Brains
Most skiers and riders have a mental list of the usual bucket list items, such as visiting specific resorts or finally going heli-skiing. However, the mountains are full of lesser-known gems that only locals may know about, which can be just as memorable. From riding special lifts, conquering challenging runs, or basking in unique moments, the not-so-obvious experiences often turn out to be the most rewarding.
So, here’s a collection in no particular order of some of the best experiences you can have at U.S. ski resorts that may fall under the radar but are worth chasing across the nation’s ski scene.
#17 Lone Peak Tram and Big Couloir at Big Sky, MT
Riding the Lone Peak Tram at Big Sky Resort to 11,166 feet is like stepping into another world, with panoramic views and a true sense of alpine adventure. Dropping into Big Couloir, a steep, narrow chute with mandatory avalanche gear, delivers one of the most intense inbounds descents in North America. For expert skiers and riders, it’s a rite of passage that combines technical challenge, big mountain terrain, and the thrill of conquering a line that looms above the resort like a badge of honor.
#16 The Back Bowls at Vail, CO
Vail’s Back Bowls are legendary thanks to their vast and varied terrain, with nearly 2,800 skiable acres spread across seven expansive alpine bowls. Skiers and snowboarders can explore everything from wide-open powder fields to tight glades, gullies, and cliffs—all easily accessed by high-speed lifts. The adjacent Blue Sky Basin can be similar, and on a powder day, you can experience the thrill of big-mountain skiing and may not even hit the frontside of the mountain.
#15 Kachina Peak at Taos, NM
Kachina Peak at Taos Ski Valley offers expert skiers and snowboarders a chance to ride one of the highest lift-accessed summits in North America at over 12,400 feet. The terrain is steep, challenging, and naturally beautiful, with wide-open bowls and narrow chutes that demand both skill and nerve. Reaching the top, whether by lift or hiking the final ridge, feels like earning your turns in one of the Southwest’s most iconic alpine settings.
#14 Sea Level Riding at Alyeska, AK
Sea Level Riding at Alyeska lets you carve fresh turns with glacier-carved valleys dropping straight into Turnagain Arm, making for an unforgettable “ski to ocean” vibe. With an average of over 650 inches of coastal powder and big‑mountain terrain amid the Chugach, it’s a dream for skiers and boarders. On clear winter nights, you might even catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead as you cruise season‑long night skiing—proof that this is as magical under the sky as it is on the slopes.
#13 KT-22 lift at Palisades Tahoe, CA
KT-22 at Palisades Tahoe is a must-do experience for skiers and snowboarders, offering access to some of the most iconic terrain in North America. KT-22 alone delivers nearly 2,000 feet of vertical in a single six-minute ride, serving up everything from steep chutes and cliff drops to wide-open bowls. The lift is legendary not just for its terrain, but for its culture—locals line up in the dark on powder days, chasing first tracks and sharing in the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re hunting for big-mountain lines or exploring more moderate but still challenging terrain, KT-22 offers an unforgettable mix of variety, history, and high-energy riding.
#12 Rambo Run at Crested Butte, CO
Rambo Run at Crested Butte is the steepest lift-accessible tree-cut run in the U.S., with a sustained pitch of 50 to 55 degrees that turns every jump turn into a heart-pounding challenge. The narrow chutes are lined with pine trees, hidden rocks, and shrubs, leaving no room for error from top to bottom. This short but brutal run, roughly 900 feet of relentless vertical, demands perfect jump turns and razor-sharp focus, making it a badge of honor for expert skiers and snowboarders who crave the raw thrill of pushing their limits in big mountain terrain.
#11 Pallavicini Chair at Arapahoe Basin, CO
The Pallavicini Chair at Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as “Pali,” is a rite‑of‑passage double chairlift that rises over 1,300 feet in seven minutes, delivering skiers and riders directly to some of North America’s most challenging and adrenaline‑charged terrain. It serves up steep chutes like Pali Face, The Spine, and Gauthier, plus tight glades, cornice drops, pillows, and cliffs, making every lap feel like a fresh adventure. Even with its roots in the late ’70s, the lift was modernized in 2020 while keeping its classic fixed‑grip, two‑person charm—so you still get that personal, human‑scale ride to epic, big‑mountain terrain with stunning views along the way.
#10 Ski-in-ski-out lodging
Ski-in-ski-out lodging puts you right on the mountain, making it easy to hit the slopes the moment the lifts open. It saves time and hassle, so you can squeeze in more runs and relax between sessions without worrying about transportation. Plus, there’s something special about stepping out your door into fresh snow and ending your day steps away from cozy warmth. Everyone should do it at least once.
#9 Après ski at Cloud Nine at Aspen, CO
Après-ski at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro in Aspen Highlands is an unforgettable experience for skiers and snowboarders. Located at 11,000 feet, this European-style bistro offers a lively atmosphere with champagne showers, gourmet fondue, and stunning views of the Maroon Bells. Accessible only by skiing or snowboarding, Cloud Nine provides a unique and festive setting to celebrate a day on the slopes. Reservations are highly recommended and may be required, especially for the après-ski sessions, to ensure a spot at this iconic mountain venue.
#8 The Trams at Jackson Hole, WY, & Snowbird, UT
Riding the Tram at Jackson Hole offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range and access to some of the most challenging and thrilling terrain in North America. At Snowbird, the Tram whisks you above the stunning Wasatch Mountains, dropping you right into steep, deep powder that’s a dream for advanced riders. Both lifts provide a unique blend of jaw-dropping scenery and world-class skiing that every enthusiast should experience at least once.
#7 Summer skiing at Timberline Lodge, OR
Summer skiing at Timberline Lodge is a unique chance to ride on real snow when most other resorts are closed. The mountain offers long, uncrowded runs with stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding wilderness. It’s the perfect way to keep your skills sharp and enjoy fresh mountain air even in the middle of summer. The lifts typically run into August, and the vibe of visitors and ski teams from all over the country adds to the allure. See how many state license plates you can spot in the parking lot.
#6 Hiking Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands, CO
Hiking Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands is a quintessential experience for skiers and snowboarders seeking adventure. The 45-minute to hour-long hike rewards you with panoramic views of the Maroon Bells and a 2,500-foot descent through steep, double-black diamond terrain. Whether you choose to summit or drop in early, the Bowl offers a variety of lines ensuring an unforgettable ride for every expert.
#5 Powder Day at Mt. Baker, WA
A powder day at Mt. Baker is legendary because the mountain gets some of the biggest snowstorms in the Pacific Northwest (or anywhere), creating epic deep powder conditions. The steep and challenging terrain offers a little bit of everything, perfect for skiers and snowboarders who love variety. Plus, if the sun ever does come out, there are stunning views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker, and you can explore some of the massive amounts of backcountry terrain in the area.
#4 Alf’s High Rustler Run at Alta, UT
There are many classic runs at Alta, and Alf’s High Rustler is likely the most iconic one. It’s a steep, wide, fall-line face that drops right into the Wildcat Base area. Locals treat it like a victory lap, and it’s often skied at the end of the day. Visible from the parking lot, it’s a proving ground and a rite of passage.
#3 June skiing at Mammoth Mountain, CA
June skiing at Mammoth Mountain offers a rare chance to ride fresh spring snow under bright blue skies when most other resorts have closed for the season. The warmer weather means you can enjoy longer days or multiple sports (biking and golf) and relax lakeside afterward. Plus, Mammoth’s high elevation and extensive terrain keeps the conditions excellent, making it a perfect late-season escape.
#2 360-degree skiing off the summit of Mt. Bachelor, OR
Skiing off the summit of Mt. Bachelor offers a rare 360-degree view that lets you take in the Cascade Range, the volcanic peaks, and the endless forests below. Being able to go in any direction you want offers a variety of terrain, from wide-open bowls to gladed runs, which means there’s something for every skill level, all accessed from one iconic peak. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with the mountain and experience Oregon’s natural beauty like few others can.
#1 Single chairlift at Mad River Glen, VT
The Single Chair at Mad River Glen, Vermont, offers a unique and nostalgic ski experience. As the only operating single-person chairlift in the continental U.S., it transports skiers solo to the summit of General Stark Mountain, providing a peaceful 12-minute ride through scenic glades. This lift, built in 1948 and restored in 2007, is a testament to the resort’s commitment to preserving traditional skiing. Riding the Single Chair is not just about reaching the top; it’s about embracing a slower, more reflective journey that contrasts with the fast-paced nature of modern ski lifts.
The beauty of skiing and snowboarding in the U.S. isn’t just about checking off the tallest peaks or most famous runs; it’s about the personal moments that stick with you. Everyone’s bucket list will look a little different, and that’s what makes it great. The possibilities are endless, and the memories you create chasing them are what truly make the ride worth it. How many of these have you checked off? Are there any that you think should be added? Let us know in the comments below.
