It takes a particular kind of person to be an avid skier. And if you’re an avid skier, then like most others you probably share a love for exploring new mountains and new trails, forever pushing yourself to conquer increasingly more challenging and difficult runs.
Of course, skiers also tend to fall into habits too, frequenting the same mountains year after year. If you feel like your regular rotation of skiing destinations is growing a little stale, then perhaps it’s time you strike out and become the king or queen of an entirely different mountain.
On this list, you’ll find places to ski from around the world that often fly under the radar. Of course, depending on how avid of a winter sports enthusiast you are, you may have heard of some of these locations. But, fear not, because you’re guaranteed to discover a new mountain on this list that will have you heading to a travel website in order to book your next skiing adventure.
So click on through, and check out this list of 33 amazing places to ski that you’ve never heard of. There are places for heliskiers, skiing families, world travelers and adventurers alike. There’s even a place that offers indoor skiing in the middle of the desert; you’ll find it as #9 on the list!
1. Schweitzer, Idaho
Although Schweitzer doesn’t rise to the same height as some of the other mountains in the area, it gets just as much snow. And with fewer people skiing on that snow, there’s more of it for you to enjoy!
2. Saddleback, Maine
If a rustic skiing experience is what you’re after, then this hidden gem in Maine offers an incredible amount of old-school appeal.
3. Revelstoke, British Columbia
As one of the newer ski resorts in North America, it’s possible you haven’t heard of Revelstoke yet. If that’s the case, then its eminently worth checking out – it gets up to 550 inches of snow per year!
4. Lillehammer, Norway
Once the buzz of the Winter Olympics – which were held there in 1994 – this incredible skiing town has reverted to its quiet roots and has fallen off most people’s radars. Keep it on yours.
5. Cerro Cathedral, Argentina
There are just over 60 miles of ski runs on Cerro Cathedral. While you’re plummeting down the mountain, be sure to take in the stunning views of Nahuel Haupi Lake.
6. Stevens Pass, Washington
For skiing in the Pacific Northwest, you can do no better than this mountain, which offers an idyllic setting – the chairlift to the summit is called “Seventh Heaven” – for hitting the slopes.
7. Portillo, Chile
As the oldest ski resort in South America, it’s possible you’ve heard about Portillo before. But, if you haven’t, then consider making the commitment to a minimum weeklong stay. The exclusivity means the mountain remains largely pristine for your skiing enjoyment.
8. Burke, Vermont
Long a well-kept secret for skiers in the Northeast, this mountain is quickly rising in popularity. Be sure to pay it a visit before it explodes!
9. Ski Dubai, UAE
Just because it’s in the middle of the desert that doesn’t mean Dubai can’t offer skiing. That’s thanks to this indoor skiing facility, which offers a lot more than you might think it does.
10. Monte Rosa, Italy
This hidden gem in the Italian Alps offers visitors nearly 200 kilometers of slopes, which are perfect for heliskiers and freeriders, as most of the slopes remain undeveloped to this day.
11. Hakkoda, Japan
If you’re looking for a place to ski in Japan that doesn’t have the crowds, the the largely untouched slopes of Hakkoda should be at the top of your list. Locally, it’s known as the “new Niseko”, which used to be Japan’s hidden skiing gem.
12. Valle Nevado de las Tres Valles, Chile
Terrain for skiing is in abundance on this Chilean mountain. What’s more is the mountain’s resort offers world-class services. So, how could you go wrong?
13. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
There’s nothing flashy here. The Arapahoe Basin offers skiing at its finest and most basic. This is, of course, until the snow melts and partiers ascend to this popular location for epic hootenannies.
14. Mzaar Kfardebian, Lebanon
Only about an hour in the car from Beirut, this skiing area in Lebanon offers 42 hills to choose from. Be sure to get there sooner rather than later, though. Climate change is rapidly threatening the snow pack at many of Lebanon’s mountains.
15. Formigal, Spain
This state-of-the-art ski destination in Spain may not have the name recognition as its Alpine brethren, but don’t expect that to be the case for too long.
16. Powder Mountain, Utah
If you’re looking to enjoy the powder skiing in Utah but you don’t want to deal with all of the other skiers, then this lesser known destination makes a perfect choice.
17. Pra Loup, France
Frequented mostly by families who live in the surrounding areas, this French slope offers visitors the chance to enjoy tremendous skiing without the crowds. The resort is nothing to scoff at either.
18. Brezovica, Kosovo
As arguably one of the best ski destinations in the Balkans, it’s surprising that this incredible place often fails to appear on most international skiers’ radars.
19. Kirkwood, California
While most ski destinations around Lake Tahoe are located to the north, this hidden gem can be found about 30 miles south. In the winter of 2006, it get just over 800 inches of snow!
20. Waitsfield, Vermont
If you’re looking to get your fill of Vermont-style skiing without the hubbub, then why not stay in this small town, which offers easy access to mountains like Mad River Glen and Sugarbush?
21. Fernie, British Columbia
Get your fill of powder skiing at this mountain, which gets a staggering amount of annual snowfall on its slopes, averaging around 500 inches per year.
22. Afri Ski, Lesotho
As a country that is surround on all sides by South Africa, Lesotho offers one of the most unique ski destinations in the entire world.
23. Caviahue, Argentina
It’s not just the tremendous skiing and snowboarding that this mountain offers. It’s also the natural hot springs, which are perfect for après ski.
24. Mt. Rose, Nevada
If you want to mix up your skiing and your gambling, then why not stay in Reno and then make the 20 mile drive to this less-travelled mountain?
25. Chacaltaya Glacier, Bolivia
It’s the only place to ski in all of Bolivia, and it also sits over three miles above sea level. Be sure you’re physically fit enough to deal with the high elevation.
26. Leogang, Switzerland
As it’s near the immensely popular Saalbach, there tend not to be as many crowds at this mountain. But, the quality of the skiing is right on par, so take advantage if you’re skiing in Switzerland!
27. Timberline, Oregon
Are you looking for places that offer skiing year-round in the United States? Well, it’s a short list, because Timberline is the only mountain on it! And, if you’re wondering, that is the lodge from The Shining.
28. Nelson, British Columbia
Only ten miles away from the Whitewater Ski Resort, this town offers plenty to do in addition to its easy access to one of the best hidden ski destinations in all of British Columbia.
29. Mammoth, California
You may want to visit this destination sooner rather than later. It’s quickly growing into a popular spot for skiers in Southern California. It must be because of the spring-like weather and the consistent snow pack.
30. Mount Olympus, Cyprus
You’ll feel like a god when you hit the slopes of Mount Olympus in the morning and finish your day with a dip in the Mediterranean before nightfall.
31. Serre Chevalier, France
While not as well known as some of France’s other mountains, you can bet that Serre Chevalier is long on quality skiing, French charm and delicious fare.
32. Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont
About as far north in Vermont as you can get, Smuggler’s Notch offers tremendous accommodations and beautiful views of the largely untouched Vermont landscape. Plus, Montreal is only a few hours away if you need a break from the slopes.
33. Mount Kukisvumchorr, Russia
If you’re looking for adventure, then the freeskiing paradise of Mount Kukisvumchorr is calling your name. It’s just outside of the town of Kirovsk.