East Coast vs. West Coast isn’t just a hip-hop rivalry. Ski bums have debated the differences between skiing in the East and West since the dawn of time. Altitude, acreage, knee-high champagne powder or bullet proof ice, soft, tree-line skiing or rock-faced; these are the points argued in warm ski lodges. When it comes to the best skiing in the U.S., choosing between East Coast and West Coast is a lot like trying to choose between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. In other words, don’t even bother. Just hit as many mountain trails and shred as much terrain as you can, from the mighty Rockies to rustic New England. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Located between Grand Teton National Park and miles of national forest, Jackson Hole is mountain country at its finest. During the 19th century, the area was known for its logging, ranching and fur trading industries. You won’t find the glitz and glamor of Aspen or Park City in this remote swath of Wyoming, but you will find killer trails and fabled terrain, more panoramic vistas than a National Geographic photo spread and stunning backcountry. In 2015, Jackson Hole received 316 inches of snow, which is about 100 more inches than many Colorado resorts. Consider it the ski resort that global warming forgot.

Killington, Vermont
What can you expect from a mountain nicknamed "The Beast of the East?” Expect the highest skiing elevation in Vermont, the largest vertical drop in New England (3,050 feet) and the largest skiable acreage on the East Coast (1,509 acres). Killington is hard-core skiing, a wonderland for those who want to carve and schuss. The resort offers little to do for the casual or non-skier; in other words, it’s the perfect antidote to the modern industrial ski experience, where the number of places to eat and shop often outnumbers trails. Killington is comprised of six mountains and has 155 downhill runs. 

Vail, Colorado
Vail is the king of American ski resorts, a giant amongst giants and the most popular resort in North America. Vail’s nearly 200 trails and thirty lifts serve almost 8,000 acres of terrain. Vail has held several lofty titles over the years: it was once the largest mountain ski resort in the U.S. and it was also one of the first ski resorts to embrace snowboarders. Vail offers more than just skiing and boarding, it offers a winter experience. Luxury hotels, 5-star restaurants and world-class spas make Vail the ultimate vacation destination.

Sugarbush, Vermont
Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the centerpiece of Sugarbush is Mt Ellen, a 4,083 ft. summit with knockout views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain Valley. Sugarbush offers a classic alpine experience and only grooms about a third of its trails (Spillsville, Exterminator and Hammerhead are its most famous ungroomed runs). Moreover, Sugarbush boasts some of the best "wooded" skiing in the East as portions of the mountain are dotted with birches and sugarbush glades.

Park City, Utah
A $50m renovation project in 2015/16 turned Park City into America’s biggest ski area. The high-speed Quicksilver Gondola now connects Park City and Canyons via Pinecone Ridge, creating over 7,000 acres of terrain. Park City is the Disney World of West Coast ski resorts. It has something for everyone; there are easy, laid-back trails and ungroomed gladed runs. Award-winning gourmet dining, shopping and vibrant nightlife are all part of the Park City package. 

Sunday River, Maine
Sunday River is comprised of eight individual peaks and each mountain has its own vibe. This is where legions of New Englanders learn how to ski, a local favorite and a rite of passage for Bostonians who trek to the "Vacation State” to get away from it all. White Cap is famous for its steep groomer trails, while Jordan Bowl is known for tree-skiing and beginner terrain. Sunday River has 830 acres of terrain and averages 167 inches of snow per year.  

Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird is skiing royalty, a larger than life resort featuring over 2,500 acres of rugged and craggy terrain. Snowbird is a relentlessly vertical place and the terrain is unparalleled and varied. Mineral Basin, the resort’s backside, is a powder bowl, while Peruvian Gulch features slick chutes and tree-skiing. Snowbird is a storm magnet, attracting more snowfall than almost any other Utah resort.