Travel
3 Unique & Lesser-Known American Ski Destinations
Three destinations that offer skiers and boarders some seriously unique activities on the side.
This page is sponsored by Heber Valley tourism. All opinions are my own.
America has a ski town for everyone. These unique ski destinations that should be getting a lot more attention in the coming years:
For Those Looking for Luxury — and Plenty to do
Heber Valley, Utah is my kind of ski town. Nestled in one of America’s most beautiful valleys, with plenty of high-end resorts and a long list of events and activities to choose from, this is one ski destination that should be on everyone’s must-visit list. It’s only 15 minutes from Salt Lake City (45 minutes from the airport), Sundance, and Deer Valley Ski Resorts. Even though the area offers plenty of luxury, it is decidedly un-snobbish.
The Heber Valley Railroad
To give you a sense of the activities that are available, here are a few winter activities, in addition to world-class skiing and snowboarding: sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, ice skating, food tours, and (my favorite) spending the day at the spa. If you’re bringing your kids, there are plenty of kid-specific activities for them to enjoy, too.
The Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant in Midway, Heber Valley, Utah
One of the best restaurants in the area is at the Blue Boar Inn. The decor and dishes have a ‘European’ flare, and their menu features many dishes with organic ingredients and fresh herbs from their garden. The Four Diamond restaurant boasts the highest possible Zagat rating of 26 and has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Really, what more could a person ask for?
As for places to stay, take your pick from a wide range of styles and price ranges. If you love rustic luxury, as I do, you’ll love the resorts in Heber Valley:
Zermatt Resort and Spa
The Zermatt Resort has cozy suites with fireplaces and chalet-like style, a large and luxurious spa, a restaurant and a bakery.
Daniels Summit Lodge’s Mountain Retreat Log Home
If you’re traveling with friends or family, check out Daniels Summit Lodge’s Mountain Retreat Log HomeHouse, a 3-bedroom log cabin nestled deep in the woods, with unlimited snowmobiling from your back porch into the Uinta National Forest, and access to the resort’s spa.
Here’s a quick overview to give you a better idea of what to expect:
The Heber Valley ice sculptures in Heber Valley are spectacular
Before your trip is over, make sure to check out the ice sculptures, Heber Valley Railroad, and the Homestead Crater, where you can scuba dive in 96-degree water in the middle of winter. With so many activities to try in Heber Valley, make sure to book at least a week — or to return often!
Kayla Carlson
I’m in the mood for hotsprings. The south of McCall is a wonder! It wasn’t crowded when we went here and it was like we had the place for ourselves. It was quite an experience. The place was also clean and the service as great. I would definitely go back to this place if given the chance.
Elle Edwards
I hate destinations that are too crowded. Thanks for sharing this because my husband and I love to ski.
Kamy Johnston
The colors in these destinations are marvelous. It’s all a mix of pastels and rainbows. Taking pictures here would really be picturesque for a photographer like me.
Eleanor Brooker
I highly recommend Tamarack Resort. My family nd I really enjoyed our stay there. The place is more than perfect!
Anita Moshkelgosha
Oh, Mount Shasta is breathtaking. That has to be my favorite of all these destinations. I could tell just by the name that it really has other-wordly things that it can offer. I also love the lavender field that you can see near the foot of the mountain. I also like that it has snow all year round so I don’t have to worry about going there at the wrong time. You know how bookings get, they’re unpredictable. Thanks for the suggestions, they were all helpful!
Erma Sparks
I would do anything just to be in at least one of these places right now. It’s so beautiful.
Jackie Chavez
Wow, these are definitely unique destinations for skiing. Thanks so much Urbanette!
Doreen Carlson
Night skiing sounds so good! I bet it’s twice as cold though!
Angelina
We’ve tried this and it was actually nice. Less people too.
Chelsea COSSEY
Blue Boar in looks the best. I love cabin-like accommodations. This looks very luxurious as well! Not exactly a fun of skiing but I love the sleigh riding and stuff. Christmas is near and this could be the perfect spot for the family to just hang out and spend Christmas together. Zermatt also looks really good. I’m going to choose between these two. They’re both perfect in their own way. Gotta love destinations like this. Very unique and the same time very worthy of relaxation.
Rosemarie Gibbs
When we travel, we usually time our travels with certain festivities in the area. It’s fun to immerse yourself in other cultures.