The Indie Powder Tour: A Ski Road Trip Through the Northwest’s Hidden Gems

Because Lift Lines Are Overrated

Let’s be honest—mega resorts are fun, but nothing beats the soul of an independent ski mountain. The friendly lifties, the secret powder stashes, the affordable après beers. If you’re looking for real snow, no crowds, and pure stoke, this independent ski resort road trip through Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, and Oregon is your ticket to powder paradise.

Pack your gear, load up the playlist, and hit the road—it’s time for a 1,500-mile loop through the best under-the-radar ski resorts in the Northwest.

📸: Mission Ridge Ski

Stop #1: Mission Ridge (Washington)

📍 Wenatchee, WA
🏔️ 2,000 acres | 2,250 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $89+

Start your adventure at Mission Ridge, an underdog gem known for 300+ days of sunshine and dry, light snow. And, if you’re there Wed-Saturday you can end your night with adventure since they’re open for night skiing until 9pm! Located in central Washington, it’s got a mix of groomers, bowls, and tree runs that’ll keep you entertained for days. Pro tip: Head up to Bomber Bowl and check out the wreckage of a WWII B-24 bomber for some history with your turns.

Stop #2: Lookout Pass (Idaho/Montana Border)

📍 Mullan, ID
🏔️ 1,023 acres | 1,650 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $58+

A few hours east lands you at Lookout Pass, where Idaho meets Montana. This place gets over 400 inches of snowfall a year—yep, you read that right. Known for its glades, playful terrain, and laid-back vibes, Lookout is the kind of place where the locals welcome you like family. Hit The North Side Glades after a storm and thank us later.

Stop #3: Silver Mountain (Idaho)

📍 Kellogg, ID
🏔️ 1,600 acres | 2,200 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $68+

Just minutes from Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain is one of the best-kept secrets in the Northwest. You’ll take North America’s longest gondola (3.1 miles) from downtown Kellogg up to the slopes, where untracked powder lasts for days in the sidecountry. Plus, Silver Mountain has a freaking water park, because nothing says après like a lazy river.

Stay the Night: Stardust Motel (Wallace, ID)

📍 Wallace, ID

After back-to-back powder days, you’ll need a proper basecamp—and the Stardust Motel in Wallace is just the place. Wallace is a quirky, historic mining town with cool dive bars, great food, and an old-timey charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Western movie. Grab a pint at City Limits Brew Pub and soak in the small-town ski vibes.

Stop #4: Whitefish Mountain Resort (Montana)

📸: skiwhitefish

📍 Whitefish, MT
🏔️ 3,000 acres | 2,353 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $110 +/-

Heading east into Montana’s Flathead Valley, you’ll find Whitefish Mountain Resort, the biggest ski area on this trip. It’s got everything—steep chutes, open bowls, and tree skiing that will leave your legs burning. Plus, the views of Lake Whitefish from the summit? Unreal.

Stop #5: Brundage Mountain (Idaho)

📸: Brundage

📍 McCall, ID
🏔️ 1,920 acres | 1,921 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $95+

McCall is a ski town that deserves more hype, and Brundage Mountain is a big reason why. They call it the Best Snow in Idaho, and after a few turns in the trees, you’ll understand why. Don’t leave without taking a snowcat tour into the backcountry—if you’re lucky, you’ll get first tracks all day.

Stop #6: Anthony Lakes (Oregon)

📍 Baker County, OR
🏔️ 1,100 acres | 900 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $50

Tucked into eastern Oregon, Anthony Lakes is small but mighty. Sitting at 7,100 feet, it has the highest base elevation in Oregon, meaning the snow stays light and dry all season. It’s also one of the cheapest lift tickets on the trip—just $58 for a full-day pass.

Final Stop: Mt. Hood Meadows (Oregon)

📸: skihood

📍 Mount Hood, OR
🏔️ 2,150 acres | 2,777 ft vertical drop
🎟️ Day Pass: $109

No Northwest ski road trip is complete without Mt. Hood Meadows. It’s big, it’s steep, and the bowls are legendary. If you still have energy left after 1,500 miles of skiing, this is the place to finish strong.

Road Trip Recap: The Powder Tour

🗺️ Route Summary:
🎿 Mission Ridge → Lookout Pass → Silver Mountain → Whitefish → Brundage → Anthony Lakes → Mt. Hood Meadows
📏 Total Miles: ~1,500
⏳ Duration: 7-10 days (depending on your energy level)

If you’re tired of crowded mega-resorts and overpriced lift tickets, this indie ski road trip is for you. Cheap passes, no lines, endless powder, and real ski town vibes—this is the Northwest’s best-kept secret.

📍 Where’s your next ski adventure? Drop your favorite indie resorts in the comments!