The 15 Best Ski Resorts On The East Coast
Growing up on the East Coast, I spent much of my childhood skiing at local resorts. Over the years, I’ve come to know which East Coast ski destinations stand out. While there are many options from North Carolina to Maine, not all of them offer top-notch amenities, reliable snowfall, or a truly exciting experience.
That’s why I decided to create this list of the all time best ski resorts on the East Coast, so fellow East Coasters can find the ultimate spots without needing to head out West every winter.
1. Killington Resort, Vermont
First up on this list is Killington, Vermont. I’ve had the pleasure of skiing in Vermont on multiple occasions, and one of my favorite experiences was at Killington Resort. I went on a group trip with many friends, and we were lucky to have experienced about 20 inches of powder overnight. I still remember the fantastic skiing experience like it was yesterday!
Killington Resort has 1,509 skiable acres of terrain for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy, and the best time to visit this mountain is between January and March! While in the area, I recommend going over to the Snowdon Six Express lift. The runs are awesome, and the bubble chairlift is a fun experience.
2. Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Next up on the list is Stowe Mountain Resort. This resort is fairly small in comparison to many of the others on this list; it boasts just 485 skiable acres of terrain. While the resort is small, I found the runs here to still be great, but it’s definitely more of a beginner and intermediate mountain.
Where Stowe really stands out, though, is its adorable village area. If you are looking for a mini version of Aspen or Jackson Hole, this is the place to come. The village is full of shops and dining options, and the views of the surrounding mountains are incredible. While it won’t transport you out West, it’s a good option for those wanting to ski on the East Coast but have a similar experience.
3. Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort, West Virginia
Growing up in Virginia, I often traveled to Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort because it offered more snow and better amenities than the local options. While it doesn’t quite compare to resorts out West or even those in the Northeast, I included it as a great option for skiers from the South, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
If you’re looking for a solid resort within driving distance, this is a good pick, especially for beginners and intermediates, though experts might find the limited runs less exciting. I included Snowshoe because of the many great memories I have there. While I wouldn’t recommend planning a weeklong trip that requires flying in, it’s a solid choice for a drivable getaway. Just be sure to visit between January and March when the conditions are at their best.
4. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is another top ski destination on the East Coast. While it’s perfect for anyone eager to hit the slopes, it’s especially well-suited for families, offering plenty of extra features to ensure an unforgettable experience for those with kids.
From family-friendly accommodations and an indoor heated pool and hot tub to the FunZone, day and night tubing, teen programs, and more, the resort goes above and beyond. If you’re planning a winter getaway with children and want to enjoy various activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, this is definitely a resort worth considering.
5. Mad River Glen, Vermont
Mad River Glen is famous for being a skiers-only paradise on the East Coast. So, if you are a skier, it’s a great place to come, but if you are a snowboarder looking to hit the slopes in the area, be sure to check out Sugarbush Resort next door.
Aside from its no-snowboarder policy, Mad River Glen is famous for its steep runs and tree skiing. It’s the place to be for a nostalgic skiing experience, and thanks to its hard terrain, it’s even better for expert and advanced skiers.
6. Sugarbush Resort, Vermont
Are you surprised to see another Vermont ski resort on this list? The state of Vermont has many of the best ski resorts on the East Coast, thanks to its Green Mountains and fantastic snow! Another one of these terrific ski resorts is Sugarbush Resort.
Sugarbush Resort sits in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. Unlike its neighbor, Mad River Glen, this resort allows both skiers and snowboarders! So it’s a great place to come if you snowboard or a member of your group does. In addition to allowing all riders, it’s a great place to come for its variety of ski terrain and fun activities to enjoy beyond the slopes, including shopping, apres-ski, and snowshoeing.
7. Mont-Tremblant Resort, Canada
We can’t talk about the best ski resorts on the East Coast without mentioning one of Canada’s most iconic resorts, Mont-Tremblant! Though it offers just 755 skiable acres, it’s known for its reliable snow, fantastic slopes, and charming European-style village.
While the skiing is incredible, especially for an East Coast destination, what really stands out for many is the resort’s European charm. Located in Quebec, known for its European influence, Mont-Tremblant’s village is absolutely gorgeous with its shops, restaurants, and accommodations, making you feel like you’re in the heart of Europe.
8. Jay Peak Resort, Vermont
Jay Peak Resort feels like a playground for kids. Because of everything it provides, it’s one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in Vermont and on the entire East Coast. Even though it has a modest 385 skiable acres, don’t let that fool you—the runs here are fantastic for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike!
But what truly makes this mountain unique are the extra amenities and activities available, including an indoor water park, rock climbing facility, arcades, shopping, restaurants, and more. You could easily spend an entire week here without running out of things to do!
9. Sugarloaf, Maine
Next up is Sugarloaf, the largest ski resort in Maine. This resort features 1,360 skiable acres and 176 trails and glades for skiers and snowboarders to explore. With these impressive numbers and its northern location, you can count on fantastic runs and abundant snow throughout the season!
In addition to its excellent skiing, Sugarloaf offers various winter activities for visitors to enjoy. During your stay, you can participate in snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and more. Plus, the resort boasts numerous dining and drinking options, making it easy to fall in love with the resort, its amenities, and its charm.
10. Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, New York
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is another top East Coast destination and one of the best in New York! Located in Wilmington, just outside Lake Placid, it has a charm similar to a smaller version of Lake Tahoe on the East Coast.
The resort is famous for several reasons, starting with its impressive 3,430-foot vertical drop, which is the largest on the East Coast. While it offers a modest 299 skiable acres and 94 trails, the terrain here is truly unique, catering to beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. Plus, the breathtaking views from the slopes add to the appeal, making it a bucket list worthy spot for skiers and snowboarders.
11. Sunday River Resort, Maine
Another fantastic ski resort in Maine is Sunday River Resort, located just one hour and forty minutes north of Portland. It is an excellent destination for skiing in the Northeast.
What sets Sunday River apart is its vast terrain. With 884 skiable acres, including nearly 300 acres dedicated to tree skiing, it’s a prime spot for those who enjoy weaving through the trees. The resort also offers a countless accommodation options both on and off the mountain, making it a convenient choice for visitors looking to stay close to the slopes.
12. Okemo Mountain, Vermont
Next on the list is Okemo Mountain, another great Vermont ski resort. It’s well-known for its impressive snowmaking capabilities, which is a major advantage given the sometimes unpredictable conditions on the East Coast. Although the resort averages 200 inches of snowfall annually, 98% of its terrain is covered by snowmaking, ensuring reliable skiing conditions throughout the season. This is ideal for those who prefer to plan their ski trips in advance.
In addition to fantastic skiing and snowboarding, Okemo offers a variety of off-slope activities, including ice skating, the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, snowshoeing, fat biking, snowmobiling, and more, making it an incredible winter destination for those who like to stay busy.
13. Loon Mountain Resort, New Hampshire
Loon Mountain Resort is located in northern New Hampshire, in the town of Lincoln. It’s about one hour north of Concord and two hours and fifteen minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, making it a pretty easy destination to get to.
Aside from its great location, Loon Mountain is known for its excellent ski slopes and reliable snow. The ski resort boasts 403 skiable acres of terrain with 73 named runs, and 63 of those runs are covered by snowmaking machines, so you can expect good conditions regardless of the anticipated snowfall. It’s one of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire and has some of the best views in the state, too.
14. Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont
Another iconic ski resort in Vermont is Stratton Mountain Resort. What makes this resort special is its humble beginning. It started in 1961 with just 3 lifts and eight trails but has since expanded into an incredible destination with over 670 skiable acres and 14 lifts. Its growth reflects how much skiers and snowboarders have come to love it over the years.
One of my favorite aspects of Stratton is its charming village. The area has a European feel, with classic architecture, plenty of après-ski options, shops, and more. It’s a great spot to stroll through, take in the scenery, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
15. Bretton Woods Ski Area, New Hampshire
Last but certainly not least is Bretton Woods Ski Area, the largest ski area in the state of New Hampshire. This ski resort sits in the town of Carroll, which is about 1 hour and 25 minutes from Concord and about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts. It also sits about 40 minutes from Loon Mountain Resort, and if you can, I recommend visiting both! They are two of the best ski resorts in the state, and if you are in the area and have time, it’s worth visiting both for their different terrain, views, and amenities.
However, Bretton Woods Ski Area stands out to me because of its awesome views. Here, you get terrific sights of Mount Washington, which is truly stunning. The resort is also home to the famous Omni Mount Washington Hotel, a beautiful luxury hotel that offers a great spa, bar, and restaurant. It’s the perfect place to come for a lavish mountain getaway in the state!
Have You Skied At Any Of These East Coast Ski Resorts?
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