by Will McGough
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Mon January 30, 2017
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
There's still time to hit the slopes this year. In fact, March is arguably the best month on the mountain, and April brings the relaxed vibes of spring skiing. Consider visiting one of these under-the-radar ski destinations:
Powder Highway
Where: Kootenay's, British Columbia
Good For: Adventure
Why Go: As far as Western Canada skiing goes, Whistler gets all the love. But savvy skiers are starting to discover the Kootenay's a few hours west of Calgary, in the very southeast part of the Province along the border of the States and Alberta. Tucked away in this forgotten area is a string of seven ski hills that together make up the Powder Highway, an area headlined by an abundance of heli-operators and backcountry ski huts. Two resorts in particular, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, need to be checked out for their accessible side country terrain - no helicopter required.
Beaver Creek
Where: Eagle County, Colorado
Good For: Luxury
Why Go: Just down the road from Vail is Beaver Creek. Once considered a side-arm of Vail, Beaver Creek has really come into its own over the past few years, offering a more removed, less crowded luxury experience for those who find Vail a bit overrun. One thing locals are now beginning to discover is that "The Beav" has really good terrain, as demonstrated by its stature as a host of the World Cup ski races. Definitely check out Zach's Cabin, an adults-only dining experience where you arrive by sleigh.
Heavenly
Where: Tahoe, California
Good For: Balance
Why Go: Tahoe has had a rough go of it the past few years, with less-than-stellar snow reports bringing frustration to the region. But this year has been a nice rebound, with several storms pounding the Sierra Nevada's. South Lake Tahoe offers the full range of accommodations, from resorts and casinos like the Hard Rock to the more local, eco-friendly 968 Park Hotel. Lake Tahoe provides the incredibly scenic backdrop for the mountain, and other ski areas nearby, like Northstar and Killington, provide the chance to experience multiple mountains.
Mont-Sainte Anne and Le Massif
Where: Outside of Quebec City
Good for: Culture
Why Go: Le Massif is particularly stunning for its steep terrain and views of the St. Lawrence River. The best part though is the fact that you're getting a taste of what it's like to ski on the other side of the pond in Europe, without having to travel that far. French is the first language in this region of Quebec, and the European vibe flows throughout. A train connects these two Canadian ski resorts, and you should do both while you're there. After all, taking a ski train from one mountain to another is not something that's readily available in America.
Steamboat Springs
Where: Steamboat, Colorado
Good for: Off the Radar/Local Vibe
Why Go: Colorado's ski resorts are popular along the main I-70 corridor, but Steamboat is far enough out of the way (3.5-hour drive from Denver) that it sees significantly less mass tourism and retains its feel as a mountain town in the middle of nowhere. Known for its "Champagne Powder," the mountain has terrain for all abilities and the town has a surprisingly active nightlife at much more affordable prices than some of its Colorado competitors.
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