
In need of inspiration (or motivation) for where to take your improved ski skills? We’ve gathered a complete list of the best ski resorts in the U.S., where you can travel and experience the best snow conditions in the country.
Your Questions Answered.
Intermediate Ski Resorts.
When is the best time to visit ski resorts in Colorado or Utah as an intermediate?
As an intermediate skier, you should definitely visit the ski resorts when the conditions are the best, which are from mid-January through late February. The blue runs are likely well groomed due to a well-developed snow base and consistently cold temperatures.
How do I safely transition from blue (intermediate) runs to black (advanced) runs?
If you want to progress from blue to black runs, you should start at the shorter, well-groomed black trails. Another great tip is to do some intermediate lessons with an experienced instructor before moving on to the next level. You can also read our guide on the best ski resorts for advanced skiers with our guide to best black runs.
What’s the difference between a groomed blue run and an ungroomed blue run?
A groomed blue run is a highway for fast, clean turns, while an ungroomed turn has small and medium-sized bumps. That’s why ungroomed blue runs, like the aforementioned Peak 7 area at Breckenridge ski resort, are great for practicing bump skiing before advancing to black runs.
