Mountain Review: Granite Peak
This central Wisconsin ski area pairs a modern high-speed lift fleet and snowmaking on every trail with night skiing seven days a week. But low natural snowfall, flat runouts and limited expert terrain hold it back.
Mountain Review: The Highlands at Harbor Springs
This Michigan resort pairs reliable lake-effect snow with the fastest chairlift in the Midwest and plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging. But short advanced runs and just one expert trail limit the challenge.
Mountain Review: Boyne Mountain
This Michigan stalwart pairs the Midwest’s only high-speed eight-pack with a lively base area. But expert terrain is scarce, and staying on-site comes at a steep price.
Mountain Review: Smugglers’ Notch
Ancient lifts and lackluster resiliency measures hold back a staple of the northern Vermont skiing scene.
Mountain Review: Mountain Creek
This New Jersey ski area offers standout freestyle terrain and easy access from New York City, but it’s a really tough sell versus snowier, less-commercialized resorts further north.
Mountain Review: Boreal
This compact Lake Tahoe area ski area offers reliable snow and one of the region’s best terrain park setups, but a decidedly short vertical drop and high peak ticket prices make it a tougher sell next to its larger neighbors.
Mountain Review: Silver Mountain
Reached by one of the world’s longest gondolas, this Idaho panhandle resort pairs uncrowded slopes with an easy-to-access base village. But outdated infrastructure and reliability issues make for an imperfect experience.
Mountain Review: Brundage
This under-the-radar Idaho resort offers excellent snow, fast frontside lifts, and standout glades, but a remote location, modest size, and limited facilities make it a tougher sell as a destination.
Mountain Review: June Mountain
This Eastern Sierra mountain has great views and free child lift tickets. But at least on paper, it struggles to stand out against the better-known destinations in other ways.
Mountain Review: Sunlight
With an old-school feel and quieter atmosphere compared to nearby Aspen, Sunlight presents itself as a Colorado alternative for those looking to escape the destination crowds.