Top 5 Quick-Break Ski Destinations in North America

Head out into the great white winter for the best quick-break ski adventures North America has to offer. Each of these top five destinations is within easy day-trip distance of a metro area, making it easy to catch some powder shots on just a tank of gas.

Crystal Mountain Resort, Washington: A Varied Terrain

2 hours from Seattle

A short trip into the Cascade Mountains from the Emerald City leads to Washington State’s largest ski area, Crystal Mountain. With 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, it offers remarkable views of Mt Rainier. There’s a variety of runs available, from family-friendly cruisers to the steep challenge of the Thrown Chutes.

For side-country enthusiasts, the area offers access to Silver Basin, ensuring powdery conditions on most days. With an average of 486 inches of snow yearly, it’s undoubtedly the best quick trip from Seattle.

Extra turns: About five hours north of Seattle, consider a weekend trip to Whistler-Blackcomb, one of North America’s most challenging mountains and the site of the 2010 Olympics.

Kirkwood, California: A Charming Mountain Experience

3.5 hours from San Francisco

Depending on traffic from the Bay Area, this classic mom-and-pop hill features exciting chutes, cliff drops, and natural halfpipes.

Kirkwood is ideal for snowboarders due to minimal cat-tracking. Big-mountain riders can enjoy cat-skiing from the summit, where The Wave features one of the most impressive cornices on the West Coast—attempt a near 30-foot drop for bragging rights!

Extra turns: Consider heading to Heavenly Ski Resort above stunning Lake Tahoe, known for good powder and tree skiing. Don’t forget to explore the Lake Tahoe casinos après ski.

Big Bear Mountain, California: Skiing and Sunshine

2 hours from Los Angeles

Snowboarders will enjoy the quick drive to Big Bear Mountain, a small resort boasting a massive terrain park and SoCal’s only superpipe. While it may not be the largest or the best-snowed resort, the convenience of surfing and snowboarding in the same day is unbeatable.

Extra turns: For an adventurous five-hour drive, head to Mammoth Mountain, one of California’s top ski destinations.

Deer Valley, Utah: The Powder Skiing Capital

40 minutes from Salt Lake City

While you may not spend extensive time in Salt Lake City, within an hour’s drive, you’ll find the world’s best powder skiing at Deer Valley. This five-star resort offers over 2,000 acres of skiing, fine dining, and high-speed lifts. Renowned for its exceptional snowfall, Deer Valley has repeatedly been heralded as the best resort in North America.

Extra turns: For those seeking deeper snow, Alta typically receives an impressive 560 inches annually, making it a standout choice.

Copper Mountain, Colorado: A Snowboarder’s Dream

1.5 hours from Denver

With numerous world-class resorts just a short drive from the Mile High City, Copper Mountain offers remarkable terrain and a welcoming atmosphere for boarders. Featuring steep bowls, glades, and a natural pitch, it’s perfect for snowboarding enthusiasts. Although nearby resorts like Vail and Breckenridge provide more nightlife options, Copper has a quaint village for relaxation.

Extra turns: If traffic permits, a quick trip to Loveland Ski Area is around an hour away and features high-altitude terrain above the tree line and free cat trips from the summit.