Underrated Ski Destinations In North America

Wide slopes and deep powder come to mind when you picture skiing in North America. Snowfall is higher on average in US and Canadian ski resorts compared to their European counterparts, so if you love skiing off-piste, North America is definitely the continent for you. From Vermont to Quebec, discover the most underrated North American ski destinations.

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Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Dreaming of long runs with hardly a soul in sight? Hidden in the town of Golden is the infamous resort of Kicking Horse, known as the champagne powder capital of Canada. With over 3,500 acres (1,416ha) of terrain and the fourth-highest vertical drop in North America, it is a favorite of backcountry aficionados, but that’s not to say it’s not family-friendly. The quiet-town vibe and wide groomers suit everyone from eight to 80 years old.

As the name suggests, Solitude is an off-the-beaten-track gem, away from the Park City crowds. Quiet slopes and views across the untarnished Utah landscape make it a must-visit. With 40mi (64km) of slopes and 500in (1,270cm) of snow each winter, there’s something to suit all tastes, from family-friendly green runs to Honeycomb’s steep chutes. Stay overnight and get first lifts to beat the day-trippers onto the pistes.

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, USA

Biting into hot tamales while watching the snow fall may seem incongruous, but you can find deep snow in the New Mexican high desert. Soak up the bohemian vibe of Taos, where off-the-grid living was hot way before everyone else caught on. While it’s renowned for advanced terrain, there is a new beginner hill among the 110 runs on offer. Snow-making facilities ensure that there’s good snow all winter long.

Sugarbush, Vermont, USA

While the East Coast doesn’t have the snow assurance of the West, it’s home to underrated resorts such as Sugarbush. Sandwiched between two legendary ski resorts, it offers some of the longest runs on the Eastern Seaboard and great late-season snow. Boasting 24 beginner runs, 51 intermediate and 36 expert, plus two terrain parks, this resort is very family-friendly, with enough tree runs to keep the speed demon in your life happy.

Alyeska, Alaska, USA

When it comes to natural beauty, Alaska is off the chart. Head to Alyeska for non-existent lift queues, plentiful heli-ski options and endless spring skiing. Enjoy 2,000 vertical feet (610m) of night-lit terrain, plus the longest continuous double-black run known as the North Face – spine-tingling stuff. This resort is best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.

Le Valinouët, Quebec, Canada

The Saguenay people are known for their friendliness, and nowhere more so than at the rustic ski resort of Le Valinouët. It’s not all about the downhill here – there’s also cross-country skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing. With its own natural microclimate, Le Valinouët is one of only two ski resorts in Quebec operating on 100 percent natural snow, so you can look forward to plenty of crisp flakes in this remote corner of Eastern Canada.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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