10 Of The Smallest Ski Resorts In The United States

The biggest, most expensive, and most popular ski resorts often dominate conversations. I’ve found myself talking about them a lot, too, because they’re so incredible. However, the smallest ski resorts in the United States don’t get nearly enough attention. 

These hidden gems offer beginners an unforgettable experience and give those far from major mountains the chance to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. If you’re curious to discover the smallest ski resorts in the US, keep reading as I highlight some of them below.

1. Powderhouse Hill Ski Area, Maine

Powderhouse Hill Ski Area is the smallest ski area in Maine. It features just three trails and one lift, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a 175-foot vertical drop. A lift ticket costs just $5, and locals know to check its Facebook Page to see if it is open on any given day in the winter.

2. Sawkill Family Ski Center, New York

Sawkill Family Ski Center is in New York and might be the shortest vertical drop ski area in the world. It features just 70 feet of vertical drop and is definitely catered towards beginners and families. While it is super tiny, they do offer snowmaking, which is impressive for such a small spot.

3. Standing Rocks Park, Wisconsin

Next up on the list is Standing Rocks Park in Wisconsin. This ski area features two beginner hills, one intermediate, and two experts. It’s typically only open on weekends, and the steepest vertical drop here is 125 feet. Passes are $16 for adults, $13 for children between 9-18, and kids under eight ski free. 

4. Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports, Illinois

Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports is another tiny local ski spot. This ski area is about 40 minutes outside of Chicago in a town called Lisle. It features five different trails with a 100-foot vertical drop. 

It’s geared towards beginners and families and draws many visitors from the surrounding areas. It’s a good spot for those in Chicago looking to learn how to ski or snowboard without having to spend a fortune or hop on a flight. Lift tickets range from $26-$30, depending on the day and time. 

5. Arrowhead Recreation Area, New Hampshire

Arrowhead Recreation Area is another small ski resort in the United States. This ski area is in New Hampshire and has just 120 feet of vertical. It has just a few runs and offers snow tubing. It’s a good place for beginners and families looking to learn to ski and snowboard while also having the option to take breaks and enjoy tubing.

6. Hyland Hills Ski Area, Minnesota

The Hyland Hills Ski Area is a little larger than some on this list but still one of the smallest in the United States. This ski area features 12 different runs ranging in difficulty and includes two different terrain park areas. It’s located in Bloomington, Minnesota, and a good place for beginners and families looking to learn how to ski just on the outskirts of Minneapolis.

7. Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center, New York

Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center is a small resort in New York. This ski area offers 4 trails and 2 lifts for visitors to enjoy. The vertical drop is 100 feet, and like most of the others on this list, it’s catered mostly towards beginners. As the name suggests, this recreation area caters to skiers in the winter months and golfers during the warmer months. 

8. Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort, Alabama

Did you know there is a ski area in Alabama? I certainly didn’t for a while! This ski area is largely thanks to snowmaking machines, and in the winter, it is a good spot for Alabama residents to enjoy two beginner-intermediate slopes. As the name suggests, this area is also used as a golf course in the warmer months. 

9. Mt. Holiday Ski Area, Michigan

The Mt. Holiday Ski Area is another one of the tiniest ski resorts in the United States, and it’s rich in history, too. It originally started back in 1949 when a businessman was able to construct a ski run on the land.

A couple later purchased it by adding two chairlifts, tubing, and a terrain park. It was later sold, and a group of volunteers created a nonprofit to take over the land so it wouldn’t be sold and developed later on! Today, it’s a year-round recreation area, and in the winter, locals come to enjoy the small ski area. 

10. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Virginia

Lastly, I couldn’t leave out the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. This unique artificial ski slope is one of the smallest “ski resorts” in the U.S., featuring snowflex technology that lets skiers and snowboarders glide on the synthetic surface similar to real snow.

It offers the chance to ski or snowboard year-round, even in the summer. Despite its size, it’s a fantastic option for those who want to keep hitting the slopes. Having grown up nearby, I had to mention it because it’s truly a one-of-a-kind facility.

Have You Skied At Any Of The Smallest Ski Resorts In The US? 

Let us know in the comments!