From time to time National Geographic puts together internet lists of the top ski towns (see Top 25 Ski Towns in the World). Their lists are often quite good so we were excited to see what made their list of the Best Secret Ski Towns of North America.
“Most people haven’t heard of these towns, which is just fine with the skiers and boarders that live and play there. These are the places without gloss, the unknown gems, where the locals are friendly and shops are locally owned. Some have terrain for everyone, while many are for experts with avalanche training. Typically reached via long miles of scenic driving, they all deliver some of the most unspoiled skiing North America has to offer.” – National Geographic
Best Secret Ski Towns of North America
(Read Full Post with Photo Gallery HERE)
McCall, ID
Best For: Powderhound families who like soft snow and no lines.
Glacier, Washington
Best For: Pacific Northwest powder snorklers with a taste for wild terrain
Smithers/Terrace, British Columbia
Best For: Big-mountain backcountry aficionados who aren’t afraid of tiny airports
Fraser, Colorado
Best For: Adventurous families that love top-of-the-world skiing on cold snow
Mount Shasta, California
Best For: Spring skiers looking to tackle one of America’s classic test pieces
Philipsburg, Montana
Best For: Steep skiers with cowboy fantasies
Cooke City, Montana
Best For: Serious backcountry fanatics who prefer the wild country over cappuccinos and croissants.
Field, British Columbia
Best For: People who want to ski through postcards and have big memory cards in their cameras
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Best For: Hot springs lovers and anyone looking to get a jump on early-season powder
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Best For: Cold War history buffs whose stomachs were made for green chilies and steeps.
*That’s just an overview of National Geographic list. Read a full breakdown with a photo gallery here – Best Secret Ski Towns of North America.