Skiing is a popular winter sport, and many individuals enjoy traveling to various ski resorts around the world. Some people seek out ski resorts known for parties and fun nightlife, while others prefer beginner-friendly ski resorts. There are many things to consider when choosing which slopes to ski, including the time of year and one’s skill level.
While US states like Colorado and Utah are known for their stellar ski slopes, there are plenty of other spots in America that offer fun skiing opportunities. North Dakota is one such spot. The Peace Garden State contains a mix of ski resorts and ski areas, with both beginner-friendly trails and slopes expert skiers will enjoy.
10 Thrill Hills, Fort Ransom
Thrill Hills in Fort Ransom is a locally owned and operated winter recreation area. The park is currently only open for tubing but is working on expanding to ski and snowboarding trails. The tubing hill features a rope tow and is set up at the old bunny hill. The park also features a concession stand selling food, snacks, and alcohol. Thrill Hills is a great spot to visit for travelers looking to take a break from skiing and enjoy the unique winter activity of tubing.
- Where you should stay: GrandStay Hotel & Suites Valley City
- Address: 271 Winter Show Rd SW, Valley City, ND 58072-4039
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, patio, breakfast buffet, pet-friendly, convenience store
9 Tetrault Woods State Forest, Walhalla
Tetrault Woods is one of five state forests managed by the North Dakota Forest Service. These woods are used by hikers, campers, mountain bikers, and skiers. Tetrault Woods State Forest is the perfect area to escape the craziness of everyday life and ski through the snowy, silent woods. This area is remote and far more secluded than other ski areas in the state, making it a great spot for skiers who do not enjoy large crowds.
- Where you should stay: Cozy Studio Suite in Plum Coulee
- Address: Right across the border in Plum Coulee, Canada (exact address provided after booking)
- Amenities: Queen bed, full bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi
8 Turtle River State Park, Arvilla
A North Dakota state park perfect for skiing is Turtle River State Park in Arvilla. Just like Tetrault Woods, these slopes are in the wilderness and are not the carefully curated hills found at ski resorts. Turtle River State Park contains about ten miles of trails and is a great spot to explore nature while gliding through the snow.
There is an abundance of beautiful small towns to visit in North Dakota, with Arvilla being one very small town. In 2020, Arvilla’s population was only 276! Skiers looking for a secluded getaway should ski Turtle River’s slopes.
- Where you should stay: Staybridge Suites Grand Forks, an IHG Hotel
- Address: 1175 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201-3924
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, pet-friendly, free breakfast
7 Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery And Aquarium, Riverdale
Travelers looking for a unique spot to ski need to check out The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. Ski trails run along the side of the fish hatchery building, ending near a campground further down the way. These trails also feature views of the beautiful Turtle Mountains. Visitors enjoy skiing down the slopes, then exploring the hatchery and aquarium.
- Where you should stay: Element Fargo
- Address: 925 19th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078-4377
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, heated pool, electric vehicle charging station, pet-friendly
6 The Greenway, Grand Forks
The Greenway is a natural space in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and East Grand Forks, Minnesota, spanning over 2,000 acres. This natural area is a popular spot for camping, golfing, disc golfing, fishing, and hiking. During the cold winter months, The Greenway is a great spot for skiing. The area is ideal for cross-country skiing. While The Greenway may not be one of the ten unforgettable places in North Dakota that travelers should visit this winter, it is a beautiful spot to ski and enjoy the natural beauty found in North Dakota.
- Where you should stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
- Address: 4051 Gardenview Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58201-7554
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, hot tub, free breakfast, fitness center, vending machines, pet-friendly
5 Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau
Some people travel to North Dakota’s parks for prairie dog tours, while others are drawn in by the endless outdoor activities. Lake Metigoshe State Park is a great park for skiers to explore. This state park is located in the Turtle Mountains, giving visitors the opportunity to ski through these magnificent mountains. It is important to note, however, that there are no designated “beginner” trails, so first-time skiers should visit one of the other areas mentioned in this article.
- Where you should stay: Cobblestone Inn and Suites- Bottineau
- Address: 1109 11th St E, Bottineau, ND 58318-1800
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, hot tub, microwave and refrigerator, pet-friendly
4 The Pembina Gorge, Walhalla
The Pembina Gorge Recreation Area stretches over 2,800 acres of land, making it an ideal place to explore North Dakota’s wilderness. Some visitors choose to kayak down the Pembina River, some choose to explore via horseback, and some prefer to visit during the winter and explore while skiing. This area is great for cross-country skiing, as the ground is flatter. Snowmobiling is another popular winter activity at Pembina Gorge.
- Where you should stay: Sanctuary Guest House & Tearoom
- Address: 403 Holly St, Walhalla, ND 58282-4606
- Amenities: Outdoor seating area, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge
3 Bottineau Winter Park, Bottineau
This ski area contains a lot more bells and whistles than the previously mentioned ski spots in North Dakota. Bottineau Winter Park is located in the north-central North Dakota Turtle Mountains. The ski area features conveyor lifts, a rope tow, a triple chairlift, and eight trails. Bottineau Winter Park contains a mixture of beginner and expert trails, making it the perfect place for skiers of all skill levels to visit. There is also a cafeteria on site serving up meals, snacks, and drinks to hungry skiers.
- Where you should stay: Cobblestone Inn and Suites- Bottineau
- Address: 1109 11th St E, Bottineau, ND 58318-1800
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, hot tub, microwave and refrigerator, pet-friendly
2 Frost Fire Ski Area, Walhalla
Frost Fire Ski Area is a popular skiing and snowboarding spot for both Americans and Canadians, as it is located on the North Dakota and Canada border. The weather does get quite frosty and cold here, so be prepared. Frost Fire Ski Area features a variety of beginner-friendly and expert trails, as well as a cross-country trail and designated tubing area.
It is important to note that Frost Fire Park is in the process of installing new snow-making infrastructure, meaning the park is closed for the 2022-2023 ski season.
- Where you should stay: Sanctuary Guest House & Tearoom
- Address: 403 Holly St, Walhalla, ND 58282-4606
- Amenities: Outdoor seating area, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge
1 Huff Hills Ski Area, Mandan
Travelers looking for a ski area with lots of amenities should visit Huff Hills Ski Area. Huff Hills is one of the most popular ski spots in the state, offering ski and snowboard lessons and equipment rentals. The ski lessons are free and are led by Huff Hills Ski Patrol members, making this the best North Dakota ski area for beginners. Huff Hills is also known for its gnarly terrain park, featuring ramps, rails, boxes, barrels, and kickers.
- Where you should stay: Comfort Inn & Suites Mandan
- Address: 1516 27th St NW, Mandan, ND 58554-1512
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, free breakfast, fitness center, pool, blackout curtains, satellite TV