Sunny slopes at Palisades Tahoe | Image: Palisades Tahoe Facebook

Powder days are magical, but there is something unbeatable about a bluebird ski day. Standing at the top of a lift, surrounded by endless mountain views under a crystal-clear sky, is a moment every skier and snowboarder treasures. Then comes the best part, carving down the slopes in the same stunning setting.

If you crave both great skiing and plenty of sunshine, these are the seven sunniest ski resorts in the United States, perfect for soaking up the rays while making turns.

Chairlift ride under clear skies at Park City Mountain Resort | Image: Park City Mountain Facebook

#7 Park City and Deer Valley, Utah — 229 sunny days per year
Both Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are known for their bluebird days and Utah’s famously light, dry snow. These sunny skies make the already spectacular Wasatch Range scenery even more impressive.

Powder turns under a bright blue sky at Aspen Snowmass | Image: Aspen Snowmass Facebook

#6 Aspen Snowmass, Colorado — 246 sunny days per year
Snowmass is one of four mountains in the Aspen area, along with Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. All share a similar climate that delivers plenty of clear-sky days. The mix of sunshine and varied terrain makes Aspen a top choice for scenic skiing.

Clear sky views from the slopes at Crested Butte | Image: Crested Butte Mountain Resort

#5 Crested Butte, Colorado — 273 sunny days per year
Crested Butte offers 1,547 skiable acres and over 3,000 feet of vertical rise, giving skiers endless ways to enjoy a peaceful, sunny day on the mountain.

Freshly groomed runs at Big Bear Mountain Resort | Image: Big Bear Mountain Resort

#4 Big Bear, California — 285 sunny days per year
Big Bear is home to two mountains, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, both perfect for enjoying the California sun. After skiing, nearby Bear Lake offers another beautiful spot to relax and take in the views.

Blue skies and fresh snow at Taos Ski Valley | Image: Taos Ski Valley

#3 Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico — 290 sunny days per year
Located in the southern Rockies, Taos averages an incredible 290 days of sunshine each year along with 180 inches of snow. This combination makes it a top destination for sunny skiing.

Perfect blue skies at Mammoth Mountain | Image: Mammoth Mountain

#2 Mammoth Mountain, California — 300 sunny days per year
Mammoth Mountain is known for long ski seasons that often stretch into June. Add in 300 days of sunshine a year, and it is one of the best places to ski under clear skies.

Getting air in the sunshine at Palisades Tahoe | Image: Palisades Tahoe

#1 Palisades Tahoe, California — more than 300 sunny days per year
Palisades Tahoe tops the list with the most sun of any ski resort in the country. Known as the Spring Skiing Capital®, it offers legendary terrain like The Fingers, which are even better when the sun is shining and the snow is soft.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for great skiing combined with plenty of bluebird days, these sunny ski resorts in America deliver. Whether you prefer Utah’s light powder, Colorado’s big-mountain scenery, or California’s long seasons, these destinations prove that sunshine and skiing are a perfect match.