Plattekill, NY | Photo: Plattekill Facebook Page

As resort groups continue to acquire and consolidate the biggest ski areas in the world, mom and pop hills are seeing somewhat of a renaissance.

With low prices and communities that care about the skiing experience, a huge portion of the ski population is getting back to their roots. This means buying season passes at their home hills where they know the main attraction is skiing, not water parks and facials. So in order to celebrate these communities, we’ve compiled a list of awesome little ski areas that are worth calling your ‘home hill.’

Plattekill, NY

Located in the heart of New York’s Catskill Mountains lies the humble yet hearty Plattekill Mountain. This small ski hill (110 acres) boasts some of the best pitches in the northeast and when the snow is good, it’s hard to beat Plattekill powder.

Day Lift Ticket — $65

Mountain Stats:

  • Average Annual Snowfall – 175″
  • Vertical Drop – 1,100′
  • Skiable Terrain – 110 acres
  • Trails – 38
  • Lifts – 4

Find out more here: Plattekill Mountain

Little Switzerland, WI

Photo: Little Switzerland Facebook Page

Just a short, 35 minute drive from downtown Milwaukee, Little Switzerland is an urban dweller’s wintry dream. This small ski hill boasts the deepest snow ever recorded in the state of Wisconsin and if you catch it on the right day– ‘Little Switz’ can offer up a few powder turns of their own.

Day Lift Ticket — $25-35

Mountain Stats:

  • Average Annual Snowfall – 50″
  • Vertical Drop – 200′
  • Skiable Terrain – 50 acres
  • Trails – 18
  • Lifts – 6

Find out more here: Little Switzerland

Snow King, WY

Photo: Snow King Facebook Page

Skiing in Wyoming doesn’t have to cost you over $100/day like it does at JHMR. Conveniently positioned just a few blocks from Jackson’s town square, Snow King offers everything from a family ski experience to straight up steep runs. In fact, Snow King has the steepest FIS sanctioned race course in the country. Surrounding the prominent groomers, ‘The King’ also sports an abundance of tree runs which on a good year, can serve up some spectacular freeriding.

Day Lift Ticket — $55

Mountain Stats:

  • Average Annual Snowfall – 167″
  • Vertical Drop – 1,571′
  • Skiable Terrain – 400 acres
  • Trails – 32
  • Lifts – 3

Find out more here: Snow King Mountain

Mt Ashland, OR

Photo: Mt Ashland Facebook Page

When it comes to a quality PNW ski vibe, it doesn’t get much better than Mt Ashland. This resort greatly assisted by volunteers who dedicate man hours with the hope of nabbing a powder day here and there. It’s all for one and one for all at this Oregon gem.

Day Lift Ticket — $49

Mountain Stats:

  • Average Annual Snowfall – 265″
  • Vertical Drop – 1,150′
  • Skiable Terrain – 220 acres
  • Trails – 23
  • Lifts – 5

Find out more here: Mt Ashland

Lookout Pass, ID

Photo: Lookout Pass Facebook Page

Straddling the Idaho/Montana border, Lookout Pass is definitely under the radar. A free ski school is a popular draw amongst parents who are hoping to get their kids on skis without spending all day with them between their skis. Add in 400″ of annual snowfall and you’ve got one of the best small ski areas in the United States.

Day Lift Ticket — $45

Mountain Stats:

  • Average Annual Snowfall – 400″
  • Vertical Drop – 1,150′
  • Skiable Terrain – 540 acres
  • Trails – 35
  • Lifts – 4

Find out more here: Lookout Pass

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