When temperatures fall and the snow starts piling up, getting out and enjoying the outdoors in winter is important for physical and mental health.  Skiing and snowboarding continue to rise in popularity, drawing bigger crowds to resorts nationwide.  But with that popularity comes challenges—crowded slopes, long lift lines, and rising ticket costs. That’s why the ski and snowboard experts at TripOutside have rounded up the best ski uncrowded ski resorts in the U.S. where you can escape the hustle and truly enjoy the mountains. These off-the-beaten-path destinations may require a bit more planning to reach, but the payoff is worth it: wide-open trails, minimal lift lines, and more time carving through fresh snow.

Resort	Location	Skiable Acres	Total Runs	Annual Snowfall	Actions
Big Sky Resort	Montana	5,850	300	400″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Crested Butte	Colorado	1,547	121	217″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Sun Valley	Idaho	2,054	78	220″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Whitefish Mountain	Montana	3,000	113	300″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Telluride	Colorado	2,000	148	280″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Schweitzer Mountain	Idaho	2,900	92	300″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Wolf Creek	Colorado	1,600	120	430″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Brighton	Utah	1,050	66	500″	Accommodations Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons

Best Ski Resorts to Escape the Crowds

Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky is one of the best resorts in North America to escape the crowds. With 5700 acres of terrain, there’s plenty of room to spread out at Big Sky. Its remote location in southwest Montana also makes it a bit more difficult to get to than the resorts located near a major airport. Big Sky features beefy terrain for those looking for extreme skiing experiences. Combine that with crazy steeps, impressive backcountry access, and Montana powder that can reach up to 30 feet, you’ll soon understand why Big Sky is the ultimate ski destination for big mountain skiers looking for a little more solitude. On a clear day, Big Sky’s Lone Mountain peak treats skiers to stunning views of 10 Montana mountain ranges, as well as Idaho and Wyoming mountains, including the Tetons.

Big Sky also features beginner terrain that makes it a great place for family skiing activities. Lone Wolf, Mr. K, and Cinnabar are wide green runs where you can hone your skiing skills before conquering the steeper trails.

Getting to Big Sky Resort

Big Sky is located just 53 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. With shuttle services and shuttle cars available at the airport, getting to Big Sky is easy.

Big Sky Resort Mountain Stats

• 5850 skiable acres and 36 lifts
• Vertical rise of 4350 feet, with one lone peak
• Over 300 runs, with the longest being 6 miles (Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall)
• 7 terrain parks
• Average snowfall of 400 inches
• Terrain breakdown: 15% beginner, 25% intermediate, 42% advanced, 18% expert

Where to Rent Gear in Big Sky

For quality ski gear and equipment delivered right to your accommodation in Big Sky, book online with Black Tie Ski Delivery.  Booking on TripOutside gets you an extra 10% off!  Or choose the slopeside Christy Sports  located in the Arrowhead mall with access to the Ramcharger ski lift.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado

Crested Butte lies just 12 miles from Aspen as the crow flies, with the remote Maroon Bells wilderness and some of Colorado’s highest peaks separating the two towns.  In winter, Kebler Pass closes and the drive between the two can take almost 4 hours. Nicknamed Colorado’s last great ski town, Crested Butte’s remote location adds to its intrigue. There’s a number of things that will draw you to Crested Butte – the towering Mt. Crested Butte, the quaint Victorian town nestled in it’s shadow, and the breathtaking mountains that surround the valley.  Add in the diverse and expansive terrain at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and you will agree that Crested Butte is the perfect destination for your next ski trip.

Crested Butte attracts advanced skiers willing to put their skiing skills to the test with it’s advanced inbounds terrain. Beginners will also enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Crested Butte – the front of the mountain are uncrowded trails that are perfect for beginner skiing. For intermediate and expert skiers, the resort features tons of more advanced terrain off the Paradise and East River Express Lifts, The North Face Lift, Gold Link Lift, and Teocali Bowl.

Getting to Crested Butte

There are two regional airports you can fly to if you’re planning to visit Crested Butte.  Gunnison Crested Butte Regional Airport is 30 minutes from Crested Butte and Montrose Regional Airport 90 minutes away. Alternatively, you can fly to Denver International Airport, which may have more flight options. From there, you can rent a car for the 4 hour drive, or choose from several charter ground transportation services from Alpine Express.

Crested Butte Mountain Stats

• 121 runs – 14% beginner, 25% intermediate, 25% advanced runs, and 36% expert runs.
• The longest run is 2.61 miles.
• Skiable terrain of 1547 acres.
• Vertical lift of 2775 feet.
• Average annual snowfall is 217 inches.

Where to Rent Gear in Crested Butte

The resort’s base area provides easy access to the slopes and features rental shops like Christy Sports Treasury Center and Butte & Co. Both shops offer high-quality service and are just steps from the lifts, making it easy to grab your gear and hit the mountain. If you’re staying in town, the historic downtown area has excellent rental shops like The Alpineer, which offers convenient options for picking up your gear before heading up the mountain.

For the ultimate convenience, Black Tie Ski Delivery brings premium ski gear straight to your lodging in Crested Butte. When you book through TripOutside, you’ll even get 10% off!

Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Named for it’s copious amounts of sunshine, Sun Valley Resort is a to pick for best uncrowded ski resort that sees less crowds but offers the same incredible mountain resort experience.  More popularly known as the “birthplace of destination skiing,” Sun Valley has diverse terrain spread across two different mountains. Bald Mountain is considered  one of the best ski destinations in the world with it’s 13 lifts and 65 runs, while Dollar Mountain is a great place for beginners to learn. Bald Mountain has a delightful base village perfect for après ski, and the charming nearby town of Ketchum offers everything one could want from shopping to dining and nightlife.

Getting to Sun Valley

You can easily reach Sun Valley by flying to Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey. From there, it is a 12 mile drive to Sun Valley. Rent a car for the short drive, or take a shuttle with Sun Valley Shuttle company.  Ketchum is a compact, walkable town so a rental car is not always necessary.

Sun Valley Resort Mountain Stats

• Sun Valley has a vertical rise of 3400 feet and skiable terrain of 2054 acres.
• The resort features a total of 78 trails – 36% for beginners, 42% for intermediate skiers, and 22% for expert/advanced skiing.
• Sun Valley has 18 lifts.
• Average annual snowfall is at 220 inches.

Where to Rent Gear in Sun Valley

For ski and snowboard gear in Sun Valley, you can’t go wrong with the convenience of delivery, with the highly rated Black Tie Ski Delivery or Ski Butlers. Booking on TripOutside gets you an extra 10% off!

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort is a large ski resort in northern Montana, 35 miles west of Glacier National Park and 7 miles from the town of Whitefish.  Not only is Whitefish one of our best uncrowded ski resorts, it is also one of the most affordable large ski resorts in the West, with lift tickets starting at under $100 per day.   It’s 3,000 acres features 111 marked trails and lots of bowl and tree skiing.  The resort is easy to access via Glacier Park International Airport just 18 miles away in Kalispell, which is served by major airlines like Delta, United, Frontier and more. Whitefish boasts a vast 3,000 acres of terrain (one of the largest resorts in the U.S.!), 4 terrain parks, 12 chairlifts plus a conveyer carpet and 2 T-bars.

Getting to Whitefish Mountain Resort

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport in the town of Kalispell, just 18 miles from Whitefish Mountain Resort.  Direct flights land from Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Vegas, Atlanta and more.  Or take the Amtrak into Whitefish for an incredibly scenic journey.  The Empire Builder line train arrives daily from points east (Minneapolis, Chicago) and west (Seattle, Portland, Spokane).  Both shuttle services and car rentals are available at the airport.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Stats

• 113 trails – 12% beginner, 37% intermediate, 44% advanced, 7% expert.
• 3000 acres of skiable terrain.
• 4 terrain parks.
• 300 inches of snow annually.
• Summit elevation: 6817 feet.
• Longest run: 2.5 miles.

Where to Rent Gear in Whitefish

We highly recommend the 5-star rated Black Tie Ski Delivery, which offers ski rentals delivered directly to your Whitefish accommodation.  Booking online through TripOutside saves you an extra 10%!

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Thanks to its legendary terrain, Telluride is considered one of the best skiing destinations not only in the US, but also in the world.  Telluride is home to 2000 acres of terrain which is known for its steep, vertical drops.  Almost 50% of Telluride’s trails are advanced/expert which means Telluride is a great destination if you’re looking for a challenge. It also delivers wide open slopes and a low pressure atmosphere which welcomes beginner snowboarders and skiers. With over two miles of blue and green runs, Ute Park, Sunshine, Prospect Bowls are runs that newbie skiers will love. Surrounded by the nearby San Juan Mountains, the resort showcases spectacular scenery.  Thanks to its remote location in southwest Colorado, Telluride stands out as one of the best uncrowded ski resorts, celebrated for its minimal lift lines and serene slopes. This makes it a fantastic Colorado skiing getaway where you can enjoy a variety of runs all to yourself.

Getting to Telluride

The closest airports to Telluride are regional airports, which means you may have to connect.  Telluride Regional Airport is a short 15 minute drive, Montrose-Telluride International Airport is a 1.5 hour drive, and Durango-La Plata Regional Airport is 2.5 hours from Telluride village. Shuttle services from Telluride Express are available at all airports mentioned above, as are car rentals.

Telluride Ski Resort Mountain Stats 

• Vertical lift of 3790 feet, and 2000 acres of skiable terrain.
• The ski resort has 17 lifts.
• There are 148 trails in Telluride – 23% beginner, 36% intermediate, 41% advanced/expert.
• Average annual snowfall is 280 inches.

Where to Rent Gear in Telluride

Looking for ski or snowboard gear for your Telluride ski trip?  TripOutside has vetted the best Telluride ski rental shops whether you want in town, on mountain or delivery.  At Telluride Mountain Village, we recommend Alpineer Telluride Mountain Village or Bootdoctors Mountain Village. If you are staying in the town of Telluride, you can also rent right in town near the gondola, which connects you directly to the slopes. Christy Sports Oak Street is a customer favorite that’s easily accessible for picking up gear before heading up the gondola. 

Alternatively, skip the rental shop altogether and opt for Black Tie Ski Delivery Telluride, which brings all your gear directly to your accommodation—plus, you can save an extra 10% by booking on TripOutside!

Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho

Looking for a less crowded ski getaway in the Pacific Northwest? Schweitzer Mountain Resort is northern Idaho’s best-kept secret and a top contender among our best uncrowded ski resorts. Located in the panhandle region east of Spokane, WA, its panoramic views stretch across the town of Sandpoint, Lake Pend Oreille, and even into Canada. As the largest ski resort in Idaho and Washington, Schweitzer offers quiet, uncrowded runs and a sense of solitude that’s hard to match.  Don’t assume Schweitzer is an easy ski destination, though – its epic steeps will also challenge you! For top notch lodging near the runs, check out Schweitzer Mountain Resort Lodging. Other nearby accommodation options abound in nearby Sandpoint.

Getting to Schweitzer

Schweitzer Mountain is just a 2 hour drive from Spokane International Airport.  Or take the Amtrak from Seattle or Portland right to Sandpoint!

Schweitzer Mountain Stats 

• Total of 2900 skiable acres, and a 2400 foot vertical lift.
• The resort features a total of 10 lifts.
• 92 trails – 10% beginner, 42% intermediate, 35% advanced, and 15% expert.
• Average annual snowfall is 300 inches.

Where to Rent Gear at Schweitzer

Treat yourself to the ultimate convenience of rental gear delivery in Schweitzer with Black Tie Ski Delivery. Booking on TripOutside gets you an extra 10% off!

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado

If deep powder runs all to yourself is what you live for, Wolf Creek Ski Area will be right up your alley. With an annual snowfall of 430 inches, Wolf Creek is known to have the most snow in Colorado.  Known for its one of a kind hike-to-terrain features, it’s favored by adrenaline junkies.  With runs that are equally divided for beginners and more experienced skiers, there’s something for every skier and rider here. The place may be more laid back than its neighbors, but its wide open powder runs are just as exciting. If you can’t wait to start the skiing season, visit Wolf Creek. It opens as early as mid-October depending on the snowfall!

Getting to Wolf Creek

To get to Wolf Creek, your best bet is to fly to Durango Airport. You can rent a car at the airport for the 1.5 hour drive to Wolf Creek.

Wolf Creek Ski Area Mountain Stats 

• 1600 feet of skiable acres, and 1604 feet vertical lift.
• The resort has a total of 9 lifts.
• 120 trails – 20% beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 20% expert.
• Average annual snowfall is 430 inches.

Where to Rent Gear at Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Ski Area offers gear rental for all of your resort activities right on the mountain.  Alternatively, pick up your gear in Pagosa Springs, CO on your way to the resort!

Brighton Resort, Utah

Brighton Ski Resort rose to fame as Utah’s first skiing hub. Over the years, it has become a favorite of adventurous locals who enjoy its natural freestyle hits, terrain parks, and deep layers of Utah dry snow. Thanks to its good value skiing and distinct family friendly atmosphere, Brighton has become a big hit with families, couples and singles alike. Brighton boasts that all of it’s terrain can be reached by high speed quads, making it easily accessible for all.  Furthermore, the inexpensive lift tickets and gear rental make it a budget-friendly destination. Brighton’s base doesn’t have as many lodging and dining options as other bigger resorts, but there are several lodges to choose from.  Molly Green’s low key atmosphere and scenic views from the unique A-frame structure make it a perfect spot to enjoy après ski after you’ve tackled Brighton’s fantastic terrain.  Another option is to stay in Park City or Salt Lake City and make Brighton a day trip.

Getting to Brighton

The closest airport to Brighton is Salt Lake City Airport, just 39 miles away. From there you can rent a car for the short drive, or take a shuttle.  Many visitors are able to ski the same day they fly in!

Brighton Resort Mountain Stats 

• 1050 acres of skiable terrain and a 1875 vertical lift.
• Total of 66 trails – 21% beginner, 39% intermediate, 25% advanced, 15% expert.
• Average annual snowfall is 500 inches.

Where to Rent Gear at Brighton

Brighton offers gear rental for all your resort activities right on the mountain.  Or save some money and rent from our curated best of the best outfitters in Salt Lake City or Park City on your way up to the resort!

Grand Targhee Ski Resort, Wyoming

Tucked on the quieter western side of the Tetons in Wyoming, Grand Targhee is a hidden gem in the shadow of its more famous neighbor. With it’s incredible annual snowfall of 500 inches, backcountry skiing and powder stashes that last all day, the resort caters to those longing for exhilarating, deep snow skiing. Grand Targhee may get fewer visitors than the more popular Jackson Hole, but that just makes its epic powder and grand scenery even more enjoyable.  Skiing the Teton Vista Traverse, Lost Groomer, and Painted Pony gives visitors a grand, panoramic view of the Grand’s stunning landscapes. Grand Targhee is also far easier on the budget with inexpensive lodging in the base village and lower lift ticket prices than Jackson Hole.  The base village is small but still has several great options for après ski and dining. Affordable and family friendly, Grand Targhee should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list.

Getting to Grand Targhee

To get to Grand Targhee, book a flight to Jackson Hole Airport and rent a car for the 1.5 hour drive across the pass.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort Mountain Stats

• Grand Targhee has 2602 skiable terrain, and 2270 feet vertical lift.
• The resort is serviced by 5 lifts.
• It has a total of 95 runs – 33% beginner, 37% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 5% expert.
• Average annual snowfall is 500 inches.

Where to Rent Gear at Grand Targhee

Grand Targhee offers gear rental for all of your resort activities right on the mountain!

Map of the Best Uncrowded Ski Resorts

Finding Solitude at the Best Uncrowded Ski Resorts

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy world-class skiing, these nine underrated ski resorts offer the perfect blend of uncrowded slopes, stunning scenery, and diverse terrain. From the legendary powder and steeps of Big Sky and Telluride to the family-friendly vibes of Brighton and Grand Targhee, each destination brings its unique charm. Whether it’s exploring the serene beauty of Schweitzer and Whitefish, embracing the historical allure of Sun Valley, or carving through the deep snow at Wolf Creek and Crested Butte, these resorts cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With fewer lift lines, breathtaking backdrops, and excellent amenities, these hidden gems are the ultimate ski destinations for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Ski Trip Resources

For more ski inspiration, check out our Best Beginner Ski Resorts compilation, and our Best Ski Resorts for Families article. Before you head out for your ski trip, find out What to Wear Skiing + Trip Packing Checklist!

For the ultimate ski road trip, check out our list of 21 ski resorts that allow overnight RV camping!