Best overall ski areas

East coast representin'

https://bestinsnow.liftopia.com/winners/north-america/overall/

Nothing against Magic or any of the other fine resorts.
But the list is just stupid..

JasonWx wrote

Nothing against Magic or any of the other fine resorts.
But the list is just stupid..

Big Ditto

Reading the Methodology explains how the list came to be.  Liftopia wanted a list that wasn't just based on "votes."  Being uncrowded, a good value, and family friendly were some of the important factors.  I've skied at 7 of the Overall list and 6 of the Raw Top 10.  There are more on the Overall list that I've returned to or want to go back on a semi-regular basis.

https://bestinsnow.liftopia.com/methodology/

"When we look at the sheer volume of ratings, all of the great large resorts that we know and love are in the list. The resorts that made the top 10 Overall Best in Snow when weighted by our algorithm (skier and snowboarder visits annually, acreage, average true cost of skiing, and uphill capacity) were the ones that have an outsized group of passionate customers."


Raw Data Top 10
Alta, UT
Big Sky, MT
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Jackson Hole, WY
Snowbird, UT
Vail Mountain, CO
Killington, VT
Magic Mountain, VT
Titus Mountain, NY
Snowbasin, UT

Best in Snow Overall Top 10
Magic Mountain, VT
Titus Mountain, NY
Mad River Glen, VT
Alta, UT
Powder Mountain, UT
Grand Targhee, WY
Snowbird, UT
Jackson Hole, WY
Jay Peak, VT
Big Sky, MT

I'll tell you one thing, it makes me want to ski TITUS.
 

Nice company!  That list is like a dream pass.

The idea that Magic has the best snow on that list is laughable. It might not have the best snow in SVT.

x10003q wrote

The idea that Magic has the best snow on that list is laughable. It might not have the best snow in SVT.

Although the title is "Best in Snow," the factors that went into coming up with a list covers far more than just snow conditions.  Besides, it's about perceptions for some of the categories as much as reality.  Isn't it the case that Magic is known for good natural snow?  Meaning it would beat out Mount Snow for those who prefer ungroomed natural snow.

marznc wrote

Best in Snow Overall Top 10
Magic Mountain, VT
Titus Mountain, NY
Mad River Glen, VT
Alta, UT
Powder Mountain, UT
Grand Targhee, WY
Snowbird, UT
Jackson Hole, WY
Jay Peak, VT
Big Sky, MT

Magic is GREAT.

But best snow? No. This year objectively proves that. Jay is just a hair under 400". Magic has 136" YTD. That is really bad, especially considering how much snow has fallen in NoVT. I love Magic but best natural snow is not its strong point, unfortunately. Terrain, community, old school feel, classic trails, great glades, friendly, apres, yes. Best snow, no.

These internet lists are dumb.

I hope my previous post doesn’t sound too dickesh but these lists are put together by any weirdo on the internet and generally based on nothing. At least the Ski magazine ones were based on votes, or we were led to believe that. Even those were probably somewhat based on advertising purchases I’m guessing.

marznc wrote

Isn't it the case that Magic is known for good natural snow?  

Not when it rains. And then freezes to boilerplate.

raisingarizona wrote

These internet lists are dumb.

I prefer "stupid".