The 10 Mountains You’ve Never Heard of but Need to Ski This Winter

Winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland, and with it comes the exhilarating sport of skiing. Winter skiing brings an enchanting blend of excitement and serenity. As you glide down snowy slopes, the sound of wind rushing past your ears and the crunch of fresh snow under your skis create a symphony of sensations.

The experience is a unique blend of adrenaline and tranquility, where the speed and the natural surroundings seem to erase all worries, leaving you completely immersed in the moment.

The art of skiing combines the thrill of mastering steep descents with the joy of traversing serene landscapes. It’s a sport that demands focus and skill, offering a satisfying challenge to those who seek to conquer it.

Each run is an adventure, an opportunity to engage with nature in its most pristine form, and a chance to feel an unparalleled sense of freedom. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, skiing promises a world of exhilarating experiences, set against the backdrop of winter’s majestic beauty.

Mountains to Ski This Winter

Crystal Mountain, Washington

Pack your skis and head to Crystal Mountain in Washington, a gem of a ski resort that promises an exhilarating experience. The resort stretches over 2,600 skiable acres, ensuring ample space for every skiing enthusiast.

Nestled at a base elevation of 4,400 feet and reaching up to 6,872 feet at the summit, Crystal Mountain offers a thrilling vertical drop of 3,100 feet.

Known for its light, fluffy snow, thanks to an annual snowfall of 468 inches, the mountain caters to all skill levels, with 11% beginner terrain, 54% intermediate, and 35% for advanced and expert skiers.

The resort is equipped with 11 lifts, including a scenic gondola that offers mesmerizing views of Mt. Rainier. For a unique experience, try the glade skiing, known for its visibility on powder days, or explore the wide-open Campbell Basin and Avalanche Basin for an adventurous ski experience.

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Head to Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana for an exceptional skiing experience. The resort, known for its friendly vibe and stunning views, overlooks the picturesque Glacier National Park.

Boasting over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Whitefish offers a diverse range of runs that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s summit elevation of 6,817 feet provides a significant vertical drop, ensuring exciting downhill action.

Whitefish is also famous for its tree skiing and extensive backcountry access, appealing to adventure seekers. With an average snowfall of around 300 inches, the conditions are typically ideal for a memorable day on the slopes.

Brian Head Resort, Utah

Brian Head Resort in Utah is a well-kept secret among locals, boasting the highest base elevation of any ski mountain in Utah at 9,600 feet. This family-owned and operated resort offers a distinctive skiing experience, with a blend of steep and gentle slopes across its 650 acres.

The resort has 8 lifts, catering to skiers of all levels, and averages an impressive 900 cm of annual snowfall. Its location near Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks makes it an ideal stop for a picturesque Utah skiing trilogy.

Known for its serene powder runs and uncrowded slopes, Brian Head is a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular resorts. Plus, with night skiing available, you can enjoy the slopes under starry skies​.

Mad River Glen, Vermont

Mad River Glen in Vermont, known for its unique single chairlift and a “skiers-only” policy, offers a memorable skiing experience. The resort boasts a vertical drop of 2,000 feet, perfect for those seeking a thrill on the slopes.

With 60 trails, Mad River Glen caters to all skill levels, from beginners in Birdland to experts looking for moguled and wooded trails higher up. The trails, many of which are gladed, maintain their natural features, offering an authentic skiing adventure.

The resort averages 250 inches of snowfall annually, ensuring a good base for skiing enthusiasts. As of March 23, the base was 8 inches with a summit depth of 18 inches. This resort is steeped in history, adding to its charm as a winter destination.

Alyeska Resort, Alaska

Alyeska Resort in Alaska, a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, sits in the midst of the majestic Chugach Mountains. This resort is renowned for its hefty snowfall, receiving around 650 inches annually, ensuring a powdery playground for skiers and snowboarders.

The resort features a 2,500-foot vertical drop, providing thrilling descents for all skill levels. Alyeska stands out not just for its skiing but also for its breathtaking views of glaciers and the sea.

The resort offers night skiing, giving you a chance to explore the slopes under the starlit sky. Alyeska is not just a ski resort; it’s an experience that combines adventure with the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Le Massif de Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada

Le Massif de Charlevoix in Quebec, Canada, stands as a majestic skiing destination, boasting the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies at 770 meters (2,526 feet). The resort, located just an hour east of Quebec City, offers a blend of breathtaking scenery and exciting ski runs.

Covering 406 acres of skiable terrain with 54 runs, it provides a perfect mix of 22% beginner, 31% intermediate, 34% advanced, and 12% expert trails. Le Massif is celebrated for its impressive annual snowfall of around 650 cm (21 feet), ensuring excellent ski conditions throughout the season.

The mountain’s unique position along the St. Lawrence River adds to the charm, offering skiers stunning riverside views as they descend. For a break from skiing, explore the historical Camp-Boule at the peak, offering crepes and other delicacies, or visit the mid-mountain Camp-Buse for a cozy meal.

Marmot Basin, Alberta, Canada

Marmot Basin in Alberta, Canada, nestled in the breathtaking Jasper National Park, offers a unique skiing experience with its stunning natural beauty and diverse terrain.

The resort covers 1,720 acres with a vertical drop of 3,000 feet, providing skiers and snowboarders with 91 named trails across four mountain faces. Marmot Basin is renowned for its uncrowded slopes, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable skiing experience.

The resort prides itself on being environmentally friendly, operating within the boundaries of a national park. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility amidst the Canadian Rockies.

Camden Snow Bowl, Maine

Embark on a skiing adventure at Camden Snow Bowl in Maine, where the ski experience is as unique as its location. This ski resort, although smaller in scale, presents a distinctive charm.

It’s not every day that you can ski with views of the Atlantic Ocean! The resort offers 20 trails across varied terrain, making it an ideal destination for families and beginners.

The elevation here may be modest, with a 1,300-foot summit, but the ocean vistas it offers are unparalleled. Camden Snow Bowl is known for its community feel and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more laid-back skiing experience.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers other winter activities like tobogganing and ice skating, making it a versatile destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Loveland Ski Area, Colorado

Loveland Ski Area in Colorado is a hidden gem that delivers an authentic skiing experience without the crowds and commercialization of larger resorts. With a base elevation of 10,800 feet and a summit of 13,010 feet, Loveland offers impressive high-altitude skiing across its 1,800 acres.

The resort is known for its 400 inches of annual snowfall, providing excellent powder conditions. Loveland’s variety of terrain caters to all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging bowls and chutes for advanced skiers.

One of the unique features of Loveland is its free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide, offering access to some of the area’s best powder stashes. Its proximity to Denver makes it an accessible day trip for those in the city.

Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota

Experience a true winter wonderland at Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota. Boasting a remarkable 825-foot vertical drop, Lutsen sets the stage for an unforgettable ski experience. Spread across four mountains – Moose, Eagle, Ullr, and Mystery Mountains – this resort is home to 95 diverse runs.

With an average snowfall of about 10 feet each season, Lutsen assures plenty of fresh snow. Its location near the stunning Lake Superior enhances its scenic beauty, offering a unique backdrop for your skiing adventures.

Lutsen’s terrain is versatile, accommodating everyone from beginners to experts, making it an ideal family-friendly ski destination.

Final Thoughts

This winter, there are hidden gems in the world of skiing waiting to be discovered. Each mountain, unique in its charm and challenges, offers an unforgettable experience.

From the thrill of conquering steep slopes to the serenity of gliding through untouched snow, these destinations provide a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. They are ideal for both beginners seeking to learn and experts looking to test their skills.

Exploring these lesser-known mountains not only brings new landscapes and challenges but also adds memorable stories to your skiing journey. So gear up, embrace the cold, and set off on a winter adventure that promises both exhilaration and picturesque tranquility on the slopes!