It’s the time of year where people across the country make a choice: enter hibernation mode or suit up and hit the slopes. (We know which side you’re on, obviously.) While there’s plenty of gnar to shred from NorCal to New England, we thought we’d put together a list that features towns with some of the best skiing—and a lot less of the crowds.
None of these spots are exclusive to only the advanced skier or snowboarder; there’s a trail for every level of powder shredder no matter which one you visit. There’s even something special for the friend tagging along who wants nothing more than to cozy up by the lodge fireplace with their beverage of choice and watch their friends do run after run.
The list is vast and perhaps a bit surprising—looking at you, Arizona—but it’s tried and true and not nearly as tourist-crowded as some of the more popular winter spots. And don’t forget to make note of the bit of overlap here with some of the most beautiful winter towns in America, which do not require any skiing expertise to enjoy. Stay safe and steazy out there, friends.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A historic epicenter where the Old West meets winter sports, the aspen-strewn slopes of Steamboat lie at a lower elevation than most of Colorado’s resorts. But don’t be fooled—you’re still bottoming out at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Plus, the town is rife with culinary fare that’s surprising for such a casual place. Start with breakfast and creative cocktails at Yampa Valley Kitchen and indulge in several small plates and happy hour drinks at Laundry Kitchen and Cocktails after a brisk walk to the magically frozen Fish Creek Falls. One of the standout features of this funky ski town is, of course, the opportunity to soak in steamy mineral water at Old Town Hot Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs after hitting the slopes.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
You probably never thought of this summer tourist hub—also America’s second-oldest city, dating back to 1610—as a ski town. Clearly, you do not know Santa Fe. About 16 miles away is possibly the country’s best-kept alpine secret. Ski Santa Fe boasts more than 80 trails, a bounty of powder, and you will be hard-pressed to wait in a lift line. In town, indulge in the southwestern city’s unbeatable, upscale Mexican fare at Sazón; visit the psychedelic living museum that is Meow Wolf or the less cerebral New Mexico History Museum; or stroll the Palace of the Governors, where Native American artists display their original handmade jewelry, ornaments, and artwork.
Marquette, Michigan
A frigid but lively polestar on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette abounds with great restaurants, craft beer, and one of the Midwest’s most popular ski hills. With only a 600-foot vertical rise and three chairlifts, Marquette Mountain may be small, but it’s got steeps and tallies more than 200 inches of snow per year. Outside the slopes and near-endless cross-country trails, the real thrill of this area comes on two wheels—more than 75 miles of trail groomed for fat tires surround Marquette. If pedaling in a blizzard doesn’t endear you to the hardcore but super friendly Yoopers, sipping local suds certainly will. Blackrocks Brewery, Ore Dock Brewing Company, Drifa Brewing, and Barrel & Beam are all beer snob-worthy stops in a college town also crawling with cozy dives.
Tahoe City, California
Despite the numerous towns and ski resorts that surround Lake Tahoe, this hamlet of shops and restaurants is still considered pretty sleepy. Located directly on the lakeshore, in summer, it’s bustling with boaters, SUPers, and kayakers. In the colder months, the view of the twinkling town from the quiet pier or Fanny Bridge is magical. Find a family-friendly scene at the sledding hill and ice rink at the Winter Sports Park; comfort food amid antiques and vintage toys at Rosie’s Café; and Irish coffee, fresh fish tacos, rustic-chic rooms, and romantic lake views at Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge. Head 10 minutes up the road and feel like you’re plummeting directly into the lake down the slopes of Homewood Mountain Resort.
Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
For obvious reasons, the notoriously humid Southeastern US doesn’t get much hype when it comes to skiing. But in North Carolina, you can find some truly excellent powder come winter. For proof, look about an hour and a half northeast of brewery-lined Asheville to Sugar Mountain, which sits at an elevation of 4,432 feet in Pisgah National Forest. Up to 78 inches of snow falls here each year, blanketing the 125 acres of skiable terrain—which include 21 slopes and the largest vertical drop (1,200 feet) in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains—in a pristine white coat. Stop here between late November and early March for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, or plan your trip in time for the annual SugarFest weekend in December.
Cedar City, Utah
Southern Utah falls off the radar for many powder hounds, which is a shame, because Brian Head Resort is actually the state’s highest ski area (base elevation: 9,600 feet), among its least crowded, and—adjacent to the vibrant red walls and towering hoodoos of neighboring Cedar Breaks National Monument—spectacularly scenic. Just over 30 miles away, historic, holiday light-illuminated Cedar City is an epicenter for festivals and cultural offerings, including a year-round farmers market and culinary delights like I/G Winery and Centro Woodfired Pizzeria. Off-slope adventures range from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and ice-skating. You might even find T-shirt weather and a rare dearth of crowds at nearby Zion National Park.
Lead-Deadwood, South Dakota
At the 450-acre Terry Peak Ski Area, you’ll find beginner to black diamond slopes and everything in between—as well as five chairlifts, a freestyle terrain park, a half-pipe, 29 trails, and ski lessons. Best of all, since South Dakota is a relatively lesser-known ski destination, the mountains here are blissfully devoid of crowds. Along with one of the Midwest’s most underrated ski spots, Lead is also home to South Dakota’s most famous anomalies—a haunted opera house filled with 20th-century ghosts, one of two neutrino reactors in the world, and saloons frequented by as many hardy locals as nuclear scientists—while nearby Deadwood’s 120-year-old Wild West streets give way to even more winter fun in Spearfish Canyon and beyond.
Government Camp, Oregon
An alpine timber village towering about 4,000 feet over nearby Portland, Government Camp punches well above the weight of its 200 or so residents. A stone’s throw from Mt. Hood’s best and most ripping resorts—Meadows, Timberline, Skibowl, and Summit—the village is a ski town in distillate. Grab a fresh Ice Axe IPA at Mt. Hood Brewing, some prime rib at Charlie’s Mountain View, or a legendary Ratskeller pizza before retiring to your digs, be them a cozy A-frame cabin or a chalet at Collins Lake Resort. Even better, Govy sits amid the unmatched splendor of the Mt. Hood National Forest just west of Bend.
Flagstaff, Arizona
A stark contrast to Arizona’s reputation as a scorched-earth cacti wilderness, Flagstaff thrives in the shadows of the San Francisco peaks and is home to the largest resort in Arizona: Snowbowl. The resort is more of a village, with a high-speed gondola and great lodges, but Flagstaff is a misunderstood marvel. Grab a pint at Mother Road Brewing Company or Historic, stroll the historic downtown’s boutiques, and inhale some of the best pizza in Arizona at Pizzicletta. For some non-vertical, strap on cross-country skis to explore the sprawling Arizona Nordic Village. And don’t forget to look up: You’re in the first designated International Dark Sky City, so whether you’re stargazing from the launch of a black-diamond run or the comfort of a yurt, it will be spectacular.
Burlington, VT
Incorporated in the mid-1800s, Burlington is the pinnacle of New England charm. It also happens to be within driving distance of some of the best ski resorts in the state, including Smuggler’s Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, and Bolton Valley. While off the slopes, you can putter along the cobblestones of Church Street, hit up a brewery or three, and take in the beauty of Lake Champlain (even better if you brought your Nordic skates). Burlington also leans into the idea of mountain respite, with several spas like The Spa at The Essex offering treatments to soothe sore muscles after a day of powder runs.
Whitefish, Montana
With its remarkably preserved 1905 aesthetic, Whitefish’s Old West charm pairs wonderfully with a cold one. Don’t skip some characteristically great Montana beer (58 handles worth) at Montana Tap House. Throw in gorgeous Whitefish Lake and suddenly you’re looking at a great mountain town that’s also a sleeper food destination and fantastic lake getaway. Oh, right, and the skiing thing: Whitefish Mountain Resort is consistently ranked among the best in the west, with a 2,353-foot drop, 3,000 acres of terrain, and a stellar view of the jagged peaks of Glacier National Park’s continental divide.
Telluride, CO
While big names like Aspen and Vail have become synonymous with skiing, few out-of-staters know that some of the best trails are found in Telluride. Sitting north of the San Juan National Forest, Telluride is one of the most endearing little mountain towns in Colorado. Main Street is lined with Victorian architecture of the Old West, picturesque especially during fall foliage. You’ll want to hit up Telluride Ski Resort first, but once you’ve been acquainted with the winter version of this former mining town, be sure to return for its many festivals throughout the year, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Film Festival.
Taos, New Mexico
The largest ski area in New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is known for its steeps (40% is expert-rated), but the real appeal of this area is the adobe-laden town 20 miles down the road. Sitting at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, Taos is a hot spot for visitors in the summer and fall, but its beige-colored historic district and plaza take on an otherworldly charm in winter. Admire views of the Sangre de Cristo peaks or the sheer walls of the Rio Grande Gorge on a snowshoe adventure, explore the town’s art galleries, soak in nearby hot springs, or fuel up with some iteration of green chile at the authentic but unassuming La Cueva Café.
Bend, Oregon
Central Oregon isn’t somewhere you’d immediately think of planning a ski holiday, but about 22 miles from Bend lies Mt. Bachelor, home to 4,300 acres of powder that’s perfect for both experts (steep runs, challenging terrain parks), as well as families and beginners (the free beginner’s lift makes it easy to get up the gentle slope while practicing or taking lessons). With the highest skiing elevation in both Oregon and Washington, you’re guaranteed an average of 462 inches of snow per year—plus one of the longest ski seasons in the Pacific Northwest, running from November through May. If you’re not so keen on downhill skiing, there’s plenty of groomed Nordic trails to keep you more than entertained.
Snowshoe, West Virginia
As far as southern states go, the Virginias have a surprisingly decent range of ski resorts, the best of the bunch being Snowshoe Mountain. Found amongst the many, many peaks of the Appalachian Range, the resort offers up 244 acres of skiable terrain, plus snowmobile rides, a tube park, off-road tours, sleigh rides, and skiing under the stars. If relaxation and après-ski are more your thing, watch the powder fall from the heated split rock pools or book a backcountry tour and dinner at one of the cozy mountain huts.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Blooming with wildflowers and art festivals in the summer, the bigger crowds clear CB’s white-blanketed landscapes in winter, making it a fantastic alternative to Colorado’s better-known (and seriously packed) ski towns. Jagged and standing on its own like something straight out of a cartoon, Crested Butte Mountain is indisputably the area’s centerpiece. The resort has terrain for every level of skier or rider, including more double black-rated runs than any resort in Colorado. An old mining town, the main drag (Elk Avenue) is warm and rustic, sprinkled with a handful of saloons, as well as a couple of decent sushi bars and a dangerously delicious rum distillery.
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