Winter mountain lovers know that there is nothing worse than spending half your day in the ski lifts. Although some ski resorts in the United States, like Smuggler’s Notch and Park City, are justifiably popular thanks to their impressive terrain and alpine settings, there are smaller resorts across the country that offer skiing experiences all around. as good, without tedious waits. Try one of these ski destinations in the United States for your next winter getaway.

1. Bryce Resort

• Location: Bayse, Virginia
• Ideal for: Beginner skiers, families teaching their little ones to ski, people who may be hesitant to ski but still want to get on the snow.

Most CC residents head south Massanutten Or Wintergreen when they want to hit the slopes, that’s probably why Bryce Resort (about two hours directly west of DC) has remained relatively unknown for decades.

Located near the West Virginia border in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains, Bryce Resort offers eight ski trails; four of them are aimed at beginners, ideal for those who are just getting started with skiing. There is also a ski school specializing in lessons for beginner skiers and snowboarders who are not toddlers; you must be eight years or older to attend. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t for you, there are 800-foot trails for snow tubing and an ice rink. Bring your own skates for a discount.

Where to Stay: Bryce Mountain Getaways

Bryce Resort does not own or operate a hotel, but there are many vacation rentals nearby. Bryce Mountain Escapes offers the most diverse set of rental options, including stone cabins with wraparound porches and fireplaces, log cabins, and slopeside condos.

Photo by Nyker/Shutterstock

2. Whiteface Mountain

• Location: Wilmington, New York
• Ideal for: Expert skiers, those who want to ski on the same terrain as the Olympians

Whiteface Mountain has twice hosted the Winter Olympics, but the rugged ski resort has remained under the radar despite being one of the best and most challenging ski areas in the Northeast. Nestled in the Adirondack Park’s 6 million magnificent acres, Whiteface, at 4,867 feet, is the fifth highest peak in the state and offers the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies. Expert skiers will be at home here, where 30 percent of the resort’s 94 trails are black diamond and double black diamond routes with wild terrain.

Where to Stay: High Peaks Resort

About a 15-minute drive from Whiteface (there are no properties with ski access), High Peaks is a cozy Adirondack camp-style home, with brick fireplaces and oversized cushioned chairs, perfect for enjoy a book. If you’re not skiing, check out the hotel’s free snowshoes, yoga classes, and indoor pool.

Photo by Lensation photos/Shutterstock

3. Grand Targhee Resort

• Location: Alta, Wyoming
• Ideal for: West Coast day trippers, intermediate skiers, people who just want to go to the mountains without the “scene”

Grand Targhee Resort It’s where Wyoming and Idaho locals go for the freshest powder (over 500 inches per year) without the crowds, and there are more than 2,600 skiable acres to explore. The majority of the terrain is intermediate, so you don’t need to be intimidated by your majestic mountain surroundings. Although the ski resort is geared more towards day trippers (few accommodation options), the slopeside Coffee with snorkel will keep you caffeinated and brisket-filled nachos at the Trap Bar & Grill are perfect for après-ski.

Where to stay: Grand Targhee slopeside accommodation

The only downside to Grand Targhee is that accommodations are limited to the lodges and suites offered by the resort. The good thing is that all the deals are close to the mountain and usually offer items you won’t find in a hotel room, like shoe dryers.

Photo by Kyle A/Shutterstock

4. Apache Ski Resort

• Location: Alto, New Mexico
• Ideal for: Those looking for lots of off-piste activities, history buffs

New Mexico may conjure up images of distant deserts, but the state is home to many ski resorts that aren’t as stellar as their northern counterparts. Fortunately, this means the crowds are smaller. Ski Apache is one of two ski resorts owned by a Native American tribe, the Mescalero Apaches; it’s home to the state’s first four-person gondola, built in 1962. Here you’ll find 55 runs and trails on more than 750 skiable acres, and expert skiers shouldn’t miss the chance to ride the only eight-person gondola people of New Mexico. the summit of the Sierra Blanca.

Where to stay: Auberge du Mountain Gods Resort & Casino

Splurge on a newly renovated Deluxe Room that offers a separate living room with an electric fireplace and a queen-size sleeper sofa, alongside the king-size pillow-top bed in the bedroom. The larger property is packed with amenities, including a full-service spa, five restaurants, and a 45,000-square-foot casino.

Photo by Aaron of LA Photography/Shutterstock

5. Granite Peak Ski Area

• Location: Wausau, Wisconsin
• Ideal for: Groups and families, beginner skiers

Sure, the area isn’t home to the highest mountains, but for beginner and intermediate skiers there’s plenty to enjoy, including short lift lines. Granite Peak is widely considered Wisconsin’s best resort, offering 400 ski areas, 75 ski trails and an attractive setting. Stone chalet from 1939 for an après-ski dinner near the oversized fireplaces. Granite Peak is also home to a 700-foot vertical drop, the largest in the state.

Where to stay: Bantr Rothschild

Large groups and families will want to check into Bantr for large rooms and suites with wood accents, wooden bunk beds for kids, and some amenities with fully equipped kitchens. There’s also Wausau’s largest hot tub when you need to warm up after a day on the slopes.