"Lists are inherently wrong, no matter how you look at them. There will almost always be something to argue about. So why make them at all? Well... I love a good debate. There are no set factors that I decided to rate each resort on. The majority of this list are resorts that I have had experience skiing at, and I ranked them based on "general feel.""
"You might also be asking yourself what I mean exactly by "Big Mountain Skiing." For starters, it does not necessarily mean resorts with large expanses of terrain or high verticals. Think of the Freeride World Tour (if you have not seen the tour, check it out here). It is a style of freestyle skiing that encompasses skiing steep and technical faces while also showing off-air and style."
"11. Alyeska, Alaska I have never had the chance to ski in Alaska, but there has been enough talk about Alyeska that it warranted a spot on my list. The only Alaskan resort on this list is not one to scoff at. Looking at Alyeska's pictures and videos made me realize it needs to get some recognition. The upper mountain is fully above treeline, making its terrain extremely playful."
"10. Taos, New Mexico (AKA A 4 Letter Word For Steep) Taos is a big mountain paradise in a place that some people don't even know there are ski resorts. New Mexico does have skiing, and Taos is, in my opinion, its crown jewel. My favorite zones include West Basin, Kachina Peak, Highline Ridge, and Twin Trees Chute. A great benefit of New Mexico skiing is the consistently sunny days."
The ranking focuses on “big mountain” skiing as a freeride style involving steep, technical faces and opportunities for air and style. Resorts are selected mainly from places the author has skied, with ordering based on general feel rather than fixed criteria. The approach acknowledges that lists are inherently debatable and may invite disagreement. Alyeska in Alaska is included despite limited personal experience, supported by its above-treeline upper mountain terrain that is described as playful. Taos in New Mexico is presented as a standout with specific zones such as West Basin, Kachina Peak, Highline Ridge, and Twin Trees Chute, along with consistently sunny days.
Read at SnowBrains
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