You've hit all the hot spots in Aspen and Park City. You've conquered the slopes in Vermont and Wyoming. So why not try skiing or snowboarding in our national parks? Here are three resorts that make winter adventures a blast.
In the state of Washington, Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area sits at 5,240 feet and gets 400-plus inches of snow every year! One of the few remaining lift-served ski and snowboard areas in a U.S. national park, it’s locally operated and offers ski school, a terrain park and family tubing—all with fewer crowds and a relaxed atmosphere.
Daydreamers beware: as you’re navigating the curves you risk being distracted by breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. Hurricane Ridge is perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers, with its well-groomed runs and challenging backcountry terrain. It’s also a great spot for families, as newbies can take ski lessons and youngsters can pile into the sledding and tubing area.
The best time to visit Hurricane Ridge is between December and March when snow is at its highest. But keep in mind the resort is only open on weekends and holidays. And the place often lives up to its name: check ahead on the NPS alerts page to decrease the likelihood of getting stuck in sudden white-outs or avalanches.
If you’re more into cross-country or snowshoeing, you can choose from the tamer terrain near the visitor center or dive into the backcountry, where if you’re lucky you might spot a deer or elk. Don’t expect marmots, though—they’re hibernating.
Polar Blast Snow Tubing? Sign me up! The marketing might be confusing—is it one resort? Two? But either way, this is one of the best midwestern destinations for winter sports. Located in Northeast Ohio, this twofer wonderland offers you the option of “new-age style” skiing (Brandywine) or “old time timber style” (Boston Mills). What do those mean? You’ll just have to go to find out! The areas are only five minutes apart, and one lift ticket gets you into both.
Between them, they offer a great mix of terrain for beginners, intermediates and experts, spread over 88 acres in beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Even when the snow’s not falling, they have you covered with dozens of snowguns coating 100% of the trails.
The Boston Mills Resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with 18 slopes and trails, including Tiger, the steepest pitch in Ohio. The resort also offers a Snow Sports School where you can improve your skills on the mountain.
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the resort also has a tubing park—but if tubing is your jam, head over to…
This resort boasts 11 slopes and trails, as well as a terrain park for those looking to show off their skills. Similar to Boston Mills, it also offers a Snow Sports School for all levels.
The real draw here is Brandywine’s Polar Blast Snow Tubing Park, which features 20 tubing lanes and a massive two-lane conveyor lift to take you back up the hill. Note that ticket sales are limited, so make sure to get them in advance online. You can find the rules in advance here. Must say, I’m intrigued by the “No Superman” rule. What did the Man of Steel ever do with a tube? If you have videos, please send them our way!
Most people think of Yosemite as a spring, summer and fall destination, but don’t sleep on winter. The Badger Pass Ski Area is one of the oldest resorts in the United States. Great for families—its ski school opened way back in 1928!—the resort features 10 ski runs and 5 chairlifts. It is admittedly not for the black diamond crowd, sitting between 7,200 and 8,000 feet with a vertical drop of 800 feet. But for more adventurous souls there’s always backcountry or tree-skiing.
Three days a week when weather permits, Badger Pass also offers two-hour guided snowshoe hikes through the park’s winter wonderland. Don’t drag the little kiddos though—they recommend 11 and over for this one.
Even if you’re not into skiing or snowshoeing, Yosemite is still worth a visit in the winter. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails and viewpoints that are accessible year-round. And with smaller crowds and a peaceful winter atmosphere, it’s the perfect time to experience the park’s beauty without the usual summer crowds.
Watch Alice Ford’s Solo Winter Adventures in Yosemite
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Top photo of Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park by National Park Service
