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The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.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.
Mountain Review: Belleayre
This Catskill mountain offers family-friendly terrain and reasonable crowds for the region, but a few factors make it a tough sell for those planning a weekend getaway.
Mountain Review: Bear Valley
This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.
Mountain Review: Bretton Woods
This Mount Washington-adjacent ski area offers the most upscale ski resort experience in New Hampshire, but its lack of advanced and expert terrain is a serious drawback.
Mountain Review: Powder Mountain
This Utah resort’s upside-down layout, minimal lift infrastructure, and significant capacity restrictions result in one of the most unusual destination experiences out there. Some very significant changes are coming for the 2024-25 season.
Mountain Review: Stratton
This southern Vermont mountain delivers an ideal family experience thanks to excellent grooming and easy navigation, but you’ll be giving up some snow and terrain quality for the location.
Mountain Review: Ski Cooper
While most folks won’t want to plan a weeklong vacation here, this modestly-sized hill stands out from the destinations with an easy-to-handle footprint and lack of crowds.
Mountain Review: Palisades Tahoe
Two of Tahoe’s best ski areas have now been linked as one continuous lift-served destination, but the resort still functions as two separate mountains in many ways.
Mountain Review: Cannon
While it lacks the most modern infrastructure and sees inconsistent conditions, this state-owned New Hampshire ski resort offers unique terrain and low crowds.