TRAVELRAGS

Waitsfield

2 stories · 2 publicationsRSS

OutsideSep 21, 2026

These 7 Secret Ski Towns Are America’s Most Down-to-Earth

Escape the crowds at these underrated ski towns. Discover secret powder stashes, affordable local mountain vibes, and great après spots.

13 things in this story
  • Mad River GlenSightLocated within the Green Mountain range, it sits in the Mad River Valley.
  • SugarbushSight
  • Elsewhere
  • Red Lodge MountainSightRed Lodge, United StatesKnown for steep, scrappy terrain and low-key vibe
  • Ski ApacheSightRuidoso, United StatesOffers surprisingly legit terrain and Southwest mountain views
  • Brundage MountainSightMcCall, United StatesKnown for deep snow and empty slopes
  • Payette LakeSightMcCall, United StatesTurns into a frozen playground with skating and ice fishing
  • McCall Winter CarnivalFestivalMcCall, United StatesCelebrates the snowy season with art, music, and snow sculptures
  • Ski CooperSightLeadville, United StatesOffers uncrowded, affordable, legitimately fun skiing
  • Three Sisters PeakSightSisters, United StatesTowers over the town of Sisters
  • Hoodoo Ski AreaSightSisters, United StatesAffordable, old-school, low-crowd skiing
  • Leadville Ski JoringFestivalLeadville, United States
  • Boyne HighlandsSightHarbor Springs, United States
  • Nubs NobSightHarbor Springs, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →

Lonely PlanetSep 5

The Ultimate Fall Road Trip Through New England

Scope the best of New England with this incredible fall road trip through upstate New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

23 things in this story
  • Addison WestSightdesign-forward shop with home decor and gifts
  • Elsewhere
  • Northshire BookstoreSightManchester, United Statesa local favorite book shop
  • Roosevelt Baths & SpaSightSaratoga Springs, United Statesoffers an authentic mineral bath experience
  • Saratoga Spa State ParkParkSaratoga Springs, United Stateshas 21 public springs to walk through
  • BroadwayNeighborhoodSaratoga Springs, United Statesstroll here and through Congress Park for dining
  • Congress ParkParkSaratoga Springs, United Statesstroll here and on Broadway for dining
  • Morrissey’s Lounge & BistroRestaurantSaratoga Springs, United Statestry sushi here
  • Boca BistroRestaurantSaratoga Springs, United Statestry tapas here
  • 9 Miles East FarmRestaurantSaratoga Springs, United Statestry pizza and salad here
  • Rte 100RestaurantManchester, United Statesscenic corridor through Manchester and Stowe
  • Red Gate trailheadTrailManchester, United Stateseasy path to Equinox Pond for autumnal views
  • Equinox PondSightManchester, United Stateswalk to for autumnal views
  • Colburn CafeRestaurantManchester, United Statesgrab a hot chocolate or coffee before bookstore
  • The Restaurant at Hill FarmRestaurantManchester, United Stateschef's table recommended
  • Zoey’s Deli & BakeryBakeryManchester, United Statessandwiches perfect for a picnic
  • Copper GrouseRestaurantManchester, United Statesgo-to for cocktails and elevated pub food
  • Hill FarmHotelManchester, United Statesinn is a wonderful spot to stay
  • Barnstead InnHotelManchester, United Statesexcellent accommodation near town center
  • Moss Glen FallsSightWarren, United Statestumbling waterfall stop along Rte 100
  • Warren StoreRestaurantWarren, United Statesgrab a sandwich and maple syrup
  • Smuggler’s Notch RoadTrailStowe, United Statespopular mountain pass with foliage and boulders
  • Barnes Camp TrailTrailStowe, United Stateseasy walk for views of road, mountains, leaf color
  • Sterling Pond TrailTrailStowe, United States3-mile trail
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →
↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close