The best terrain parks in the US

Some riders like scoping fresh lines and fresher tracks. Others like cruising the groomers. Then there are the freestylers. For you guys, exploring the terrain park is the first thing to do when hitting a new resort. 

However, while most ski resorts have a terrain park or two, not all are created equal. So, we’ve scoured the country from the East Coast to the West to find the most creative and mind-blowing terrain parks out there. And don’t worry – we’ve considered all factors. Yep, we’ve reviewed the parks that are great for progression to those perfectly set up for catching big air, sliding metal, and going big in the pipe.  

So, check out our ultimate list of the best terrain parks in the US – and immediately add them to your huck-it list. Oh, and you’ll want to look rad when getting creative and nailing tricks, right? Then go full park rat and launch into our new collection of ski bibs and ski jackets.

Top 15 terrain parks in the US

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California

If size and breadth of features are what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with Mammoth’s Unbound Terrain Parks. This place is a mecca for freestylers. Expect over 100 acres of terrain (yes, really!), with 10 terrain parks, two halfpipes, over 100 jib features, and 40 kickers. Wowsers! Oh, and Mammoth’s season lasts nearly eight months, BTW. So, we reckon 243 days is more than enough to get your park fix. 

But where do you start? Well, pick an area that suits your style. For example, if you’re just finding your freestyle feet (or launching them into the air), head for newbie-friendly terrain, such as the Disco, Eagle, and Wonderland Playgrounds. Gain confidence and play across gentle rollers, mini jumps, and mellow snow spines that become progressively harder as you ride through them. 

Want to focus on a specific skill? The Jibs & More area is full of steel and rails, boxes, and other slidable surfaces. After advanced, pro-level riding? Lock in Main Park off Chair 6. There, you can fill your boots with technical rails, ridiculously daunting jumps, and a whopping 22-foot halfpipe. Alternatively, watch all the action from the Unbound Express, which passes straight overhead, or head out to The Hemlocks, which meshes freestyle with big-mountain riding.  

Top tip: 

Keep an eye out for Holy Bowly, a rad annual event that transforms South Park into a snow-covered, super giant bowl-shaped skate park. 

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City certainly lives up to its name, featuring six awesome terrain parks. Our top choice is Pick Axe, inspired by the area’s mining heritage. You’ll be a massive fan of its flow, line combinations, and creative possibilities as you take on the medium-sized jump lines, rails, and jibs. Make sure to not miss the massive jibbable pick axe, too. 

You’ll also find Little Kings (super beginner-friendly) and Pick n Shovel (hello, big kickers). And let’s not forget Neff Land, where you can load up on mini jibs in this Candy Land themed park, and King’s Crown (prepare for massive 80-foot booters). 

But we also think you could rename Park City to Pipe City. That’s all thanks to it being home to the legendary 22-foot Eagle Superpipe, which hosted the men’s and women’s halfpipe at the 2002 Winter Games alongside multiple Olympic qualifying and Grand Prix events. If that’s too daunting, sharpen your skills on the 13-foot mini pipe instead. 

Top tip: 

Check out 3 Kings, Park City’s flagship zone. You’ll discover four trails fully loaded with big-air kickers and more jibs and rails than you can shake your ski pole at (or not if you’re a boarder). 

Northstar California Resort, California

Award-winning and awesome. That’s how we’d describe Northstar’s eight terrain parks, all of which are packed with creative and legendary features. We’re talking about Z-shaped rails, spring rails (rails with springs for legs!), and The Stash, their ‘backcountry-style’ terrain park designed by Jake Burton, choc full of natural features. 

You also have endless rails in Pinball, massive jumps to tackle in the Straits, and one 12-foot and two 18-foot halfpipes. Nice! And while these fixed elements are iconic, you can always expect regular fresh features, thanks to the park crew’s creativity. 

In fact, Northstar’s park crew has swapped out features overnight in the past and redesigned their parks’ entire flow every other week. So, you might have a surprise new feature to hit most mornings – let alone every time you visit! 

Top tip: 

Let your little ones find their park feet at Northstar! Yep, Northstar is also perfect for newbies, with Riglet Park, a terrain park dedicated to kids six and under. Then, when they’re older, they can progress onto Northstar’s four extra-small-rated terrain parks and ‘Lil Stash, the beginner area of the legendary Stash. 

Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado

Want to ride park like the pros? Aim for Breckenridge, the regular training ground of Bobby Brown and Arielle Gold. It’s Freeway, Breck’s first of four terrain parks, that sees it cinch the top spot on many riders’ lists. 

Expect expert lines with crazy-high jumps, boxes, and rails. Oh, and an 18-foot halfpipe, of course. We just have one question, though: if you’re effortlessly throwing down lines in Freeway, why aren’t you sponsored? 

If you’re not so into catching serious air, the other three terrain parks have you covered – and expand across an impressive 25 acres. Park Lane has two triple jump lines, ranging from 20 to 45 feet; enough to keep you busy all day. Frontier is best for intermediates with medium-sized boxes and jumps. Highway 9 is perfect for beginners, with smaller features to nail your technique before attempting the more formidable playgrounds. 

Top tip: 

Shred the Mountain Dew wallride, a special collaboration between Mountain Dew and Breckenridge that’s made with recycled PET bottles and flexible snack packaging materials. It’s part of Vail Resorts’ commitment to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030. That’s something we can definitely get behind – and hit. 

Mount Snow Resort, Vermont

When a ski resort dedicates an entire mountain face to its terrain park, it’s going to be awesome, right? Well, awesome is totally the case with Carinthia Park in Mount Snow Resort. But Carinthia isn’t just one terrain park – it’s ten different parks spread across 100 acres, each with its own style. Plus, thanks to the park crew constantly updating them, you can expect a new feature each time you visit. 

Our fave out of the nine is Prospector, where every feature is made with natural materials. That means sliding logs instead of rails, taking on rock drops, and slamming a wooden wallride. 

Oh, and how can we forget Inferno? This iconic park hosts some mega-high jumps (we’re talking over 70 feet!), the likes of which the pros hit during the 2000 Winter X Games. If magic carpets are more your vibe, aim for Grommet, a super novice-friendly park with XS, pint-sized features. 

Top tip: 

Mingle with the Ice Coast freestyle community and catch pros jibbing ‘n’ jumping at Mount Snow’s annual comps, including the Carinthia Classic and the Peace Pipe Rail Jam. 

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Terrain parks rarely get more legendary than the Area 51 terrain park in Keystone Resort. Riders trek here from all over to hit, jib, and play in five different zones across 60 acres. Why? Because Keystone’s park team creates unique designs for all riders and abilities. 

If you’re new to the game, start in Freda’s Incubator, a beginner area with mellow jumps, smooth rollers, and wide ‘n’ low boxes. Then, it’s onto I-70, where small jumps, boxes, and rails level up in size and difficulty as the park flows. For intermediates, a quarterpipe and medium-size jib and jump lines await you at The Alley and Park Lane. 

But, if testing the mettle is your thing, venture to Main Street. This expert-only zone brings a tricky triple-set of XL jumps that Shaun White, Jossi Wells, and Andreas Wiig regularly hit.

Top tip: 

Zoom meetings mean you can’t get out on the mountain? Don’t worry – Keystone offers night riding at Area 51, so you can get your fix after the working day. 

Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania might not have big mountains, but it has big air available at Seven Springs. Send it off the Spot Superpipe (the only 22-foot in the East), which attracts up-and-coming riders keen to make the US Ski and Snowboard Team.

Alternatively, take on the Spot’s advanced booters and jib features. Don’t forget to check out Seven Springs’ other terrain parks, too (it has six in total), with dialed jumps and jibs that help make it a self-proclaimed ‘shred oasis’. 

More into rollers than massive kickers? Take things easy at North Park and Arctic Blast before ramping up your skills at Santa’s Beard. There, you’ll find a rope tow and an array of ever-changing small to medium-sized features to strengthen your abilities. Trust us: plenty of riders have become hooked on park riding from just one visit to The Beard. 

Top tip:

You can’t jib at Seven Springs without taking on The Streets, the legendary urban park. Expect more wallrides, handrails, ledges, and stair sets than you can imagine (most made of concrete). This park is ever-evolving, though, so prepare for features to switch on the fly.  

Copper Mountain, Colorado

When the industry rates Copper Mountain as having some of the world’s best park facilities, you know you want to hit it! Yep, Copper partnered with Woodward to create the Woodward Mountain Park, the host of the Winter Dew Tour, and a stop on the Red Bull Slide-In Tour. It’s not an overstatement to say this is one of North America’s top freestyle experiences, with six parks and two pipe areas. 

Expect three types of terrain at Woodward Mountain Park: Learning, Experiential, and Performance. Whichever terrain you choose, each park is designed to push your progression. So, you can easily grow from a newbie at Woodward Start Park to a creative pro freestyler without ever leaving Copper Mountain! 

The endpoint is Central Park, with some of the most prolific features – including the legendary ‘big line’. And, if halfpipe is your jam, Woodward is the place to be. Take on the 13-foot halfpipe in Pipe Dream or tackle the humongous 22-foot superpipe. 

Top tip: 

Train all year round with a pass to The Barn, Woodward Copper’s 19,400-square-foot indoor training facility. You’ll find shed loads of trampolines alongside skate and BMX courses, bowls, mini-ramps, and more. It’s the place to max your skills while off the hill. 

Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon

Why should you indulge your freestyle addiction just for winter? Max out with summer shreds at Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, the only US ski area open 10 months a year – and one of the few terrain parks open in July! 

Okay, the Freestyle Training Park isn’t the biggest terrain park you’ll come across. However, nothing beats hitting rails, jibs, and jumps all summer long above the clouds on the Palmer Snowfield, Oregon’s glacier and highest summit.

During winter, six of Timberline’s eight parks (two are summer-only) are accessible off the Stormin’ Norman chair (super convenient!). If you’re new, you’ll want to stay on Schoolyard Park, with its smaller features and beginner-friendly lines tucked away from the crowds. Ready to perform? Aim for Spraypaint for massive jumps and Conway for jibbing and sending it large. 

Top tip: 

Try out Paintbrush Flow Park, inspired by a concrete skate park. You’ll love the transitional snow features! And don’t worry if the snow’s a little scarce come spring – Timberline’s park crew collects as much white stuff as possible to keep those slush sessions going. 

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado

Venture to Snowmass, Aspen’s biggest ski resort. It’s home to the X Games and three impressive terrain parks. Okay, most of X Games’ televised action goes on at Buttermilk (more on that later). However, locals and savvy shredders know to head to Aspen Snowmass’s innovative, diverse, and meticulously groomed terrain parks. Well, these parks are steeped in history – Mark McMorris stomped the first ever backside triple cork 1440 at Snowmass. Oh, and Shaun White scored a perfect 100 in pipe at the 2018 Snowmass Grand Prix. 

Not quite at Shaun’s standard yet? Aim for Lowdown Park. This park is amazing for novices, with small jumps, jib features, and a beginner halfpipe. A bit more intermediate? Progress to Makaha Park, which has 25 features to sharpen those skills – such as mid-sized jumps and fifteen jib features. 

If it’s a challenge you’re after, ride to Snowmass Park. Made for advanced and expert riders, this mega park offers up forty medium to large features. Discover well-cut hip and volcano transitions, bank turns, rails, boxes, and wallrides alongside jumps and hit features. Oh, and don’t forget the 22-foot Zaugg cut modified superpipe! 

Top tip: 

Watch for pros who regularly stomp Snowmass Park, such as Cassidy Jarrell and Hanna Faulhaber. 

Loon Mountain, New Hampshire 

When Pat Moore, Scott Stevens, and Mike Rav claim Loon Mountain as their local stomping ground, you know the scene must be off the chain. This place is heaven for any East Coast jibber, with six full-throttle parks packed with signature features. These include the knock-you-sideways wallride and superpipe. 

If you’re not sure where to start – and you’ve got the skills – aim for Loon Mountain Park. This is the mountain’s signature terrain park where the heavies play. There, you’ll find over fifty alongside boat loads of jump lines and the Shaping Shack Hubba. 

More into things au naturel? Set your sights on Lil’ Stash, full of natural-terrain logs, rails, and rollers and surrounded by Insta-worthy glades. Oh, and don’t forget the Top Secret Parks, full of small to medium features. Unfortunately, we can’t tell you their exact location. If we did, it wouldn’t be a secret, right? 

Top tip: 

Head to Loon Mountain in late March for the iconic ‘Last Call’ freestyle ski and snowboard event. Riders from all over the world descend on the contest-only terrain park – specially built by Loon Mountain’s epic park crew – to throw down insane moves. 

Winter Park Resort, Colorado  

If a terrain park required you to sign a waiver and have a special expert-only pass before entering, you know it must be pretty extreme, right? You’d be right. Yep, Lower Rail Yard (formerly known as Dark Territory) at Winter Park Resort is no joke with big booters. By big, we mean forty to sixty feet alongside technical elements that’d test even slopestyle gold medalists. If you have the skills, though, Lower Rail Yard is hella fun and 100% worth hitting! Oh, and you no longer need a special pass to enter. 

And that’s not all that Winter Park offers. You’ll also find Bouncer and Starter Park with small features for warming up or kick-starting your park journey. Then, there’s Ash Cat, Gangway, and Re-Railer, with medium-sized features for progressing and honing those skills. 

Up for really challenging and creative rails and jibs? Set your sights on Rail Yard®. Here, you can pick your way through the hidden lines and side hits throughout this 0.75-mile park (yes, really!) with four areas in one or take on the 18-foot pipe. 

Top tip:

Take a break with a sit down on the Snoasis deck. This lodge is the perfect place to watch the world fly by – and the riders as they tackle the last jump in Lower Rail Yard. 

Killington Ski Resort, Vermont

East Coast freestylers flock to Killington – and for good reason! After all, it’s home to the Woodward-developed terrain park. And, just like Copper Mountain, Killington’s nine terrain parks push your progression – taking you from novice to ‘no probs, I can land that Cab 12 in my sleep’. 

Craving Cabs before or after the season starts and ends? You’re in luck. Killington creates Reason and Mouse Run, two pop-up parks that appear early and late in the season, so you can secure your freestyle fix when the main parks close. 

During the winter, though, Killington’s setup is straight fire. Just check out Dream Maker with its large jumps and 18-foot halfpipe and Red’s Backyard Rail Garden (jib central!). And, of course, don’t forget The Stash, in collaboration with Burton. Hit over sixty-five medium and large features, including rainbow trees, log rails, and more. 

Top tip: 

Check out Danny Davis’ legendary Peace Park, which reinvents the freestyle experience with a focus on fun ‘n’ flow. What was originally a secret pros-only event is now open to the public, so you can express yourself, get creative, and find your peace. 

Big Bear Mountain Resort, California

They say variety is the spice of life, and it’s certainly the spice of freestyling. That’s why we fully rate Big Bear, where variety is the only constant. And it’s all because the park crew regularly swaps the setups and features (especially in The Scene) so you can flex all your freestyle muscles – and experience a new feature almost every time you head up the hill. Oh, and there are fourteen terrain parks to choose from, by the way. Talk about variety, right? 

You’ll also find an 8-foot, 13-foot, and 18-foot halfpipe alongside a jib pipe and over two hundred features! Our first stop? The Park. Yep, the entire western half of Big Bear is committed to The Park, with 1,200 feet of vertical from top to bottom. 

Looking for something a bit different? Aim for Red Bull Plaza and discover an urban-themed park carved into a pow bowl. Yep, street meets jibbing in the center of Big Bear’s 100-acre Park (that means over 85% of the resort is park!). Prep for tech-heavy, rad features that give you tons to work with. It really is as fun as it sounds.

Top tip:

Soak up the inspo before you go with ‘Sunday In The Park’, Big Bear’s iconic web series. You’ll get stoked – and tons of ideas – as you watch locals ripping the best features. 

Buttermilk Ski Resort, Colorado

Terrain parks rarely come as legendary as those that host the annual X Games. So, aim for X Park in Buttermilk Ski Resort and unleash your inner flying tomato (aka Shaun White). You’ll discover 25 pro-worthy advanced and expert features alongside the Big Air Jump, 22-foot Zaugg cut superpipe, and slopestyle course used for the Winter X Games. 

If you’re not quite pro-level, heading to Main Buttermilk Parks is a safe bet. Okay, X Park is part of it. Still, you’ll find Uncle Chuck’s, Jacob’s Ladder, and plenty of medium and large features throughout Buttermilk Main Park’s two-mile length. 

After something super creative? Try Spruce Park, a hub of innovation and experimentation for builders and riders. It’ll blow your mind with quarter pipes, side hits, hips, cannons, ledges, step-ups, and more. In fact, Alex Ferreira, six-time X Games medalist, calls Spruce ‘his jam’. 

Top tip:

Get your skate park fix on snow with Teaser Park. Yep, this park hosts a mega fun flowy line of over ten medium and large features. Expect pyramids, urban-style down rails, tabletop jumps, barrel bonks, and more. 

Wrapping up

Phew! What a roundup, right? Hopefully, you’re feeling wide awake – and pumped to take on the powerhouses of the park scene. 

Yep, we think it’s safe to say the US delivers when it comes to park paradises – whether you want to improve your skills, perform some out-of-this-world tricks, or catch some mega air. Still have questions about a park, resort, or what to wear? Hit up our knowledgeable team via crew@dopesnow.com – they’d love to hear from you! 

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