Skiing is something that many people around the USA love to do. While cross-country is naturally exciting, there are other ways to explore this hobby (such as downhill or roller skiing). However you enjoy yourself out on the slopes, it is key to find the best places to do it. This helps you to have a great time, enjoy the best runs and take in some awesome views along the way.
While certain states or resorts might be well-known to ski fans, other locations might be less familiar. It can be worth hunting these down, though, as they are usually quieter and give you somewhere new to ski. If you need a helping hand finding the best unexpected ski destinations in the US, the below are worth checking out.
Each of these resorts is great for skiing and also cool if you are looking to have some fun after a long day on the slopes but are not into hitting bars close by. Besides relaxing in front of the TV and watching Netflix, you could also try your luck at NJ sports betting sites too.
Campgaw Mountain ski resort
When it comes to US skiing, it probably does not come more unexpected than this hidden gem found in Mahwah, New Jersey. After all, this state is not the first place you think of for top-class US skiing! Campgaw Mountain not only has night skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding to offer, but also a freestyle terrain park to check out.
Renting equipment is simple here and there are two double chairlifts to get you around safely. Although the skiing is seasonal, you can still have fun here hiking around the trails in summer. This superb resort is another example of the wide range of things to do when visiting New Jersey. In addition to this, you can enjoy the outstanding food scene in the city or check out the shopping on offer.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Although you might think of the US West Coast as being more about sun than skiing, this is not strictly true. The North Lake Tahoe area in California has some of the best and most underrated ski resorts to check out. Instead of skiing in the all too familiar US resorts, why not do something no one expects? A good way to achieve this is taking in the powder at Homewood Mountain Resort.
This resort has gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and some seriously good snow. It is also home to multiple groomed runs, terrain parks and 750 acres of backcountry skiing to enjoy. This is another resort which caters to all levels of skier. Novices will enjoy the beginner-friendly runs, while more experienced skiers will dig the steep powder bowls to ride through.
Belleayre Mountain
We have already noted that New Jersey might not be the first place people associate skiing with in the US. The same could also be said for New York, which is not usually the first state that springs to mind for hitting the slopes.
One unexpected treat for ski fans in the USA therefore is Belleayre Mountain, high in New York’s Catskill Mountains. This ski center culminates in a 3,000-foot peak and offers an unusual slice of action in winter. With ski lifts to make getting up to the top of the mountain easy, the season here is filled with fun activities. This includes options like building your own sled to race down the mountain and creating a dummy on skis to race! With 55 trails to explore and a real sense of family fun, this is one underreported treasure to check out.
Camelback Resort
If you think of Pennsylvania, then you might think of Philly cheesesteaks and sports such as boxing or football. It is also a state that offers awesome skiing, though – although this might be a surprise to some. Arguably the top place to ski here is Camelback.
This stunning location has around 21 miles of slopes to try and caters to snowboarders as well as skiers. Nine lifts make it simple to get around the resort and the elevation here rises all the way up to 2,045 feet. With great snow to shred and masses of novice slopes for ski newbies, it is a great place to head which is not always on top of everyone’s list.
Unexpected places to ski in the USA
While heading out of the US to find new places to ski (such as Canmore ski resort in Alberta) is cool, you don’t always need to leave the country to do this. Although top resorts in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado usually dominate the headlines, there are other, unfamiliar places to try. Sometimes it pays to get off the beaten track and head somewhere unexpected to have fun.