Top 7 Resorts for Night Skiing in the U.S.

A select number of resorts offer night skiing and riding across the United States, and those who have experienced it before know that the feeling of riding under the stars is second to none. Night riding is so popular because runs are less crowded, and experiencing the thrill of snow at night in the dark gives a mystical feeling. It’s one of those feelings that always feels like the first time; every night is special, and being the only one dropping into the moonlit trail is something that everyone ought to try and experience. This list will cover the top seven resorts that offer night skiing. The ranking is based on popularity, uniqueness, acreage, and atmosphere.

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#7 Mount Hood Skibowl: Oregon

Mount Hood Skibowl, Oregon, is the largest night skiing area in the United States. This translates into extensive terrain illuminated for evening descents, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes well past sunset. Floodlights bathe the trails in an artificial twilight, creating a unique nighttime skiing experience. Compared to daytime adventures, night skiing offers a different perspective on the mountain and extended hours, particularly appealing to those with busy daytime schedules.

#6 Boreal Mountain Resort: Lake Tahoe, California

Boreal Mountain Resort, located at Lake Tahoe, California offers an exciting experience for night skiing enthusiasts. The resort typically operates three to four lifts during night skiing hours, including the main high-speed quad, which services a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels. This ensures ample access to the slopes and a good mix of terrain for beginners and advanced riders. The vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with music playing and the crisp night air, adds a fresh twist to the skiing experience. One of Boreal’s main draws is the park after dark. Throwing down tricks and jumps under the lights turns the park into a X-Games feel with the bright lights gleaming down.

#5 Keystone Ski Resort: Colorado

Keystone Resort in Colorado is a premier destination for night skiing, offering an exceptional experience that combines convenience, quality, and breathtaking scenery. Located in the Rocky Mountains, Keystone boasts one of the largest night skiing operations in the country, with over 15 trails illuminated for evening adventure. Visitors can hit the slopes under the stars from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., enjoying perfectly groomed runs that cater to all skill levels. The resort’s central location in Summit County makes it easily accessible, while its diverse lodging options, from cozy condos to luxurious hotels, ensure a comfortable stay for every guest. After a thrilling night on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders can unwind in the charming village, which offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Keystone’s night skiing experience is a unique and enchanting way to extend your day on the mountain, making it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

#4 Steamboat Springs: Colorado

Steamboat Springs in Colorado is a must-visit for night skiing enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and the distinctive “Champagne Powder” snow. Located in the picturesque Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs lights up over 600 acres of terrain for night skiing and snowboarding from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., catering to all skill levels. The resort provides a variety of lodging options, from luxury condos to cozy cabins, ensuring comfort for every guest. What sets Steamboat apart is its renowned “Champagne Powder” snow, known for its light, fluffy consistency, which creates an unparalleled skiing experience. After a thrilling evening on the slopes, the vibrant base area offers diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options for guests to unwind and soak in the lively atmosphere. Steamboat Springs’ commitment to a memorable night skiing experience, combined with its stunning mountain vistas, exceptional snow quality, and comprehensive amenities, makes it a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts seeking to extend their adventures into the night.

#3 Brighton Ski Resort: Utah

Brighton Ski Resort in Utah offers a night skiing and snowboarding experience that is truly unparalleled, making it a must-visit destination. Brighton is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just a short drive from Salt Lake City. As the sun sets, Brighton transforms into a luminous playground with over 200 acres of floodlit terrain that caters to all skill levels, including the terrain park. The resort’s well-groomed trails and state-of-the-art lighting systems ensure a smooth and exhilarating ride under the stars from 5-9 p.m. Beyond the thrill of carving through fresh powder in the quiet, cool night air, visitors are treated to the stunning sight of snow-covered peaks shimmering in the moonlight. The atmosphere is both serene and invigorating, providing a unique and magical experience that extends the joy of a day on the slopes well into the evening. Brighton’s commitment to quality night skiing and snowboarding makes it an essential destination for anyone looking to add an extra layer of adventure to their winter sports repertoire.

#2 Bogus Basin: Boise, Idaho

Just 30 minutes from downtown Boise, Idaho, the twilight heaven of Bogus Basin lies. Bogus is adored by guests for its small mountain feel and wide open terrain. Bogus stays open until 8:30 PM on most days during the winter for those looking to get extra turns in, keeping three lifts spinning on the front and back sides. The feeling of riding under the flame appearance of a sunset through tree runs at Bogus is a mystical adventure and there truly is so much to explore. The snow at Bogus stays pretty soft through the night which is a rarity for most nighttime ski resorts.

“Riding through Bogus at night is really something special, the feeling when my buddies and I finish dinner at the lodge and strap into our boards again is a feeling I could feel forever,”  Ray Barker, a Boise State student said. “The adrenaline when those lights turn on and those stars start to twinkle reminds me why Bogus is unmatched. There is no better feeling for me and I wish everybody could visit this place that feels surreal.”

#1 Alyeska Resort: Alaska

Alyeska Resort, Alaska, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary skiing or snowboarding experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the stunning Chugach Mountains, Alyeska offers a sprawling 1,400 acres of skiable terrain, with over 60 named runs that cater to all skill levels. The resort is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, with an average annual accumulation of over 600 inches, ensuring consistently deep, powdery conditions. Beyond the thrill of the slopes, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding peaks, with opportunities for wildlife sightings and breathtaking Alaskan landscapes. The resort’s charming alpine village, complete with cozy lodgings and excellent dining options, enhances the overall experience, making Alyeska a true gem for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

“It’s pretty magical watching the colors dance across the sky while being surrounded by the silence of the deep snow,” Joe Kaufmann, an Alaska native said. “It also gives you solitude to explore since there isn’t a lot of lodging in the area. Most people will head back to Anchorage which is about an hour away before the sun goes down so you are likely to have an entire run to yourself.” Joe recommends having dinner above the clouds at one of Alaska’s most renowned restaurants, the 7 Glacier. Here, you can enjoy a dinner above the clouds with fresh king crab and salmon before hopping back on your skis or board and riding down in the moonlight.

As you can see there are places all over the country to go and enjoy the sensation of skiing after sunset. Night skiing is a rarity and a treasure in the United States. Everyone should try night skiing for themselves and these seven ski resorts serve as a great baseline. From Mount Hood to Alyeska, these are all bucket list destinations that are well worth a visit. Naturally, these mountains are open all day, but if you get the chance, stick around for some night riding. It is a trend that is on the rise, and hopefully, more resorts will start offering this fantastic experience. Until then, enjoy some twilight turns on some of these gorgeous peaks mentioned.