Travel
3 Unique & Lesser-Known American Ski Destinations
Three destinations that offer skiers and boarders some seriously unique activities on the side.
For Hippies Who Love To Ski
The town of Mount Shasta sits 10,000 feet below the summit of the Mount Shasta stratovolcano, in California. This ski destination is open almost all year, with thick snowpack adhering into the summer months. In the spring, you can ski off the volcano’s summit for an 8,000-foot descent.
You can ski and snowboard Mount Shasta for most of the year
It is perfectly made for backcountry skiing because it doesn’t have the dangerous crevasses that typical mountains have. The town has ski shops that rent backcountry gear, and there are guides and other resources to help backcountry skiers.
Mount Shasta is the destination for you if you love backcountry skiing all year round and a bit of mysticism and other-worldly power on your vacations.
A bunny hill on Mount Shasta
Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park boasts 425 skiable acres, with 32 trails, 1390 vertical feet, 3 triple chairs and one surface lift, a massive bowl, 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced. Night skiing on 14 trails have become a must-do at the ski park, as Mount Shasta is one of the few ski resorts in California with night skiing. Thursdays through Saturdays, skiers and riders can hit the slopes from 3 to 9 pm for $20.
Try night skiing on the lit trails for $20.
This video will give you a taste of what the mountain is like for skiers and boarders:
Rising to a height of 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta dominates the landscape of Northern California. The area has long been a destination resort rejuvenation, with its pristine glacial waters, natural mineral springs, pure mountain air and unsurpassed scenery. Adding to the abundant natural healthful opportunities available here are the large number of alternative health and wellness practitioners who offer a wide variety of healing modalities for mind, body, and spirit health.
This volcanic mountain is also known for its spectacular sunsets and stunning cloud formations.
Winter sunrise on Mount Shasta
If you’re looking for something interesting to do on your rest day, Mount Shasta has a new-age feel, and there’s pretty much always something interesting going on. It is known for its crystal spinning, UFO sightings, meditation and chant groups and rumors about a spiritually advanced race living inside the mountain. In fact, there are over 100 New-Age religious groups and sects that have come to the mountain.
Harness the energy of this spiritual mountain using crystals
Some locals believe that this volcanic mountain holds a sacred source of mystical power. The mountain is considered to be one of the seven sacred mountains of the world, and draws hundreds of spiritual tourists yearly on sacred journeys, pilgrimages, vision quests, healing retreats.
Mount Shasta is known for incredible cloud formations, including circular ringed clouds over the summit
Tip: Find entertainment via live music at Slider’s Bar (in the ski park) and a couple other venues in town.
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.