7 overlooked ski resorts you should visit this season
If the last ski season is any indicator, chances are that many skiers are going to spend more time in lift lines than enjoying the snow this winter. According to the National Ski Area Association's annual report, last season ranked among the five busiest since 1978, with more than 59 million visits. And with weekdays accounting for 48% of the season's visits — up 27% from the previous season — visiting midweek is no longer a surefire way to avoid the crowds.
Luckily, with approximately 470 ski resorts operating nationwide, there are some terrific lesser-known resorts where you can avoid a 20-minute lift line without sacrificing terrain or snow.
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Powder Mountain, Utah
Boasting 8,464 acres of skiable terrain within its resort boundaries, Powder Mountain is technically the largest ski area in North America — although this is an often-contested claim since the resort only has six lifts.
Regardless of how you classify it, one thing can't be argued: the beauty of untouched powder turns days after a storm. Daily ticket sales are limited to 1,500 and season passes to 3,000, guaranteeing that all of the stashes won't be tracked out by noon.
Powder Mountain doesn't have nearly the amount of amenities as more popular resorts like Park City, making it a destination for people who value skiing and riding over lodging and restaurants. With that being said, there are a number of townhouses and condos available for rent and restaurants on site.
For even more options, downtown Ogden, which was once known as a rugged frontier town but has seen a revival in recent years, is just 30 minutes away.
Related: Ski-in luxury: A review of the St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah
Jay Peak, Vermont
East Coast skiers and riders know to expect a line waiting for the first chair on any day when the forecast calls for more than 2 inches of snow. Jay Peak is an exception to that rule.
Located on Vermont's border with Canada in a sort of climate bubble only the finest meteorologists can explain, Jay Peak receives a whopping 359 inches of snow annually — putting it on par with some resorts out West.
It's not uncommon for "a trace" of snow in the forecast to turn into a 10-inch dump at Jay, making it the best destination on the East Coast for powder hounds. And unlike many other resorts, leaving the groomed trails to find your own secret stash is encouraged (within reason and ability level). While there isn't a major town nearby, the resort does offer a range of dining and lodging options and even has a waterpark to cap off a day of skiing.
Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Located in Northwest Montana just outside of Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort boasts 3,000 acres of untouched powder, bowl skiing and soft corduroy groomers from its 6,817-foot summit.
During the spring of 2020, the resort began a multiphase terrain improvement project that included the completion of two new runs and glading in six zones.
The nearby town of Whitefish offers plenty of inns, guest ranches and lodges, including the state's only AAA Four Diamond-rated resort, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The town itself has streets lined with shops, restaurants and cafes, keeping even non-skiers busy while the rest of the family hits the slopes. Couple the trip with a visit to Glacier National Park for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona doesn't often come to mind when thinking of ski destinations — which is what makes it perfect for travelers seeking crowd-free runs.
Located in Northern Arizona's San Francisco peaks, just 14 miles from Flagstaff, the Arizona Snowbowl receives 260 inches of snow annually and has a 2,300-foot drop from its 11,500-foot summit.
Last year, the resort introduced the high-speed Arizona Gondola, which at 2,000 vertical feet is the state's longest and highest ski lift. While the resort is great for beginners, offering some of the most expansive beginner terrain in the Southwest, there are enough steeps, bowls and chutes to keep advanced skiers occupied for days.
Monarch Mountain, Colorado
Monarch Mountain has grown immensely since opening in 1939 with a single rope tow. What hasn't grown are the crowds, as many winter visitors to Colorado overlook Monarch in favor of some of the larger destinations like Vail, Aspen and Telluride.
Today, the resort has 59 lift-accessed runs on 800 skiable acres and receives an impressive 350 inches of snow per year, offering enough terrain to keep skiers and riders of all ability levels content.
For expert skiers looking to explore the surrounding out-of-bounds terrain, Monarch offers snowcat access to an additional 1,635 acres. Fly into the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which is just over two hours' drive from the mountain, and present your boarding pass to receive a $59 lift ticket.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
There aren't many resorts in North America that can claim a 500-inch annual average snowfall -- but Grand Targhee is one of them.
Located just 40 miles from Jackson Hole on the Tetons' western slope, Grand Targhee has similar terrain and snow quality to the resort there, without the crowds. While Grand Targhee might not have quite as much terrain as its counterpart in Jackson, its 2,600 skiable acres are not likely to leave even the most advanced skiers wishing for more — especially when those slopes are blanketed in waist-deep powder.
At the end of last season, the resort announced $20 million in planned improvements, including renovations to the Teewinot Lodge and the addition of the new Peaked chairlift and terrain.
Related: A great American road trip through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming
Snowbasin, Utah
An addition to Vail's Epic Pass resorts during the 2019-2020 ski season, Snowbasin isn't exactly unheard of, but it does tend to be overshadowed by Utah's more popular destinations such as Park City and Alta.
The lift lines might not be quite as sparse as those at nearby Powder Mountain, but with 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, it isn't hard to distance yourself from the crowds. With an upgraded high-speed, six-person Middle Bowl Chairlift installed for the upcoming season, skiers and riders will spend more time on the slopes and less time on the lift.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.