In the United States, Here are the 7 Top Resorts for Night Skiing

Many skiers aren’t able to ski during the daylight hours of a given weekday. It’s hard to spend time on snow when we’re busy with family, work, and other obligations.

Night skiing is offered at severcal ski resorts across the country, under varying levels of artificial light.

In the Midwest and East Coast, night skiing is dominated by large ski resorts (it’s costly to light large swaths of terrain), but the West has its fair share of hubs offering long descents after sunset.

Here are some things that make these night skiing resorts stand out.

Note: This list refers to the author’s opinion and is based on his experiences, mountain statistics, and vibes (we’re getting scientific here). Enjoy.

Night Lift Ticket Cost: $51–$72

Night Skiing Terrain: 22+ trails, 5 lifts

When: 4 pm–9 pm, Monday-Saturday, Mid-Season

Brighton Resort offers one of the most comprehensive night skiing offerings on the continent. In winter ’23/’24, Snake Creek Express lifts were equipped with night skiing trails, and in 2024, The Milly Express lift will be lit for night skiing for the first time in history.

We still don’t know how many trails Milly will offer, but for now, we can celebrate the fact that Brighton will offer 22+ trails, 5 lifts, and multiple opportunities to sled thousands of feet under lights. To purchase tickets in advance, visit Brighton’s website. You can choose from a variety of timed-access lift tickets on the mountain.

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Night Lift Ticket Cost: $44 3 pm–close, $24 6 pm–close, $129 night season pass

Night Skiing Terrain: 26 trails, 200 acres, 7 lifts

When: 4 pm–10 pm, daily

A night skiing paradise just 20 miles from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin is a great place to go skiing at night. Bogus Basin has been offering night skiing since 1964, providing post-work turns for the region’s 240,000+ residents. As the mountain’s mission statement says, “We aim to make outdoor recreation accessible for everyone, even 9-to-5ers.”

Bogus is open every day until 10 p.m. This is extremely unusual for a western ski resort, and the price is even worse. Night skiing season passes are just $129 and have no blackout dates. It’s unbelievable.

Night Lift Ticket Cost: $128–$161 daily, access included with Epic Pass

Night Skiing Terrain: 12 trails, 2 lifts

When: 4 pm–7 pm, select weekends

In Keystone Resort, the most famous trail is without a doubt the three-mile long ‘Schoolmarm’ trail that winds down Dercum Mountain. As one of the world’s longest night skiing trails, Schoolmarm has been lined with lights throughout. Two lifts serve twelve trails at the resort.

Night skiing operations at Keystone have continuously diminished in recent seasons, but there are still plenty of opportunities after daylight. If you plan on skiing at Keystone at night, check the weekends where it runs its night skiing by purchasing advance lift tickets.

Night Lift Ticket Cost: $76 online

Night Skiing Terrain: 26 trails, 200 acres, 7 lifts

When: 4 pm–9 pm Tuesday-Saturday, 4pm–12am on select ‘Midnight Madness’ Saturdays.

In the past, Crotched Mountain, a small, but satisfying ski resort just 90 minutes from Boston, was quite the party area. Skiing was regularly available late into the night on the mountain. Skiers remember when lifts spun into the wee hours of the morning.

Ski areas have since toned down late night parties, but they still allow skiers to ski until 12 a.m. every Saturday during “Midnight Madness.” In fact, that is the most recent closure among the ski areas featured here.

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Night Lift Ticket Cost: Daily ticket price not currently available

Night Skiing Terrain: 36 runs, 4 lifts

When: Daily but schedule varies

America’s largest night ski area, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is a dream come true for 9-5ers. Lights are available top-to-bottom on the mountain’s 1,500 feet of vertical, and there are 36 ski runs that are lit.

Ski Bowl is located lower in elevation than the other ski areas on Mount Hood. Temperatures will not get as low as they do higher up the volcano, which makes night skiing convenient. There is only a 90-minute drive between Portland and Ski Bowl.

Night Lift Ticket Cost: $39

Night Skiing Terrain: Number of night skiing runs and lifts not listed

When: 4 pm–9 pm daily

Skiing and snowboarding are popular at Wild Mountain. A bustling park scene is created by high-speed rope tows, expertly crafted parks, and light displays that run until 9 p.m. every night.

There are a lot of skiers from Minneapolis and surrounding areas who visit the ski area each night, despite its small size. There is no concern for them. The season will be more snowy for them than for you!

Night Lift Ticket Cost: $49–$59 online

Night Skiing Terrain: 5 runs, 2 terrain parks, 1 lift, 1,100 feet of vertical

When: 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Thursday-Sunday

A resort’s description of their night skiing terrain is spot on: “There’s no need to stop the fun when the sun goes down.” If only all resorts believed it! Night skiing is available on Steamboat’s Christie Express on a half dozen trails, with a vertical drop of 1,100 feet.

Steamboat’s huge full terrain offerings seem huge in comparison, but more than 1,000 vertical feet of lit runs out west is a remarkable accomplishment. Make sure you wear an extra layer, bring out the park skis you’ve been intending to ride, and jib as long as you want.

Skiing at night is a thrilling way to see the slopes from a new perspective—literally. In the Rockies, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest, these seven resorts offer some of the most enjoyable night skiing in America. There are trails for families and advanced runners alike. Why not try skiing under the stars and experience the magic for yourself?

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