Skiing Out West For the First Time: Must-Know Tips
Skiing out West can catch even the most veteran skiers and riders off guard. Here are our biggest tips for those visiting for the first time.
Mountain Review: White Pass
While not as large or steep as some competitive resorts in the Pacific Northwest, White Pass features diverse intermediate terrain and an unbeatable setup for beginners to progress.
Mountain Review: Alyeska
With world-class views, mettle-testing terrain, and staggering annual snow totals, the largest ski resort in the Last Frontier offers an experience that is fittingly surreal for the famously remote state.
Powder to Bare Ground: Ski Resort Conditions Ratings Explained
A comprehensive breakdown of every ski resort surface condition rating you'll ever see, including Powder, Packed Powder, Machine Groomed, Hard Pack, Variable, Artificial, and Spring Conditions.
Mountain Review: Willamette Pass
Eugene's closest ski resort functions more as a local's mountain than a regional contender, but it does offer varied terrain and impressive snowfall for a relatively cheap price.
Mountain Review: 49 Degrees North
Despite its dated lift infrastructure and rural setting, this Northeast Washington resort offers impressive intermediate and advanced terrain at a reasonable price.
Mountain Review: Mount Ashland
This southern Oregon resort suffers from its tiny size and dated infrastructure, though surprisingly extensive advanced terrain and great views help it stand out among local resorts.
Mountain Review: Mount Shasta Ski Park
The only decently-sized California ski area north of Tahoe offers limited lift lines and stunning views of the Southern Cascades, but it’s hurt by uncompetitive infrastructure and a bizarrely-integrated recent expansion.
Mountain Review: Dodge Ridge
The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.
Mountain Review: China Peak
While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.