Your New Favorite Ski Towns

YOUR NEW FAVORITE SKI TOWNS

Skip the crowds at Vail and Aspen and head to one of these more relaxed mountain resorts.

BY NICHOLAS O’CONNELL

SANDPOINT, IDAHO Located within 90 minutes of Spokane and Coeur D’Alene on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille, charming Sandpoint was once named “the most beautiful small town in America” by Rand McNally. With miles of hiking trails, a handful of breweries, and a thriving arts scene, the town has many year-round attractions. In the winter, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the place to be. The family-friendly destination boasts 2,900 acres of ski and snowboard terrain featuring smooth corduroy grooming, wide-open bowls, and tree-lined runs, as well as 32 kilometers of Nordic trails for cross-country, snowshoeing, and snow-biking. cdarealty.com

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO As the nation’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley has played a central role in the history of skiing in the U.S. It was the first resort to offer a chairlift, allowing skiers to ascend in comfort, thus drawing the rich and famous (including Marilyn Monroe

and Ernest Hemingway). Despite its glamorous history, the resort city has a down-to-earth feeling, and lots to attract visitors during and beyond ski season. Enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, paddling, trout fishing, or relaxing in the local hot springs—or soak up the atmosphere by exploring the town’s funky shops, friendly pubs and eateries, museums and galleries. windermeresunvalley.com

BOZEMAN, MONTANA Surrounded by mountains, this scenic city with fewer than 50,000 residents is a hidden gem. Thanks to its reputation as a haven for tech entrepreneurs— attracted to the city’s laidback vibe, family-friendly amenities and proximity to outdoor adventures—Bozeman is on the cusp of a boom. An hour away, Big Sky Resort, which features 9 square miles of skiable terrain—is growing along with it. A $150 million capital plan will bring village and on-mountain improvements—including “the most technologically advanced chairlift network”—by 2025. In other words, Big

Sky is about to get even bigger. windermereonmain.com; windermerebozeman.com

BEND, OREGON The light, dry powder snow and 3,600 acres of downhill, cross country, and snowboarding terrain of Mount Bachelor draws winter sports lovers to this outdoor recreation haven, located on the eastern side of the Cascade Range with the Deschutes River running through it. But it’s the quaint downtown and impressive small-city amenities that keep visitors coming back. In addition to several family-friendly museums, an Art Deco-period theater that hosts an annual film festival, and unique shops and galleries, Bend ranks near the top for the most eateries and craft breweries per capita in the country. Thanks to its purported 300 days of sunshine per year and easy access to mountain biking and hiking trails, kayaking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, fishing, and more, it’s always the perfect time to be in Bend. windermerecentraloregon.com