When I originally wrote this in March 2020, the pandemic was barely a pandemic, and Colorado’s governor hadn’t yet shut down the ski resorts. By the time I was ready to publish, skiing had abruptly ended for the season and this post was shelved. Two years on, I think it’s still relevant, although maybe for some different reasons. In any case, I hope it inspires you to seek out some smaller, lesser known remote ski areas where you can get away from crowds and your cares.
Where to Ski Now to Get Away from Crowds and Cares
There has been a lot of negative press this winter about larger resorts which are on multi-mountain passes. Lift lines have been said to be longer than normal and in some locations, terrain openings are said to be slower than normal. I’m not weighing in on any of this, because thanks to a cracked wrist, I’ve barely been able to type, let alone ski.
What I do know is that the more I ski, the more appealing I find less “popular” local ski resorts. Many of them are unsung wonders, with incredible terrain, stunning views, groovy little towns, and generally happy clientele.
Twenty-four months ago, I compiled the following list after asking friends where they go to find quality, less well-known ski areas in their regions.
Here are their suggestions.
So Many Options in The Northeast
There are a shocking number of ski areas in the Northeast, with 22 in Pennsylvania, 43 in New York and 91 in New England, according to latest counts.
With only a handful of these being well-known destinations, it’s easy to lose the crowds and find ski areas to call your own.
Wendy Clinch, better known as The Ski Diva suggests the following:
Black Mountain, Ragged Mountain and King Pine (NH)
Mohawk and Powder Ridge (CT)
Ski Butternut and Nashoba Valley (MA)
Mt. Royal and Thunder Ridge (NY)
Drawing on her personal experience, Clinch highlights Mount Abram, Maine, sharing that she absolutely loves Mount Abram for it’s “less intense vibe,” adding that it is “very old school, family-oriented and not nearly as crowded” as some of it’s more well-known neighbors.
Within her home state of Vermont, she suggests Cochran’s, a non-profit ski area with extensive US Olympic team ties, and Suicide Six, which she describes as “very small but very historic,” home of both the first rope tow in the U.S. and the longest running ski race in North America. She also shouts out Suicide Six’s well-regarded women’s clinic.
Mixing it Up in The Midwest
Mark Framness operates a website called The Wisconsin Skier. His top pick for remote winter fun is Whitecap Mountains Ski Resort in northern Wisconsin.
A formerly “neglected” ski resort in the state’s “big snow country,” Whitecap has new owners who are working hard to restore the ski area to glory, according to Framness.
Located on US 2, Whitecap Mountains is close to Big Powderhorn Mountain, Indianhead and Blackjack.
As for the skiing at Whitecap, Framness describes it as having “diverse terrain from easy groomers to hair-raising wild snow and steeps.”
To me, this sounds like Mount Bohemia, another remote ski area isolated on a tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With renowned expert skiing, it’s not for beginners or anyone seeking luxury.
But, perhaps it’s a perfect place to get away from everything.
Remote Ski Areas in The Rockies
Looking to get away in the Rockies? Head to Montana.
Mike Stebbins is a long-time ski industry hand who recommends two resorts in southern Montana, Red Lodge and Lost Trail Powder Mountain.
Red Lodge may be in the middle of nowhere, but the skiing is big. With 70 runs on 1,635 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,400 feet, you’re not sacrificing anything — except crowds — by coming to Red Lodge.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain is even more remote. Surrounded on all sides by national forest, Stebbins describes it this way.
“If I had to put Lost Trail in a nut shell it’s old school skiing. You can’t buy a steak or a new parka or a diamond,” he says.
“During the week there might only be 400 skiers on 1600 acres of glades, tree, steeps and groomers. Even days after a snow storm you can still find plenty of stash.”
Sounds like somewhere we all need to find.
Enjoy!
Have a favorite ski area or resort where you get away from crowds and cares? If you’re willing to share, please do. If not, I understand. Some secrets are too good to share!
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