My love for New England is probably bordering on an obsession at this point, especially if you follow me on Instagram. If you’ve ever traveled to the area, you know that it’s breathtakingly beautiful. There are also a ton of things to do all year round. If you’re planning a New England trip anytime soon, be sure to check out my New England Travel Guide first.
New England is an especially popular travel destination in the winter. As you can imagine, New England tends to get a lot of snow in wintertime. This is a good thing, because it’s also home to some of the best ski slopes and mountains in the country.
No matter what type of traveler you are, there is a ski resort for you. If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, or you just want to enjoy the views from the ski lodge, I recommend checking out one of these New England ski resorts.
10 Best Ski Resorts In New England
Killington Ski Resort – Vermont
Killington Ski Resort has been called “The Beast of the East” for nearly 10 years. The nickname refers to the sheer size of this ski area. It’s the largest ski resort in the eastern United States. The entire resort spans more than 3,000 acres, and 1,509 acres are skiable.
Even more impressive is Killington’s vertical drop. It’s 3,050 feet from Killington Peak summit to its base, which is the largest vertical drop in New England. But don’t let that intimidate you–there really is something for everyone. There are learning areas for beginners and steep runs for experts. There are also gladed trails and terrain parks.
Aside from skiing, guests can enjoy the tubing park and scenic gondola rides. Additional amenities include a day spa, restaurants, bars, and shopping.
Killington tends to get pretty crowded. I recommend buying lift tickets or season passes on their website before you go!
Click here to get directions.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort – Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch is a vacation resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, just 30 minutes from Burlington International Airport. The resort has an impressive 2,610 feet of vertical, and skiers and riders can access 78 trails and 6 lifts.
Smugglers’ Notch which covers more than 1,000 acres, is consistently recognized as one of the best family destinations in the country. There are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to learn to ski and ride. Or, for a bit of kid-free fun, you can challenge yourself to the expert terrain on Madonna Mountain.
When you’re not on the slopes, you can explore the Village. You can check out the family-friendly Fun Zone or one of the area restaurants or shops. Plus, there is plenty of lodging available at the mountainside condos.
Click here to get directions.
Bretton Woods Ski Area – New Hampshire
Bretton Woods is the largest ski area in New Hampshire. This top-rated New England resort also offers stunning views of the Presidential Range, complete with the bright red roof of the famous Omni Mount Washington Hotel.
Bretton Woods was recently recognized as one of the Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. by Ski Magazine. It’s also consistently recognized by Ski Magazine as the best resort in the east for snow, grooming, and scenery. You can easily spend your days skiing and riding, or you can mix things up. There are rock-climbing walls, Nordic trails, tubing, and so much more.
You’ll have to book a room well in advance if you want to stay at The Mount Washington Hotel. Or you can opt for a much more laid-back overnight stay at the Bretton Arms.
Click here to get directions and be sure to check out my full hotel review for the Omni Mount Washington Resort.
Mad River Glen – Vermont
Although best-known for its expert terrain, Mad River Glen is a super welcoming and family-friendly ski area in northern Vermont. It’s recognized as one of the few “skiers only” ski resorts still around. It also has one of only two single chair lifts still in operation.
Unsurprisingly, MRG is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. People travel to the Mad River Valley within the Green Mountain Range to enjoy the simple yet thrilling experience that awaits them.
There aren’t as many trails as other New England ski resorts, but MRG’s 45 named trails prove more than enough for guests. The trails, which vary from beginner to expert, are serviced by four chairlifts. If you’re looking for a real challenge, go for the expert tree skiing.
Click here to get directions.
Jay Peak Resort – Vermont
Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort is situated on Jay Peak in the Green Mountains, just south of the Canadian border. Skiers and riders flock to the resort to take advantage of the incredible tree glades and lengthy groomed trails.
No matter your skill level, you’ll feel welcome at Jay Peak Resort. The updated chairlift system connects an impressive collection of trails, from beginner to advanced.
The new owners are promising future “improvements” to this popular resort, but it’s hard to imagine how they can improve a modern ski resort that already includes an indoor waterpark and expansive ice arena.
Jay Peak is a popular wintertime destination, but this four season resort offers a mountain getaway all year long. It’s hard not to be impressed by the brand new rec center and championship golf course. There really is something for everyone at Jay Peak.
Click here to get directions.
Sunday River Resort – Maine
Sunday River Resort is a family friendly destination in Maine. The resort is spread out over 870 acres across eight interconnected peaks. From November to April, visitors can enjoy night skiing and stay in one of the two ski-in, ski-out hotels. Or you can stay in one of the super grand on-mountain hotels and go for a swim in the outdoor heated pools.
The fun doesn’t end there. You can also try the zip line, dog sledding, and tubing. When you’re ready for a break from the action, you can explore the town of Bethel. There, you’ll find adorable shops and delicious food.
Click here to get directions.
Okemo Mountain Resort – Vermont
Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont is arguably the best New England ski resort for the essential aprés ski experience. Where else could you find ramen bowls and craft beers to enjoy once you’ve retired your skis for the night? The Sugar House Cafe and Base Side Biergarten are a crucial part of Okemo’s appeal.
The other part of its appeal is, of course, is the mountain itself. Okemo has southern Vermont’s highest vertical drop (2,200 feet). There are 121 trails and multiple terrain parks for the whole family to enjoy.
For a different kind of adventure, check out the Parks and Pipes, the Timber Ripper Mountain coaster or snow tubing at Jackson Gore.
Click here to get directions.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort – Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in the Berkshires is the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England. It is consistently recognized as the best ski resort in Massachusetts.
Jiminy Peak has also earned recognition as the only mountain resort in North America that generates its own energy with alternative wind power. The resort’s wind turbine allows Jiminy Peak to be totally self-contained.
There is plenty of terrain difficult enough to challenge advanced skiers. And for intermediate or beginner skiers and boarders, there are more than enough slopes and runs. You can even keep the fun going after the sun goes down, thanks to lighted night skiing.
In addition to skiing and boarding, Jiminy Peak has a village center with great shopping and dining opportunities.
Click here to get directions.
Stowe Mountain Resort – Vermont
Stowe is recognized as one of the best ski towns in the United States. The luxurious Stowe Mountain Resort offers skiing and riding for the whole family, regardless of experience level.
If you’re not a season ticket holder, I highly recommend purchasing lift tickets online in advance. They are often hard to come by. If you’re able to land a ticket, you can ride in a gondola between Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, and Spruce Peak, its “sister” mountain.
Stowe Mountain Resort is the most crowded during the winter months, but there are things happening here all year round – everything from zip lining or rock climbing to shopping. Plus, when you stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak in the base village, you can spoil yourself with a super luxe spa treatment.
Click here to get directions.
Cannon Mountain Ski Resort – New Hampshire
Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park offers the highest ski area summit and longest vertical drop in New Hampshire. It’s definitely a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders looking for a thrill. There are 282 skiable acres on 81 trails and glades, with enough opportunity for skiers and riders of all skill levels.
Thanks to the New England Ski Museum, Cannon Mountain Ski Resort is also a popular destination for families. The museum is nestled at the base of the iconic aerial tramway.
Visitors also rave about the local eateries on Cannon Mountain. Cafe 4080, Cannonball Pub, and the Lafayette Cafeteria are just a few of the favorites.
Click here to get directions.
With thrilling slopes and scenic views, the ski resorts in New England stand out as some of the best in the country.
As if I needed to give you another reason to visit New England, the ski resorts there are top-notch. Each resort has so much to offer its guests, it’s no wonder that people travel from all over to experience it for themselves.
Have you visited one of the ski resorts mentioned above? Or have you been to a New England ski resort that wasn’t mentioned? I want to hear from you!