Meet Your Five Uncrowded Options
We've carefully selected five off-the-beaten-path ski resorts across the American West. Each offers a unique character, terrain profile, and value proposition. Here's your first look at what makes each special.
Schweitzer
Idaho's Largest Mountain
Key Highlights:
- Uncrowded slopes
- Lake views
- Family-friendly
Red Lodge
Authentic Mountain Culture
Key Highlights:
- Most affordable
- Friendly locals
- Yellowstone access
Taos
Southwest Skiing Culture
Key Highlights:
- 300" annual snow
- Art & culture
- Diverse terrain
Crested Butte
Last Great Ski Town
Key Highlights:
- Extreme terrain
- Historic town
- No crowds
Whitefish
Big Mountain Experience
Key Highlights:
- Glacier National Park
- Charming town
- Great access
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Now that you've met the contenders, let's break down the details that matter most for your decision.
Terrain Deep Dive
Understanding terrain breakdown helps you choose the right resort for your skill level. Taos stands out for advanced and expert skiers, while Red Lodge and Schweitzer offer great beginner and intermediate options.
Schweitzer
2,900
acres
Red Lodge
1,600
acres
Taos
1,294
acres
Crested Butte
1,547
acres
Whitefish
3,000
acres
Terrain Analysis Insights
Best for Beginners & Intermediates:
- • Red Lodge: 62% beginner/intermediate terrain
- • Schweitzer: 50% beginner/intermediate terrain
- • Taos: 49% beginner/intermediate terrain
Best for Advanced & Expert:
- • Taos: 51% advanced/expert terrain
- • Schweitzer: 50% advanced/expert terrain
- • Whitefish: 51% advanced/expert terrain
Total Trip Costs
Understanding the full cost picture: monthly 5-bedroom rental costs plus roundtrip flights from Boston. This gives you a complete view of your major expenses for planning a month-long ski adventure.
Monthly Rental + Flight Costs
Red Lodge, MT
$5,200
total monthly cost
Rental: $4,750
Flight: $450
Schweitzer, ID
$5,850
total monthly cost
Rental: $5,500
Flight: $350
Whitefish, MT
$7,025
total monthly cost
Rental: $6,500
Flight: $525
Taos, NM
$8,325
total monthly cost
Rental: $8,000
Flight: $325
Crested Butte, CO
$10,425
total monthly cost
Rental: $10,000
Flight: $425
Red Lodge offers the best overall value, while Crested Butte represents the premium option. Flight costs can vary significantly based on booking timing and season.
Getting There: Travel & Accessibility
Here's a look at how to reach each resort, including airport proximity for Boston flights and estimated driving times from Los Angeles.
Schweitzer, ID
Fly from Boston To:
GEG
(Spokane, WA)
→
Drive from GEG:
1.5 hrs
Drive from LA:
🚗 17-20 hrs
Red Lodge, MT
Fly from Boston To:
BIL
(Billings, MT)
→
Drive from BIL:
1 hr
Drive from LA:
🚗 18-20 hrs
Taos, NM
Fly from Boston To:
ABQ / SAF
(Albuquerque / Santa Fe)
→
Drive from ABQ/SAF:
1.5-2 hrs
Drive from LA:
🚗 13-15 hrs
Crested Butte, CO
Fly from Boston To:
GUC
(Gunnison, CO)
→
Drive from GUC:
40 min
Drive from LA:
🚗 15-17 hrs
Whitefish, MT
Fly from Boston To:
FCA
(Kalispell, MT)
→
Drive from FCA:
20 min
Drive from LA:
🚗 18-20 hrs
Resort Locations
Interactive map showing the locations of all five ski resorts. Click on the markers to see resort names and states. These resorts are strategically located across the western United States, offering diverse terrain and experiences.
Schweitzer
Idaho
48.28°, -116.55°
Red Lodge
Montana
45.19°, -109.25°
Taos
New Mexico
36.59°, -105.45°
Crested Butte
Colorado
38.87°, -106.99°
Whitefish
Montana
48.41°, -114.34°
Map Features: Interactive markers with resort information • Zoom and pan controls • Optimized view showing all resort locations • Click markers for details
Detailed Resort Information
Dive deep into each resort with comprehensive information about terrain, costs, accessibility, and what makes each destination special.
Schweitzer, Idaho
Red Lodge, Montana
Taos, New Mexico
Crested Butte, Colorado