I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it another million times- The Indy Pass is the best deal in skiing. Hands down. No arguments about it. And, no, I will not be accepting any rebuttals or augments against that statement at this time.
The proof is in the pudding, so to say. Skiers and riders get two days at each of the 80 uniquely independent ski resorts spread out across all regions of the US, Canada, and Japan for $300. This is the pass made for the common man (and woman!), and it encourages passholders to explore some mountains less-traveled than the big-name mountains you read about on a daily basis.
These are my personal Top 5 Hidden Gems on The Indy Pass that every passholder should try to check out this season. I promise you won’t be disappointed by taking a long weekend trip to any of these ski areas.
*Note that Indy Pass prices increase on November 30th!*
*Stats pulled directly from each resort/area’s individual website.*
1. Lost Trail Powder Mountain, MT/ID
Why You Should Go: Lost Trail is one of those ski areas you dream about these days. It’s got everything you would want in a western ski area: Ample snowfall, decent vertical, excellent terrain, rich history, and zero lift lines. The ski area is often overshadowed by some of its neighbors, but that’s totally fine for us, right? Note that the ski area only operates Thursday-Sunday and all major Holidays.
Vertical: 1800′
Average Snowfall: 325″
# of Trails: 60+ marked trails
Distance From Nearest Major Airport: 3 Hours (Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport)
Where To Stay: Ridge Line Yurts at LTPM. Ski-in, ski-out yurt life!
2. Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, WA
Why You Should Go: Have you been dreaming about checking Washington off your skiing bucket list, but are deterred by the pictures of long lift lines at some of Seattle’s closest ski resorts? Let me introduce you to Mission Ridge. The ski area is a little bit further than those other big-name resorts, but the extra drive means less crowds, more snow, and more skiing.
Vertical: 2250′
Average Snowfall: 200″ of light, dry powder. Not your typical PNW ski area.
# of Trails: 36
Distance From Nearest Major Airport: 3 Hours, 18 Minutes (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport)
Where To Stay: Hotel and Airbnb options in Wenatchee, WA (25-mins from ski area)
3. Black Mountain Ski Area, NH
Why You Should Go: Black Mountain is a true New England classic. Skiers have been riding its slopes since a rope tow was installed in 1935. Black has kept that down-to-earth mom and pop ski hill vibe ever since. This is how New England skiing is meant to be done.
Vertical: 1100′
Average Snowfall: 120″
# of Trails: 45
Distance From Nearest Major Airport: 1 Hour, 40 Minutes (Portland International Jetport, ME)
Where To Stay: The Inn at Whitney’s Farm (slope side!)
4. Eagle Point Resort, UT
Why You Should Go: Did you know you can go skiing in southern Utah, and it’s actually pretty damn good? No joke. Eagle Point lies just 2 hours north of Zion National Park, and is blessed with copious snowfall. Eagle is the perfect place to ski if you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Wasatch.
Vertical: 1500′
Average Snowfall: 350+”
# of Trails: 40
Distance From Nearest Major Airport: 3 Hours, 27 Minutes (Salt Lake City International Airport)
Where To Stay: Eagle Point offers a variety of condos that start as low as $109/night.
5. Castle Mountain Resort, AB, Canada
Why You Should Go: Castle Mountain is absolutely huge, and it’s Alberta’s second largest ski resort. This place has terrain for everybody: long groomers, technical glades, wide-open bowls, and more. It’s the perfect place for an American skier looking to dip their toes into Canada without dealing with the masses crowding the better-known resorts.
Vertical: 2,833′
Average Snowfall: 354″
# of Trails: 94+ trails on over 3,500 ac.!
Distance From Nearest Airport: 2 Hours, 44 Minutes (Calgary International Airport)
Where To Stay: Park your RV for only $30/night at Castle!
You can read more about the 75 other ski areas on The Indy Pass by clicking here. Check ’em out, buy a pass, and start planning those trips. Winter is coming!
Featured Image Credit: Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, Indy Pass Press Kit