The Most Unique Ski Experiences in North America

Not all ski days are created equal. If you’re planning another ski trip but craving something beyond lapping groomers and skiing within resort boundaries, you’re in luck. Ski resorts across North America offer a range of unique experiences that go far beyond the traditional day on the slopes—opening the door to new perspectives on familiar mountains and access to terrain and experiences that many skiers never see.

Whether you’re dreaming of stepping into a helicopter to go heli-skiing, riding a snowcat to untouched powder, or having wildlife encounters on the slopes, you’ll find it in our list of North America’s most unique skiing experiences.

Unique Skiing Experiences In North America

Heliskiing, Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler Heli-Skiing offers access to an astonishing 432,000 acres of big mountain terrain beyond Whistler Blackcomb. Three, four, and five-run heliskiing tours, conveniently leaving from Whistler Village, provide access to 173 glaciers and hundreds of powder runs, all led by experienced guides. Whistler Heli-Skiing packages, starting at $1,015, include avalanche safety gear and an on-mountain lunch. Heliskiing guests can also rent powder skis. Depending on conditions and timing, there may also be an option to extend the experience by purchasing extra runs. Bonus: Epic Pass and Epic Day Pass Holders receive 20% off Whistler Heli-Skiing Packages.

Intro To Cat Skiing, Revelstoke, British Columbia

Have you wanted to try cat skiing but weren’t sure that you had the chops? Then check out Revelstoke’s two-day Intro to Cat Skiing course, hosted in partnership with Great Northern Snowcat Skiing. Expert course instructors on day one will get skiers fitted and acclimated to powder skis and help them dial in the fundamentals. Then the fun really starts on day two. That’s when groups of 8-10 participants are transported into the Selkirk Mountains, where they can ski and ride in lower-angle terrain. Revelstoke’s Intro to Cat Skiing experience, starting at $797, is a great introduction for those who want to start progressing from groomed runs.

Ski With An Olympian, Crested Butte, Colorado

Having won a U.S. Nationals overall title, two World Extreme Freeskiing Championships, and six freeskiing competitions, Wendy Fisher is a true big mountain skiing icon, who skiers have the extraordinary opportunity to ski with at Crested Butte. Beyond the competition circuit, she became a familiar face in the ski world through appearances in more than 15 films with Warren Miller and Matchstick Productions, where her fearless lines and trailblazing style helped define women’s freeskiing in the 1990s. Today, Fisher continues to share her passion for the sport at Crested Butte, where she lives and offers ski lessons to resort visitors. Groups are capped at six people. Whole-day sessions start at $1,335 and half-day sessions are $935.

There are a few other North America ski resorts that also have experiences in which you can ski with an Olympian. Check out our article here for more information.

Birding On Skis, Alta, Utah

Calling all bird watchers. Intermediate skiers can join local bird experts to learn about local avian species for a one-of-a-kind skiing experience on alternating Thursdays during the winter at Alta Ski Area. Tours mostly follow intermediate groomed trails, but some off-piste terrain is also included to get guests to the best locations. Note that participants must be older than the age of 12. Best of all this unique skiing experience is available free to anyone with an Alta lift ticket or season pass.

First Tracks At Ikon Pass Resorts

Experiencing first tracks at Ikon Pass resorts is a must for Ikon pass holders. This experience, available to pass holders on select days at select mountains, allows exclusive access to untouched snow before lifts open to everyone else. It like having some of the world’s best ski resorts all to yourself. The following resorts are participating in first tracks for the 2025-26 ski season: Arapahoe Basin, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain, Crystal Mountain, Deer Valley, Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Schweitzer, Snowshoe Mountain, Solitude, Steamboat, Stratton Mountain, Sugarbush, Tremblant and Winter Park.

Guided hut trips near Sun Valley, Idaho

Sawtooth Mountain Guides and Sun Valley Mountain Huts collaborate on an enchanting backcountry experience, where participants can experience the area’s deep history and expansive terrain. Travel in one of the United States’ oldest backcountry yurt systems, featuring six huts, each of which serve as a warm, welcoming retreat after a long day in the snow. Knowledgable guides with Sawtooth Mountain Guides will take care of food, sleeping arrangements and sleeping gear, and cooking while you enjoy the quiet mountain scenery. There’s no backcountry experience necessary, but intermediate to advanced downhill ski ability and good fitness is required. Rates are as low as $620 per person per day, but vary based on group size.

Guided Skiing Tour, Silverton Mountain, Colorado

Escape the crowds and access up to 1,819 acres of lift-served, backcountry-style terrain with a guided skiing experience at Silverton Mountain, which combines heliskiing, cat skiing, and resort skiing into one of the most unique skiing experiences in North America. This isn’t for the faint of the heart. During a trip, groups of up to eight people can expect to hike for between five minutes and an hour to reach wide-open bowls, steep chutes, and untouched snow. Expect to achieve over 10,000 vertical feet in three to six runs. Prices start at $199.

Hero Image ©Crested Butte