National Geographic has just ranked the top 10 emerging ski towns in North America.

“These ten North American ski towns may not have the name recognition of the world’s best-known destinations, but that’s just fine with them. These are the local’s favorites, the up-and-comers. They’re real towns, often cheaper and friendlier than the big dogs—at least for now. If you’re on the hunt for great skiing without the crowds and glitz, read on.” — Aaron Teasdale

TOP 10 EMERGING SKI TOWNS:

1: Ogden, Utah

Best For: Utah powder seekers who don’t like crowds

2: Reno, Nevada

Best For: Mixed groups of hard chargers, beginners, and nonskiers who’d rather do their gambling off the slopes

3: Revelstoke, British Columbia

Best For: Vertical-devouring powder hounds with movie-star ambitions

4: Nelson, British Columbia

Best For: Those seeking an off-the-trodden path, powder-smothered destination that’s more about relaxed authenticity than thread count

5: Sandpoint, Idaho

Best For: Non-extreme skiers and boarders seeking the famed tree skiing of the Selkirks without the trip to Canada

6: Driggs, Idaho

Best For: Families seeking virtually guaranteed powder in a salt-of-the-earth ski town

7: Mammoth, California

Best For: Cliff huckers and park rats looking for California sunshine on one of America’s best big mountains

8: Red Lodge, Montana

Best For: Families looking for an inexpensive Rocky Mountain ski vacation in the wilds of Montana

9: Waitsfield, Vermont

Best For: Eastern skiers and boarders seeking a classic New England skiing experience