Is your New Year’s resolution to ski or ride at more under-the-radar ski resorts? It turns out that they aren’t hard to find. In honor of the new year, we’ve compiled a list of six ski resorts across the United States to visit this winter. We’ve picked one ski resort in various regions across the country that people tend to overlook. These mountains have great terrain, minimal crowds, and are relatively affordable (the keyword is relatively affordable, as we’re discussing skiing here).
Without further ado, here are six underrated ski resorts to check out this year.
Northeast– Burke Mountain Resort: Once the training grounds of Mikaela Shiffrin, the Vermont ski resort has impressive terrain variety, fast lifts, and on-site lodging. Its remote location means that the crowds go elsewhere, meaning that there’s a lack of lift lines. In addition, they’re lift ticket deals at Burke practically every day of the season.
Southeast- Timberline Mountain: Back in 2019, Timberline closed after it entered bankruptcy. The infrastructure was decrepit, which is a big no-no in the Southeast ski industry. Later that year, the Perfect family, which owns the Perfect North ski area in Indiana bought the West Virginia ski resort at an auction.
Since then, they added new modern chairlifts, expanded the lodge, and grew the snowmaking network. The ski resort reopened during the 2020-21 season. Now, the mountain is thriving and is a must-visit if you find yourself in the Southeast during the winter.
Midwest-Snowriver Mountain Resort: Mt. Bohemia is rightfully known as the powder mecca of the Midwest, but there are other powder spots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Bought by Charles Skinner in 2021, the mountain has undergone a rebranding and major improvements. The resort as a whole was renamed from Big Snow Resort to Snowriver, while Blackjack and Indianhead Mountains became known as Black River Basin and Jackson Creek, respectively. With a new high-speed six-pack chairlift now open, along with other modernization projects to their infrastructure, this place is becoming a destination resort.
These two mountains could eventually be connected by a lift, so this place should be on your radar for an Upper Peninsula trip.
Sundance Resort: When it comes to Utah ski resorts, not many people talk about Sundance. While it doesn’t get the snow that the Cottonwoods do, it still gets a plentiful amount of powder. It’s also very convenient, with it only being around an hour’s drive away from the Salt Lake City Airport.
The place has a majestic backdrop, and it also has one of the most quaint base villages that you’ll ever see. With multiple new chairlifts and a terrain expansion over the past few years, it seems like a good time to avoid the Cottonwood clusterf*** and check this place out.
Ski Santa Fe: Located 16 miles from the state capital, Ski Santa Fe is one of the easiest ski resorts to reach in the Land of Enchantment.
While it doesn’t have fast chairlifts like Taos, Ski Santa Fe features some excellent groomers, steeps, and glades. Next season will see the addition of their first high-speed quad, giving another reason for people to visit.
West Coast- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: In terms of convenient ski resorts with serious terrain, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe somehow goes under the radar. This is partially due to it not being affiliated with any major pass, meaning that the crowds don’t come in droves. In addition, lift tickets are affordable compared to nearby mountains. It’s also close to Reno, meaning people can fly into the airport and get to the mountain in a short time frame. The Chutes, its recent additions, along with its future expansion plans, are a few other reasons why this place should be on the radar for your next Tahoe trip.
Image/Video Credits: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe (Featured Image), Burke Mountain Resort, Timberline Mountain, Snowriver Mountain Resort, Sundance Resort, Ski Santa Fe
