Imagine putting on your skis just as the sun is going down and everyone else is leaving the mountain. Welcome to night skiing. Resorts all over the country are lighting up their runs and staying open late. The best part? Lift tickets often cost a fraction of the daytime alternative. Whether you want to beat the daytime crowds, save a little money, or just can’t stop skiing when the sun goes down, take a look at our list of the best spots in the US to hit the slopes after dusk. (Of course, night skiing is dependent on conditions so be sure to contact the resort before you go.)
Best Night Skiing Spots
1. Mt. Hood Skibowl - Government Camp, OR
Stunning Mt. Hood lies roughly an hour from Portland and has a handful of ski resorts for daytime use, but for night skiing, Skibowl takes it to the next level. With 34 runs lit up 7 nights a week, Skibowl touts itself as America’s largest night ski area. For bonus night time adventuring, Skibowl hosts “Cosmic Tubing” on weekends, with black lights, lasers, and music, a perfect snowy party for the kids (or kids at heart). After skiing, stay toasty with hot cocoa from the Starlight Cafe or something a little stronger at the Beer Stube.
Night skiing at Skibowl is from 3pm-close and a lift ticket will run you $35 in the peak season.
See our Government Camp Ski Rentals!
2. Schweitzer Mountain Resort - Sandpoint, ID
Tucked into the lesser-known panhandle of Idaho you’ll find Schweitzer among the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains. With some of the best powder in the Northwest, it’s especially popular for its access to backcountry skiing. The night skiing at Schweitzer, called “Twilight Skiing,” is an event in itself. In addition to the open runs and jumps, they offer night tubing, beer and wine tasting, and live music.
Twilight Skiing is open from 3pm-7pm on Fridays and Saturdays (with some additional select dates, check their website for more information) and tickets are some of the cheapest you’ll find at just $15.
See our Sandpoint Ski Rentals!
3. Keystone Resort - Keystone, CO
In Colorado, you’ll get the most bang for your buck at Keystone, which offers the longest and largest night skiing available in the state. In addition to the quality powder and gorgeous Rocky Mountain setting, Keystone’s amenities include AAA Diamond and Zagat-rated restaurants like Summit House, a luxury spa, ice skating rinks, and tubing, all of which stay open late.
Night skiing is typically open until 8pm but days vary so check their website for more information.
4. Alyeska Resort - Girdwood, AK
Set amidst the beauty of a glacial basin, Alyeska offers some of the most epic skiing outside the lower 48. The best part about night skiing in Alaska? The potential for a Northern Lights sighting! Even if you can’t catch the Aurora Borealis, you’ll still enjoy the night time slopes at Alyeska thanks to their many open lifts and more than 300 skiable acres.
You can night ski at Alyeska every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4pm-9pm and adult lift tickets range from $40-$55.
5. Stevens Pass Resort - Skykomish, WA
This part of Washington is notorious for deep snow and the conditions at this Cascades locale are some of the best in the country. Their night skiing is no exception, with multiple lifts and plenty of optimal, wide-open runs available for shredding well into the night. To add a truly unique twist to your PNW ski adventure, check out nearby Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village with no shortage of German charm, beer, and bratwursts.
Night skiing is typically open Wednesday-Saturday from 4pm-10pm and lift tickets are $40 for adults.
See our Skykomish Ski Rentals!
6. Whitefish Mountain Resort - Whitefish, MT
Near the one-of-a-kind beauty of Glacier National park, you’ll find some of the best outdoor activities Montana has to offer at Whitefish Mountain. After the sun sets, the skiing at Whitefish just gets better, with three open lifts and a well-lit Terrain Park. Wrap up your night of skiing with live music in the ski village as part of their Apres Concert Series.
Night skiing is available from 4-8:30pm daily in December and on Fridays and Saturdays the rest of the season. Tickets will run you a mere $21.
See our Whitefish Ski Rentals!
7. Sundance Mountain Resort – Near Provo, UT
In addition to Sundance’s international draw as a center for art and film, it also boasts some of the best skiing and most stunning mountain terrain in the country, even after dark. Sundance’s is ideal for non-Alpine skiers; in addition to the typical downhill night skiing they also offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing after hours.
Night skiing is available from 4:30pm-9pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Adult lift tickets are $36 or $15 for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
8. Park City Mountain Resort - Park City, UT
This winter sports haven is easily accessible from nearby Salt Lake City. The diverse terrain and plethora of fun winter activities (like the Alpine Coaster, winter zip line, and horse-drawn sleigh rides) make it an ideal family destination. Of course, the night skiing doesn’t disappoint, with a variety of lifts and runs open into the evening.
Night skiing at Park City is available until 7pm.
See our Park City Ski Rentals!
9. Snow King Mountain - Jackson, WY
This smaller, family-friendly resort is still world-class. It’s ideal for experienced and beginner skiers alike and is also popular for it’s unique ice climbing park. And, of course, when the sun dips behind the surrounding Tetons, the skiing doesn’t stop. Snow King keeps the ski and snowboard runs open until 7 almost every night of the week and the moonlit view of Jackson will not disappoint.
You can night ski Tuesday-Saturday from 4pm-7pm and tickets are $25.
10. Sunday River Ski Resort - Newry, ME
Although the rugged West Coast is best known for its slopes, the east has a few gems to offer as well. Maine’s Sunday River spans eight snowy peaks and has groomed night skiing runs aplenty. The aptly named Foggy Goggle is open late for a post-ski beer or burger.
Night skiing tickets are available from Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm-8pm and will run you $29.
11. Squaw Valley Ski Resort - Sundance’s
Sundance’s is an internationally recognized ski area near Lake Tahoe that boasts a unique European-style ski village bustling with restaurants, shops, and entertainment in addition to their pristine slopes. The nocturnal activities at Sundance’s are perfect for every type of snow bunny and include downhill skiing, ice skating, tubing, and even snowmobiling just for kiddos.
Night skiing and other activities are available from 3pm-7pm. Tickets are $49.
This article was written by Katie Vaughan.