Can’t get enough of the slopes during the daytime? Keep the fun going after the sun goes down and discover the exciting world of night skiing.
Want to try something a little different for your next group ski trip? Then why not try night skiing? Your group will experience the slopes in a whole new light. To get you started, we’ve put together a few reasons why you should consider night skiing for your group, as well as some of the best locations for skiing after dark.
Why Night Skiing?
There’s more to night skiing than just more time on the slopes. Here are a few more of the perks:
Deals – Night passes are often much cheaper than daytime tickets. Many resorts have special deals like Wachusett Mountain’s $10 ‘til 10. Check ahead online for more night skiing discounts and special offers.
Different Feel – Whether you’re looking for a party or some good old peace and quiet, you’ll find it when you hit the slopes at night. It’s a whole different feel on the powder under the lights.
Less Crowded – The slopes are much less crowded after dark, so there’s more room to ski. This is especially good news for groups.
Special Events – Many resorts with night skiing offer a variety of fun activities and special events, like Cosmic Tubing at the Mt. Hood Skibowl or Midnight Madness at Crotched Mountain. There’s always more of a party atmosphere after dark.
Seven Top Locations for Nighttime Skiing
Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Resort uses Ultra-Tech lighting to light up the snow, not the surrounding areas. Credit: Larry Pierce/Steamboat Ski Resort
Night skiing at family-friendly Steamboat Resort debuted in the 2013-14 season as an unparalleled experience enhanced by state-of-the art lighting. Most night skiing locations use flood lights, like those used on a football or baseball field. But with lights like these, light pollution is a big problem, especially in mountain resort areas, where people are looking to get away from the city lights for some peace and quiet. Steamboat Resort uses Ultra-Tech lighting to illuminate the snow, not the surrounding areas, so visitors can also enjoy the darkness and solitude of the mountains at night. Steamboat Resort has expanded its night skiing for the 2014-15 season, keeping the slopes open late Thursday through Monday.
Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, New Hampshire
Gunstock is one of the most expansive night skiing destinations in the nation. With 21 trails, five lifts and a 12-acre terrain park operating under the lights five nights a week, Gunstock is the perfect place to get out and play at night. The resort takes on a whole new feel at night, and the views under the lights are stunning. Hike the mountain ridge on snowshoes, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lighted trails twinkling in the night. Take advantage of a variety of nighttime events and specials, from two-for-one Wall-to-Wall Wednesdays to Family Friday Nights to the Gunstock Rock Saturday Night parties. You can also enjoy a variety of spectator events, from high school team races to snowboard extravaganzas.
Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, Massachusetts
Wachusett Mountain offers 18 lighted trails every night of the season.
This after-dark ski destination offers an incredible deal on night skiing. With the resort’s $10 ‘til 10 deal, you can add the night skiing experience to your all-day or half-day ticket for just $10 and ski until 10 p.m. In the spring when the slopes close at 8 p.m., you can ski until close for only $5 extra. Wachusett Mountain is open every night of the season, with 18 lighted trails to choose from. Après-ski, you can sit back and enjoy live music and entertainment at the Coppertop Lounge Thursday through Saturday nights or a delicious dinner at the Black Diamond Restaurant.
Keystone Resort, Keystone, Colorado
Keystone offers thrilling nighttime skiing and riding terrain.
Keystone Resort offers the longest ski days and the most lighted trails in the state of Colorado. Many of Keystone’s lifts remain open till 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for most of the ski and snowboard season. After dark, you’ll experience a whole new way to ski. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! For more thrills, the famous A51 terrain park is open until 6 p.m. every night, and the tubing hill at Adventure Point is open nightly till the lifts close. Before or after hitting the slopes, stop for dinner at Summit House, the highest dining establishment in Keystone, for some breathtaking nighttime views of the Rockies.
Squaw Valley, Olympic Valley, California
Experience the most extensive night terrain in Lake Tahoe at Squaw Valley. The resort’s specially-made floodlight system uses 1,000-watt, color-corrected, high-pressure sodium bulbs to light up the snow, providing superior contrast and easier vision. Your group will also enjoy the resort’s relaxing nighttime atmosphere. Make sure to take some time off to relax in the Village or sit around a cozy fire pit at the base of the mountain.
Crotched Mountain, Bennington, New Hampshire
Crotched Mountain’s Midnight Madness offers New England’s only late-night skiing experience. The resort’s regular hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but on Friday and Saturday nights, Midnight Madness begins at 9 p.m. and keeps the party on the slopes going until 3 a.m. Slopeside bonfires, live music and drink specials are all part of this exciting experience. The whole mountain, even the high-speed detachable quad chairlift, is brightly lit and open for business into the wee hours of the night. There’s even a special late-night overnight package for groups. With Overnight Lockup, your group will be able to ski and ride late, camp in the main lodge, enjoy a full breakfast buffet the next morning and get right back on the slopes, all at a ridiculously low price.
Mt. Hood Skibowl, Government Camp, Oregon
Cosmic Tubing at the Mt. Hood Skibowl makes for a unique nighttime experience.
According to Ski Magazine, the Mt. Hood Skibowl offers the most night skiing terrain in North America. With all lifts fully lit, the mountain operates 34 trails until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. In addition to skiing and boarding, Mt. Hood offers unique Cosmic Tubing. From 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and during holiday periods, you can tube down the mountain accompanied by a show of laser lights, black lights and music.
This snow season, don’t let your group miss out on the incredible night skiing experience. Get out under the lights and make some moonlit memories.
By Stephanie Schmidt
