Resort policies for uphill skiing

Some say uphill skiing captures the true essence of the sport. There’s a unique magic in starting your day with a hot cup of coffee, watching the alpenglow illuminate the mountain peaks. Anticipation builds as you attach skins to your skis and begin the steady climb, step by step, toward the summit. The quiet rhythm of skis gliding on snow replaces the mechanical hum of chairlifts, offering a serene, undisturbed connection to the mountain. It’s in these moments, free from distractions, that the mountain’s beauty truly comes alive. In many ways, uphill skiing mirrors surfing—you earn your ride, making the descent all the more rewarding.

What is uphill skiing? 

Uphill skiing, also called skinning or alpine touring, involves hiking up a mountain equipped with skis, skins, boots, and poles. For snowboarders, a split board serves the same purpose. This specialized board is separated into two pieces for the ascent, allowing the use of skins, and then reassembles for riding down the mountain. 

Where can I uphill ski? 

Uphill skiing is an excellent way to stay active while enjoying the great outdoors. Did you know that many ski resorts offer uphill access? While some provide it for free, others may charge a fee, depending on their policies. To help you plan your adventures, we've compiled a list of resorts offering uphill access for the 24/25 season. Be sure to check your local resort's website for specific details and guidelines before setting off on your uphill ski tour.

Mountains with Free Uphill Access

Alaska

• Eaglecrest: Access is limited to three designated routes along the ski area boundary for backcountry terrain only. Open anytime.

California

• Heavenly: Designated routes available during restricted times, depending on conditions and seasonal considerations. Trail hotline: (530) 542-6922.
• Kirkwood: Access is permitted anywhere during non-operating hours. Trail hotline: (209) 258-7444.

Colorado

• Beaver Creek: Designated routes accessible 30 minutes after lifts close until 15 minutes before first chair.
• Breckenridge: Designated routes available during non-operating hours. Trail hotline: (970) 547-5627.
• Keystone: Designated routes accessible during non-operating hours, based on conditions and seasonal considerations. Trail hotline: (970) 496-4033.
• Telluride: Designated routes in the Sunshine (Lift 10) Pod, except Sundance Trail, are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Vail: Designated routes available after lifts close. Trail hotline: (970) 754-1023.

Connecticut

• Mohawk Mountain: Designated routes available during restricted times.

Maine

• Sugarloaf: Designated routes open for uphill traffic starting at 7 a.m.

Massachusetts

• Wachusett: Designated routes open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Mon–Fri) and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Sat/Sun). An uphill pass is required. Trail hotline: (978) 464-2300.

Montana

• Great Divide: Designated routes accessible anytime.
• Montana Snow Bowl: Designated routes not permitted during operating hours.

Wyoming

• Grand Targhee: Designated routes accessible from 4:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Mountains with Uphill Access for a Fee

California

• Diamond Peak: Designated routes accessible during non-operating hours with a pass or ticket required.
• Sugar Bowl: Designated routes available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; a pass or ticket is required.

Colorado

• Aspen: Designated routes accessible during non-operating hours. An Uphill Pass is required for the 24/25 season. Trail hotline: (970) 920-0723.
• Arapahoe Basin: Designated routes available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A pass or ticket is required.
• Buttermilk: Designated routes accessible anytime. An Uphill Pass is required for the 24/25 season. Trail hotline: (970) 920-0969.
• Copper Mountain: Designated routes accessible during non-operating hours with a pass or ticket required.
• Crested Butte: Designated routes accessible during non-operating hours with a pass or ticket required. Trail hotline: (970) 349-2345.
• Eldora: Designated routes accessible during non-operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. For updates, text "UPHILL" to (866) 965-6224.
• Highlands: Designated routes available from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. An Uphill Pass is required for the 24/25 season.
• Loveland: Designated routes accessible during restricted times. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (303) 571-5580 ext. 134.
• Monarch Mountain: Designated routes available during restricted times. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (719) 530-5000.
• Steamboat: Suggested routes available from 4:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. A pass or ticket is required.
• Snowmass: Designated routes accessible from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. An Uphill Pass is required for the 24/25 season.
• Winter Park: Access is allowed anywhere between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. An uphill reflective armband must be purchased for the 24/25 season.

Maine

• Shawnee Peak: Designated routes accessible before operating hours. An uphill ski ticket is required.
• Sunday River: Designated routes available during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (207) 824-5350.

Massachusetts

• Berkshire East: Designated routes accessible during daytime only. A pass or ticket is required.
• Jiminy Peak: Designated routes accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (413) 738-5500.

Montana

• Red Lodge: Designated routes available from 4:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (406) 446-2610.
• Whitefish: Designated routes accessible during restricted times. An uphill day pass or uphill season pass is required. Trail hotline: (406) 862-2900.

New Hampshire

• Bretton Woods: Designated routes accessible during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (603) 278-3320.
• Cannon Mountain: Designated routes available during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (603) 823-8800.
• Cranmore: Designated routes accessible during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (800) 786-6754.
• Crotched Mountain: Designated routes available during daytime only. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (800) 875-4241.
• Dartmouth Skiway: Designated routes available during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required.
• Gunstock: Designated routes accessible during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (603) 293-4341.
• Loon Mountain: Designated routes accessible during operating hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (603) 745-8111.
• King Pine: Designated routes available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. An uphill ticket is required. Trail hotline: (603) 367-8896.
• Pats Peak: Designated routes accessible anytime. An Uphill Travel Pass is required.
• Ragged Mountain: Designated routes accessible from 3 p.m. to 9 a.m. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (603) 768-3600.

Washington

• Mt. Spokane: Designated routes available during restricted times. An Uphill Season Pass is required.

Wyoming

• Snow King Resort: Designated routes available during restricted hours. A pass or ticket is required. Trail hotline: (307) 201-5667.

Mountains That Do Not Allow Uphill Access

Arizona

• Arizona Snowbowl: Uphill travel is not allowed.

California

• Alpine Meadows: Uphill travel is not allowed.
• Palisades Tahoe: Uphill travel is not allowed.

Read More on CNN: Uphill, in the snow: Why this laborious ski trend is booming at US resorts