The goal: To rank the continent's top ski destinations. The deciding factors: Snow quality and terrain. The judge: Marc Peruzzi, intrepid Colorado-based ski reporter, former Outside staffer, and editor of Skiing magazine, 2003-2008. The method: Logged multiple 150-day seasons. Took entire winters off in the name of "research." Incorporated first-ever "powder-clause" into prenuptial agreement. Categories and disclaimers: None.

1. Alta/Snowbird, Utah

2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

3. Vail, Colorado

4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

5. Snowbasin, Utah

6. Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia

7. Silverton Mountain, Colorado

8. Aspen Highlands and Snowmass, Colorado

9. Squaw Valley, California

10. Steamboat, Colorado

11. Mammoth, California

12. Telluride, Colorado

13. Solitude, Utah

14. Alyeska Resort, Alaska

15. Taos, New Mexico

PLUS: Our take on the season's best of everything, from digs to deals and ski porn to snow reports. And the results of our reader's survey on all things ski and snowboard.