Devoted skiers and snowboarders recognize the plum benefits of below-the-radar ski resorts: fewer fellow powder seekers, shorter lift lines, relatively reasonably priced tickets and lodging, and, often, limited distractions from time spent on the slopes. Now, especially, these qualities hold even broader appeal, as skiers look to limit contact with others while spending more time outdoors.

At these seven resorts across the country, you’re less apt to jostle other parka-clad elbows while still enjoying a variety of terrain; plus, you can buy individual tickets — some areas require online advance purchase at least 24 hours ahead — at relatively good value.

Off-slope, you won’t find the wealth of other amenities or activities that may attract skiers in a regular winter, but if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s how to avoid crowds and hang with the family. This is the winter to heat up a pot of fondue in the rental condo and play a board game by the fireplace.

Ragged Mountain aims to drum up excitement for skiing by offering a $349 season pass and free lessons for people who want to try the sport.

This season the resort has launched its Mission: Affordable initiative because at current ticket prices, skiing and riding are no longer sports that "many people in New England can enjoy," said Ryan Schramm, who is Ragged's general manager. The pass much be purchased by Oct. 31 to lock in the $349 rate. Afterward it will be $449.

Snowsports industry research indicates the motivation for adults to learn to slide is based on a fancy to spend more time with family and friends. The National Ski Areas Association’s Beginners Conversion Study shows that 55 percent of beginner skiers and 45 percent of beginner snowboarders say they wanted to learn the sports for that purpose.

In addition, according to the study, the self-motivation factor is high. Forty-two percent of beginner skiers said they always wanted to learn the sport and 60 percent of beginner snowboarders indicated they always wanted to learn.

Ragged Mountain’s "Mission Affordable" is a program model which breaks the cost barrier for people interested in learning to ski or snowboard. Does free sound affordable enough?

The strategy at Ragged Mountain Resort to get more people to try skiing and encourage them to stay with the sport is targeted to first timers, who are invited to learn to ski in a three lesson FREE learn-to-ski program. On-line registration is necessary to participate, and free equipment is offered to use in the lessons. There are no blackout periods (available all season long) and the lessons can be taken on three consecutive days or any days during the winter, on different weekends, holidays, or in any way that fits the participant.

Ragged Mountain Resort received its alteration of terrain permit this week and immediately began construction on a large scale project to add water storage to increase snowmaking capacity five-fold.

As the machinery started to rumble and large back loaders dug into what will be the expansion of an old snowmaking pond, Ragged Mountain General Manager, Ryan Schramm explained, "This expansion will add 20 million gallons to the current 4 million gallon pond allowing us to more readily open terrain in the early season so we can help out Mother Nature when we need to."

Ragged Mountain Resort has changed its business model and in doing so has made a clear statement that it wants skiing and snowboarding to be accessible to the majority of New Englanders through a program called MISSION: AFFORDABLE.

Ryan Schramm, General Manager at Ragged Mountain, explained the logic behind the change in strategy, "There is a cost barrier for many people in getting into the sports of skiing and snowboarding and in staying with the sports as their families grow."