The night sky has long been a source of wonder and awe, and now, it's becoming a major draw for skiers too. Astrotourism, a niche travel trend, is gaining traction, and it's not just about witnessing solar eclipses or shooting stars; it's about experiencing nature's light show after a day on the slopes. Here's a look at seven ski regions that offer the perfect blend of astrotourism and skiing, each with its own unique charm and celestial viewing opportunities.
Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
Sun Valley has just become the first U.S. ski resort to be recognized as a DarkSky Certified Resort. This means that the resort has committed to preserving the night sky and providing guests with exceptional stargazing experiences. With four recommended viewing spots on the mountain and a fifth one 30 miles north, Sun Valley is ideally positioned to witness the annual Perseid Meteor Shower in August. The resort is hosting a unique viewing party for the meteor shower on August 12, and future dark sky-themed programming will include expert-led stargazing, wellness events, and educational lectures.
Wolf Creek, Colorado
Wolf Creek is a skier's paradise, known for its deep powder and challenging terrain. But did you know that it's also a stargazer's dream? Kosmos Stargazing Resort and Spa, Wolf Creek's neighbor, is a Class 2 Dark Sky zone, offering ideal conditions for astrophotography, stargazing, and dark-sky education. Guests can join stargazing sessions led by experts, spend time in the on-site observatory, and even view the cosmos from their own villa, outfitted with a high-powered telescope. So, after a day on the slopes, you can head to the stargazing resort for a celestial experience.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is a nature lover's paradise, and it's also a great spot for northern lights viewing. While it's not common to see the aurora borealis over the park's craggy peaks, it's possible with some patience and an astro forecast. One recommended spot is Lake Louise, which sits inside the national park. The winter months, especially during a new moon, offer the best viewing conditions. The University of Alberta's Aurora Watch email alerts can help you plan your stargazing and skiing itinerary.
Levi, Finland
Levi, located in Finnish Lapland, is a skier's dream with 27 lifts and 44 runs, plus four terrain parks. But it's also a top destination for aurora borealis viewing. With an average of 111 nights when the northern lights are visible, Levi offers a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon. Prime viewing hours are between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., and the resort offers guided tours to help you make the most of your stargazing experience.
Alyeska Resort, Alaska
Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, is a prime viewing territory for the aurora borealis and stargazing. With a coastal location, skiers can spot the aurora twinkling over the Chugach Mountains and the Turnagain Arm. The Hotel Alyeska even offers a wake-up call service for guests who want to catch the light show on the brightest nights. So, after a day on the slopes, you can relax and enjoy the celestial spectacle.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is one of the few places in the lower 48 with a decent chance of seeing the northern lights. The quiet coastal area around Copper Harbor, which overlooks Lake Superior and Isle Royale National Park, is a prime spot for viewing. As for skiing, Mt. Bohemia is a must-visit, offering the highest vertical and the most extreme terrain in Michigan. It's known for its tough glades, deep powder, and natural obstacles, including cliffs and rock faces.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands, located off the coast of Norway in the Norwegian Sea, are a skier's paradise and a stargazer's dream. With a remote location and minimal light pollution, the islands offer some of the best chances of catching the aurora borealis. In fact, the solar phenomenon can be spotted eight months out of the year. The islands are a popular destination for northern lights tourism, with lodges, restaurants, photo clinics, and tours dedicated to helping people spot them. And the skiing is bucket-list worthy, with backcountry tours ranging from moderate to intense.
