snow covered slope in colorado
You likely searched for “Hidden Valley ski resort” looking for lift tickets or a snow report. But there is a problem. There are at least four ski areas with this name in North America.
They are thousands of miles apart. Some are major resorts owned by Vail Resorts. One is a historic site inside a National Park. If you are not careful, you might check the weather for the wrong mountain.
This guide acts as your master switchboard. We clarify exactly where each location is, which pass you need, and what kind of skiing you will find there.
At A Glance: Which Hidden Valley is Which?
Before you book a hotel, check this table to ensure you are looking at the right state. These locations are distinct entities.
| Location | Status | Owner | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (PA) | Open (Resort) | Vail Resorts | Families, Beginners |
| Missouri (MO) | Open (Resort) | Vail Resorts | Night Skiing, Tubing |
| Colorado (CO) | Defunct (No Lifts) | Natl Park Service | Sledding, Backcountry |
| Canada (ON/AB) | Open | Independent | Local Community |
Hidden Valley Resort, Pennsylvania
Location: Somerset, PA (Laurel Highlands)
Best For: Families, beginners, and Pittsburgh locals.
When most people on the East Coast say “Hidden Valley ski resort,” this is the one they mean. It sits in the Laurel Highlands, just a short drive from its larger sister resort, Seven Springs.
This mountain is known as a learner’s paradise. The terrain is generally milder than Seven Springs, making it less crowded and often safer for small children. If you are just starting out, check our guide on gear and rentals to ensure you get the right setup.
The Vibe
The atmosphere here is quiet. You will not find the rowdy party scene common at larger mountains. It is a place to teach your kids to ski, grab a burger at the lodge, and relax.
Need to Know
- Ownership: Owned by Vail Resorts.
- Pass Access: Accepts the Epic Pass. It is not on the pass comparison for Ikon products.
- Snowmaking: Covers most trails, which is crucial for Pennsylvania winters.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Missouri
Location: Wildwood, MO (Suburbs of St. Louis)
Best For: Night skiing, tubing, and quick urban sessions.
This location proves you do not need mountains to ski. Hidden Valley MO is built on river bluffs. It is small, but it serves a vital role for skiers in the Midwest who cannot fly west every weekend.
The Experience
The vertical drop here is modest, approximately 310 feet, but the operations team maximizes it. They rely heavily on snowmaking. Because daytime highs in Missouri can fluctuate, they often blast snow at night when temps drop.
This is a “Hidden Valley ski” experience defined by convenience. Unlike smaller independent hills you might find on the Pass Access list for Indy, this is a Vail property. You can leave work in St. Louis and be on the lift in under 45 minutes.
Polar Plunge Tubing
For non-skiers, the Polar Plunge tubing park is the main draw. It is one of the largest in the region. Reservations often sell out on weekends, so book online in advance.
Hidden Valley, Colorado
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park (near Estes Park)
Best For: Sledding, families, and backcountry skiers.
This is where the confusion often happens. This was a fully operational ski resort from 1955 until it closed in 1991. Today, the lifts are gone. The lodge is a warming hut.
It Is Not a “Resort”
Do not show up here expecting a chairlift. This is a recreational area managed by the National Park Service.
- For Families: It is the only place in RMNP where sledding is allowed. You must bring your own sleds; there are no rentals on-site.
- For Skiers: Backcountry skiers use the old trails. You must hike up to ski down (skinning). It is a great introduction to backcountry touring, but you need your own safety gear.
The Canadian Locations
Yes, there are even more.
- Hidden Valley Highlands (Ontario): Located in Huntsville. It is a friendly, community-focused hill in the Muskoka region. It is active and popular for local racing programs.
- Hidden Valley (Alberta): Located in Elkwater. A small hill in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Since these locations share a name, mix-ups are common. Watch out for these pitfalls.
1. Checking the wrong snow report
It might be dumping snow in Pennsylvania while it is raining in Missouri. Always check the state abbreviation in the URL (usually hiddenvalleyresort.com for PA vs. hiddenvalleyski.com for MO).
2. Buying the wrong lift ticket
While PA and MO are both owned by Vail Resorts, their day tickets are specific to the location. Double-check your cart before checking out.
3. Assuming Colorado has rentals
Travelers often drive into Rocky Mountain National Park expecting a full “Hidden Valley ski area” with a rental shop. There is nothing there but snow and toilets. Rent your gear in Estes Park before you enter the park gates.
Decision Framework: Which One Do You Want?
If you are still unsure, use this simple rule of thumb:
- Go to PA if: You want a weekend getaway with a hotel, ski school, and groomed runs near the East Coast.
- Go to MO if: You live near St. Louis and want to ski after work or take the kids tubing.
- Go to CO if: You want a free, rustic day of sledding or hiking for turns in a National Park.
By knowing the difference, you save yourself the headache of navigating to the wrong mountain. Safe travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hidden Valley Ski Resort located?
There are two main active resorts with this name in the US. One is in Somerset, Pennsylvania (Laurel Highlands), and the other is in Wildwood, Missouri (near St. Louis). Always verify the state before booking tickets.
Are the Hidden Valley resorts in PA and MO owned by the same company?
Yes. Both the Pennsylvania and Missouri locations are owned by Vail Resorts. They are both accessible on the Epic Pass, though individual day tickets must be purchased for the specific location.
Is Hidden Valley in Colorado still open for skiing?
It is open for backcountry skiing, but there are no lifts. You must hike up the mountain yourself using touring gear. It is also the designated area within Rocky Mountain National Park for sledding.
Which Hidden Valley is better for beginners?
Hidden Valley Resort in Pennsylvania is widely considered one of the best places to learn in the Mid-Atlantic due to its gentle terrain and dedicated ski school. The Missouri location is also beginner-friendly but is much smaller.
