Now, predicting winter weather is about as reliable as a Grindr date showing up on time. But the 2024-2025 forecast? It’s looking decent. According to NOAA’s winter outlook, La Niña is back, which means wetter, colder vibes for the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Sorry, southern states—New Mexico’s looking at warmer temps and a snow drought. Great for margaritas, not so much for moguls.
But don’t pack your bags for Washington or Montana just yet. There’s a whole world of underrated ski gems waiting for you to discover. To help you find lesser-known US ski resorts, we teamed up with ski pros Bryan Battles and Michael Murphy and scoured resources like OnTheSnow to curate a list of five hidden-gem resorts that are begging for a little love. These spots prove you don’t need to shell out $200 for a lift ticket to shred world-class terrain. (Yes, we’re talking to you, bougie Vail enthusiasts.)
Ready for some highlights? One resort boasts the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies—talk about leg day goals. Another claims Colorado’s most snow and throws in the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs, just to flex. Imagine soaking in a natural hot tub after a killer day on the slopes. Bliss, right?
This list is for the daredevils, the powder hunters, the “let’s try something new” kind of skiers and snowboarders. These places may be lesser-known US ski resorts, but they bring the big-mountain vibes without the big-mountain chaos. There’s plenty of acreage to keep you busy all weekend, and the trails? Chef’s kiss.
So, grab your gear, channel your inner Olympian on those black diamonds, and hit some gnarly terrain parks. These lesser-known US ski resorts are ready to blow your ski socks off. See you on the slopes—just don’t forget to send us a postcard from the hot springs.
Lost Trail Ski Area, Montana
Perched right on the Continental Divide like a crown jewel (okay, maybe more of a hidden gem), Lost Trail Ski Area hangs out on the Montana-Idaho border, quietly doing its thing while the fancier and pricier Big Sky hogs the spotlight. But here’s the tea: Lost Trail is proof that you don’t need a trust fund to hit the slopes. This family-owned, budget-friendly slice of heaven was literally created to make skiing affordable—and guess what? They nailed it.
But wait, there’s more (infomercial voice): Lost Trail boasts 69 trails (yes, 69—insert your own joke here) and a whopping 300 inches of annual snow. Translation? Trusty powder days that’ll have you grinning like you just nailed a double black diamond (or, you know, survived it). And when you’re ready to trade ski boots for something a little more… grounded, nearby Triple Creek Ranch serves up Montana realness with stunning log cabins, horseback rides, and dog sledding that might just make you feel like the star of your own wilderness rom-com. If the river’s not frozen solid, grab a fly-fishing pole and check out some legendary angling on the Bitterroot River. Because nothing says “vacation flex” like catching dinner with your own two hands.
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
Tired of hopping on a plane just to hit the slopes? Good news—skip the cross-country trek because country roads can lead you straight to your next snowy adventure. Enter: Snowshoe Mountain, a mid-Atlantic gem that’s worth every mile of the drive. Trust me, it’s giving “small but mighty” vibes.
Lift tickets? They’re like your love life—unpredictable. Prices fluctuate depending on the day, but mid-week steals can drop as low as $50. And if you’re an Ikon Pass holder, guess what? You’re basically skiing for free. Start practicing your humble brag now.
Snowshoe serves up 244 acres of skiable terrain. Sure, it’s not exactly the Alps, but it’s perfect for a weekend getaway with your crew. Plus, it’s packed with goodies like snowmobile tours, terrain parks, night skiing, and even a tube park (because who doesn’t love sliding down a hill like a kid hyped up on hot cocoa?).
After shredding all day, head to the Old Spruce Tavern and treat yourself to slow-cooked beef brisket and a Happy Trails IPA. You’ve earned it. Feeling fancy? Wander through the adorably quaint village shops for souvenirs—or just to feel like you’re starring in your own Hallmark movie.
Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado
Colorado is basically the Beyoncé of ski destinations—28 resorts, and every single one is a hit. Sure, you’ve heard of the big names like Snowmass, Breckenridge, and Vail (because who hasn’t?). But if you’re chasing the most snow in the Centennial State, let me introduce you to the underdog-slash-overachiever: Wolf Creek Ski Area in Pagosa Springs. This place serves up more powder than your favorite après-ski cocktail.
Now, let’s talk slopes. Wolf Creek has 133 runs that cater to everyone from “I’m just here for the hot cocoa” beginners to adrenaline junkies who laugh in the face of double black diamonds. Oh, and did I mention the views? Picture yourself shredding through fresh powder while soaking in jaw-dropping alpine panoramas. It’s like starring in your own snow-covered rom-com. Afterward, treat yourself to a steamy soak in the “world’s deepest geothermal hot springs” because let’s be real—your thighs will be begging for it.
And here’s the kicker: no crowded slopes, no mile-long lift lines, just pure Colorado magic. It’s no wonder OnTheSnow crowned it the #1 small ski area in North America. Oh, and dog parents, rejoice—you can bring your furry sidekick along for the adventure. Yes, dogs are totally welcome.
Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming
Just 46 miles from the glitz and glam of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort lies its chill, under-the-radar sibling: Grand Targhee Resort in Alta. Think of it as Jackson Hole’s cool, laid-back cousin who doesn’t need the spotlight to have a good time. Nestled on the west side of Grand Teton, it’s got everything skiers dream about—deep snow, trails for every skill level, and 2,602 acres of glorious terrain to conquer. A weekend here? You’ll have room to shred, cruise, and maybe even perfect that elusive powder selfie.
Feeling adventurous? Dive into the Teton backcountry with a guided tour, or test your skills in one of the resort’s many races and competitions. When the sun sets, trade your skis for a dip in the heated outdoor pool or grab a killer bloody mary at the Trap Bar & Grill—complete with live music. Honestly, vibes are immaculate.
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Whiteface Mountain is bringing the drama with the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies—a jaw-dropping 3,430 feet. (Take that, Killington and Stowe.) Standing tall at 4,867 feet in the heart of the Adirondacks, this Wilmington, New York gem is the spot for skiers who crave adventure and a little Olympic history. Yes, you can literally ski the same Skyward black diamond trail that athletes raced down in the 1980 Games. No big deal, right?
Now, before you start making excuses about the drive, let me stop you right there. Whiteface is just a breezy five-hour road trip from NYC or Boston and easily accessible from major airports. So, no, you don’t have to move mountains to get here (pun very much intended).
Oh, and let’s talk about off-the-slopes fun because Whiteface doesn’t just bring the powder; it brings the vibes. Voted #1 for down day activities in the East by Ski Magazine, this place knows how to entertain. When you’re done shredding 94 trails or showing off at the terrain parks, you can take a stroll through the breathtaking High Falls Gorge because, let’s face it, selfies with waterfalls are mandatory.
This article was originally written by Rachel Geveden and published on Stacker.com. It has been edited by the fagabond team for fagabond.com.