The Most Difficult Ski Resort in America, Ranked

Ranking factors for difficult ski resort

1. Terrain difficulty
   Assess the percentage of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert trails. The higher the percentage of advanced and expert terrain, the more difficult a resort may be considered.
2. Steepness
   Consider the average pitch and the maximum incline of the slopes, as well as the presence of double black diamond trails. Steeper slopes will contribute to a more challenging experience.
3. Snow conditions
   The frequency of natural snowfall, average snow depth, and snow quality can greatly affect a resort's difficulty.
4. Vertical drop
   The difference between the highest and lowest points of the ski area can affect difficulty level, with a higher vertical drop generally being more challenging.
5. Moguls
   The presence and size of moguls (bumps formed by repeated turns of skiers) on the slopes can substantially increase the difficulty of a resort.
6. Off-piste skiing
   Availability and accessibility of backcountry, off-piste skiing, and freeride areas can factor into a resort's difficulty, especially for more advanced skiers.
7. Terrain parks
   Difficulty of terrain parks, jumps, rails, and half-pipes should be considered if these features contribute to the overall challenge of the resort.
8. Altitude
   The height of the ski area can also affect a skier's performance and perceived difficulty, as high-altitude resorts may have thinner air and require better acclimatization.
9. Weather conditions
   Frequent strong winds, low visibility, and extreme cold can contribute to the difficulty of skiing at a resort.
10. Crowds
    The number of visitors and the capacity of the ski resort's infrastructure can also play a role in determining difficulty, as crowded slopes may result in more challenging skiing conditions.