U.S. States for the Ultimate Ski Vacation
Vermont ranks first among the U.S. states for a Ski Vacation, according to new research; winter sports aficionados will find great skiing there.
- According to recent studies, Vermont is the top state in the US for a ski vacation.
- Alabama ranked lowest on the list as the least suitable place for a ski trip.
- Additional high-ranking states are Maine, New York, Colorado, and New Hampshire.
Under the Florida-based personal injury law firm Anidjar & Levine, the study examined a variety of factors in all 50 states. These comprised the average adult lift ticket costs, total ski slope length, number of ski lifts, Skiresort.info assessment ratings, number of ski resorts per 100,000 square kilometres, and average yearly snowfall. Every element received a certain weight depending on its significance for the skiing experience.
The weighted elements were then aggregated to provide an overall index score out of 100, therefore establishing the place of every state in the final rankings.
Leading the list with a great overall index score of 71.66 out of 100 is Vermont. Among skiers, the state stands out for averaging 58.40 inches of snowfall annually, providing 35.72 kilometres of average slope length, and having an average adult lift ticket price of $114.
With a score of 63.20, New Hampshire comes second. Although its average ticket price of $98.08 makes it a more reasonably priced choice for many, even if its slopes are average, 18.15 km.
With an index score of 62.70 Colorado ranks third. Along with 15.21 ski resorts per 100,000 square kilometres, it boasts the greatest average slope length in the top 10 at 59.51 km and gets 36.90 inches of snowfall yearly. Still, among the top states, it has the highest ticket price—$185.
With a score of 57.72 and average annual snowfall of 57.60 inches, 16.30 km of slope length, and an average ticket price of $80.89 Maine ranks fourth. It also stands out with 20.73 resorts per 100,000 square kilometres.
With 51.30 inches of yearly snowfall, a high resort density of 35.39 per 100,000 square kilometres, 11.79 kilometres of average slope length, and an average lift ticket price of $71.17, New York ranks sixth in index score, 57.34.
With a rating of 55.95 Montana ranks sixth. With just 10.60 inches of snowfall annually, the lowest in the top 10, although it provides 51.80 km of slope length and an average ticket price of $87.55. At 4.20 per 100,000 square kilometres, it ranks lowest among the top 10 in resort density.
Utah earns an index score of 55.72 in eighth, with 46.47 kilometres of average slope length, 22.60 inches of snowfall, 9.55 resorts per 100,000 square kilometres, and a ticket price of $184.18.
At 54.21, Massachusetts comes in ninth. With 44.30 inches of yearly snowfall, it ranks lowest among the top 10 in terms of ticket price—$66.25.
With an index score of 52.32, Connecticut ranks ninth among states with 38.70 inches of snowfall and a $67.50 average adult lift ticket price.
Michigan rounded out the top 10 with a score of 51.44. With a 6.01 km average slope length in the top 10, it experiences 43.50 inches of snowfall annually, and has 16.77 ski resorts per 100,000 square kilometres.
With an overall index score of just 11.36, Alabama at the bottom of the list is least fit for a ski trip. The state has approximately 0.74 ski resorts per 100,000 square kilometres and gets about 0.20 inches of snowfall annually, thereby providing few chances for skiing.
Top 10 States Most Suited For a Ski Trip
| Rank | State | Index Score (/100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 71.66 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 63.20 |
| 3 | Colorado | 62.70 |
| 4 | Maine | 57.72 |
| 5 | New York | 57.34 |
| 6 | Montana | 55.95 |
| 7 | Utah | 55.72 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 54.21 |
| 9 | Connecticut | 52.32 |
| 10 | Michigan | 51.44 |
Anidjar & Levine spokesman offered analysis of the findings of the survey, pointing out: “This research reveals some interesting tendencies in the top states for ski excursions. Given Vermont’s vast ski routes and high snowfall, it is not surprising that the state ranks highest. What sticks out, though, is how well Maine and New Hampshire performed, both providing less expensive skiing choices without sacrificing quality.
They also said, “Colorado’s ranking is also remarkable.” Its highest ticket costs and longest average slopes among the top 10 indicate that many skiers are ready to spend more for longer runs and a first-rate experience. All things considered, the results give skiers useful knowledge to guide their trip planning depending on their budget, the state of the snow, and the kind of skiing they are seeking.
ENDS
Sources:
Skiresort, World Population Review.
Methodology:
The index was created by analysing six essential factors, each given a specific weighting to indicate its importance in the overall evaluation.
These weighted values were then combined to generate a total score for each factor, culminating in a final index score out of 100 for every state. This score formed the basis for the overall rankings.
Data was sourced in part from Skiresort, the world’s largest testing and evaluation portal for ski resorts. Their assessments are based on clearly defined criteria and meticulously gathered data. The factual evaluations reflect the average score across several important categories, including:
- The overall size of the ski resort
- The variety and extent of ski slopes
- The quantity and quality of ski lifts
