North America — It’s getting more durable to search out hidden ski gems in North America, partially because of the rise of social media. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless some locations that haven’t change into polluted with crowds.
In honor of it now being 2025 (yay?), we’ve compiled an inventory of 5 underrated ski resorts that it is best to take into account visiting. The components for this checklist embody current enhancements, the ski resort because it stands immediately, and what additions are deliberate sooner or later. We’ve additionally picked mountains which might be distant, that means they’re not less than a number of hours away from a serious metropolis. This implies sensible asses can’t say that we blew these locations up.
With out additional ado, listed here are 5 ski resorts which might be on the rise this yr.
Brian Head: The southernmost ski resort in Utah isn’t having the most effective season snow-wise, however that doesn’t imply it’s not a snowy place. The previous two winters delivered plentiful snowfall, and it has the most effective snowmaking programs within the state, which helps when it’s going by a dry cycle. Brian Head has different terrain, a pink rock backdrop, a protracted ski season, and is a brief drive to 2 nationwide parks. Varied enhancements have been remodeled the previous few years, together with including new runs, snowmaking upgrades, and elevated inexpensive raise ticket choices.
Then there’s what comes subsequent. A huge actual property and terrain enlargement is deliberate within the coming years. It will add one other 850 skiable acres and seven lifts to the ski resort. Whereas a timeline for this venture has but to be introduced, it should make Brian Head one of many prime snowboarding locations within the Southwest.
Brundage Mountain: Many adjustments have arrived on the dwelling of Idaho’s finest snow. Final winter, Brundage opened the Centennial Specific, a high-speed quad chairlift that changed a fixed-grip triple chairlift. This season noticed the debut of the Mountain Journey Heart, which options numerous skier providers, a espresso store, lockers, and equipment retailers.
Extra enhancements are on the horizon. An intensive actual property improvement is underway, which is able to give folks the chance to reside there. As demonstrated by Brundage’s grasp improvement plan, extra terrain and lifts might be coming within the years forward.
Monarch Mountain: Monarch Mountain is distant, which retains the I-70 crowds at bay. The high-elevation ski space is located on the Continental Divide and depends on all-natural snowfall, averaging 350 inches every season. It at the moment boasts 67 trails, 800 skiable acres, and a vertical drop of 1162 toes. For avid powder seekers, Monarch affords hike-to and cat-skiing terrain.
Subsequent winter will see the introduction of No Title Basin. Situated on the bottom of Monarch, this venture was authorized by the U.S. Forest Service final yr. The 377 skiable acre enlargement will characteristic a vertical drop of 1000 toes from the highest to the underside raise terminals. No Title Basin might be serviced by a brand new fixed-grip triple chairlift. Which means there might be extra powder to search out, giving another excuse for outsiders to go to this hidden gem.
Nice Mountain: The massive three Maine ski resorts have a tendency to attract all of the headlines. Nevertheless, that’s beginning to change. Nice Mountain is properly regarded for its family-friendly ambiance, views of Moose Pond and surrounding peaks, and its in depth evening snowboarding community.
Since being purchased by Boyne Resorts, numerous enhancements have been made. The blockbuster transfer got here this winter, because the Summit Triple was changed with a removable high-speed quad chairlift. This will get folks up the mountain a lot faster, leading to extra laps for friends. A possible enlargement on the West Aspect might make Nice Mountain a vacation spot for skiers and riders within the Northeast.
Whitewater Ski Resort: The snowy Canadian ski resort has gotten some upgrades in recent times. In the summertime of 2023, the Hummingbird at Whitewater opened, offering visitor slopeside entry to the ski space. Final winter, the ski resort opened the new Raven chairlift. This went additional up the mountain, which gave Whitewater 14 new runs and 123 extra acres of skiable terrain. This season, Whitewater opened the Ymir Bowl, including 60 extra skiable acres to the ski resort.
Whitewater is probably not the largest identify in British Columbia’s ski business, however it’s a worthwhile go to for many who love shredding powder.
Picture Credit: Brian Head Resort, Brundage Mountain Resort, Monarch Mountain, Nice Mountain, Whitewater Ski Resort
