TripAdvisor’s 10 most overlooked ski destinations in the United States, as chosen by the editors. These ski resort destinations feature mountains with a 2,000-foot vertical drop on average, and also offer less expensive lift tickets, and more affordable lodging and night life than many more celebrated resorts.
1. Jay Peak, Westfield, Vt.: Adult lift ticket: $62. Vermont’s last ski stop before the Quebec border, Jay Peak offers what some consider the best skiing in New England.
2. Solitude Mountain, Solitude, Utah: Adult lift ticket: $55. Less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, Solitude is located in the gorgeous Big Cottonwood Canyon.
3. Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, Idaho: Adult lift ticket: $55. With breathtaking views of three mountain ranges, Schweitzer boasts nearly 3,000 skiable acres, 85 trails and an exhilarating six person high-speed lift.
4. Cannon Mountain, Franconia, N.H.: Adult lift ticket: $54. Situated in Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain was home to the “Old Man of the Mountain,” before the famous rock formation collapsed in 2003.
5. Durango Mountain, Durango: Adult lift ticket: $60. Released from Purgatory (the former name of the ski area) and now called Durango, the often sunny (but still snowy) resort has recently undergone significant renovations, as well.
6. Taos Ski Valley, Taos, N.M.: Adult lift ticket: $63. Up for a challenge? Head to Taos Ski Valley, where more than half of the runs are expert — including double black diamonds.
7. Diamond Peak, Incline Village, Nev:: Adult lift ticket: $48. With a wide range of terrains, Diamond Peak enables skiers of all levels to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.
8. Big Mountain, Whitefish, Mont.: Adult lift ticket: $56. Situated near breathtaking Glacier National Park (enjoy the glaciers before they are gone!), Big Mountain provides amazing views of the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness.
9. Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, Maine: Adult lift ticket: $40. After undergoing renovations the past few years, Saddleback now boasts great skiing along with a new ski lift and a new lodge at an elevation of 2,460 feet — the second-highest in New England.
10. Gore Mountain, North Creek, N.Y.: Adult lift ticket: $115 (two-day pass). Despite being a relatively unknown destination, Gore Mountain has been serving skiers for more than 70 years.
