Bachelor

One reason to head for Oregon’s Central Cascades? The season on Bachelor—one of America’s largest ski areas—can last till May. Schuss down your choice of more than 100 runs encircling the mountain; just remember to pack out before nightfall—there’s no lodging on site.
Get there 4 hrs by car from Portland, or 40 min by plane to Redmond + 50 min by car

Baker

Washington’s third-tallest peak is a real humdinger, with a downhill day ski area that boasts multiple double black routes. Here, you’ll ski alongside seasoned experts and young thrill seekers from nearby Western Washington University.
Get there 5 hrs 30 min by car, or 55 min by plane to Bellingham + 1 hr 15 min by bus or car

Rainier and Crystal

While families with soft sleds and saucers throng Rainier’s Paradise Inn snow play area, downhill skiers head one peak over to popular Crystal Mountain Resort. Here, glide up by gondola, glory in sweet Rainier views, then ski down intermediate runs that open early thanks to the resort’s many snow guns.
Get there 3 hours 30 min by car

Shasta

For millennia, graceful Shasta has loomed large in cultural history. (In 1976, the California stratovolcano was named a National Natural Landmark.) South of the summit, Mt Shasta Ski Park offers numerous black diamond runs and lovely lift-assisted backcountry.
Get there 6 hours by car, or 55 min by plane to Medford + 1 hr 30 min by car

Whistler and Blackcomb

With 16 alpine bowls spanning 8,100 snowy acres, lower British Columbia’s storied twin peaks and terrain parks are literally Olympic caliber. Go ahead—pretend you’re a circa-2010 Shaun White on that half-pipe.
Get there 7 hrs by car, or 1 hr by plane to Vancouver + 1 hr 40 min by shuttle or car