How to Avoid Crowded Slopes: Snowboarding in Hidden Gems

10 September 2025

Let’s be honest—nothing kills the stoke like waiting in a never-ending lift line or trying to shred fresh powder only to be dodging people left and right. If you’ve ever had to zigzag like you're playing Frogger just to get down a run, you know what I mean. Snowboarding is supposed to be fun, freeing, and maybe even a little meditative. But when the slopes are packed? It feels more like navigating a shopping mall on Black Friday.

So, what’s the solution? You guessed it—heading off the beaten path. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how to avoid those frustrating crowds and find those underrated gems where the vibes are good, lines are short, and the snow? Pure magic. Grab your board, wax it up, and let’s go find your new favorite mountain.

Why Avoiding the Crowd Matters

Before we dive into where to go, let’s talk about why it’s so important to dodge the masses.

1. More Time Riding, Less Time Waiting

Let’s do some quick math. At a crowded resort, you might spend 15-20 minutes in line for one lift and get about 2-3 minutes of actual ride time. Multiply that by your entire day, and you’re spending more time standing around than actually snowboarding.

Now imagine this: no lines, wide-open runs, and your only concern is whether your legs can keep up with your stoke. Sounds nice, right?

2. Better Snow Conditions

Crowded slopes get skied out fast—especially after a fresh dump. One hour into a powder day at a popular resort and it's already tracked out like a teenager’s social feed. Hidden gems? They might still have fluffy snow sitting untouched days later.

3. A Safer Environment

More people equals more chance of collisions, especially when folks are bombing down runs with more ego than experience. Less traffic means more room to carve, fewer surprises, and—bonus—you don’t have to worry about someone flying into your blind spot mid-turn.

The Secret Sauce: How to Find Snowboarding Hidden Gems

Alright, now that we’re sold on ditching the crowds, how do we actually find those secret spots?

1. Think Smaller: Local Hills Over Mega Resorts

Everyone’s flocking to the big-name resorts—Vail, Whistler, Park City. Don’t get me wrong, they’re epic, but they’re also jam-packed during the season.

Instead, start looking at smaller, lesser-known mountains. These "Mom-and-Pop" resorts often fly under the radar, but they can pack a punch in terms of terrain and snow. Think along the lines of:

- Powderhorn (Colorado)
- Bridger Bowl (Montana)
- Tamarack (Idaho)
- Whitefish (Montana)
- Wolf Creek (Colorado)

They’re not plastered all over Instagram, but that’s exactly why they stay awesome.

2. Follow the Snow, Not the Hype

Instead of chasing famous names, track the snowstorms. There are tons of dependable snow tracking websites and apps like:

- OpenSnow
- Snow-Forecast
- OnTheSnow

Sometimes the biggest powder day isn’t happening at the biggest resort. Keeping an eye on local snowfall can lead you to places where you’ll ride freshies without a soul in sight.

3. Go Midweek or Off-Peak

Weekends? Forget it. Holidays? Absolute mayhem.

You want to really experience the magic? Go on a Tuesday after a Monday snowstorm. It’s like scoring VIP access to a snowy wonderland. Fewer people on the mountain means more snow for you, fewer distractions, and shorter lift lines (if any).

4. Tap Into the Backcountry, But Do It Smart

Backcountry snowboarding is the ultimate hidden gem. It’s literally the wilderness—no lift lines, no crowds, just you and the mountain.

But heads up: the backcountry isn’t just a casual hike to untracked powder. It requires knowledge, gear, and serious respect for nature. Make sure you’ve got avalanche training, the right equipment (beacon, shovel, probe), and preferably an experienced buddy or guide. Companies like Avalanche.org or AIARE offer safety courses that are 100% worth taking.

Top Hidden Gems for Snowboarding in North America

Ready to actually pack your gear and go? Here’s a short list of under-the-radar mountains that should be on your radar.

1. Silverton Mountain, Colorado

What makes it special? Silverton is for the hardcore rider. With only a single chairlift and some of the best steep terrain in the U.S., this place is raw. No crowds, and no frills—it's all about the snow and the ride.

Would I recommend it for beginners? Not really. But if you like your slopes wild and your powder deep, Silverton will change your life.

2. Mount Bohemia, Michigan

Wait, Michigan? Yep. Trust me on this one. Mount Bohemia gets lake-effect snow that dumps massive amounts of powder that riders in the West would envy.

Add in that it’s remote, rarely crowded, and has a no-beginner-trails policy (yup, every run is serious business), and you’ve got yourself a Midwest miracle.

3. Red Mountain Resort, British Columbia

Red Mountain is one of those places where you’re riding and wondering, “Why don’t more people know about this?” It’s up in BC and has over 4,000 acres of terrain—most of it untouched.

It’s raw, rugged, and has a killer freeride vibe. Red Mountain doesn’t care about flashy branding. It just delivers insane powder and wide-open bowls.

4. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

If you’re on the East Coast, this is your jam. Smuggs has kept its authentic charm and isn’t overrun like some other Vermont resorts. It has legit terrain and way fewer crowds even on weekends.

Plus, there’s a ton of tree riding if that’s your thing.

Alternative Ride Styles to Mix Things Up

Even if your local mountain is packed, you can still find ways to keep it chill.

1. Night Riding

A lot of resorts offer night sessions, and guess what? Way fewer people show up after dark. The snow firms up a bit, the air gets crisp, and the runs are practically empty.

Grab a thermos of hot cocoa (or something stronger, no judgment), and enjoy a completely different vibe under the lights.

2. Splitboarding

Got a taste for adventure? Consider splitboarding—basically converting your snowboard into skis to hike uphill, then riding down. It opens up so many options for untouched terrain completely away from the crowds.

Fair warning: you’ll need to be in decent shape and learn how to use the gear. But the payoff? Some of the most soul-stirring rides of your life.

Gear Tips for Riding the Hidden Spots

When you’re heading off the beaten path, you’ll want to be ready. Here are some gear must-haves:

- Avalanche Safety Kit: If you’re in the backcountry, this is non-negotiable.
- All-Mountain Board: Hidden spots often mean variable conditions. A versatile board is your best friend.
- Layer Smart: Smaller mountains may not have the luxury of lodges and warm-ups. Dress like you're gonna be outside all day.
- Backpack with Snacks & Water: Many hidden gems don’t have a Starbucks at the base. Stay fueled up to keep your energy high.

How to Keep Hidden Gems… Well, Hidden

Okay, real talk. When you find your perfect, uncrowded slice of snowboard heaven, think twice before blasting it out on social media. Tagging locations, posting stories, and hyping up the spot just invites more foot traffic.

Let’s keep the spirit of secret stashes alive by honoring the golden rule: If you love a mountain, don’t blow it up. Share it with close friends, not the whole internet.

Final Thoughts: Ride More, Wait Less

Snowboarding’s all about chasing that thrill, that flow, that perfect turn. And you know what blocks all that? Crowds.

But once you break free from the mega-resort mindset and start searching for those hidden gems, something amazing happens. You get the mountain almost to yourself. You ride more. You stress less. And you fall in love with the ride all over again.

So next time you're staring at a sold-out lift ticket page or watching hundreds of cars pile into the parking lot, remember—there’s a better way. You just have to be willing to carve your own path.