Featured Image: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
“Our audience is like people who like licorice. Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice, really like licorice.”
— JERRY GARCIA / Grateful Dead
Much like licorice lovers’ affinity for the anise-flavored candy, night skiers are incredibly passionate about skiing under the lights. In the same way Deadheads started following the Grateful Dead, skiers have flocked to the night-skiing subculture for a number of different reasons. Whether out of necessity—having jobs or other commitments that prevent them from skiing during the day or the social aspect or simply the solitude of nighttime turns, skiers across the nation have become hooked on skiing under the stars. These resorts quench that need for night skiing.
Boyne Mountain, Michigan
At Boyne Mountain, the Under The Lights Pass is for the skier looking to get some turns in after their 9-5. With skiing available every Wednesday through Friday and all day on Sundays (sans blackout dates), you can make the most of your season by skiing slopes under the nighttime sky.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, night skiing is all the rage. From January 4 to March 24, 2024, skiers can hit illuminated trails and park hits from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays to Sundays, with lift tickets starting at $49 or get access through your Ikon pass.
Brighton, Utah
With 24 runs and over 250 lights, Brighton knows what’s up when it comes to night skiing. Hit the trails under the stars from mid-December through late March, Monday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Last year, Brighton heard your rallying cry for more runs, and this year opted to include Ziggy, Pine Martin, Snake Creek, Crest Express, Majestic and Explorer runs so you can extend your ski nights even further.
Keystone Resort, Colorado
Keystone Resort keeps its lights on for skiing until 7 p.m., so you can tackle a few turns and avoid traffic on the way home. With specific dates spanning from November to March, skiers can revel in extended turns and stunning sunsets.
Mt. Hood, Oregon
Mt. Hood Skibowl in Oregon boasts the largest night skiing terrain in the country, with 34 illuminated runs and lifts operational until 10 or 11 p.m. Skiers will bear witness to the insane sunsets on Mount Hood while avoiding the daytime congestion of skiers.
Bolton Valley, Vermont
Vermont’s Bolton Valley stands out as the state’s only ski resort to offer night skiing. Open five nights a week, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun setting behind the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain while skiing from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., making the most of their lift tickets.
Wachusett, Massachusetts
Catering to Boston night skiing enthusiasts, Wachusett’s Night Pass grants access to the slopes every night from December 25th to March 11th, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stevens Pass, Washington
Stevens Pass in Washington offers an exhilarating night skiing experience, available to season pass holders or those with an Epic pass. Additionally, beginners aged 7-18 can take advantage of nighttime lessons, providing an excellent opportunity to learn without the daytime crowds.
Big White, Canada
Big White in Canada offers an expansive night skiing area illuminated by the lights of the Bullet Express and Plaza Chair. With 38 acres of skiable terrain, skiers can revel in the thrill of nighttime descents, reaching the longest vertical drop in all-night skiing areas in North America.
