5 Little Known Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. [with videos]

These 5 little-known ski resorts make perfect cheap vacation ideas for families? Check them out and book your next ski getaway!

Does your family love to ski, but hate the crowds at the more popular skiing destinations? Well, you have come to the right place. Here are 5 little-known family ski resorts in the United States. Don’t worry, just because they’re not as famous as other resorts doesn’t mean they don’t have as much to offer. In fact, some of them are even more beautiful than their popular counterparts! Check them out and start planning your ski getaway.

Related:Save Money on Skiing: Tips to Hit the Slopes for Less

5 Fantastic Little-Known Family Ski Resorts

Mount Bachelor Ski Resort

  • Location- Bend, Oregon. Set in the midst of the Deschutes National Forest.
  • Founded- The resort was founded in 1958 by Bill Healy, a ski trooper for the 10th Mountain Division Elite Force.
  • Accolades- The Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Oregon and they also have one of the longest ski seasons in the United States, operating from the middle of November through the end of May.
  • Elevation- The ski resort has an elevation of 9,064 feet at the summit, 5,700 feet at the base and 3,364 feet of vertical drop.
  • Runs- Mount Bachelor has 88 runs, with the longest one being 4 miles long.
  • Average Snowfall- The average yearly snowfall at the resort is 462 inches.
  • Skiable Area- The resort features a skiable area of 3,683 acres.
  • Food/Drinks- Mount Bachelor has 7 restaurants, 3 coffee shops, and 3 bars.

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort

  • Location- Sandpoint, Idaho. Located at the base of the Selkirk Mountains and overlooks Lake Pend Oreille.
  • Founded- The resort was opened as a ski resort in 1963 and is named after an elderly Swiss hermit that lived at the base of the basin.
  • Accolades- In 2008, Skiing Magazine voted the ski resort Best Place to Ditch the Crowds.
  • Elevation- The ski resort has an elevation of 6,400 feet at the summit, 4,000 feet at the base and 2,400 feet of vertical drop.
  • Runs- Schweitzer Mountain has 92 runs, with the longest being 2 miles long.
  • Average Snowfall- The average yearly snowfall at the resort is 300 inches.
  • Skiable Area- The resort features a skiable area of 2,900 acres.

Bridger Bowl Ski Resort

  • Location- Bozeman, Montana.
  • Founded- The resort was founded in 1955 by volunteers from the Bozeman State Park and Recreation Association.
  • Elevation- The ski resort has an elevation of 8,700 feet at the summit, 6,100 feet at the base and 2,600 feet of vertical drop.
  • Runs- Bridger Bowl has 105 runs, with the longest being 3 miles long.
  • Average Snowfall- The average yearly snowfall at the resort is 350 inches.
  • Skiable Area- The resort features a skiable area of 2,000 acres.
  • Food/Drinks- Bridger Bowl has 4 restaurants and 2 bars.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

  • Location- Mammoth Lakes, California.
  • Founded- The resort was founded in 1953 by Dave McCoy.
  • Accolades- The ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in the United States, operating from November through June.
  • Elevation- The ski resort has an elevation of 11,052 feet at the summit, 7,952 at the base and 3,100 feet of vertical drop.
  • Runs- Mammoth Mountain has 151 runs, with the longest being 3 miles long.
  • Average Snowfall- The average yearly snowfall at the resort is 400 inches.
  • Skiable Area- The resort features a skiable area of 3,500 acres.
  • Food/Drinks- Mammoth Mountain has 16 restaurants, 4 bars and 3 coffee shops.

Bolton Valley Resort

 

  • Location- Bolton, Vermont. It is located in the midst of the Green Mountains of Vermont.
  • Founded- The resort was founded in 1966 by Ralph Des Lauriers.
  • Elevation- The ski resort has an elevation of 3,150 feet at the summit, 1,446 feet at the base and 1,703 feet of vertical drop.
  • Runs- Bolton Valley has 71 runs, with the longest being 1 mile long.
  • Average Snowfall- The average yearly snowfall at the resort is 300 inches.
  • Skiable Area- The resort features a skiable area of 300 acres.
  • Food/Drinks- Bolton Valley has 6 restaurants and 1 tavern.

You’ll find fabulous little-known ski resorts pretty much all over the country. Well, probably not in Florida. Okay, so anyplace that it snows, anyway! These are great places to getaway with your family, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Not only is it often less expensive to ski at these resorts, but you can also find cheaper hotels nearby.

Do you have any favorite little-know ski resorts? Share in the comments!

13 thoughts on “5 Little Known Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. [with videos]”

  1. Ah I’m a day late! My 2nd oldest was looking for one to surprise his girl. .They went to a quaint little town in another state instead. Next time!

  2. I used to be in ski club when I was in middle school. I haven’t been since, but I’d love to take my girls this winter. We have a little resort not too far from my house that would be perfect for beginners. I’d also like to check out some of the resorts on your list too!

  3. Christina Richard

    I have never been skiing but i have always wanted to. I have a lot of friends that go each year and i will have to share this list with them.

  4. We’ve never been skiing because I’m afraid I’ll kill myself! HA! But we have been to Bend, OR and I think that would be a great ski resort to visit!

  5. Those look like amazing ski resorts and I CANNOT wait to visit them all! We have become big ski fans since living here in Europe and will be continuing the sport back in the states! Thank you for the list!

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