Five of the Smallest Ski Areas in North America

Most skiers are interested in checking off a list of biggest and bests. Descending the biggest lines, stomping the gnarliest drops, and floating through the deepest powder. But what about the opposite: the smallest things in skiing? Not everything small is bad. Smaller lines, smaller crowds, smaller temperatures keeping snow dry and light.

This list covers some of the places you may not find jaw-dropping terrain, but you will find a hidden--or at least lesser known--North American ski gem.

Powderhouse Hill, Maine

Starting off strong with the great state of Maine, Powderhouse Hill is a place where $5 in cash will get you towed uphill by an old truck engine. Talk about core experiences.

Maine has 20 ski areas, but Powderhouse Hill is the smallest of all of them. The volunteer-run ski area is located in South Berwick, Maine, and is only open 12 hours a week (Wednesday and Friday nights, as well as 12-4 on weekends).

With 175 feet of vertical, there isn't much to groom, but that's okay, because there are also no snow cats. Grooming is done with a snowmobile pulling a cross country ski groomer.

Arrowhead Recreation Area, New Hampshire

Moving slightly west, to New Hampshire, there lies another small ski area: Arrowhead Recreation Area in Claremont , New Hampshire.

Like many small ski areas, tubing is one of the attractions offered by the hill, but skiing and riding is offered as well. With 9 trails and 185 acres on tap, the ski area is owned and managed by the city of Claremont, New Hampshire.

The recreation area is important to the New Hampshire town all seasons of the year. During the non-snowy months, downhill mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and Easter egg hunts all happen on the land.

In the winter, there is snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and, of course, skiing. While this ski area is small, it certainly packs in the entertainment.

Sawkill Family Ski Center, New York

In Kingston, New York, with 70 vertical feet, and 2 acres of beginner terrain, Sawkill Family Ski Center might be the smallest ski area in North America. It does, however, offer snowmaking.

Besides skiing, guests can also go snow tubing at Sawkill Family Ski Center.

Four Seasons Golf and Ski Area, New York

Moving west again, the Four Seasons Golf and Ski Area has been around since 1958. As their name suggests, the area serves both skiers and golfers. Their ski season is December through March, and their golf season is April through October.

Come winter, the ski area boasts 4 trails, 2 lifts, 100 vertical feet of drop, and offers full ski services, including waxes and stone grinds. They also have a full-size snow cat.

Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports, Illinois

In Illinois, Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports has just 5 trails , a hundred-foot vertical drop, but covers the basics in those few runs. Seven rope tows, two beginner trails, one intermediate trail, one advanced trail, and one terrain park make up this ski area in DuPage County.

The ski area is geared towards people learning to ski or snowboard, and the ski area has a family-friendly mindset.

The ski area has Ski Patrol, First Aid services, rental facilities, a lodge, cafeteria, and instruction services. It also has free parking, which is practically unheard of at any ski area, big or small, today.

Related: Winter Park Unveils Plans for New Terrain, Lifts, and Upgraded Base Village

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