The term “upside-down ski area” might sound a bit bizarre, but it makes plenty of sense once you’ve seen it in person. Skiing down from the parking lot before boarding a chairlift means a quick warm-up and fantastic views from the top. Moreover, it’s a generally unique experience. In the Rocky Mountains, there are 4 “upside-down” ski areas across four separate states. They’re all worth a visit.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, Montana
Located in Lakeside, Montana, Blacktail Mountain overlooks Flathead Lake from Highway 93 South. The lodge and parking are located at the top of the mountain. This means that everyone, from beginners to seasoned experts, can enjoy the views. The area spans 1,000 acres of National Forest. It also has 1440 feet of vertical elevation, 3 chairlifts, and one surface lift.
Echo Mountain, Colorado
Echo Mountain is among the closest ski areas to Denver. From the parking lot, skiers and snowboarders can access a small beginner area. It is serviced by a magic carpet and a sledding area, which is accessed via a surface lift. The actual chairlift is below the parking lot, lodge, and all the trails. Consequently, the views from the top are pretty hard to beat.
Hogadon Basin Ski Area, Wyoming
Owned by the city of Casper, Wyoming, Hogadon Basin Ski Area uniquely offers low-cost skiing and snowboarding. With two lifts servicing green, blue, and black runs, the area features 31 named trails (including the terrain park). Both full-day and half-day tickets are available for cheap skiing and snowboarding.
Powder Mountain, Utah
Standing out as the largest on this list, Utah’s Powder Mountain is a beast of an upside-down ski resort. Powder has 5,000 acres of total skiable terrain and 163 trails. Five public lifts and three resident lifts service this building. From the multiple parking lots, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy remarkable views of the Utah mountains. Before descending some unbelievable terrain, ranging from easy greens to seriously intense double-blacks. They can then descend some unbelievable terrain, ranging from easy greens to seriously intense double-blacks.
