Many ski areas transform into destinations for warm-weather outdoor sports and leisure once their hills are powder-free. The slopes' elevation changes, wooded trails, and often picturesque scenery are all ingredients for fantastic disc golf, so it's no wonder the sport is an increasingly common and popular part of these seasonal make-overs.
Photo from the seasonal course at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado. Photo uploaded to UDisc Courses by caloso
Now you can find out which 11* disc golf courses at downhill ski areas are the best in the world according to disc golfers with UDisc, the world's #1 disc golf app that includes the largest directory of disc golf courses in existence.
*This post was originally a top 10. After publication, we discovered a qualifying course had not been labeled "ski area" in the UDisc directory. We decided to expand the list to a top 11, giving the qualifying course its due without costing a previously-highlighted course the limelight.
Ranking the Ski Area Disc Golf Courses
Here's how we came up with the rankings in this post:
How did you identify ski area disc golf courses? Disc golfers adding courses to the UDisc directory can tag them as certain types of property, e.g., private, public, camp, or military. Another property tag option is ski area. For this post, we identified every course with the ski area tag and ran the numbers to see where they ranked against each other based on ratings from disc golfers with UDisc (more on the math in the next bullet point). Once we had the rankings, we researched each course at the top of the list and created a top 10 that included only the courses at downhill ski areas that were available at least 120 days the previous year (2022).
Keep in mind that any course not labeled "ski area" at the time we ran our search was not eligible for this list.
How did you come up with the ski area disc golf course rankings? The rankings are based on a methodology that applied more weight to recent reviews, helped identify which courses with excellent but relatively few ratings are true destinations rather than just local faves, and accounted for the wide range of experience behind disc golfers' course ratings. Notably, due to this methodology, some courses that have higher average ratings in the UDisc Courses directory may be ranked below courses with lower average ratings.
All courses were subject to the same metrics, and no course was moved up or down the rankings based on the preferences of UDisc staff.
Why is it limited to downhill ski areas? Often, those looking to play disc golf at a ski area want stunning mountain views and drastic elevation changes, and this post is meant to help those searching for that experience find the best places to have it. Downhill ski areas check those boxes much more often than cross-country ski areas.
Did you limit what part of the world the courses could be in? No. Disc golf courses at downhill ski areas all over the world were eligible.
The 11 Best Disc Golf Courses At Ski Areas
Hop on the lift and come with us to the peak as we count down the top 11 disc golf courses at ski areas:
11. Hidden Meadows Disc Golf Course: Mont du Lac Resort, Superior, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
A tee at Hidden Meadows at Mont du Lac Resort. Photo uploaded to UDisc Courses by ericwestlund
Score: 76.21/100
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 61
Distance: 6,640 feet/2,024 meters
Tees: Concrete
Targets: Arroyo Vortex (Steel)
Fee: $14.99 per player per day (includes two other courses on property)
Three Reviews of Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort From Disc Golfers on UDisc
This is one of my favorite courses! It definitely takes energy because there is a lot of elevation, but there are some beautiful holes. Hole 18 coming back down the mountain is a sight to be seen! Also, the shop usually has several choices of discs to buy.
nmassie88
So much fun. Need to be good in wind and elevation. It’s a beautiful hike. It’s amazing!
shawn7
Great course! Most of the holes are shorter, but more technical due to elevation changes and tighter lines through the woods. Definitely exhausting hiking this whole course, so bring plenty of water and snacks! Also very easy to lose discs if shots get too high and stuck in the pine branches. Be safe!
A stunning view of the Alps at Disc Golf Allgäu. Photo uploaded to UDisc Courses by bloke66dgachef
Score: 77.99/100
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 56
Distance: 4,701 feet/1,433 meters
Tees: Artificial turf laid on wooden platforms
Targets: DISCatcher Pro (Original)
Fee: €8 per player per round (half off for PDGA members). €6.50 for those under 18. Family price for two adults and up to three children is €28.
Course Established: 2009
Availability, photos, layouts, current course conditions, and more:Disc Golf Allgäu on UDisc Courses
Three Reviews of Disc Golf Allgäu From Disc Golfers on UDisc
An incredibly beautiful course with fantastic, panoramic views of the Alps. Appropriately mountainous and challenging with a wide variety of holes – you should have a spotter on a few holes...or just play safe ;) Afterwards have a nice beer with Paul in the caddyshack. Definitely recommended as a trip destination!*
djsepp
*Translated from German
A very pretty course. Super diverse. Watching discs sail into the valley (or roll when things go badly) is the best ;) Sturdy shoes with tread are advisable, you'll be covering lots of meters of elevation during a round. The new tee pads are all great.*
lukasmvp
*Translated from German
Breathtaking scenery: check. Good mix of open, wooded, straight, dogleg, uphill and downhill holes: check. Immaculate tee pads: check. Adequate signage: check. A smattering of whimsical obstacles: check. Friendly, humorous and down-to-earth caddyshack dude: check. Such a fun and memorable course—well worth a visit.
richbarton
8. The Hill Disc Golf Course: Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling, Michigan, U.S.A.
A tee and fairway at Hanson Hills - The Hill . Photo uploaded to UDisc Courses by shuochengjiang
Score: 78.47/100
Number of Holes: 24 with all alternates, 19 without
Availability, photos, layouts, current course conditions, and more:Hanson Hills - The Hill on UDisc Courses
Three Reviews of Hanson Hills - The Hill From Disc Golfers on UDisc
Probably the best northern Michigan course I’ve played. VERY hilly – be ready for a workout. Scenic, great variety of shots, highly recommend playing the 5 “extra” holes. Not very cart-friendly despite what the listing says (the Pine Knoll course next door is).
esckelm
Very good course, well maintained and championship level. Very similar to toboggan in hole designs. Signage needs a little work, but overall great course.
mhughes54
Great mix of holes and challenging. Many elevation changes throughout the course. Don't forget the water and don't underestimate this course! Walk out some of the holes if it's your first time through or just play safely. Solo rounds (24 holes) can be anywhere from an hour and a half to two and a half. Group rounds can be upwards or three or four.
Three Reviews of Donner Ski Ranch From Disc Golfers on UDisc
One of the best courses I have played. Fairly easy at the start but picks up nicely towards the back 9. Course is good, but the view and area is without a doubt among the most awe-inspiring local[e]s for disc in the area
levryk
Nice variety of shots with gaps and elevation changes. Use a spotter on hole 16. Can be tricky
willnye
Mosquitos are bad. Bring bug spray. UDisc makes navigation easy. Helpful to have a spotter on some holes
peaceblaster
6. Black Diamond Disc Golf Course: Emery Park, South Wales, New York, U.S.A.
A perfect fall day for disc golf at the Black Diamond at Emery Park. Photo uploaded to UDisc Courses by drincheiny13
Three Reviews of Black Diamond at Emery Park From Disc Golfers on UDisc
This course is a MONSTER! One of the bigger/better courses I’ve played across the country. Would love to see some money put into the course in the form of better tee signage, more garbage cans, and newer baskets but the layout is phenomenal.
ranger101sniper
With slightly better maintenance, quite possibly a top course in the nation. Extremely challenging front nine with serious undulations and heavy wooded areas. A more scoreable back 9 with just as phenomenal views but much more open. A true journey for any serious disk player who dares to plot there way through this beast of a track.
wopp71
Beautiful course, and yes it's challenging with the elevations.. hole 14 is so pretty though and water/ creek comes into play on a few holes here as well.. this park is just very well taken care of.. Beautiful here
Three Reviews of Hickory Hills From Disc Golfers on UDisc
My favorite course in Michigan! It challenged me in so many levels, this is definitely a intermediate-advanced course. The views are great as well.
doti45
Suuuuuper hilly. They weren't lying when they said be prepared for a hike. But if you're not in a hurry, you'll be fine! Beautiful views, challenging holes, overall a great time! Bring water and maybe a snack.
bfries
One of the most beautiful courses around, but not for the faint of heart. Major elevation changes, steep hills, and woods will challenge even the best players. Very punishing course if you throw a bad shot. Great exercise though
chucko
4. Sky High Disc Golf Course at Mountain High North: Mountain High Resort, Llano, California, U.S.A.
Focus on the basket and don't get vertigo at Sky High Mountain Disc Golf Course. Photo uploaded to UDisc Courses by 1ramsfan
Three Reviews of Sky High at Mountain High North From Disc Golfers on UDisc
Fantastic course on a mountain and about a one hour drive (if no traffic) from L.A. area. 27 holes with three nice, distinct sections. One huge, epic downhill hole and many others to test your arm. It's on a mountain, so pretty much what you'd expect with trees etc. Lots of up and down so you'll definitely get your exercise! Nice burger/sandwich place that sells discs etc. make it pretty perfect for summer.
floydpinkie
The best course I've played in SoCal. I didn't have any issues with the rubber pads being dusty or uneven. The baskets caught extremely well, despite what I heard from others who play the course regularly. Only one pad was covered in half by snow, not a big deal. Had a lot of fun!
Three Reviews of Solitude Mountain From Disc Golfers on UDisc
A hoot to play and should be on every disc golfer's bucket list. I hiked to hole 1 which was about 1 mile and 800' up. Not bad, but I live in SLC. If you are visiting from a lower elevation, the lift is worth it to avoid possible altitude health issues, plus it's fun. I brought some beater, understable discs for the first few holes until I got used to flight dynamics of these mountain holes. Easy to put a move on your usual driver only to watch fly down the mountain never to be seen again.
dittman
For those who want to escape the confines of boring and unchallenging ol' city park courses and explore the demanding yet rewarding style of play that is mountain disc golf. Solitude is for you.
jwbeach
This is an absolutely amazing mountain course. A few words of advice. 1. Bring bright discs and have a spotter. 2. Have water. It's a long course. 3. If you need to hike in, start from Brighton (silver lake parking lot). Epic.
Three Reviews of Arapahoe Basin From Disc Golfers on UDisc
It gets no better! It’s a day of hiking with the most beautiful views a disc golfer could dream of. Waterfalls, rivers; flowers. Mountain peaks, it’s all there. Great, thoughtful course from the people who understand a guest experience better than most. The legend!
adventuresofjt
Beautiful course and loved the design! I think it was a great idea to create a layout with very little uphill shots, even if that meant some hiking between holes. Great mix of wooded holes, large fairways lined with trees, and open shots as well. For me personally, I thought the course was a good difficulty level, but I could see others wanting more of a challenge.
clachance26
After playing all the top rated courses in Colorado, this mountain course at A-Basin tops all of them. Stunning views everywhere you look, great signage, DisCatcher baskets, well-kept fairways, and gorgeous bomber holes. It was a long hike, but a beautiful one. there might be a few short holes (200 ft) but elevation changes and lines marked by trees make these beautiful holes challenging. Recommend for intermediate to advanced players.
ejk2323
1. Brewster Ridge and Fox Run Meadows Disc Golf Courses: Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, Vermont, U.S.A.
The blend of disc golf and Vermont fall at Smugglers' Notch Resort is one of the best combinations in the sport. Photo from Fox Run Meadows uploaded to UDisc Courses by andrewpastoor
Three Reviews of Brewster Ridge and Fox Run Meadows From Disc Golfers on UDisc
Technical course mostly in the woods, with some open areas. Plenty of signage and clear trails. Blue and Gold tees have new pavers real nice, white and red tees made of gravel and are kinda chewed up. Excellent diversity of shots that are sure to challenge all levels. The pro shop rocks.
herbcraft on Brewster Ridge
Wonderful course with nice pro shop. This is a long course and very challenging. This is a bucket list for sure
mikerayburne on Fox Run Meadows
On Brewster Ridge: The course is about as beautiful as they come! That with the added difficulty and amenities puts it at one of the top courses I have ever played!
On Fox Run: Gorgeous links style course with great views and open fields. The distance and ob on this one will keep your score in check, so enjoy the walk and views while tossing a disc!
andrewpastoor
Think We Missed Something?
If there's a fantastic disc golf course at a downhill ski area you think we missed, feel free to check if it's in the UDisc disc golf course directory and labeled "Ski Area." If it's not, here's how to add a course to UDisc.