10 Best National Parks To Ski At In The United States

I love visiting national parks, and skiing is one of my all-time favorite hobbies, so combining the two feels like a dream come true! 

With so many national parks spread across the United States, deciding which ones to visit can be tough. If you’re interested in discovering the best national parks for skiing in the U.S., keep reading as I share some of my personal favorites.

1. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is located in Washington State, roughly two hours and ten minutes from Seattle. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking fantastic skiing in the Pacific Northwest within a national park. 

The park features the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area, where visitors can enjoy groomed runs, steep slopes, bowls, tree skiing, and more, all in the park’s heart. With pristine conditions, stunning views, and endless fun, this is a spot you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park

Next on the list is one of my personal favorites, Rocky Mountain National Park. Just a short drive from Denver, around one hour and 25 minutes, this park offers breathtaking views of the stunning Rocky Mountains. 

Unlike Olympic National Park, Rocky Mountain has no designated ski area; it’s all backcountry terrain, making it ideal for experienced cross-country skiers. The experience is absolutely incredible, with jaw-dropping scenery as you glide through the park. There’s truly nothing like exploring this landscape on skis!

3. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is another fantastic U.S. skiing destination. It features the Badger Pass Ski Area, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy downhill runs, stunning views, and a family-friendly atmosphere. 

This is an amazing pick for anyone seeking a traditional ski experience rather than cross-country skiing, all while in a national park. If you’ve never seen Yosemite blanketed in snow, it’s truly something you need to experience firsthand.

4. Crater Lake National Park

No list of amazing U.S. national parks for skiing would be complete without mentioning Crater Lake. Like many parks, it offers fantastic cross-country trails, but it also has a unique route that only about 80 skiers complete each year: an entire loop around the lake! 

This 31-mile trek takes about three days and requires a backcountry permit. This route is worth considering for those seeking a bucket-list-worthy experience and ready for the challenge.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s hidden gems, and I really enjoyed my visit here last winter. The bright red hoodoos dusted with white snow create a magical scene. 

The park also offers some great spots for cross-country skiing. While you can’t ski in the canyon itself, a few trails along the rim provide amazing views of the canyon below, creating an unforgettable experience.

6. Acadia National Park

Another fantastic skiing destination is Acadia National Park. However, it’s not recommended to ski on the hiking trails because the snow is usually not very deep, and you’ll encounter various roots and rocks along the way. 

Instead, the park offers 45 miles of carriage roads that are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you want to escape to the Northeast this winter and experience Acadia covered in snow, don’t miss the chance to ski here!

7. Denali National Park & Reserve

Next on the list is Denali National Park & Reserve, home to North America’s tallest peak. I recently had the chance to visit, and I immediately fell in love with its snowy landscapes, magnificent mountains, and wintery charm. 

If you’re seeking epic conditions and abundant fresh snow, this park is for you. Like many others on this list, Denali offers only cross-country skiing, so you must be prepared to climb, hike, or ski your way through its terrain. With plenty of layers and the right gear, this experience will be one of the most unforgettable on this list.

8. Glacier National Park

I recently checked Glacier National Park off my bucket list, and it’s easy to see why it’s so highly regarded. The park has stunning mountain views, lush greenery, and beautiful alpine lakes. In winter, it transforms into a movie-like scene, with snow-covered peaks, frosted trees, and an enchanting winter atmosphere. 

As with many parks on this list, cross-country skiing is only available here, but my favorite part is the variety of areas and trails waiting to be explored. I recommend chatting with the park rangers for their trail suggestions as you enter to help make your decision a bit easier.

9. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is one of my absolute favorite parks in the United States. There’s truly nothing like seeing the jagged gray mountains dusted in the snow; just thinking of them makes my heart skip a beat. 

Known for its proximity to Jackson Hole, this park is a must-visit if you’re heading to Jackson in winter. It offers the best of both worlds: you can appreciate cross-country skiing amidst stunning scenery in the park and then head into town for classic downhill skiing at spots like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain.

10. Yellowstone National Park

I’ve visited Yellowstone several times, and each visit leaves me feeling like I could spend countless more hours exploring the trails, taking in the views, and spotting wildlife. In winter, the park transforms with snow-covered trails, offering incredible opportunities for cross-country skiing. 

What’s great is that numerous options exist, from groomed trails to backcountry routes. To make the most of your visit, be sure to chat with the rangers on your way in for their recommendations and any closures.

Have You Skied In A National Park Before?

Let us know what your experience was like in the comments!