6 Amazing Ski Resorts You’ve Never Heard Of

Reno, Nevada

The closest ski area to the Reno, Mt. Rose offers day trippers from the city a chance to ski some of the famous slopes of the Tahoe area without committing an entire weekend to the confines of a major destination ski resort. Mt. Rose is just 25 minutes from downtown Reno, which means you can steal away for a day or just an afternoon before returning to the city for dinner, dancing, and a night at the casinos. The mountain itself boasts challenging terrain and the highest base elevation of any Tahoe ski area. The lifts and lodges have the mom n' pop vibe, and the ski area's 1,200 ac sizes it small compared to its counterparts across the Lake – but for an understated getaway to some serious powder lines, this place is a big win in our book.

Best For: Gambling with a side of great skiing

Bozeman, Montana

Bridger Bowl is the locals' mountain of Bozemanites, and any given weekend morning you'll find serious skiers geared up on the corner of Main Street and North Rouse Ave. looking for a ride to this totally classic, non-profit ski area 16 mi up the canyon. Bridger Bowl is known for its extremely light-density powder – otherwise known as "cold smoke" – and you'll find plenty of it on the varied terrain. The bottom half of the resort is ideal for intermediates and beginners, while experts can head up The Ridge for a taste of big Montana powder fields without the hype and photo shoots surrounding similar lines at larger resorts. A hip and lively college town, Bozeman serves as the perfect base for concerts, craft beer, and delectable Western eats.

Best For: Big mountain skiing sans the "scene" of big mountain skiing

Waitsfield, Vermont

Cruising up I-89 in Vermont, you're bound to spot a "Mad River Glen / Ski It If You Can" bumper sticker on one of the various vehicles heading to the mountains. Known as the East's most challenging ski area, Mad River Glen is small but mighty: 5 lifts service 45 trails, nearly all of which are covered by solely natural snowfall. Experts love it for its challenging tree skiing, and those with a taste for nostalgia will get a kick out of the single-seater chairlift. Mad River Glen prides itself on being a mountain for skiers rather than one for industry: member-owned, the co-op is committed to low skier density, a friendly community, and preserving the natural environment. Historic Waitsfield is charming for a weekend getaway.

Best For: A friendly New England getaway with tree lines reminiscent of the Rockies

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Between Pagosa Springs and South Fork skiers and riders find the oasis of Wolf Creek Ski Area, which boasts 1,600 ac terrain and "the most snow in Colorado" – an average of 430 inches annually. While skiers and riders of all levels can find superb terrain across the mountain, experts can head straight to the hike-to terrain, which spans a ridge of open bowls and patches of trees. The resort is quite family-friendly, with a condensed base area and a children's learning center ideal for little ones just learning to ski. Nearby lodging and dining are comfortable and affordable.

Best For: Crowd-less powder days and a Colorado getaway for all budgets 

Brian Head, Utah

Boasting Utah's highest base elevation and over 360 in average annual snowfall, we are still shocked that Brian Head seems to escape the crowds of usual Utah ski resorts. That's great news for those seeking a no-frills, fun-packed ski vacation in the beautiful Wasatch Range. 71 runs spread across 650 ac means Brian Head is small enough for friends and family to navigate with each other, but big enough so that no one gets bored. True, there is only one high-speed quad, but the charm of this resort rests partly in its less-developed infrastructure. If you're willing to kick back and slow down to the local pace, you'll find yourself relaxed, suntanned, and enjoying some of the best secret ski spots in Utah.

Best For: A step into simpler skiing times and off-the-beaten path Utah slopes

Alta, Wyoming

While most think of Jackson Hole when it comes to the Wyoming ski vacation, it must be known that just across Teton Pass is another resort with stunning views, world-class terrain, and a Wild West vibe. Grand Targhee, or "the 'Ghee" as it's called by those who know it well, is famed for its 500 in average annual snowfall and virtually zero lift lines – even on a weekend powder day. The terrain spans 2,602 ac across two mountains and one hike-to terrain area. You won't find the usual fixings of a major ski resort at the modest base area, but you will enjoy affordable lodging, good gear shops, and lively après at the Trap Bar. Nearby Driggs, Idaho has fun local shops and a few chic restaurants.

Best For: The most average annual snowfall in the West in a laid-back, crowd-free atmosphere 

If you are planning a ski vacation, you can package lift tickets with lodging, rental equipment, and transfers. SnowPak is a mountain travel company specializing in ski vacations and will make sure you have all the right ski products for your winter getaway. See ski packages for more information.