We get it. You only have so many trips available to you. While we won’t begrudge you if these behemoths in North America are a top priority to shred, we thought it would be fun to share some alternatives to the most popular ski resorts. In short, this isn’t the list of the most affordable ski resorts or a selection of our favorite non-Ikon or Epic pass holdouts. It’s rather a list of some of the most popular ski resorts to avoid and where are the best places to go on your ski trips instead to find the same vibes at a less crowded destination.
For The Ski-Town Culture: Taos Not Aspen Snowmass
Learn more about Taos Ski Valley
Aspen has always been the hotbed of the ski-town scene. Après isn’t just a few brews but rather an extension to the high quality skiing available at the assortment of ski resorts. For those with a discerning palate and enjoying the good life, look no further than Taos for one of your ski trips. When it comes to snow quality, nobody can compete with them. In fact, the snow is so dry that it seems to be made of bird feathers (don’t worry – no birds were harmed in the making of the snow). Then finish the day strolling through the promenade and celebrate with a dish of New Mexican cuisine. A fusion of Pueblo culture (i.e. Apache, Navajo) with Hispano Spanish & Mexican, your tastebuds will be cheering from all the unique flavors.
For The Powder Hound: Powder Mountain Not Snowbird
Learn more about Powder Mountain
The terrain at Snowbird is amazing. Yes, the snow is deep. The problem is everyone in Salt Lake City knows it and that attracts skiers like bees to honey on a powder day. Not to mention every year the traffic to little Cottonwood Canyon has gotten worse and worse. If you want to enjoy the legendary deep snowfall but without the masses, head to Powder Mountain. It’s not on the Epic or Ikon Pass. And there’s over 6,464 skiable acres that are still open to the public to explore, if you’re willing to put in some hiking. Be forewarned! While the public can still access the mountain things are changing rapidly at Powder Mountain so you better go now before it’s too late.
Get Lost In The Woods: Red Mountain Resort Not Steamboat
Learn more about Red Mountain Resort
There’s something special about tree skiing or jumping into glades. Once you head off the main trails and make your own path, you’ll become addicted. It’s true that Steamboat’s slopes feature some of the most famous tree skiing on the planet. But, with over a million people visiting annually, expect them to get tracked out pretty quickly. For those wanting deep, dry snow and a varied selection of tree skiing, look no further than Red Mountain. Experts will enjoy Captain Jack’s Trees & Beer Belly while intermediates will froth over the goods flanking the Paradise Lift. With over 3,850 acres to feast upon, there’s a reason why their motto is “the last, great unspoiled resort” and why we think it’s one of the best places to go for one of your ski trips.
For A Storm Day: Diamond Peak Not Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe has been the beating heart of extreme skiing for decades. A place that pushed athletes like Shane McConkey to the forefront. So, when the snow does fall, nearly every skier and snowboarder seems to come out of the woodwork within a 200-mile radius. On a busy powder day, expect A LOT of competition at one of the most popular ski resorts in North America. And with minimal tree skiing, visibility on a storm day can be difficult.
Skip the stress and head to the eastern side of Lake Tahoe to Diamond Peak. The views are spectacular, and the terrain is off the hook! And storm days won’t be a problem. Diamond Peak offers some of the best sheltered glade skiing in the basin when the winds are blowing. And compared to the other resorts in Tahoe, you’ll have the powder pretty much to yourself. Aside from giving you a break from the hustle and bustle of Tahoe’s larger ski resorts, Diamond Peak stands out with the fourth-largest vertical drop of any resort in the Basin, at 1,840 feet.
New England-Style Skiing: Smugglers’ Notch Not Stowe
Learn more about Smuggler’s Notch
Stowe is the true embodiment of what people envision as a pretty New England ski town. Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont, looms over the valley. It has a gorgeous bar at the summit and a grand resort hotel too. Heck, it’s even dubbed the Ski Capital Of The East and rightfully so due to the famed “front four” classic New England ski trails staring you down. Unfortunately, with it joining Epic, everyone else knows that too.
A better option if you still want to take in the culture but avoid the masses is to head over to its smaller neighbor, Smuggler’s Notch, who is still fiercely independent. Mount Mansfield still presides over Smuggs. The three inter-connected peaks provide 2,610 vertical feet of skiing across 1,000 acres. You can still find advanced and technical fall line skiing on Madonna Mountain. Enjoy and sample the sweet New England Maple-y glades. And the village of Smuggler’s Notch oozes that Vermont charm with a few less of those Wall Street brokers you’ll find in Stowe making it one of the best for one of your ski trips.
For The Trench Carving Fanatics: Sun Valley Not Park City
It is true that Park City is the largest ski resort in North America boasting a whopping 7,300 acres and so there are plenty of places to find stashes. But it being the “king of the hill” brings a lot of attention, and its popularity has only grown over the years.
For that same world-class ski town and resort experience but with a fraction of the crowds, consider booking a trip to the town of Ketchum and its mighty resort – Sun Valley. This is a carver’s mountain dream. Due to its fast lifts and next to nothing lift lines, it’s easy for you to rack 70,000 vertical feet in a day, or for leisurely skiers that want to enjoy a relaxed lunch and a slow start, you can still get in 20 – 30,000 vertical feet. Combine that with drinking where Earnest Hemingway did, dining options you’d find in a big city, and high-quality grooming, it’s the perfect ski vacation destination. To read more about our personal experience – Farewell to Arms – All There Is To Skiing Bald Mountain.
For Those That Need Leg Room: Big Sky Not Whistler
Learn more about Big Sky Resort
Whistler is HUGE! Nearly 8,171 acres and 5,020 vertical feet of skiing & snowboarding available to you. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular ski resorts. But when you compare that to Big Sky with its 5,800+ acres and 4,350 vertical feet along with a 1 skier per acre average, it’s kinda hard to NOT want to visit Big Sky. From four mountain peaks to explore featuring more than 300 runs, featuring everything from steep chutes to smooth groomers, you’ll have lots of options if you do visit.
For The Steep n’ Deep: Revelstoke Not Jackson Hole
There’s a reason why Jackson’s residential home starting price is at a whopping cool million. Surrounded by not one but TWO national parks, stunning vistas of the Tetons, and with some of the best snow on the planet falling on the steep terrain, there really is nothing like it. But the secret’s out and lift lines continue to exponentially increase. Just like the original settlers heading West for space, it’s time to head north… to Revelstoke. Home to a vertical drop that’s bigger than Jackson’s, steep terrain that’ll challenge the hardiest folk, and over 480 inches of snow annually, this place is downright glorious. AND, if you have a bit more money in the bank, you can even get a few days of cat or heli skiing in on one of your ski trips.
For The Family: Sun Peaks Not Vail
Learn more about Sun Peaks Resort
Since its inception in the 60’s, Vail’s goal was to provide the ultimate in winter fun. Inspired by mountain towns in Bavaria, the village gives a nod to classic European alpine architecture, but at the same time, high-end luxury such as pedestrian-friendly heated streets. Just like Vail, Sun Peak’s village gives a nod to European-style buildings as well, although when most think of British Columbia their thoughts go to Whistler where it’s rowdy, rambunctious, and home to a maritime snowpack (i.e. heavy snow). Just a few hours east though, Sun Peaks provides a more relaxed atmosphere that caters to everyone in the family. Together with snow that is as light and dry as you’d find in places like Colorado blanketing the 4,270 acres, you’ll have plenty to explore. And that’s why we think it’s one of the best places to go for one of your family ski trips.
Of course there are places like Jackson Hole that you NEED to ski once in your life, but after you do, it might be time to expand your horizons and check out some other locales that are a bit less crowded. For more about indy ski areas that feel less corporate, tips on when to visit certain ski areas, or even what gear to pack for a vacation head over to our in-depth guide:
Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:
1. Revelstoke is LOW and frequently gets rain & mush at the bottom (similar to Whistler) so don’t count on 5,000 vertical feet of powder. It’s more like 2,500’. Grand Targhee may be a better bet for out of the way powder
2. The town of Taos is nowhere near the mountain. The Silver Queen gondola rises straight out of Aspen. It’s a great town, but not sure it really qualifies as a real ski town. Maybe Telluride fits the bill better…it certainly is out of the way.
3. The recommendation for Sun Peaks is spot on. I’d add nearby Big White to the list as well. Wonderful ski-in, ski-out accommodation and lots of family activities other than skiing
Hi James,
Regarding your #3: Don’t forget Silver Star and Apex. They are all close by Sun Peaks and Big White with best in ski-in, ski-out accommodation and good family vibe.
Silver Star Resort is the BEST!
GREAT snow, fabulous accommodations, and the most quaint village ever. The community spirit is all around but there is still privacy. LOVE IT ❤️
I’ve skied most of these gems and agree with you. Sun Peaks is also a wonderful alternative to Whistler with more consistent weather and world class amenities.
NObody seems to be familiar with Kicking Horse. If you don’t like Revelstoke, go a bit east and ski Kicking Horse. High terrain, awesome snow. Cool little town. And it will give you everything you’re looking for….steeps and deeps.
Red is fantastic. Taos is far from town but it’s worth it.
In today’s ski world, getting way out there is probably your best bet. Anyplace easy to get to is going to be packed.
Ronald,
Couldn’t agree with you more. Let’s hope they’ll re-open the border for the 2021-22 ski season. I need my fix of the Powder Highway 🙂
I agree with Kicking Horse. Was there for first time in January 2020. Big mountain terrain with local town feel.
After so much anticipation, hated Steamboat, crowded, costly, and poorly laid out. Fernie was a far more enjoyable experience.
John B. comment about Taos could not be more wrong!!! The town of Taos is only 15 mi from the Ski Valley… there are plenty of places either high$ fancy or bottom$ cheap to eat… your choice!!
On the mountain, lift lines are practically non-existent… you keep going up & down almost no lines all the time, especially now with the express quad on the front of mountain and the Kachina lift in the back. People spread all over the mountain quickly… rare are days when you have lines…
Hey Louis,
Good to know! We’re actually heading down to Taos this January to experience it ourselves. The place looks amazing.
Also, they offer a great package deal for lessons! Even though many people think that’s not fun, a friend of mine very reluctantly signed up and had a blast. Think of it as a mountain tour with a local to all the secret stashes, plus a few tips and a lot of fun.
Taos *IS* amazing. And it must be even more so no that Kachina is no longer hike to only. Do yourself a favor and read the book about Ernie Blake and the making of Taos Ski Valley. It was in my condo when I drive down there from Denver and spent a week. Ernie really thought that everyone would become experts by booking ski weeks with lessons every day. So he set out to find a mountain that would not bore all of these experts that never really materialized. Make sure you ski Longhorn earlier in the day. That trail is relentless and you need to have enough left in the tank for it!
Ski Pioneers: Ernie Blake, His Friends, & the Making of Taos Ski Valley https://www.amazon.com/dp/1560441577/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pe8FFbXBKX6PW
Hey Jonathan,
After visiting there last winter I’m in 100% agreement. The place is amazing. So unique, so refreshing. From an overall experience it’s definitely in our top 10.
Taos New Mexico…the sky,perfect snow and fantastic array of dining options to satisfy anyone!
Hey Terri,
Totally agree with you. What an “enchanting” place 🙂
Steamboat presents some of the best tree skiing on earth. The shadows on powder days are just hard to beat. Awesome town with amazing history. Now on the map for being a destination for culinary excellence. The summers are equally amazing. Adding 750 acres of new tree skiing in 2023..will be unmatched!
Hey Dennis,
Don’t get us wrong Steamboat does have excellent tree skiing unfortunately the secret’s out. In fact, it’s one of the most popular resorts in the US. If you’re ok with dealing with the crowds we highly recommend Steamboat. Personally, we’d rather visit a resort that has a fraction of the crowds even if it isn’t the best tree skiing on Earth but that’s just us. 🙂 Keep enjoying those glades at Steamboat and be sure to tag us.
Yeah, Taos is a long winding drive from the ski resort (where there are scant few places to eat & drink). Also, there is essentially one long lift line to go up the mountain from the base which makes eating lunch even more of a problem. In these areas, Telluride far outscores Taos.
I so agree on the Telluride outscoring Taos! I grew up skiing Taos, most of the small area isn’t skiable until they receive over 60 inches. The past couple of times I went to meet friends – the people skiing are some of the most arrogant I have been around. Angel Fire has a much cooler groove than Taos – if they (Angel Fire) ever hires someone who is experienced at grooming, watch out!
It is not fair to compare tiny Taos with Telluride!!
On a powder day Revi is smoked out by 11am. Then after lunch all the locals go back to work.
Sun Peaks still the place to visit, no crowds after the usual lift opening, great glade skiing and wide open cruisers.
Big White is good but usually foggy.
Hard to believe Utah ski resorts didn’t make the list. Utah has some awesome skiing.
Hey Kathy,
Unfortunately we haven’t gotten a chance to hit any Utah ski resorts hopefully in the coming years we’ll get a sponsorship to explore them. Until then, feel free to give us a suggestion on a ski area that you should visit instead of a popular one. 🙂
Utah sucks and is super crowded you should skip Utah
Noalito !
Don’t bother going to Utah. Not worth. Visit Colorado or Tahoe.
I see what you’re doing here! Yes, by all means: everyone go to Tahoe for ridiculous weekend crowds and gloppy snow, and Colorado, for a whopping 300″ of annual snowfall, and a five-hour drive from hell –if you’re lucky–from DIA.
Forget Utah!
Haha I get it too. But JIC we liked Brighton on a powder day
All I can say is don’t visit alta leave it be I promise you guys won’t like it a bit. I’m telling you again stay away you won’t like the snow or the people. I promise it is to steep for you.
?
?Alta, Snowbird, Brighton. I drive that canyon every day if I could.?
Try Snowbasin near Ogden. Closer to SLC than Powder Mtn. Food is great. Skiing fantastic. Views at the top are magical. No place to stay is a big negative. A fun, fun mountain at all levels. Site of the 2002 Olympic alpine events.
Hey Ron,
Great suggestion! Definitely a big fan of Snowbasin too. 🙂
Another Place also overlooked and forgotten is Sundance. Redford’s Ranch, good terrain, excellent food. A true unique experience. Very intimate.
Snowbasin…..Stay away! This place has been totaly discovered as well. With really cheap season passes and and over a million locals within 30 miles, there can easily be 15000 patrons on any Saturday or Sunday.
Try Beaver Mountain in Northern Utah. A local favorite of the beaten path and some fantastic terrain. Also there is another one often over looked ski resort in Southern Utah, it is Eagle Point Resort. No people and great terrain. Well worth the visit!
I love Utah. So many choices. Stay downtown, Salt Lake City, enjoy great food and try one of 8 ski resorts in 40-60 minutes drive!
Stop going during holiday week! Whining about Steamboat? If you ski the groomers near the base it’ll be crowded and boring. Plus you can imbibe some good stuff while you’re on vacation. Hint. Hint. ? ?
Cottonwood canyons are overrun on weekends since joining Epic and IKON pass unions. Solitude is no longer just that. Two lane winding roads in and out of both canyons and tricky parking can leave you stranded for hours at end of a heavy snow day if you need to get down to SLC afterwards. Ustabee a favorite destination til last year.
Powder Mountain was on the list. Instead of skiing Snowbird try Powder Mountain.
I agree, on a few of your assessments on places to ski, I have been skiing since 1955, living out west in Oregon, a lot of the areas you talk about are reachable in a long day or more drive. I think there are a few iconic places to ski, that should be on people’s bucket list, before they venture out to other areas you suggest.
I list them in no particular order, my criteria is be based on history, skiing terrain, lift access, entertainment, food and lodging (all locations have minimal to luxury accommodations all within a short distance to the mountain
*Sun Valley Idaho
*Aspen Colo.
Vail Colo
Steamboat Springs
*Telluride Colo
*Alta Utah
Snowbird Utah
*Jackson Hole Wyo.
Grand Targhee Wyo
Big Sky Wyo.
*Squaw Valley Ca
Mammoth Mountain Ca.
Kirkwood Ca.
Mt Bailey Or (catskiing)
Timberline Lodge Oregon ( summer skiing)
*Whistler BC
Sun Peaks BC
Red Mountain BC
(Many more, BC areas I haven’t been to) can’t compare.
(Areas with an asterisk, a must ski location)
Wow, Phil what a great list! Thanks for providing such an in-depth download of the best of the best of what you’ve skied.
Utah skiing overrated. Do yourself a favor and go to one of the spots mentioned in the article ?
Sunshine outside of Banff Alberta is really nice.
And Lake Louise isn’t too shabby and Banff is a great ski town!
Whistler is the best resort I’ve skied for in bounds lift served steeps. A good day skiing is mostly the results of the weather and the type of snow it’s created it’s not always about the amenities
Whistler if overcrowded and FULL of straightliners.
Yes, ski Whistler if you want to be hit by one.
Kicking horse is my new favorite. Great ski in and out too and all very new. Golden Bc.
Shhhhhh… quiet.
Sun Valley, Idaho is a must for every dedicated skiier before you do the big bowl run into heaven. It oozes class and history. SV had the United States first – FIRST, chairlift. It had been rolling along years before even WW 2. But, it also has some of the longest, pure fall lines you’ll find. 3,200 feet vertical off the top.
Too bad SV has such a meager average snowfall. “Class and history” don’t produce consistent powder days.
After spending 28 years in Sun Valley, I’d say you are correct. Altho, if you hit it right, man-o man-o
Whistler / Blackcomb resort has two mtns one with 5040 ft vertical and Blackcomb 5280 1mile vertical. Ive skied since 1966 im old. I judge resorts by how many days i can ski and still find new runs.At Whistler /Blackcomb you need a week to start.
Brian,
We totally get that and if that’s important to you then Whistler/Blackcomb is a great option. For us it comes down to people… the less people the better the experience the longer the snow lasts. Slow lifts + no people + lots of continuous snowfall = our heaven.
Powder Mountain is horrible !
slow lifts & a rope tow ??
lousy food and crappy snow cats – –
don’t go there
Agree is not worth. Snowbird is much much better.
Telluride. Repeat. TELLURIDE. Crested Butte is a close second.
Am I correct that right now Americans can’t visit Canada?
Hey Rick,
You’re correct. Since this is a long-term view we assumed that the borders will open in the future. Fingers crossed that maybe in March? We’re natural optimists. 🙂
Americans have been able to visit Canada since August 9th if they are fully vaccinated. See the CBSA website.
I would leave a list ….but then I would have to shoot you! LOL Of the ones mentioned out west, Mammoth (mid week) is still one of my favorites for the terrain.
Not mentioned:
Mt Bachelor , Bend OR….though its getting crowded now, is amazing on a sunny day when the top is open
Mt Rose, Lake Tahoe
Schweitzer… on a good pow day…yum
Grand Targee for a laid back vibe and great pow
I think Revi is over rated for the remote location…..KH …shhh
Also Banff/Sunshine….the Goat Eye lift. great terrain and Lake Louise (mid week) stunning views and great variety of terrain
There is more , but I can’t give away all my secrets
Hey Chris,
Great list and I totally agree with all your knowledge on the resorts. Been to Lake Louise Mid-week and I was in total shock. It’s like Taos snow meets above treeline skiing. Definitely a must ski for everyone.
While I agree with many of the observations half of the alternatives are not realistic given a closed border…..
We’re life-long optimists and while you’re right that 3 out of the 8 are across the border hopefully this winter it’s merely a “blip” and we’ll be able to travel north sooner rather than later. 🙂 At a minimum we got 5 resorts to check this winter and finish it off with the other 3 next season.
I count 4 in US and 4 in Canada. And am also hopeful that things will improve but also thought Canada would allow me to visit our cottage by July….guessing there are some Canadian snowbirds that now share my displeasure. Looks like La Niña will favor the North so hopefully all of us will be happy.
First, let me say that I appreciate you checking out our website and putting in the time to comment that really means a lot for both my wife and I. In regards to Canada we know EXACTLY how you feel. Jaime and I were supposed to go back up to Baldface Lodge in Nelson this year for our 5 year wedding anniversary and it’s been cancelled. 🙁
I could be cross-eyed but this is what I have right now:
US Picks:
Taos
Powder Mountain
Homewood
Smuggler’s Notch
Big Sky (not Whistler)
Canada:
Red Mountain
Revvy
Sun Peaks
Lastly, have you checked out our Plan B list for this winter? And keep your ski tips up. 🙂
Super helpful list, but Please don’t tell anyone about Homewood!!!
Got it, apologies. Have not (yet) made it to Smugs, Sun Peaks or Homewood but love Stowe, Big Sky (and Whistler), Alpine Meadows and the Bird (wife does not since experiencing washboard on Cirque Traverse, she does like Vail). Nelson great too….Thanks for your forum, will look for plan b; stay positive, test negative.
Powder Mountain is a dump –
Slow lifts not a high speed to be found ~ heck Sunrise is a poma for god’s sake/dumpy lodge/no steeps/ way over crowded/ and the snow-cat skiing is a big waste of time – don’t bother going there !!!
I love this site. I appreciate all the good food for thought in the topic story, and especially the comments from the readers. Thanks guys! What I would love is some input on a good/great mountain with a nice town where I could find a room to rent for the season that’s not too difficult to come across and not too crazy expensive, and also not needing a car to get to the lift. I did a season at Heavenly, and loved it, but want to try something new. Basically, something for the low budget but diligent skier. Any input is very appreciated.
Craig,
Aw schucks thanks for the kind words.
Based on your requirements:
1. Affordable room to rent
2. Great terrain
3. Not needing a car to get to lift
#1 AND #3 are by far the hardest to get in pretty much any ski town. Residents in Tahoe might complain on the cost of rent, but compared to other Western ski-towns it’s a fraction of the cost with that close access to lifts.
Based on your 3 requirements I would highly recommend checking out Red River. The town is about 8 blocks long but it’s filled with tons of amazing food, sick nightlife on weekends, and the terrain is a mini-version of Taos. The only downside is that they don’t get a ton of snow… BUT it stays good throughout the winter due to how dry it falls. Another interesting option would be to check out Silver Mountain in Idaho. It hits all three of your checkmarks. Anyways, just a few ideas to ruminate about.
Thank you very much Alex. I do very much appreciate that you took the time to answer me personally. I will check out your suggestions, and let you know what I finally decided on.
Just to let you know, I did get a room in S. Lake Tahoe for $400/mo. in 2014. I had to ride a bike about 3/4 mile to the nearest shuttle stop, boots in basket and skis and poles tied together hanging off the handlebars, but I rode by the gorgeous lake everyday, so had a great time. At first, felt a little weird getting passed by cars, but started thinking those poor people are probably going to work, so started loving it.
I carried an old backpack and would put my shoes in that and stash it in the trees on my first run and retrieve it on my last run. Then pedal back home.
Thanks again for your kind input
This is fantastic list of ski resorts and information. I really enjoyed reading this article. Thank you so much for sharing.
I enjoyed reading the long list from our friend in Oregon. I’ve been hitting the slopes since 63 and have made it my quest to sample as much terrain as my life will allow. BC, Rockies, Europe, South America.
Snowbird has been my absolute every year. Bang for the now very big buck. But it is still worth it. Take weekends off and take a look around. Then back to the Bird on Monday. Same with Alta, solitude, Brighton.
But venture out and about. Grand Targhee, Silver, Schweitzer, Sundance, And all the others. Every place has a unique vibe, local culture and that place you find that will be a memory forever. There is no one be all, end all. Just wander, experience and absorb.
I recently spoke to a work colleague in NYC and her take was that she won’t ski anywhere she can’t fly to non-stop like SLC or Vancouver. Good for her. I just don’t get that. Life is so much more than a flyover to one destination. Develop the wanderlust and enjoy your life to the fullest. If it takes 2 days to get to it’s always been worth it. Seek and ye shall find!!
I am 80 this year where can I get free ski pass. I can ski anything prefer the deep and steep . Live near Arnold Ca.looking for male or female to ski with local areas possible trips to any western U S resorts I love Mammoth Bend Oregon it’s hard to beat Lake Tahoe areas.l have only skiied about 20 different areas There are several on your list I want to ski while I still canI buy
Hey Ken,
That’s awesome and glad to hear you’re still getting after it. In regards to getting a free ski pass I’ve seen a lot of the independent places offer free or nearly free passes to those of you enjoying the deep and steep. You may have to travel a bit off the beaten path though. Good luck! 🙂
Rather than venture to Smugglers Notch, I would head south to Sugarbush or Mad River Glen over heading to Stowe. Both have trails that challenge you like Stowe and have a superior line down the fault line, unlike Smuggs. I lived in BTV, and preferred all the alternatives to Smuggs.
I love Taos, but just FYI, the Navajo and Apache are not examples of Pueblo cultures. They are different groups. Check out the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque! 🙂
Lisa,
Thank you so much for correcting me. I’m still a “noob” in the Native cultures and the diverse groups that exist in and around New Mexico. It’s a shining example of me having to learn more. 🙂 Looks like I’ll have to make a trip to Albuquerque and learn more about the Pueblo culture.
No problem! You could also go visit Taos Pueblo the next time you’re in Taos. A perfect excuse to visit again!
i go to taos every year. you go for the mountain and terrain. crowds are usually pretty decent and lodging is cheap. the town itself is not a ski/shred town. it’s got the pueblo, some galleries, cheap souvenir shops and a few places to eat. honestly, if you didn’t know about the ski resort itself, you wouldn’t know there was one a half hour away. i come back and stop at the allsups with my boards on my rack and wearing snowpants and tourists ask me if there’s a ski area nearby. that’s not a ski/shred town. aji, martyrs and lamberts is pretty much it for high end dining if that’s your thing. they do have some good bakeries. if you’re looking for an alternative to aspen, this ain’t it. telluride is the correct answer.
Alex – I love the website and I think you have a great list here. The only thing I would change is Bridger Bowl instead of Big Sky. Big Sky is just too crowded: perhaps because of all the advertising they do talking about how small the crowds are?
Someone mentioned Schweitzer. I have skied there for years because of my career location. Schweitzer seriously over-rates itself as a destination location. Being a native of Jackson, Wyoming, I can guarantee that Schweitzer is no destination resort. The patrons all think they’re special. You will find people to be frantically rude, the snow having high water content and at least three lifts regular closed. Each year their snow is wetter and the season is shorter. Don’t waste your money at Schweitzer. It’s ok as a town hill, but little more.