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 !!! Super helpful list, but Please dont tell anyone about Homewood!!! aji, martyrs and lamberts is pretty much it for high end dining if thats your thing. Altho, if you hit it right, man-o man-o. Wonderful ski-in, ski-out accommodation and lots of family activities other than skiing. The front side of the mountain, known as Winter Park, contains the groomed runs and learn-to-ski programs. Food is great. Skiing Facts, Snowboarding Inspiration, History, & Lore! No flash, nothing fancy, its a great reminder of what many areas were once like before being commercialized. Arapahoe Basin. Here are 11 fabulous options for an epic, uncrowded ski vacation in the United States. I had to ride a bike about 3/4 mile to the nearest shuttle stop, boots in basket and skis and poles tied together hanging off the handlebars, but I rode by the gorgeous lake everyday, so had a great time. Not to mention every year the traffic to little Cottonwood Canyon has gotten worse and worse. Located on the Grand Mesa adjacent to Grand Junction, Powderhorn is a small, four-lift resort that caters almost entirely to locals. Been to Lake Louise Mid-week and I was in total shock. Monarch Mountain. Snowbird has been my absolute every year. It receives a whopping 350 inches of snow a year, filling up alpine bowls, long tree runs, and a lot of intermediate groomed runs. However, the sheer amount of activities and events (and space) means vacationers have more room to spread out and enjoy all the fun thats on tap at this experiential four-season destination. Vail. Find it: 1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, Alaska. Yes, the snow is deep. If you dont ski, the snowmobiling, cross-country, and snowshoe trails are just as exciting. The town of Taos is nowhere near the mountain. 10, respectively, most budget-friendly resorts in the country, Holidu said. Find the Secret Fast Pass. Lodging is available around the mountain. Other activities include, cross-country, snowshoeing, Sno-Go and fat tire biking, tubing, ziplining, and swimming. Check out the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque! Backcountry skiers will also love the seemingly endless (and varied) terrain to explore, while everyone from beginners to pros will bask in the mountains opportunities for snow bunny fun. Theres a reason why Jacksons residential home starting price is at a whopping cool million. Grand Targhee may be a better bet for out of the way powder heavy snow). 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. Think of it as a mountain tour with a local to all the secret stashes, plus a few tips and a lot of fun. Its known as the birthplace of inbounds extreme terrain. The recommendation for Sun Peaks is spot on. The relaxed, queue-free, high-altitude (6,330 feet) resort on the Italian border boasts a super-long season with an astonishing 160 days of skiing. The hope is that you might be surprised by what you find, and migrate over to Monarch in the future. Eighty percent of the resort is lit from 3 p.m.7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. so why Grand Lake? Ive been hitting the slopes since 63 and have made it my quest to sample as much terrain as my life will allow. The views are spectacular, and the terrain is off the hook! Those looking to get out and explore can also hit up the more than 250 miles of cross-country trails (the area is home to the largest cross-country trail network in North America) or the 450 miles of snowmobile trails. If youd like to explore other activities, there are Sno-Go bikes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. First, in 2017, the ski train returned after a near ten-year absence and once again began offering weekend service from Denver to Winter Park, making it the only ski mountain with direct access via train from Denver. 3. Thanks for providing such an in-depth download of the best of the best of what youve skied. The terrain parks are innovative, creative, and allow you to build on your skills, appealing to riders of all ages and abilities. Develop the wanderlust and enjoy your life to the fullest. Colorado Ski Resorts. Breck. Awesome town with amazing history. This year, along with all the usual must-haves, youll want to skip the crowds. Copper Mountain is another of the large, popular ski resorts on Colorado's I-70 the straight (sort of) shot up the hill from Denver about 1.5 hours. I do very much appreciate that you took the time to answer me personally. 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. Extra outdoor seating and contactless payment options were added along with grab-and-go options for dining on the mountain. With 1500 acres of world class runs and a local feel . 1) Colorado: Ski Cooper Ski Cooper 2) California: Dodge Ridge Dodge Ridge 3) Maine: Sugarloaf Sugarloaf 4) Wyoming: Snowy Range Snowy Range 5) Arizona Snowbowl Arizona Snowbowl 6) Oregon: Hoodoo Ski Area Hoodoo Ski Area 7) Montana: Whitefish Mountain Resort Whitefish Mountain Resort I count 4 in US and 4 in Canada. 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. Though relatively small, there are plenty of runs and swaths of terrific terrain to keep everyone from beginners to experts busyand, as an added bonus, Santa Fe is right around the corner for even more fun off the slopes. Ski Trip Planning Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever! The patrons all think theyre special. Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Mesa. Exactly, Nick E. I thought it was interesting and agrees with what many forum members post. Kirkwood is definitely the least crowded of the larger Vail brand resorts, and Sierra at Tahoe is small enough to draw a smaller crowd. Hop aboard the Ridge Cat, a free 18-passenger snowcat that will take you to unparalleled runs and views along the Continental Divide. Hart Van Denburg/CPR News A skier on the Black Mountain Express chairlift passes by a cloud made by a snow gun at Arapahoe Basin on November 30, 2021. Sun Peaks still the place to visit, no crowds after the usual lift opening, great glade skiing and wide open cruisers. The mountain has 10 lifts that serve 80 runs across 2,600 acres with an impressive vertical drop of 1,800 feet. Additional Colorado Winter Travel Resources Looking to travel to Colorado like a local, not a tourist? Just like the original settlers heading West for space, its time to head north to Revelstoke. 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. Inspired by mountain towns in Bavaria, the village gives a nod to classic European alpine architecture, but at the same time, high-end luxury such as pedestrian-friendly heated streets. But the crowning jewel of this mountain is its backdrop: It's the only ski area on the East Coast to boast ocean views. ? Crested Butte Mountain Resort was added to the Vail Epic pass last year - which is good news - but also a sign that more people, both in state and from afar, will be making the trip. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. After a day outdoors, head into the town of Crested Butte. #1 AND #3 are by far the hardest to get in pretty much any ski town. Just a few hours east though, Sun Peaks provides a more relaxed atmosphere that caters to everyone in the family. Find it: 20 Barnestown Road, Camden, Maine. Telluride. Couldnt agree with you more. Lisa has been lucky enough to visit Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden and hopes that there is much more travel in her future--until then, she is happy to act as a guide to travelers everywhere who love to learn about the world as much as she does. And compared to the other resorts in Tahoe, youll have the powder pretty much to yourself. Vail Colo Sunlight Mountain Resort, Glenwood Springs. Then in 2018, the resort was purchased by Alterra Mountain Company and underwent$28 million worth of improvements, including a new gondola. And thanks to world-renowned tree skiing; plenty of lifts, trails, and activities; and a family-friendly vibe, Schweitzer has rightfully gained the rep of being one of the best ski destinations in the Pacific Northwest. This East Coast gem is steeped in history. Ive skied most of these gems and agree with you. Were natural optimists. The place is amazing. High terrain, awesome snow. I love Taos, but just FYI, the Navajo and Apache are not examples of Pueblo cultures. Downtown Crested Butte has been inundated with more than 100 inches of snow in the past days. And Lake Louise isnt too shabby and Banff is a great ski town! While I agree with many of the observations half of the alternatives are not realistic given a closed border.. Were life-long optimists and while youre right that 3 out of the 8 are across the border hopefully this winter its merely a blip and well be able to travel north sooner rather than later. Lodging includes a hotel or private homes. I list them in no particular order, my criteria is be based on history, skiing terrain, lift access, entertainment, food and lodging (all locations have minimal to luxury accommodations all within a short distance to the mountain If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. , I could be cross-eyed but this is what I have right now: Whistler if overcrowded and FULL of straightliners. Howelsen Hill is a must-visit on any trip to Steamboat Springs, especially if you're looking to save a few bucks over Steamboat Ski Resort or ski after dark. Our mountain is your mountain. Jeanine Consoli is a freelance travel writer, photographer, and foodie based in Washington Crossing, PA. A retired elementary school teacher, she used her summers to feed her passion for travel and kept journals of all the destinations she explored. For those less advanced, the mountain has the Loveland Valley, a separate area specifically for beginners with its own lifts and easier terrain. 2. Posted in Prev 5 Ski Resorts with Reliable Early-Season Snow | 2022 At a minimum we got 5 resorts to check this winter and finish it off with the other 3 next season. I have skied there for years because of my career location. Suggested Stay: Elevation Hotel & Spa. 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. Ahhh! And with minimal tree skiing, visibility on a storm day can be difficult. Agree is not worth. Does Japan have good ski resorts? Sugarloaf is in the heart of the Carrabassett Valley in Maines Western Mountain area. So many choices. 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. Its the only one-of-its-kind in the Lake Tahoe Basin and why we find it one of the best places to ski on a powder day for one of your Tahoe ski trips. The main attraction, of course, is still the terrain. Crested Butte is on the list for next winter so guess I'll find out how crowded it is then. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Rather than venture to Smugglers Notch, I would head south to Sugarbush or Mad River Glen over heading to Stowe. Good for her. Mountain Stats: Annual Snowfall: 170 in / 432 cm. Personally, wed rather visit a resort that has a fraction of the crowds even if it isnt the best tree skiing on Earth but thats just us. The Mountain Village is the central location where four hotels and several condos are located. But venture out and about. In short, this isnt the list of the most affordable ski resorts or a selection of our favorite non-Ikon or Epic pass holdouts. First, let me say that I appreciate you checking out our website and putting in the time to comment that really means a lot for both my wife and I. Along the way, youll find lodges to warm-up, relax, or dine. I agree with Kicking Horse. The mountain is also part of a co-op founded in 1995, making it one of America's few cooperatively-owned ski areas, and is one of the few skier-only mountains left. But note that the Hakuba Valley can be very crowded at the peak of the ski season. Good to know! Sugarloaf, ME: Enthusiasts claim Sugarloaf is the best ski mountain in the Northeast but regardless, it is easily the least crowded of the top tier. Crystal Mountain may be the largest ski resort in Washington state, but it's also one of the most underrated in the country. Steamboat #4? Closer to SLC than Powder Mtn. Loveland Ski Area. Of course there are places like Jackson Hole that you NEED to ski once in your life, but after you do, it might be time to expand your horizons and check out some other locales that are a bit less crowded. 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. Forget Utah! Sun Peaks BC Schweitzer on a good pow dayyum Be forewarned! When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The average snowfall is 200 inches across 400 acres and 43 runs, and there are trails for all ability levels. And with a location close to bustling downtown Flagstaff, snow bunnies will have their pick of plenty of places to play and stay. 15 Creative Ideas for a Summer Vacation 2023, Waterparks and More: Winter Fun in Wisconsin Dells, Sweet Suites and More at Universals Endless Summer Resort in Orlando, Atlantis Bahamas Resort Food & Beverage Fest 2023, What to Wear in New Orleans to be Cool, Cute & Comfy, Atlantis Bahamas January Sale: Celebrate Like a Royal, Best Camping Gear Essentials for the Great Outdoors, Trail Tips and Must-Have Gear for Women Backpacking for the First (or 40th) Time. Also Banff/Sunshine.the Goat Eye lift. Yes, very subjective! The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in the U.S. December 28, 2022 . Full-day lift tickets are $73but the real bargain is night skiing. ?Alta, Snowbird, Brighton. 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Of our favorite non-Ikon or epic pass holdouts to locals ensure that we you! Mountain area are happy with it than venture to Smugglers Notch, I could cross-eyed..., youll have the powder pretty much it for high end dining if thats thing. Of the best of what youve skied 80 runs across 2,600 acres with impressive... On the mountain Village is the central location where four hotels and several condos are....