Data Study: These Are The Best Skiing Destinations In The U.S.

Are you ready for winter thrills and adventures? Do you know the best state for skiing? Apparently, it's Utah, according to a brand new study outlining the top 10 best skiing destinations in the U.S. Some of the results may come as a surprise – such as four of the 10 resorts on the list being in the Beehive State.

Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier ski destination. It's far away for most people, which guarantees no crowds. The mountain gets about 650 inches of average annual snowfall, keeping the ski season open until mid-April. You can choose from 68 runs, most for intermediate-level skiers. The lifts are open late until 6 p.m., and night skiing is allowed until end of March. Spring skiing in Alyeska is very popular with locals, heli & snowcat skiing guests and other avid skiers.

Winter is the time for amazing skiing trips because of the powder snow on the peaks at Bridger Bowl Ski Area. It made the list because it gets 350 inches of snow a year, the cost of an all-day pass is affordable – $57; there are 105 ski trails for all skill levels; and there are four hotels nearby to choose from.

There isn't much development at Washington's The Summit at Snoqualmie. Located 60 miles east of Seattle on the I-90 corridor, the 1,981-acre ski area boasts 25 lifts that give access to four mountains that receive more than 36 feet of "Cascade concrete"—that's Pacific Northwestern for wet, heavy snow—per year. 

The ski resort is known for its perfect low-moisture snow – it has about 5 percent water content – and beginners' terrain. Situated in the unique microclimate of Utah's Wasatch Mountains, Alta sees about 500 inches of high-volume snow each year. Intermediate slopes are also well-praised. Being one of the oldest ski resorts in the country (it opened in 1939), it insists on keeping up with traditions. Snowboarders are not allowed.

The Aspen-Snowmass resort complex is loved for offering many options for all levels of skiers. Families love to go there because the resort has one of the best ski schools in the region. Couples and single people love it because of its proximity to Aspen and its awesome nightlife). The higher you go up the mountain, the less crowded it gets. Snowmass has the most blue runs, bowls and tree skiing.

Host of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, Squaw Valley has long been known as a top-tier mountain and with the merger to Alpine Meadows in 2012, there's more to love on one lift ticket than ever before. More than 300 days of sun make Lake Tahoe an incredible vacation spot any time of year and unique views of mountaintops and the alpine lake are tough to beat. From the ski lifts to hot tubs, fire pits, world-class dining and tons of shopping—you won't have to drive at all and you certainly won't be bored.

This is a top resort for snowboarding in the winter and spring. It boasts 2,500 acres (1,012 hectares) of skiing terrain, 169 runs serviced by 13 lifts, one of which is the famous Snowbird tram, according to PowderHounds. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, everywhere is a potential line, and that includes the many small cliffs for hucking. The resort includes 3,240 feet of vertical, the most in the state.

With courses designed for U.S. Ski Team training, several terrain parks and the family-friendly Alpine Toboggan coaster, this popular resort, notable for hosting the snowboarding and men's and women's alpine giant slalom events in the 2002 Winter Olympics, truly caters to every type of skier and snowboarder. People love it for the nice après ski scene as well.

Powder Mountain gets about 500 inches of snow a year on average. The cost of an all-day pass is $79, less than many more popular places. The mountain has plenty of skiing trails – 144, so you don't have to worry about crowds much. There are 12 nearby restaurants and eight hotels; you won't be bored at all if or when you get tired of the slopes.

The name gives it away but the Big Sky resort is really, really BIG. The terrain on which you can ski is the largest in the state – 3,832 acres. The vertical drop is 4,366 feet, one of the biggest in the country and North America. Some call the resort "the biggest place you've never skied." It's fairly remote and quiet. Big Sky has historically been a favorite location for intermediate skiers, but the resort has added steeps, chutes and cliffs, making it popular with more-experienced skiers as well.