Winter mountain lovers know that there’s nothing worse than spending half the day on the chairlift line. Although some ski resorts in the US (like Smuggler’s Notch and Park City) are justifiably popular thanks to their impressive terrain and mountainous environments, there are smaller resorts across the country that offer equally good ski experiences without the tedious waits. Try one of these ski destinations in the USA for your next winter getaway.

1. Bryce Resort

• Location: Bayse, Virginia
• Best for: Those who will ski for the first time, families who are teaching their little ones to ski, those who are undecided about skiing but still want to go snowing.

Most D.C. residents head south Massanutten or winter green when they want to hit the slopes, that’s probably why Bryce Resort (about two hours west of DC) was relatively unknown for decades.

Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley, near the West Virginia border, Bryce Resort offers eight ski runs; four are for beginners, ideal for those just getting their ski legs. There is also a ski school specializing in lessons for first-time skiers and not-so-young snowboarders; You must be eight years or older to participate. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there are 250-meter lanes for snow tubing and an ice rink. Bring your own skates for a discount.

Where to stay: Bryce Mountain Escapes

Bryce Resort does not own or operate a hotel, but there are numerous vacation rentals nearby. Bryce Mountain Escapes offers a wide variety of rental options, including stone chalets with wraparound porches and fire pits, log cabins, and hillside condos.

Photo: nyker/Shutterstock

2. Whiteface Mountain

• Location: Wilmington, New York
• Best for: Expert skiers, those who want to ski the same terrain as Olympians

Whiteface Mountain It has hosted the winter Olympic games twice, but the rugged ski resort has remained under the radar despite being one of the best and most challenging ski areas in the Northeast. Located within the beautiful 6 million-acre Adirondack Park, Whiteface, at 4,867 feet, is the fifth highest peak in the state and offers the greatest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains. Expert skiers will be at home here, where 30 percent of the resort’s 94 trails consist of black diamond and double black diamond routes with wild terrain.

Where to stay: High Peaks Resort

About a 15-minute drive from Whiteface (no ski-in/ski-out facilities), High Peaks is a laid-back, classic Adirondacks camping style; with brick fireplaces and oversized upholstered chairs perfect for enjoying with a book. If you’re not skiing, check out the hotel’s free snowshoes, yoga classes, and indoor pool.

Photo: Lensation photos/Shutterstock

3. Grand Targhee Resort

• Location: Alta, Wyoming
• Best for: West Coast day trippers, intermediate skiers, those who just want to hit the mountain without the “scene”

Grand Targhee Resort It’s where Wyoming and Idaho locals go for the freshest powder (more than 500 inches per year) without the crowds, and there are more than 2,600 acres of ski terrain to explore. The majority of the terrain is moderate, so you don’t have to fear your majestic mountain surroundings. Although the ski resort is more geared towards day trippers (several accommodation options), the ski slope Snorkel Cafe will keep you caffeinated and brisket-covered nachos Trap Bar & Grill Ideal for après ski.

Where to stay: Grand Targhee Hillside Lodge

One downside of Grand Targhee is that accommodation is limited to the lodges and suites the resort offers. The upside is that all the offerings are close to the mountain and often offer items you won’t find in a hotel room, like boot dryers.

Photo: Kyle A/Shutterstock

4. Apache Ski Resort

• Location: Alto, New Mexico
• Best for: Those looking for a lot of activity on the tracks, history enthusiasts

New Mexico may conjure up images of sweeping desert, but the state is home to many ski resorts that don’t sparkle as much as their northern counterparts. Luckily this means the crowd is less on the side. Ski Apache It is one of two ski resorts owned by the Native American tribe Mescalero Apaches; It is home to the state’s first four-person gondola, built in 1962. You’ll find 55 runs and trails on more than 750 skiable acres, and expert skiers shouldn’t miss the chance to ride New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola. The summit of Sierra Blanca.

Where to stay: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino

Splurge on a luxurious, newly renovated room that offers a pillow-top king bed in the bedroom as well as a separate lounge with an electric fireplace and queen-size sleeper sofa. The larger property is filled with amenities including a full-service spa, five restaurants and a 45,000-square-foot casino.

Photo: Aaron from LA Photography/Shutterstock

5. Granite Peak Ski Area

• Location: Wausau, Wisconsin
• Best for: Groups and families, beginner skiers

Of course, the region isn’t home to the highest mountains, but there’s plenty to enjoy, including short lift lines for beginners and intermediate skiers. Granite Peak It is considered the best resort in Wisconsin, with 400 ski areas, 75 runs and attractive skiing opportunities. Stone chalet built in 1939 For an après-ski meal next to big toasty fireplaces. Granite Peak is also home to a 700-foot vertical drop, the largest in the state.

Where to stay: Bantr Rothschild

Larger groups and families will want to opt for Bantr for spacious rooms and suites with wood accents, wooden bunk beds for kids, and some layouts with fully equipped kitchens. There’s also the largest hot tub in Wausau when you need to warm up after a day on the slopes.