With the winter weather at its peak, many people will be going on ski trips to enjoy the snow on the East Coast! There is a large ski and snowboarding presence here at Hills with a successful ‘ski club’ that runs weekly winter trips. So, here are the top 10 ski resorts in the East that can be your next destination!
- Killington Resort, VT
Killington has terrain geared more towards intermediate and advanced skiers, so if this is you, Killington is perfect! It offers thrilling mogul trials and step-inclined slopes! Killington is known as “The Beast of the East”! It also has one of the best nightlife/ Apres ski scenes in Vermont. Be careful though, the mountain might be difficult to negative for beginners.
- Jay Peak Resort, VT
With an average of 350 inches annually, Jay Peak is the snowiest spot in the East, so you can expect many powder days each season. Jay Peak is also considered a hidden gem and is less busy than other Vermont resorts. Jay Peak lacks nightlife and downtown, but the extreme powder makes up for it. Because of the amazing powder, Jay peak has thrilling glade terrain for experts such as “Kitz Woods.” Jay Peak is also home to the only aerial tram in Vermont, taking skiers up to the top of the mountain where you can access the face chuts, or a scenic, windy trail down.
- Stowe Mountain Resort, VT
Stowe is also known for its challenging runs such as “Goat” and “Starr”, but it also offers options for every level. Downtown Stowe has amazing restaurants and Apres ski options if you’d rather spend the day exploring the town than on the slopes! It also had very high-tech lifts that moved quickly to get you up the mountain, spending less time in line. Stowe is very crowded, especially on the weekends, so make sure you can navigate through crowds.
- Smugglers Notch Resort, VT
Smugglers Notch is locally owned and operated and is located in Vermont. Because of this, it is invested in the local community and has a very friendly, warm feeling to it. It has a pretty wide variation of terrain across the mountain as well. Smugglers Notch has an award-winning children’s program where you can sign up for ski school or lessons. Usually, this location gets a good amount of snowfall each year, adding to the beautiful views.
- Okemo Mountain Resort, VT
Okemo Is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The resort has a variety of terrain and it is ideal for all sorts of skiers. Okemo also is home to many terrain parks for skiers who enjoy the thrill. The resort provides other activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and apres ski destinations. Okemo also includes great snowmaking and Grooming making sure the conditions are always ideal.
- Stratton Mountain, VT
Stratton Mountain offers many intermediate and slightly challenging beautifully groomed trails, but don’t be fooled, they also offer many expert runs to try out as well. Stratton has a beautiful village located just at the base of the mountain perfect for dining, shopping, and, apres ski activities. Stratton also gets pretty good snow throughout the season ensuring there will be a few powder days each year! Stratton offers a variety of terrain from Glades to terrain parks to groomed runs. strain is a family-friendly resort with amazing service for both beginners and seasoned skiers.
- Sugarbush Resort, VT
Sugarbush is one of the largest resorts in New England. Over half the mountain Has access to the snow-making system, but Sugarbush does get around 260 inches of snow annually. The resort is split by a basin and has two mountains. One mountain is Mount Ellen and the other is Lincoln Peak. They offer Mogul runs, steep terrain, and beginner slopes. Sugarbush is famous for its Backcountry skiing and snowboarding parks and is less crowded than other Vermont resorts.
- Whiteface Mountain, NY
Whiteface is home to the steepest vertical drop east of the Rockies. Whiteface is a very diverse mountain, having terrain for any level. Whether it’s your first time on the slopes, or you consider yourself an expert, Whiteface has something you will surely enjoy. In the ski town Wilmington, you can unwind after a long day of skiing with some tasty food, shopping, and wellness.
- Sunday River, ME
Sunday River is extremely large, expanding over 870 Acres, making it the most popular ski resort in Maine. It has 8 different mountains but is not hard to traverse the resort. Sunday River is a very good location for beginners, As North Peak includes a lot of green Terrain. it has more intermediate trails than any other, but also offers A diversity of runs
- Mad River Glen, VT
Mad River Glen Mountain is a unique ski resort on the East Coast. It is popular among skiers who like more natural and rugged terrain. It offers an old-school ski experience that features ungroomed Terrain and single-rider chair lifts. Mad River is popular because of its Glades’ steep trails and moguls. Mad River also focuses on preserving the natural environment and history creating a more authentic feel.
