9 greatest ski resorts on the East Coast

There is not any denying it — with regards to snowboarding within the U.S., there’s nothing like snowboarding out west. However, for these nearer to the East Coast, it is oftentimes considerably simpler to leap within the automobile and drive to your favourite ski resort, which is likely to be situated in a captivating New England ski city with some top-tier lodging and eating choices.

When it comes to the precise time spent on the mountain, sure, circumstances will be variable, and there is a first rate probability you will hit some ice, however we expect that additionally brings among the pleasure (and ability). The magic that you simply get on a bluebird day is indescribable and retains us East Coasters itching for extra. And, fact be instructed, for those who can ski the East, you possibly can ski wherever.

Whilst you will not discover the identical megaresorts which might be widespread out west, you can find allure and that storybook, ski-town really feel. Snowboarding the East Coast may also be extra favorable on your pockets. With inexpensive elevate tickets (which you will usually see at independently owned resorts) and ski college pricing, you possibly can expertise the mountain really feel for much less. In case you’re a season passholder with Epic, Ikon or Indy, there is a plethora of resorts on the East Coast with much less restrictive — and cheaper — cross choices.

What’s extra, there have been just a few enhancements for the 2024-2025 winter season. For starters, Hunter Mountain in New York will probably be debuting a brand new high-speed chairlift and greater than 70 automated snow weapons. And one of many largest ski resorts in Vermont, Sugarbush, has invested near $12 million into the resort’s infrastructure, together with the brand new Heaven’s Gate Quad.

So, with many resorts gearing up for opening day, the place are the very best ski resorts on the East Coast?

Finest snow: Jay Peak Resort

Jay, Vermont

As probably the most northern resort in Vermont, Jay Peak is among the greatest with regards to pure snowfall, averaging 347 inches per yr. As a body of reference, that is much like (or much more than) what you will see at among the mountains out west, the place Beaver Creek Resort averages 323 inches per yr and Park Metropolis Mountain Resort averages 355 inches per yr. With this a lot snow yearly, you will discover glorious terrain and a plethora of tree glades. Jay Peak additionally presents a 45-person aerial tram to the summit — the one tram within the state. Be warned, although: Jay Peak is certainly one of many colder mountains you will discover on the East Coast, so costume accordingly.

Remember that Jay Peak is thought for much more than epic snowboarding and snowboarding trails. After a day on the mountain, there’s the Jay Peak Pump Home, that includes an indoor water park with a lazy river and a FlowRider. There are additionally an indoor climbing health club, an arcade, a movie show and an ice skating enviornment. With a spa for the dad and mom and youngster care beginning at 6 weeks outdated, there’s lots to maintain your entire household occupied — each on and off the mountain.

Jay Peak can be one of many 230-plus ski resorts on the Indy Move (though cross gross sales come and go). With this cross possibility, you will obtain two days of snowboarding at every taking part resort. If you end up snowboarding at many taking part unbiased resorts this winter — and even subsequent winter — this is among the least costly methods to ski.

Nonetheless, its location, simply south of the Canadian border, makes Jay Peak one of many more difficult mountains to go to. For these already situated within the Northeast, it is near a four-hour drive from Boston and 7 hours from New York Metropolis. In case you’d desire to fly, Burlington Worldwide Airport (BTV) is your greatest wager at simply barely over an hour away.

With no big-brand lodge choices in Jay, utilizing factors is a problem. Nonetheless, there are numerous ski-in, ski-out condos which you can guide by Vacasa and doubtlessly use your Wyndham Rewards factors this manner. There are additionally three lodge choices, with many packages out there, corresponding to elevate ticket combos and entry to the water park.

Finest for luxurious: Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe, Vermont

Nicknamed the Vail of the East by many, Stowe has a particularly luxurious really feel, not dissimilar to what you’d discover at among the high-end resorts out west. The Village at Spruce Peak, situated proper on the base of Mount Mansfield, presents a top-notch lodge, together with many outlets and eating places. With an outside ice skating rink within the heart and lots of fireplace pits round, you will expertise the perfect apres-ski scene (it appears to be like like a miniature Swiss village). You’ll be able to even reserve your personal outside non-public pergola proper within the village heart.

The creme de la creme is actually the aforementioned lodging, The Lodge at Spruce Peak. This Hyatt-affiliated lodge has luxurious written throughout it. From its ski valet and luxurious spa to its outside swimming pools and sizzling tubs, you will actually really feel like you might be on a splurge-worthy trip. The resort even presents all the pieces out of your typical studio lodge room to four-bedroom penthouse suites. With latest expansions, you possibly can even guide your personal separate residence or townhome. It is also the one lodge possibility proper on the base of the mountain.

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However luxurious would not go straightforward on the pockets. Ticket costs at Stowe are among the costliest you will discover on the East Coast — happily, your Epic Move may help carry down the fee. And with Epic Mountain Rewards, you will additionally get 20% off group ski classes and leases — which is one other option to make the price of ski college extra palatable.

Lodge rooms are additionally out there at a jaw-dropping value. However once more, you possibly can carry the fee down considerably through the use of your World of Hyatt factors. All through many of the winter, the property expenses peak pricing, which implies you are 45,000 factors per night time. Or, for those who’re actually trying to splurge, you possibly can guide a two-bedroom suite for as much as 90,000 factors per night time.

However for those who aren’t trying to spend the cash — or factors — to remain on the mountain, there are many lodge choices — at many ranging value factors — in and round Stowe. (Take a look at the historic Trapp Household Lodge, Topnotch Resort or Talta Lodge, that are just a few of our different favorites.) In case you do not thoughts a 30-minute drive, you possibly can even keep on the Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury Stowe together with your Marriott Bonvoy factors — or your free night time certificates that include choose Marriott bank cards.

The city of Stowe can be completely lovely and value a go to. With loads of outlets, eating places and actions, you will by no means be bored. In case you’re in search of a ski resort in northern Vermont, Stowe is barely nearer than each Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Jay Peak Resort whereas additionally providing extra to do away from the mountain.

Finest for households: Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Jeffersonville, Vermont

Generally known as America’s Household Resort, Smugglers’ Notch presents the very best household environment you could possibly ask for. Along with the 1,000-plus acres for snowboarding and driving, the resort presents extra actions than you possibly can even think about for your entire household. Along with your conventional snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country snowboarding, ice skating and even swimming, there’s additionally the FunZone 2.0 advanced. Right here, you could have entry to impediment programs, laser tag, miniature golf, arcade video games and inflatable slides. The resort additionally organizes many actions — day and night time — catered towards your entire household. This consists of bingo, winter carnivals, scavenger hunts, bonfires, board recreation nights and magic reveals.

Smuggs may even permit these as younger as 3 years outdated to benefit from the magic of a full-day ski college program, whereas many different mountains begin at 4 years outdated — or require a non-public lesson. The resort additionally options terrain for everybody, with three distinct mountains, permitting all skiers to benefit from the slopes at their very own tempo. These simply beginning out on skis will thrive on Morse Mountain, which is made up of largely inexperienced trails. However, for those who’re actually trying to push your self, head over to Madonna Mountain, the place you possibly can expertise the one triple-black-diamond path in your entire Northeast.

To expertise the enjoyment of Smuggs, staying on-site is the way in which to go. You will additionally discover accessing the mountain and different actions to be extraordinarily straightforward, particularly because of the on-demand shuttle that’ll take you across the resort. And with condos starting from one to 5 bedrooms — which will be reserved by Airbnb or straight with the mountain — you can guide lodging that work for your loved ones. There’s additionally the Membership Wyndham Smugglers’ Notch Vermont, the place you possibly can theoretically use your Wyndham Rewards factors, however availability — on factors — is extraordinarily arduous to return by.

Remember that in winter, Smugglers’ Notch Move, referred to as the Notch, is closed. This makes the drive to Smuggs about half-hour longer than for those who have been to go to Stowe Mountain Resort.

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Finest for selection: Sugarbush Resort

Warren, Vermont

Many would say that Sugarbush presents among the greatest terrain within the east. Whether or not you are in search of cruises, bumps, ungroomed trails or glades, you will discover quite a lot of choices at this resort. You will even discover some trails which might be by no means groomed, making it a go-to spot on a powder day. The resort additionally incorporates a 2,600-foot vertical drop, which is among the steepest in New England.

However do not let the range discourage you for those who aren’t an knowledgeable. There’s loads of terrain for freshmen as effectively, making this a terrific resort possibility for all ability ranges. Nonetheless, Sugarbush will be regarded as two distinct peaks; for those who’re heading to the mountain with skiers and riders of all ranges, you may end up separated for many of the day. And if you end up headed to Lincoln Peak, you will admire the brand new high-speed quad, permitting for a greater expertise attending to the summit — with much less wind holds.

The Clay Brook Lodge & Residences is the perfect lodging possibility for those who’re trying to be slopeside. Nonetheless, there are numerous resort condos and townhomes alongside the shuttle route, making it straightforward to get to the bottom.

With Waterbury, Vermont, being proper between Sugarbush and Stowe, you could possibly even go for the Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury Stowe and go to each resorts throughout your ski trip. Notice that Sugarbush is on the Ikon Move.

Finest for freshmen: Okemo Mountain Resort

Ludlow, Vermont

Whereas Okemo can cater to all skiers, those that are simply getting their toes moist (or snowy, reasonably) on the slopes will completely benefit from the mountain. Right here, you will discover many large trails with loads of newbie and intermediate terrain. The resort can be well-known for its ski college, making it a terrific place to actually discover ways to ski. Many company additionally admire the 2 bubble lifts that’ll take you to the summit. On a chilly or moist day, a elevate experience will be one of the crucial painful experiences with regards to snowboarding, however these heated bubbles generally is a recreation changer and offer you time to heat up throughout your experience to the highest. There are many inexperienced trails down from the height of the mountain, permitting freshmen to benefit from the summit. In case you’re an Epic Move holder, Okemo is likely to be your greatest wager to maintain your general price down.

Okemo presents two totally different base lodges, with newbie slopes accessible from each. There are additionally loads of lodging at each lodges, however for those who can swing it, Jackson Gore Inn is a superb possibility. Or, for those who desire to unfold out, there are numerous ski-in, ski-out condos, a few of which even provide indoor swimming pools or different facilities proper on-site. Whereas there aren’t many choices to make use of factors, that is the proper alternative to money in a few of your versatile award factors with applications corresponding to Chase Final Rewards and Capital One. Nonetheless, for those who’re up for a drive, there’s the Finest Western in Springfield, Vermont, in addition to the Vacation Inn Membership Holidays Mount Ascutney Resort — each half-hour away.

Being in southern Vermont, Okemo is considerably simpler to entry than most of the northern Vermont mountains — particularly for those who’re coming from the New York Tristate space or farther afield. Sadly, there aren’t many good airport choices close by, with Albany Worldwide Airport (ALB) and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) each being two hours away.

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Finest terrain park: Killington Ski Resort

Killington, Vermont

This legendary resort’s nickname, the Beast of the East, says all of it. With regards to East Coast snowboarding, that is the biggest resort you will discover, with greater than 60 miles of complete slope size and 22 lifts. However what actually makes the resort particular is the terrain park, now referred to as Killington Parks. With a slew of park choices throughout the mountain, there is a terrain park for each age and ability — whether or not you might be new to the game or trying to excellent your 360. Killington additionally maintains the park weekly by altering the options, permitting you to come across a unique park expertise on each go to.

Being one of many greatest mountains within the east comes at a value, because the slopes are fairly packed on the weekends. However with down-the-road Pico Mountain additionally being on the cross, you possibly can discover each mountains throughout your ski trip (Pico is far smaller and usually much less crowded). And regardless that the mountain was simply bought to a bunch of native traders, it’ll nonetheless be a part of the Ikon Move this yr.

Killington can be identified for its apres-ski celebration scene, so whereas the resort is nice for all age teams, you may really feel the youthful vibe.

In case you’re trying to make use of your lodge factors, Killington Mountain Lodge, a Hilton property, is a stable possibility. It prices between 50,000 and 60,000 factors per night time throughout ski season. Whereas this is not a ski-in, ski-out property, it is solely 2 miles down the highway.

Though Killington is in southern Vermont, it is nonetheless farther away than Okemo Mountain Resort and Stratton Mountain Resort, which is simply one thing to remember for those who’re not trying to prolong your drive. However, the space may be very akin to touring from Boston.

Finest village: Stratton Mountain Resort

Stratton Mountain, Vermont

In case you’re craving for a traditional ski village on the base of the mountain, then Stratton is a superb match. The resort can be a great vacation spot for those who’re heading to the mountain with nonskiers; when you are hitting the slopes, different company in your celebration can stroll out and in of retailers all through the day and even hit the arcade. And with many restaurant choices, you all can take pleasure in a soothing apres-ski scene.

At Stratton, guests may even discover a tubing park, indoor mountain climbing, snowmobile excursions (even for youths!) and an outside ice skating rink. It’s also possible to take a night snowcat experience for a novel eating expertise on the Mid Mountain Lodge. And so long as you guide a lodge or apartment on the mountain, you actually by no means should get in a automobile throughout your total ski trip.

Stratton can be one of many closest southern Vermont mountains for those who’re coming from the New York Tristate space. With no main site visitors (i.e., for those who go away earlier than Friday afternoon), you can also make it to the mountain in lower than 4 hours from the George Washington Bridge. The mountain can be a part of the Ikon Move.

Finest for slopeside lodging: Sunday River

Newry, Maine

In case your aim of a ski trip is to remain on the mountain — at an inexpensive price — then Sunday River presents simply that. The resort presents slopeside lodging throughout the mountain, with most choices being near one of many three base lodges. This lets you decide a apartment or lodge that matches your total household at a value level that works for you. For instance, we have been capable of finding a ski-in, ski-out studio apartment for about $250 per night time throughout a peak winter weekend, which is considerably higher than different East Coast resorts.

Sunday River can be a terrific possibility for those who’re trying to steer clear of the crowds. Regardless of being one of many extra well-liked ski resorts in Maine, it would not get the identical variety of guests as you may discover at many well-known Vermont and New Hampshire mountains. It additionally presents eight mountain peaks, with various terrain on every. This permits freshmen to discover a ton of inexperienced runs on North Peak, whereas these in search of ungroomed double-black-diamond trails can head over to Oz and Jordan Bowl. (Notice that whereas difficult for some, the double blacks aren’t the steepest you will discover on the East Coast.)

The resort additionally options twilight snowboarding, which you will not discover at many different resorts nowadays. On Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, you possibly can prolong your ski day right through 6:30 p.m. All through winter, you will additionally expertise slopeside fireworks reveals and lots of different family-friendly actions, particularly throughout peak vacation intervals.

Sunday River can be on the Ikon Move, however entry is proscribed. Relying on the cross you buy, you are restricted to simply 5 or seven days of snowboarding all through the season. In case you’re in search of a one-time journey, the Threedom Pack is likely to be your only option, supplying you with three days on the mountain.

Remember that Sunday River is kind of far for these exterior of New England. Whereas it is solely a 3 1/2-hour drive from Boston, it is effectively over seven hours from New York Metropolis. In case you’re trying to fly, the mountain is simply 70 miles from Portland Worldwide Jetport (PWM).

Finest surroundings: Bretton Woods

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

With regards to East Coast snowboarding, there actually is nothing as breathtaking because the surroundings from the highest of Bretton Woods. On a transparent day, you will have views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Vary. On the summit, you possibly can expertise the comparatively new Rosebrook Lodge, which might make you’re feeling such as you’re out west. Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in lunch — or a drink — exterior on the patio, actually soaking in your entire ski expertise. And with an eight-passenger gondola that’ll take you from the bottom to the highest, even nonskiers can expertise the summit.

The resort is the biggest ski resort in all of New Hampshire and consists of 63 trails, 35 glades and one terrain park. The mountain can be constructed so that almost all ranges can discover a method down from the highest — particularly with many long-wide greens. The resort is implementing a brand new radio-frequency identification ticketing system this yr, with reductions when buying tickets prematurely on-line — which means much less time in line and extra time on the slopes. An intensive Nordic path system may also be loved through skis, snowshoes and even winter fats bikes.

Bretton Woods can be residence to the long-lasting Omni Mount Washington Lodge. Though there are some condos on the resort, the Omni or its smaller, charming sister property, the Omni Bretton Arms Inn, is really the place to remain. At just some minutes’ drive from the bottom, the lodge gives a shuttle proper from the entrance door. The lodge dates again to 1902, and though there have been many renovations and additions since that point, you possibly can nonetheless expertise the historic decor and allure all through. Adults will benefit from the spa and the speakeasy, whereas youngsters will need to spend time on the arcade and the outside tubing space. There are additionally each indoor and outside swimming pools.

For these loyal to the Omni model, you should utilize your earned Omni credit for a free keep. Moreover, the resort presents a “Keep Right here, Ski Free” deal for midweek, nonholiday stays in any respect three properties that features two free tickets for Bretton Woods per night time of keep (restrictions apply).

With Bretton Woods shut to 3 hours from Boston, you will discover it to be one of many farthest New Hampshire resorts, however the beautiful drive is value it.

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Backside line

With many East Coast ski resort choices, you will see that you do not have to fly all the way in which west to benefit from the mountain really feel. With many well-recognized mountains represented all through the East Coast, you possibly can strap in your skis and luxuriate in a ski trip very quickly.

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