Hidden Gems: Secret Runs Locals Love
At every ski resort, there's a divide between what visitors ski and what locals ski. Visitors gravitate toward the famous runs — the ones in the brochures, the ones with the biggest reputation. But locals have spent years discovering the hidden pockets of magic that most people walk (or ski) right past. Here's a glimpse into some of those secrets.
The Art of Finding Hidden Terrain
Hidden runs aren't actually hidden — they're on the trail map, accessible by regular lifts, and open to anyone. They're "hidden" because they don't have the famous names, they're slightly out of the way, or they require a bit of local knowledge to find the entry point. Some are short connecting trails that nobody thinks to explore. Others are long traverses that lead to isolated pockets of terrain. A few are technically off-piste but within resort boundaries.
The best way to find hidden terrain is, unsurprisingly, to ski with a local. But there are strategies you can use on your own. Start by studying the trail map carefully — look for runs that seem disconnected from the main flow, trails that branch off popular runs, and any terrain marked with names but no apparent lift access. These are often the hidden gems.
Tree Runs: The Ultimate Hidden Terrain
At most resorts, the gladed terrain between marked runs offers some of the best skiing available. These tree runs aren't individually named on the trail map, but they're within resort boundaries and often provide untracked snow days after a storm. Locals know exactly which tree spacing is ideal, where the natural features create fun terrain, and which gladed areas to avoid due to terrain traps.
Steamboat is famous for its aspen tree skiing, where perfectly spaced trees create natural slalom courses through Colorado's lightest powder. Stowe's back country between marked trails offers classic New England tree skiing with tight spacing that demands quick reflexes. At Whistler, the trees on the lower flanks of the mountain hold snow long after the alpine zones have been tracked out.
Traverses Worth Taking
Many of the best runs at large resorts require a traverse — a flat or slightly uphill section that most people avoid because it requires work. At Vail, a quick traverse from the top of Chair 11 leads to lightly skied terrain in the shadows of the Back Bowls. At Jackson Hole, the traverse from the top of the tram across Rendezvous Bowl accesses steep lines that most people skip. Locals know which traverses are worth the effort and which are dead ends.
The Afternoon Secret
Here's a local secret that applies to almost every resort: the runs that face east get morning sun and become soft by early afternoon, while the runs that face north or west hold their snow all day. Locals plan their day around the sun — skiing east-facing terrain first thing in the morning when it's firm and fast, then moving to north-facing terrain as the day warms up. In spring, this strategy is the difference between beautiful corn snow and heavy, dangerous slush.
Why Locals Guard Their Secrets
You might wonder why locals don't share these spots freely. It's not selfishness — it's preservation. When a hidden run gets publicized, it gets crowded, which changes its character entirely. A peaceful tree run becomes a mogul field. An untracked bowl gets skied out in minutes instead of lasting all day. Locals share their secrets selectively, with people who will appreciate and respect the terrain.
This is exactly what makes a SkiBuddy experience so special. When you ski with a local, they're sharing their genuine favorite spots with you — not the tourist highlights, but the places they actually ski on their days off. It's a trust exchange: they share their secrets, and you get an experience that most visitors never access. That's the real magic of skiing with someone who calls the mountain home.
Start Your Own Exploration
Even without a local guide, you can start discovering hidden terrain. On your next trip, pick one run on the trail map that you've never heard of and go find it. Take the lift that's furthest from the base lodge. Follow that narrow trail that branches off the main run. Ski past the "expert only" sign if your ability matches it. The mountain always has more to offer than what's obvious, and the willingness to explore is the first step to skiing like a local.