We give you tips on when to go visit certain ski areas, highlight Indy ski areas that feel less corporate and have big personalities, and even how to avoid crowds. One of several ski resorts near Salt Lake City and about 35 miles from Salt Lake City's airport, Brighton is known for its superb powder and for the high-speed quads that access all its terrain. A package including rental skis, boots and safety gear plus an all-day lesson costs $199. Ski Trip Planning Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever! The Powder Highway in Canada is truly heaven for skiers & snowboarders. Want to really steal away from the hordes? Another interesting option would be to check out Silver Mountain in Idaho. I lived in BTV, and preferred all the alternatives to Smuggs. All I can say is dont visit alta leave it be I promise you guys wont like it a bit. Between the resorts activities, its family-friendly town, and the mountain itself, it's practically impossible to get bored here. Forget Utah! . Or, guests can take advantage of a late-day storm with night skiing. Redfords Ranch, good terrain, excellent food. Somebody said Utah. The recommendation for Sun Peaks is spot on. View Alpe d'Huez ski holidays here. Mount Snow is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Vermont, and it's an easy drive from many of the major cities in New England. great intro to western skiing. All Things Splitboarding & Backcountry Skiing. Copyright 2023 MountainJobs. heavy snow). Based on your requirements: Live near Arnold Ca.looking for male or female to ski with local areas possible trips to any western U S resorts I love Mammoth Bend Oregon its hard to beat Lake Tahoe areas.l have only skiied about 20 different areas There are several on your list I want to ski while I still canI buy, Thats awesome and glad to hear youre still getting after it. Instead of skiing Snowbird try Powder Mountain. Theres a reason why Jacksons residential home starting price is at a whopping cool million. wolf creek. Alberta, Canada's Marmot Basin sits in Jasper National Park, part of the UNESCO Canadian Rockies World Heritage site and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots in North America. Definitely a great option if you feel like hitting a ski area outside of your local haunts. Utah ski resorts are known for their monster dumps of fluffy powder bolstered by the Great Salt Lake effect. Dining, shopping, and activities are at the resort, but if you venture to town, youll find breweries, food trucks, and fine dining. This is a good time to check underneath the lifts. But when you compare that to Big Sky with its 5,800+ acres and 4,350 vertical feet along with a 1 skier per acre average, it's kinda hard to NOT want to visit Big Sky. if youre looking for an alternative to aspen, this aint it. They are all close by Sun Peaks and Big White with best in ski-in, ski-out accommodation and good family vibe. A-Basin has 1,400 skiable acres, averages around 350 inches of snow per year, and has three terrain parks that are, notably, some of the best in the state. There are 50 acres of groomed trails with over 80 runs and 30 acres of gladed trails with three ski-and-ride terrain parks. As the ski resort industry continues to consolidate, funneling skiers into a smaller and smaller selection of ski areas, long lift lines and packed slopes are often the norm, particularly at the highest-profile spots like Park City, Vail, or Stowe (heaven forbid you go during a holiday). Was there for first time in January 2020. Pro Tip: Plan on having an incredible meal surrounded by stunning views while perched on the side of Bald Mountain at the Roundhouse. Some of the most popular activities to do here include skiing, snowboarding, Nordicskiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. If you're looking for one of the least crowded ski resorts at Christmas, consider a visit to Stowe, Vermont. Snowbird Utah Steamboat Springs Lastly, for those with kids 12 and under, they can ski and snowboard for free at June Mountain every day of the season, including holidays. This East Coast gem is steeped in history. Find it: 1 Marmot Road, Jasper, Alberta, Canada. A local favorite of the beaten path and some fantastic terrain. But the ones you've likely already heard of Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen and Telluride are usually both crowded and expensive. Been to Lake Louise Mid-week and I was in total shock. The least crowded ski resorts at Christmas in Europe. Travel has changed a lot over the last year, and now there are extra considerations. The resort has four interconnected mountains and features 95 different runs set over 1,000 acres and 60 acres of tree skiing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Fresh news, updates and more ski towns across North America. Big mountain terrain with local town feel. I promise it is to steep for you. Spread out over three peaks serviced by 10 lifts, Loon also has six terrain parks for all abilities, snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding school, cross-country and snowshoeing, and a zipline. This is the perfect resort for families that need a getaway. Another Place also overlooked and forgotten is Sundance. Known as Americas First Destination Ski Resort, Sun Valley has over 2,400 acres of terrain spread out over two distinct mountains. A good day skiing is mostly the results of the weather and the type of snow its created its not always about the amenities. Ski resorts in the area will likely be pretty well . Perfectly designed for families, it's budget-friendly, fun, and you'll find plenty of diversity in the terrain. It started out small in 1966 in Northern New Mexico and grew to a four-season experience. Angel Fire also offers night skiing, and non-skiers will love tubing, sledding, and the cross-country and snowshoe trails. For skiers seeking early season deliverance, with a good shot at big-time snow, the opportunities at Alta are nearly unmatched. Hard to believe Utah ski resorts didnt make the list. And it is WHITE as in they get a decent amount of snowfall. A fusion of Pueblo culture (i.e. Theres something special about tree skiing or jumping into glades. Here are 10 North American ski destinations you've probably never heard of but should definitely consider for the upcoming ski season. Tree skiers will love that around 30 of those runs are glades, and skiers of all kinds will be able to take advantage of 2,820 feet of vertical (the longest run is 3.5 miles!). Repeat. Steamboat presents some of the best tree skiing on earth. Apache, Navajo) with Hispano Spanish & Mexican, your tastebuds will be cheering from all the unique flavors. Its ok as a town hill, but little more. The resort prides itself on its variety of terrain and incredible beginner and intermediate slopes. Alex I love the website and I think you have a great list here. It consists ofmore than 1,200 uncrowded acres to ski and snowboard on. The resort averages 220 inches of snow annually, has 16 different lifts (including a gondola) serving some of the best-groomed downhill skiing runs in the country, and also offers 25 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Powder Mountain is horrible ! This place has been totaly discovered as well. Slow lifts not a high speed to be found ~ heck Sunrise is a poma for gods sake/dumpy lodge/no steeps/ way over crowded/ and the snow-cat skiing is a big waste of time dont bother going there !!! funneling skiers into a smaller and smaller selection of ski areas, 8-seat lift on its way for the 2021-2022 season. I can hear the swooshing sounds already. Powder Mountain Cool Off With Summer Fun In The Mountains. Find Places to Stay Near Powderhorn Mountain Resort. I think Revi is over rated for the remote location..KH shhh Impartial snow reports from real people. least of all the jet set in town. Bargain hunters in southeast Colorado, New Mexico, and even Texas, rejoice! Mountaintop lodges like Seattle Ridge and Lookout provide skiers and riders with myriad food and drink choices paired with panoramic views of the Wood River Valley and its surrounding peaks. Skin to win. Last year Big Sky Resort averaged just over 6,650 guests per day during Christmas week last year, according to PR manager Shiela Chapman, and they have 5,800 acres. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. It oozes class and history. Popular summer activities are biking, hiking, fly fishing, golfing, and tennis. AND, if you have a bit more money in the bank, you can even get a few days of cat or heli skiing in on one of your ski trips. Vail has nearly doubled their season pass holders. Not to mention prices, overbooked rooms, and jam-packed ski lifts won't make your trip any less stressful. Ski Cooper. Or that another one in northern Colorado comes with a free snowcat ride to the top? 3. Timberline Lodge Oregon ( summer skiing) Along the way, youll find lodges to warm-up, relax, or dine. And with June Lake itself going through a renaissance, you may want to stay in town as well. Basically, something for the low budget but diligent skier. But without advertising revenue, we can't keep making this site awesome. When it comes to snow quality, nobody can compete with them. Im still a noob in the Native cultures and the diverse groups that exist in and around New Mexico. Dont get us wrong Steamboat does have excellent tree skiing unfortunately the secrets out. slow lifts & a rope tow ?? Instead of visiting the popular Jackson Hole, consider Grand Targhee for its beautiful views and incredible snow. Boyne Mountain is an hour and 20 minutes from Traverse City Airport. Take the family on vacation for the ultimate winter sports trip. Its no secret that there are plenty of places to hit the slopes in the U.S., from exclusive and high-end, world-renowned resorts to perennial favorites that are all about location, location, locationthink places like Jackson Hole, Park City, and Breckenridge, to name a few. What I would love is some input on a good/great mountain with a nice town where I could find a room to rent for the season thats not too difficult to come across and not too crazy expensive, and also not needing a car to get to the lift. Don't know much about other places but I've been to Targhee, Wolf Creek, and Powder Mountain. Kicking horse is my new favorite. 3,200 feet vertical off the top. This one also happens to provide one of the best aprs experiences anywhere at the Paul Bunyan Room, where you can sip on a local microbrew while you rest your legs. Fifteen lifts lead to 121 trails (over 50 percent devoted to advanced and expert trails) with over 1,500 skiable acres and 2,700 vertical feet. Typically, February is the best time to ski in Colorado. But it accumulates every bit as much powder, with a staggering 450 inches of annual snow falling within its 1,260 acres. They've paid $50 each for day passes. Even though Club Med opened its first all-inclusive ski resort in North America (and its first Canadian outpost) on the mountain in December 2021, Le Massive de Charlevoix remains overshadowed by nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne and the farther-away-but-even-more-popular Mont-Tremblant. In January 2019, the canyons averaged 9,452 cars each day, the highest monthly average for daily traffic ever recorded. These 6 of the least crowded ski resorts will ensure you come home with a smile and stories to tell. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Golden Bc. Great terrain Telluride and Crested Butte are always mentioned as the least crowded ski resorts. lousy food and crappy snow cats Crystal Mountain may be the largest ski resort in Washington state, but it's also one of the most underrated in the country. Telluride Colorado. 7 Brian Head Resort, Utah Self-described as having "The Greatest Snow on Earth," Brian Head Resort 's small size and affordability make it the perfect place for skiers to get in some low-crowd runs; while still experiencing the highest resort base elevation in the state. Its the third largest in Maine. *Alta Utah If you know, you know. US Picks: Not mentioned: Check out our in-depth guide: Ski Trip Planning Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever! I see what youre doing here! And thats why we think its one of the best places to go for one of your family ski trips. Widely revered by hardcore skiers, Crested Butte is steep and incredibly challenging; so make sure youre ready before hopping on the Silver Queen Express. slopes. There are tons of lodging options, shopping, and dining on the mountain at the base lodge. In the evening, you can look for the Northern Lights dancing across the sky as you night ski. Loon Mountain is a small but mighty resort comprised of 80% intermediate and expert trails, six terrain parks, and the only superpipe in New Hampshire. While we wont begrudge you if these behemoths in North America are a top priority to shred, we thought it would be fun to share some alternatives to the most popular ski resorts. Browse Local Freshies Travel Guides to be a local wherever you go. Angel Fire in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Southern Rockies is a family resort. Silver Star Resort is the BEST! And the closest major metropolitan area (Vancouver) is 5.5 hours away so youre pretty much guaranteed to have all that snow to yourself. Life is so much more than a flyover to one destination. It's BIG for an Indy resort. Its a must for Ikon-ic powder days. We get it. Who doesn't? Mention the Pyrnes to most international skiers, and their mental check list will look something like this; cheap Spanish ski resorts; lack of challenging slopes; bargain basement skiing; first-time skiers; only for those on a very tight budget. Skiing fantastic. Ski Pioneers: Ernie Blake, His Friends, & the Making of Taos Ski Valley https://www.amazon.com/dp/1560441577/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pe8FFbXBKX6PW. Answer (1 of 3): It depends on where and when you are. Got it, apologies. Slow lifts + no people + lots of continuous snowfall = our heaven. The average snowfall of 140 inches covers 415 skiable acres and 500 feet of a vertical drop. This mountain located in coastal Maine is small but mighty with 15 trails that service mainly intermediate skiers and snowboarders, including the mile-long Spinnaker, which starts at an intermediate level but turns beginner-friendly. To further get away from it all, you can take a glacier boat tour, try snowmobiling, or even see the northern lights. Mt Rose, Lake Tahoe Playful wide open pow fields, not too intimidating, driest snow in colorado, good vibe, great food. This quiet ski area is nestled above the town of June Lake and even on the busiest days gets at most 2,000 skiers. Positioned far from Denver and the resorts up and down I-70, Crested Butte provides not only solitude but also incredible skiing, unrivaled scenery, and quite possibly the most fun atmosphere on this list which is why its often referred to as the last great ski town. As for the mountain, more than 1,500 acres of terrain is serviced by 15 lifts that help diffuse any potential congestion across the mountains 121 trails. Loon is the 2nd most crowded ski resort in New Hampshire (behind Bretton Woods). Shopping and dining options are available at the resort, and if you ever want to leave, theres a lot to do in town. . Loon Mountain is a small but mighty resort comprised of 80% intermediate and expert trails, six terrain parks, and the only superpipe in New Hampshire. 5. Plus, on select evenings visitors can take advantage of public night skiing. Ouray is really famous for its ice climbing park and hot springs. Chief among them, Vail Resorts will limit lift ticket sales during some of the busiest periods: the week after Christmas, over Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, and over Presidents' Day weekend. A long snowy season, typically sunny skies, and spectacularly scenic views are on tap at the unassuming and cozy NM gem Ski Santa Fe. Also Banff/Sunshine.the Goat Eye lift. They also now feature cat skiing! The base depth of snow on the mountains is at its deepest, and there is plenty of powder still pouring in! And the fun extends beyond the slopes with winter RV camping available at the base of the beautiful mountain, conveniently within walking distance of the lifts.Those who prefer the lodge over the slopes can still take in the views with a scenic ride on the Mt. With really cheap season passes and and over a million locals within 30 miles, there can easily be 15000 patrons on any Saturday or Sunday. LivingDaLife Stay away from the big resorts in Colorado, they'll all be super crowded for Christmas. Every place has a unique vibe, local culture and that place you find that will be a memory forever. The only downside is that they dont get a ton of snow BUT it stays good throughout the winter due to how dry it falls. Slopeside Condos? Seek and ye shall find!! 5. Sugarloaf, the sometimes overlooked resort located on Sugarloaf Mountain, is home to one of the highest peaks in Maine approximately 4,237 feet. Taos is far from town but its worth it. Bald Mountain (affectionately known as Baldy to locals) has an impressive 3,400 vertical feet of steep, fall line terrain, while mellower Dollar Mountain caters to the beginner and lower intermediate skier. As people have noted, all of the big resorts are gonna have long lines no matter what. This is fantastic list of ski resorts and information. Crested Butte is a close second. Okemo has fantastic terrain, snow, and accommodations; its an incredible place to ski in the East. Crowds are also less of an issue as most of these places are "off the beaten track." Grand Targhee is the only ski area in North America with a perfect snow record at Christmas. Snowbird is much much better. But you have waited all year for this, and those of you who enjoy skiing and snowboarding are not going to let the crowds stand in your way. Some of their most popular amenities include indoorrock climbing, trampolines, a skate park, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and bowling. Or, take a break from the slopes and hop aboard the winter aerial tram for a scenic ride to the top of Mt. Skiing Facts, Snowboarding Inspiration, History, & Lore! Its BIG for an Indy resort. Word on the street is that Copper Mountain in Colorado debuted a new "Secret Season Pass." For $100 more than the regular season pass ($509 vs $409), skiers can access the mountain 15 minutes earlier than mere mortals. Les Menuires in France is the quietest option in the Three Valleys area so you get all of the great slopes without the crowds. Sign us up. Located in the heart of . The front four at Stowe. Sugarloaf, the sometimes overlooked resort located on Sugarloaf Mountain, is home to one of the highest peaks in Maine approximately 4,237 feet. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Finish off the journey with a pit stop in Vegas (if thats your thing) which is about 200 miles away before you jet home. Mammoth is everything that its cracked up to be. ksampson3 Mar 31, 2019 crested butte ski area epic pass epic resorts holiday ski area crowds kirkwood ski area least crowded ski area at christmas skiing at christmas telluride ski area ksampson3 Giving 80% effort 100% of the time Skier Joined Apr 25, 2017 Posts 244 Location Ice Coast Mar 31, 2019 #1 If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The shadows on powder days are just hard to beat. It's one of the least crowded ski resorts at Christmas. they do have some good bakeries. There is more , but I cant give away all my secrets. Its convenient for groups because everything from lodging, rentals, and ski lessons are on-site. Over the holidays, you can expect a busy programme of events in Alpe d'Huez such as Christmas walks, ice shows and Christmas carols. When it comes to skiing, most flock to the known high points the Rockies, the Sierras, the Cascades not usually the Midwest, often mistaken as being totally flat. Part of the 480 acres of beginner and intermediate skiing, includes some expert terrain in . I would leave a list .but then I would have to shoot you! As Mr. Spicolli from Fast Times At Ridgemont High once said, All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and Im fine. Thats what Lost Trail is about. Skiing is a family adventure at Snowy Range Ski Area. Keep your kids entertained by signing them up for youth camp. Definitely a must ski for everyone. *Whistler BC Simply put, its the perfect trifecta for those looking to avoid the global tourism crowds and feast on all your own powder. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. TELLURIDE. Its name says it all. Based on your 3 requirements I would highly recommend checking out Red River. Experts will love heading down North America's longest continuous double-black diamond run or challenging themselves with the available heli-skiing and cat-skiing. Utah has some awesome skiing. Stop going during holiday week! Hint. Good luck! Stowe Vermont. If youre willing to go just a bit further (a lot further) north than youre used to, youll be rewarded with one of the best hidden gem ski resorts in America. You'll find the village has . Ever a quaint, quintessential New England town, Stowe is one of the most charming places to be - and ski - during the holidays. The town of Taos is nowhere near the mountain. With an annual snowfall of 160 inches over 370 skiable acres, Loon has 61 trails (60 percent intermediate) and eight glades with a vertical drop of 2,100 feet. Too bad SV has such a meager average snowfall. Skiing Facts, Snowboarding Inspiration, History, & Lore! The Catskill Mountains are not as high as those in the West, with the vertical drop at 1,404 feet, but you can have a ton of fun at this historic gem. For those wanting to enjoy the greatest snow on Earth but at an affordable price, consider a visit to Brian Head Resort. Avoriaz in France is a good bet for a family ski resort at Christmas. Then pedal back home. Some of the least crowded ski resorts also happen to be the coolest. I can hear the swooshing sounds already.