Why stop shredding the slopes when the sun goes down? At many resorts around the globe you can ski for more than 12 hours a day and well into evening hours. At night you can avoid the crowds, find cheaper tickets and make for a novel evening outing on the snow under the lights. Just make sure you bundle up and have your clear goggle lens on hand for maximum visibility. A thermos full of hot chocolate and or schnapps can make the evening even more enjoyable.
Check out some of our favorite after-dark skiing venues:
Keystone Resort, CO: Boasting 15 lighted trails; Keystone offers the most night skiing terrain in Colorado - as well as a great party atmosphere.
Crotched, NH: Every Friday and Saturday night, Crotched Mountain hosts Midnight Madness. The entire mountain (including two terrain parks) is open for skiing until 3 a.m.! The party starts at 9 p.m. and also includes a slope side bonfire and concert series.
Brighton, UT: Brighton offers some of the most varied and expansive night skiing in Utah with 200 acres of terrain, access to the park and pipe, three lifts running and the opportunity to take lessons. At the base of the mountain, you'll find some great dining options so guests can have dinner before hitting the slopes under the lights.
Mt. Hood Skibowl, OR: Less than an hour outside of Portland, and open until 10pm seven days a week, Mt. Hood Skibowl provides skiers and riders with the most lighted terrain in the country - over 960 acres!
Wachusett, MA: Several Liftopia employees honed their skiing skills under the lights at their local Massachusetts ski areas including Bradford and Nashoba Valley. So I thought it would be appropriate to honor the birthplace of their ski exploits with a shout out to another Massachusetts haunt, Wachusett. Wachusett's 18 lighted trails are open until 10pm every night of the week! Stop by after work for some runs or hang out après après-ski and enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday.
If we've missed one of your favorites, please share!