7 Hidden Ski Spots to Skip the Lift Queues

While there are renowned ski resorts globally like Vail, Whistler, Courchevel, and Zermatt, savvy skiers are always seeking fresh mountains boasting fantastic terrain, fluffy powder, and minimal lift lines.

Each of these lesser-known ski resorts offers all of this, along with luxurious grand hotels, charming ski-in, ski-out lodges, local cuisine, and rich cultural experiences.

1. Sunnmøre

• Location: Sunnmøre, Norway
• Ideal for: Ski touring and pristine landscapes with koselig—the Norwegian equivalent of hygge—ambiance
• Recommended stay: Juvet Landscape Hotel: This architectural masterpiece integrates seamlessly with nature, featuring minimalist “birdhouse” log cabins and “landscape” rooms with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sunnmøre lies along the southwestern coast of Norway. Primarily known by locals, this region offers extensive skiing options with less crowded slopes compared to the famous Lyngen Alps. It features smaller lift-accessible ski resorts like Strandafjellet and Sunnmørsalpane Skiarena Fjellseter. The authentic Norwegian experience involves off-piste skiing tours that allow you to chase the unique light and ski from the mountains down to the sea. Many of Norrøna Adventure’s guided trips include accommodations on a boat or utilize boats to access more secluded mountain areas.

In Norway, enjoying saunas and hot tubs is not just an après-ski tradition; it’s woven into the cultural fabric. If you visit during the northern lights season, searching for this enchanting spectacle at night is an unforgettable experience.

2. June Mountain

• Location: June Lake, California
• Ideal for: Skiers seeking scenic views; Ikon passholders; individuals and families aiming to refine or enhance their skiing abilities.
• Where to stay: The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth: This elegantly furnished resort is just steps from the Mammoth Mountain gondola and a short drive to June Mountain, making it perfect for skiers wanting to enjoy both in one getaway. Choose a Mammoth Studio suite for a full kitchen and gas fireplace, and take advantage of the hotel’s soothing hot tubs and complimentary fresh coffee in the lobby each morning.

A prominent sign at the base of June Mountain proudly proclaims that you’ve arrived at “California’s Family Mountain.” While this is accurate, June’s 1,500 skiable acres also establish it as a true “skier’s mountain,” where families can enjoy groomed runs or gain confidence on gentler black diamond slopes. Skiers from nearby Mammoth Mountain are often drawn here, with many locals viewing it as a getaway from their home mountain when crowds gather. The serene ambiance and stunning views over June Lake and the Sierra Nevadas from the slopes provide ample reasons to visit.

While Mammoth is famous for its vibrant après-ski scene, June Mountain offers a more relaxed experience. Just minutes away, the charming town of June Lake provides off-mountain options for skiers looking to refuel or enjoy a post-run drink. A hidden gem is La Parilla, a taco truck dishing out Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites, including burritos, fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas. It’s parked at June Lake Brewing, which features outdoor seating, hard seltzers (known as Bang Sauce), and an assortment of specialty craft beers, best savored under the sunny California skies.

3. Beaver Creek

• Location: Avon, Colorado
• Ideal for: Families seeking a luxury skiing experience; multi-generational ski groups; beginners and intermediate skiers; Epic Pass holders.
• Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch: This Ritz-Carlton property, reminiscent of a National Park lodge, features three slope-side hot tubs, a year-round heated pool, a cozy fireside bar and lounge, and a Club Level lounge offering après-ski delights like gourmet hot dogs and Bavarian pretzels.

With an annual snowfall average of 323 inches and breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies, Beaver Creek mountain feels vast and open, boasting three distinct village areas (Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead) interconnected by skiable bridges. It’s an ideal location for beginners to discover and fall in love with skiing, featuring gentle green runs in the upper mountain's Red Buffalo area and the newly opened McCoy Park that prioritize learning and stunning scenery.

As part of the Epic Pass, Beaver Creek is also a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Each day at 3 p.m., bakers greet skiers with freshly baked treats at the base of the slopes in Beaver Creek Village. Additionally, there’s an on-mountain ice cream shop, a cookie cabin dedicated to warm chocolate-chip cookies and hot chocolate, and a Candy Cabin filled with taffy, chocolate-covered Oreos, and—if you're lucky—chocolate-covered Swedish fish.

For a more refined dining experience, consider the meats at Wyld at the Ritz-Carlton, the hummus and pita at Citrea, and the cozy alpine atmosphere complete with a sleigh ride to Zach’s Cabin, situated mid-mountain.

4. Kicking Horse

• Location: Golden, British Columbia, Canada
• Ideal for: Advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain and side-country enthusiasts willing to hike for optimal conditions.
• Where to stay: Palliser Lodge: Offering ski-in and ski-out access, spacious and cozy studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom condo-style suites, Palliser Lodge is a great choice. Some accommodations even feature private hot tubs and terraces perfect for watching the northern lights.

While Whistler and Banff attract many international skiers to Canada, savvy skiers are turning their attention to Kicking Horse. Located in the Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia, Kicking Horse provides a relaxed and uncrowded skiing experience. Known as the crown jewel of the Powder Highway—a scenic 800-mile route connecting eight alpine resorts—it’s affectionately dubbed the “Champagne Powder Capital of Canada” for its light, airy snow. The resort is anything but delicate, boasting some of the toughest terrain in North America, along with superb chute skiing.

Kicking Horse boasts a variety of attractions, including a 20-acre grizzly bear refuge where Boo, the resident bear, is protected in a natural habitat visible to skiers. Enjoy a midday bison chili skillet or burger while taking in breathtaking views of Canada’s oldest mountains at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, which elevates dining to new heights at 7,700 feet.

The vibrant yet refined town of Golden is just a 15-minute drive from the resort, featuring a plethora of shopping, accommodation, and dining choices. Notable dining spots include Reposados Tacos, serving Mexican dishes with vegan and vegetarian options like halloumi avocado burritos and kabocha squash tacos, along with margaritas crafted from fermented syrups. Within walking distance, visitors can kick off their evening with a visit to Whitetooth Brewing Co.'s tasting room, known for its small-batch Belgian-inspired and West Coast-influenced beers.

5. Jungfrau

• Location: Jungfrau, Switzerland
• Best for: Multi-resort skiing, group trips with non-skiers, fondue lovers
• Where to stay: Hotel Bergwelt Grindelwald: This 90-room, design-focused hotel offers stunning mountain vistas and an adults-only spa featuring a steam bath, pools, an ice fountain, and a cozy fireplace for ultimate relaxation. The communal lobby restaurant and bar serve elevated alpine cuisine alongside premium cuts of meat.

For a thrilling skiing adventure, few places rival Jungfrau, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. This region includes four distinct ski areas—Grindelwald-First, Grindelwald-Wengen, Mürren-Schilthorn, and Meiringen-Hasliberg—making it a hidden gem for groups of skiers with varying skill levels.

For advanced skiers, the renowned “Lauberhorn” downhill run in Wengen is one of the longest and most challenging courses in World Cup ski racing. The area also boasts numerous backcountry skiing opportunities, along with scenic winter hikes and sledding paths, making Jungfrau attractive to non-skiers as well. In addition to revitalizing Swiss wellness centers and spas, Jungfrau features Jungfraujoch, a mountain destination complete with an ice palace, part of the UNESCO-recognized Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, as well as the à la carte Restaurant Crystal and breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps—no skis needed.

6. Myoko Kogen

• Location: Myoko Kogen, Japan
• Best for: Powder skiing, side and backcountry adventures, and Japan enthusiasts eager to try the country’s unique slope-side vending machine snacks.
• Where to stay: Mountain Hut Myoko: Nestled at the base of Ikenotaira ski resort, this chic lodge features private chalet rentals, offering breathtaking views and a soothing, traditional Japanese aesthetic with plush bedding and cozy warm showers.

The Myoko Kogen ski area beautifully blends traditional Japanese culture with top-tier skiing, stunning landscapes, and challenging slopes for seasoned skiers. Enthusiasts looking for long runs and ample backcountry trails will find their paradise at any of the resorts here. With over 42 feet of snowfall annually, powder lovers will feel right at home. Culinary delights like yakitori, braised pork, and squid ink udon await in the Akakura Onsen area, along with opportunities for karaoke and traditional Japanese izakayas.

One of the highlights of skiing at Myoko Kogen is the abundance of natural hot springs, or onsen, near Mount Myoko. Soaking in these therapeutic waters revitalizes tired muscles, preparing skiers for their next exhilarating adventure.

7. Livigno

• Location: Livigno, Italy
• Best for: Distinctive dining experiences and local delicacies.
• Where to stay: Eco & Wellness Boutique Hotel Sonne: This charming boutique hotel captures the essence of a classic ski lodge, featuring cozy fireplaces, wooden accents, natural stone, and inviting fabrics for a serene retreat.

Nicknamed “Little Tibet” by locals, Livigno's high altitude and remote setting provide long, frosty winters perfect for a prolonged ski season. The highlight of this area is its hearty, carb-rich dishes designed to keep both locals and skiers warm. Dining in Livigno is both delicious and budget-friendly, with must-try local specialties like sciatt, a tempting crispy buckwheat pancake filled with gooey cheese. Another favorite, pizzoccheri, is a filling dish of short tagliatelle pasta, cubed Casera cheese, potatoes, and cabbage, all generously mixed with butter—well-deserved after conquering over 71 miles of trails at elevations surpassing 9,000 feet.

If you’re taking a break from skiing, Livigno’s dining scene won't disappoint. Food enthusiasts can explore a range of Michelin-starred restaurants nearby, including the classic French Cà d’Oro, Brazilian delights at Vivanda, Mediterranean fare at Talvo by Dalsass, and innovative dishes at Ecco St. Moritz.