Anywhere near Salt Lake City. Traveling from the east coast, is there any other place in US that you can go West for the great slopes and snow and ski the same day you arrive and leave? With great flights and the slopes so close to the airport, Utah is best and I rank Alta #1.

I'm going to revise my answer. While Alta is indeed my favorite lift area, my favorite "place" to ski is the backcountry of Mt. Rainier and the North Cascades. Earn those turns!

I love to ski at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. Great to ski where I won't hit a tree and can go really fast off the East Wall.

Also, the beach area is great.

Ah, the classic debates rage on, Alta vs. Snowbird, Aspen vs. Vail, Utah vs. Colorado.

I've skied all over the US and Canadian Rockies and the CA Sierras. Italy too. I've enjoyed everywhere (with one exception)! It's skiing! It's all good.

The only place I don't like is The Canyons and that's my personal opinion. And I DO prefer Snowbird.

Powder to the people

Yes, please, everyone go to Utah so there will be fewer people at Vail...

One place not mentioned: Mammoth, but only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It's good that we disagree. Imagine if everyone ended up at the same ski area!