5 Resorts Where You Can Ski Across the Border
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
"You can't be in two places at once," you've probably always been told-- but what if you could, and what if you could be in two places at once... while skiing? We're already sold.
Map geeks, geography nerds, and those who enjoy defying the typical laws of transportation unite because we have compiled the master list of places you ski can between states, provinces, or countries.
5 Ski Areas That Straddle Borders
Catamount Mountain Resort
New York/Massachusetts
Daytripper favorite Catamount Mountain will allow for both Yankee and Red Sox gear as long as you're on the right side of the mountain. Catamount is located in the Berkshire Mountains with almost an even split of terrain between New York and Massachusetts. Drive times from New York City and Boston are practically even at around three hours, making the mountain a perfect place for some friendly Northeast meddling (if there is such a thing).
Heavenly Mountain Resort
California/Nevada
The Tahoe region is no stranger to border crossings, with half of the lake in California, and the other in Nevada. The area is also no stranger to ski resorts with 13 in the region--yet only one affords riders the unique opportunity to ski between two states. Visitors to the resort can start in either California or Nevada, and the two states have different parking lot protocols, so check ahead of time. Skiers can choose to stay in California or Nevada, the latter offering more relaxed drinking and gambling laws. Whichever side of the mountain you plan to ski or stay at, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of glorious lake views.
Lookout Pass
Idaho/Montana
This family favorite allows skiers to not only traverse states, but time zones as well. With over 400 inches of powder annually, this Rocky Mountain resort is a hidden gem, as long as you're willing to drive. The base of the resort resides in Idaho, which is Pacific Standard Time, but half the trails will jump you forward to Montana, which resides in Mountain Time. To simplify, the mountain goes exclusively by Pacific time but urges guests to double-check their timing, as the closest airports and much of the nearby lodging are located in Montana. Three and a half hours to the south of Lookout Pass is another resort, Lost Trails Ski Area, which also resides on the Idaho and Montana border.
Banff Sunshine
Alberta/British Columbia
Banff Sunshine is almost entirely in Alberta. However, one tiny area lies on British Columbia soil and only one lift, the aptly named Great Divide Express Quad, will allow skiers to ski two provinces on the same day. Skiers can ride the lift 8,900 feet up Lookout Mountain starting in Alberta, spending a few moments in B.C., then disembark back in Alberta. As for the several trail options down well, it's anyone's guess as to which province you're in.
Matterhorn Ski Paradise
Italy/Switzerland
There are plenty of ski areas in Europe where you can ski between countries, and no passport is required (even for Americans). Best of all, many are available on either the Epic or Ikon Pass. You can ski the Alps between Switzerland and Austria, France and Italy, France and Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia, and, in the Pyrenees, you can straddle the French, Spanish, and Andorra borders. However, the most famous resort that allows skiers to glide between Italy and Switzerland is in the shadow of one of the most famous rocks on earth: the Matterhorn. Two resorts, Ski Matterhorn (Switzerland) and Cervinia – Breuil (Italy), link up to allow for an international day of skiing. Many skiers will opt to stay, or even have lunch on the Italian side and pay in Euros, saving big as opposed to paying for similar services on the Swiss side with the notoriously expensive Franc.
For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.
