Photo credit: Corbet’s Couloir
There are more than 450 ski resorts in the United States alone. However, it seems like we aways hear about the same few — Aspen, Vail, and Steamboat Springs. Because media coverage tends to hover around Colorado’s big wigs, skiers and snowboarders are missing out on some of America’s best-kept secrets, offering more fresh powder, longer trails, more affordable ticket prices and shorter lift lines. These six ski resorts across America are ones that will provide more bang for your buck, whether you’re seeking steep-and-deep terrain, family-friendly rollers or plenty of options for off-mountain fun.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort — Jackson, Wyoming
Most skiers and snowboarders have heard tales of chest-deep powder days at Jackson Hole, but you’ll never truly know how memorable days at this Wyoming resort can be until you go. Hop aboard the resort’s iconic aerial tram to reach 4,139 vertical feet of terrain for all levels of skiers and riders. The resort isn’t considered under-the-radar among expert-level skiers and riders seeking hair-raising thrills at the famed Corbet’s Couloir chute, but many winter sports enthusiasts don’t know that 50-percent of the terrain at Jackson Hole is rated for beginner- to intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders.
This is a ski destination where you can challenge yourself while staying within your comfort zone, and you can have plenty of fun exploring the town and nearby National Parks off the mountain too. It’s no wonder Jackson Hole recently came in at No. 3 on FlightNetwork.com’s list of the Top 35 Best-Kept Secret Ski Resorts for 2017.
Timberline Lodge — Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Many ski and snowboard enthusiasts have heard of Oregon’s most famous ski areas, Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood Meadows. But Timberline Lodge’s location toward the peak of the Mt. Hood volcano means locals and those who are in the know enjoy one of the longest ski seasons in the country, extending from mid-November through Labor Day. Timberline offers 1,415 skiable acres, 300 of which are open for extremely uncrowded night skiing sessions. Terrain for all levels of skiers and riders and trails so long they’ll burn your leg muscles make this a must-visit U.S. ski resort.
Whitefish Mountain Resort — Whitefish, Montana
Photo credit: Donnie Clapp
Montana is known for its barren land and cowboy culture, and you’re guaranteed to fall in love with it all at Whitefish Mountain Resort. In addition to jaw-dropping views of Glacier National Park, Whitefish has been sticking to its slogan of, “Good times, great people and deep snow,” since the resort opened in 1947. Visitors who venture to Whitefish, Montana, enjoy the best of big “out west” skiing and a small-town resort atmosphere. More than 3,000 acres of terrain, ranging from smooth groomers to death-defying bowls, mean you’ll enjoy uncrowded trails and fresh powder every time you visit.
Alyeska Resort — Girdwood, Alaska
Searching for the ultimate big-mountain experience without the big-mountain crowds? Look no farther than rugged, out-of-this-world Alaska. Alyeska is the Last Frontier’s only real destination ski resort, and it receives an impressive 661 inches of snowfall every year. Located just 40 miles from Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport, reaching the untouched powder, world-class heli-skiing and scenic groomers of the Alyeska Resort is easier than it sounds.
Jay Peak — Jay, Vermont
Photo credit: HanumanIX
Some of America’s best ski resorts aren’t actually “out west” at all. Vermont is home to a number of must-visit ski areas that offer the deep champagne powder, adrenaline-pumping steeps and full-service resort experience you’re seeking without the long lift lines or over-the-top ticket prices. Jay Peak is home to the most natural snowfall in the American northeast, and because it’s such an under-the-radar ski destination, you’ll find fresh powder multiple days after the latest storm.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort — Sandpoint Idaho
Mention that you’re going skiing in Idaho, and your friends may laugh at finding fresh powder in the “Gem State.” But that’s why Schweitzer Mountain Resort remains one of the country’s most underrated ski and snowboard destinations. Located just 66 miles south of the Canada-U.S. border, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is home to 2,900 acres of terrain for everyone from first-timers to lifelong ski and snowboard enthusiasts. As the locals say, Shweitzer is the, “best ski area you haven’t found yet.”