9 Best Uncrowded Ski Resorts in the U.S. for 2026-27

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 remain hugely popular. U.S. ski areas logged 52.6 million visits last winter, even after a poor snow year in the West, and the season before was the second busiest on record. All that demand can mean crowded slopes, long lift lines, and rising ticket costs. That’s why our ski and snowboard experts at TripOutside have rounded up the best uncrowded ski resorts in the U.S. for the 2026-27 season, where you can escape the hustle and truly enjoy the mountains. Many of these off-the-beaten-path destinations take 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″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Crested Butte	Colorado	1,547	121	217″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Sun Valley	Idaho	2,054	78	220″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Purgatory Resort	Colorado	1,635	107	260″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Telluride	Colorado	2,000	148	280″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Schweitzer Mountain	Idaho	2,900	92	300″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Wolf Creek	Colorado	1,600	133	430″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Arizona Snowbowl	Arizona	777	61	260″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons
Grand Targhee	Wyoming	2,602	95	500″	Rent Equipment Lift Tickets Lessons

How We Picked These Resorts

Crowds come down to how many skiers are sharing the mountain, so we started with skier visits and terrain. The same number of visitors feels very different spread across thousands of acres than it does on a small hill. Wolf Creek, for example, counted about 240,000 visits last season across 1,600 acres. Many resorts no longer publish their numbers, so we also looked at how much terrain each one has and how far it is from major cities. No ski resort is empty during Christmas week, so each pick below says who it’s best for and when to skip it.

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 5,850 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.

Best for: Big-mountain skiers who want room to spread out. Skip it if: You want a budget trip or a holiday week. Peak window tickets reach $289 this season.

Getting to Big Sky Resort

Big Sky is located just 53 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. With shuttle services and rental 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. Want to see your options side by side? Use the comparison tool on our Big Sky ski rentals page.

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 are a number of things that will draw you to Crested Butte – the towering Mt. Crested Butte, the quaint Victorian town nestled in its 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 its advanced inbounds terrain. Beginners will also enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Crested Butte – the front of the mountain has 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.

Best for: Advanced skiers who love steep terrain and a real mountain town. Skip it if: You mostly stick to green runs. Only 14% of the runs are rated beginner.

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! Want to see your options side by side? Use the comparison tool on our Crested Butte ski rentals page.

Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Named for its copious amounts of sunshine, Sun Valley Resort is a top pick for skiers who want fewer crowds and 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 its 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. New for 2026-27, Bald Mountain is getting a high-speed six-person Lookout Express and a new high-speed Christmas quad.

Best for: Skiers who want great groomers and a classic resort town. Skip it if: You want steep, ungroomed terrain most of the day. Telluride or Crested Butte may suit you better.

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! Want to see your options side by side? Use the comparison tool on our Sun Valley ski rentals page.

Purgatory Resort, Colorado

Purgatory Resort sits 25 miles north of Durango, in Colorado’s southwest and away from the busy I-70 corridor. This winter’s new Colorado Couloir chairlift will add about 40 acres of advanced and expert terrain, with a December opening targeted, conditions permitting. Lift tickets are under $50 on 95 days this season, select dates are $9 when you buy online in advance, and kids 12 and under ski free with the Power Kids Pass. Going midweek will make you feel like you have the resort to yourself, plus you’ll save money on lift tickets.

Best for: Families, value seekers and experts looking for new steep terrain. Skip it if: You want a big ski-town scene at the base. Durango is 25 miles away. There are some local favorite apres-ski spots, but don’t expect a ton of options right at the resort.

Getting to Purgatory Resort

Durango-La Plata County Airport is about 50 minutes from Purgatory, with nonstop flights from Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix. United also adds nonstop service from Houston starting December 19.

Purgatory Resort Mountain Stats

• 1,635 skiable acres and 2,029 feet of vertical drop.
• 107 trails.
• 11 lifts, plus Colorado Couloir once it opens.
• Average annual snowfall of about 260 inches.

Where to Rent Gear at Purgatory

Save time and money by booking your gear with 4.9-star rated Performance Sports, just a couple miles north of the resort.

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.

Best for: Advanced and expert skiers who want dramatic scenery. Skip it if: You want an easy, direct flight. The closest airports are regional, so you may have to connect.

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 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! Want to see your options side by side? Use the comparison tool on our Telluride ski rentals page.

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.

Best for: Advanced skiers and anyone who loves tree skiing and big views. Skip it if: You want a quick airport transfer. Spokane is about 2 hours away.

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, 40% 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!

Best for: Powder hunters and skiers who want a no-frills mountain. Skip it if: You want slopeside lodging. Wolf Creek has none, so plan to stay in Pagosa Springs or South Fork.

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 

• 1,600 skiable acres and 1,604 feet of vertical lift.
• The resort has a total of 11 lifts.
• 133 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!

Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona

Arizona isn’t the first place most people think of for skiing, and that’s part of the appeal. Arizona Snowbowl sits on the San Francisco Peaks outside Flagstaff. For the quietest laps, go midweek, since weekends and powder days can bring lift lines. More than half of this season’s operating days are priced at $9 or less. New this winter are a 150-foot beginner conveyor, four tower snow guns, RFID tickets and improved tree skiing.

Best for: Skiers in the Southwest and anyone looking for a low-cost midweek ski day. Skip it if: You can only go on a weekend or powder day and want short lift lines.

Getting to Arizona Snowbowl

Fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 2.5 hours away.

Arizona Snowbowl Mountain Stats

• 777 skiable acres and 2,300 feet of vertical drop.
• 61 runs.
• Average annual snowfall of 260 inches.

Where to Rent Gear at Arizona Snowbowl

Book your Arizona Snowbowl ski rentals, lessons and lift tickets right on TripOutside, and pick up your gear right at 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 its 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.

Best for: Powder chasers and families looking for a laid-back alternative to Jackson Hole. Skip it if: You want a big town and lots of nightlife. The base village is small.

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 2,602 skiable acres, 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!

When to Ski for the Smallest Crowds

Even a quiet mountain can feel busy on the wrong day. For 2026-27, plan around Christmas through New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (January 16-18) and Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13-15). Midweek is your best bet all season, especially early to mid January, the weeks between those two holiday weekends, and late February into early March.

Map of the Best Uncrowded Ski Resorts

Uncrowded Ski Resort FAQs

What is the least crowded ski resort in Colorado?

Of the Colorado resorts on our list, Wolf Creek is our top pick outside peak vacation weeks. It’s family owned, isn’t on Epic or Ikon, and lists a comfortable capacity of 5,700 skiers across 1,600 acres. Purgatory and Crested Butte are good options too, especially midweek.

When is the least crowded time to ski?

Midweek outside the holidays is your best bet. Early to mid January, the weeks between Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and Presidents’ Day weekend, and late February into early March are usually good times to go.

Are smaller ski resorts always less crowded?

No. Smaller resorts can still get busy on weekends and powder days, especially when they’re within driving distance of a big city. Arizona Snowbowl is a good example, so go midweek if you can.

Should I book ski rentals ahead of time?

Yes, especially for holiday weeks. Having your gear booked before you arrive means less time in a rental shop and more time on the snow. Use the links in each resort’s Where to Rent Gear section to get started.

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 Purgatory and Grand Targhee, each destination brings its unique charm. Whether it’s exploring the serene beauty of Schweitzer, soaking up the Southwest sunshine at Arizona Snowbowl, 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!