Visiting a New Ski Area? Here are 9 Strategies to Find the Best Runs

Every skier knows the feeling of arriving at a new resort with high expectations and only one day to explore. Showing up to the resort without a game plan on how you will ski the mountain isn’t a good plan. A quick look at the trail map is a great place to start, but it rarely tells the full story. The steepest lines, the best snow, the longest groomers, and the hidden local favorites often aren’t obvious on paper or not there at all. Knowing how to find the mountain’s best runs can make the difference between spending the day wandering from lift to lift and making the most of every lap, ensuring you leave with the feeling that you truly experienced the resort at its best.

Whether you’re chasing powder, perfectly groomed cruisers, steep chutes, or tight tree skiing, a little planning, research, and preparation can elevate your day on the mountain. Below are our top tips for finding the best runs at any ski resort, so you can spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the terrain you love.

• Related: 7 Ways to Up Your Game as a Resort Skier

#9 Know How to Avoid the Bad Runs 

One of the easiest things to start with is to eliminate the worst ones first. While every trail has its place, certain features often lead to slower, more crowded, and less enjoyable skiing. Long cat tracks, busy beginner zones, narrow choke points, flat runouts, and trails directly beneath base area lifts tend to attract the biggest crowds and get skied off the fastest. Unless you’re using them to reach better terrain or you are getting first tracks on them (see tip #6), don’t waste valuable time lapping these runs.

#8 Don’t Feel Like You Have to Ride the Whole Mountain

A mistake that first-time visitors often make is feeling like they have to ski every corner of the mountain. In reality, if you stumble upon an area with great snow, fun terrain, and manageable lift lines, don’t be afraid to lap it. Think of it like fishing. If you’re catching fish in one spot, why leave? Each lap gives you a chance to ski the run a little faster, pick a different line, or discover hidden features you missed the first time. Instead of spending the day traversing across the resort in search of something better, you’ll often have a more enjoyable day by dialing in a handful of excellent runs.

I remember the first time I ever skied Vail Mountain, Colorado, when there were eight inches of new snow, the sky turned bluebird, and there were minimal crowds on a late March day. I immediately headed to the Back Bowls, spending the entire morning there. After lunch, I explored the Blue Sky Basin area. Before I knew it, the lifts were closing, and I never even skied the frontside of the mountain except to get back to my car.

#7 Be a Contrarian

Contrary to #8, if you are not finding the kind of skiing you were hoping for, don’t be afraid to go against the crowd and explore parts of the mountain that seem less obvious. Many visitors spend the entire day lapping the resort’s signature lift or sticking to the trails closest to the base, leaving plenty of excellent terrain overlooked. You don’t know what you don’t know, and some of the best runs at any ski resort are hidden in quieter corners, off secondary lifts, or on trails that receive far less attention. If your first few laps are disappointing, treat it as a sign to keep exploring rather than settling for mediocre skiing. One chairlift or one extra traverse could lead you to the best run of the day.

#6 Pay Attention on the Chairlift

One of the easiest ways to discover a resort’s best skiing is by paying attention during the chairlift ride. The lift gives you a bird’s-eye view of the mountain, allowing you to spot untouched powder stashes, fun tree lines, smooth groomers, and natural terrain features that may not stand out on a trail map. A good rule of thumb is, “If you see it, ski it.” If a run looks good from above, there’s a good chance it’s worth checking out. Don’t overlook the lift line itself, either. Many chairlifts follow a consistent fall line, which often means the terrain directly beneath them offers sustained pitches and often natural features. Keep in mind that others riding the lift have the same view, so it could be wise to get to these runs early.

• Related: The 11 Most Annoying Things Anyone Can Do on a Chairlift Ride

#5 Learn to “Speak Skier”

A good way to uncover a resort’s hidden gems is simply to talk to other skiers and riders. Strike up a conversation on the chairlift, in the lift line, or while taking a break at the lodge (or eavesdrop on conversations, because it’s not your fault if people talk too loud). If you build a little rapport first, most locals are happy to share what they’ve been enjoying that day. Instead of asking, “What’s the best run here? or What’s your favorite run?” my go-to questions are: “Where have you been skiing today?” or “Have you found any good snow today?” Those questions often lead to more productive conversations to obtain inside intel.

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#4 Know Conditions and Timing

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is assuming the best run yesterday will also be the best run today. Snow conditions change constantly, and factors like overnight snowfall, wind direction, temperature, sun exposure, and slope aspect can completely transform the mountain. A north-facing bowl may hold soft powder all day, while a south-facing groomer could be icy in the morning but slushy by lunch. Getting on the mountain early is often the key to finding the best snow before it gets tracked out or softened by the sun. It’s also worth checking the daily avalanche forecast and resort operations report before you arrive. These updates can alert you to delayed lift openings for avalanche mitigation, closed terrain, and where the day’s primary avalanche problem exists. This helps you anticipate which areas will open first and where the best skiing is likely to be once the ropes drop.

#3 Do Some Advanced Research

A little research before your trip can dramatically improve your day on the mountain. As mentioned before, don’t stop at the resort trail map. Instead, use tools like Gaia GPS, CalTopo, or onX Backcountry to study the terrain in more detail. Three-dimensional maps can reveal the pitch of slopes, where tree skiing is concentrated, and how different parts of the mountain connect, while resort boundary overlays help you understand the full layout.

A.I. can also be a valuable planning tool if you give it the right information. Tell your favorite A.I. tool what type of skiing or riding you enjoy, which resort you’re visiting, the expected weather and snow conditions, how much terrain is likely to be open, and ask it to summarize recommendations from Reddit discussions or frequent visitor advice. Keep in mind that A.I. should be cross-checked for accuracy.

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Finally, spend some time watching YouTube videos, especially from smaller creators who often showcase full top-to-bottom runs instead of polished resort marketing footage. Seeing the terrain in action can give you a much better feel for what will match your skiing style and help you head straight to the best parts of the mountain when the lifts open.

#2 Hire a Guide or Instructor

If you really want to discover the best a ski resort has to offer, hiring a guide or instructor can be one of the smartest investments you make. In addition to knowing where to find the best snow, hidden terrain, and the mountain’s signature runs, many resorts allow instructors and guides to use dedicated lift lines, meaning you’ll spend less time waiting and more time skiing. The biggest downside is the added cost, but if you’re traveling with friends or family, splitting the price of a private lesson or guided tour can make it more affordable. Even if you’re not looking to improve your technique, having a local expert show you around can turn a good ski day into an unforgettable one.

• Related: Booking a Private Lesson at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY, is a Total Game Changer

#1 Ski with a Local

Our top way to discover the hidden gems at any ski resort is to ski with a local. A friend who knows the mountain can show you the best stashes, overlooked runs, and the right places to be at the right time based on conditions. If you don’t have a local connection, don’t be afraid to make one. Strike up a conversation in the lift line or on the chairlift and ask for recommendations (See tip #5). Skiers may be reluctant to show you their favorite spots, but if you are friendly and they realize you are just passing through, they may be happy to share their favorite stashes.

Another strategy is to keep an eye out for strong riders who seem to know where they are going. Follow their line choice or watch where they head after getting off the lift. As long as you don’t upset them, you might just find yourself discovering some of the best terrain the resort has to offer. Be cautious of this approach as you may get into terrain that is above your ability level.

No matter where you ski, the best runs are rarely found by accident. They are discovered through a combination of preparation, observation, good timing, and a willingness to explore. With a little homework before your trip and an open mind once you’re on the mountain, you’ll spend less time searching and more time skiing the best runs for you.