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Are you looking for the best ski resorts in New England? You’re in the right place!
New England’s weather and terrain make this the perfect area for your next ski trip. You’ll find New England ski resorts for all skill levels and ages like Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont, offering specially-tailored, kid-friendly ski programs.
Then there are ski areas with impressive terrain variety and vertical drops of over 3,000 feet like Killington, perfect for those who love a challenge. You’ve also got New England ski resorts like Jay Peak that offer world class amenities and multiple indoor and outdoor things to do for those in search of the fully loaded ski-cation experience.
All in all, the ski resorts New England has to offer are among the very best resorts in the U.S.
Ski bum or newbie, I’ll bet you can find what you’re looking for at one of these top ski resorts in New England!
Smuggler’s Notch VT
❄️ Perfect for Families
❄️ Ski School
❄️ Only Triple Black Diamond in the East
Killington Resort VT
❄️ Best for Experts
❄️ Largest Drop in the East
❄️ The “Beast of the East”
Sugarloaf Mountain ME
❄️ Cat Skiing
❄️ 6 Terrain Parks
❄️ 2,820 feet vertical drop
10 Best Ski Resorts in New England
1. Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln NH
One of the top ski resorts in New Hampshire, Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln has 370 skiable acres, 61 trails of varying ability, and a whopping 99% snowmaking coverage.
Loon has 6 terrain parks for boarders to work on their sweet moves and is home to the only Superpipe in New Hampshire!
The Adventure Center offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ziplining, ice-skating, and an indoor climbing wall, meaning there will be no shortage of things for you to do both on and off the trails at Loon Mountain Resort.
Après ski, the Paul Bunyan Room is everyone’s favorite place to be! Located upstairs at Octagon Lodge, you’ll find live music, delicious grub, and a wide variety of brews on tap, just waiting for you to relax and unwind from your day on the snow.
In addition to several dining options at Loon, going off-mountain to lovely Lincoln is an adventure in and of itself.
There are several quality options for lodging close to Loon, but if you’re looking for a little bit of cushy comfort at the end of the day, check out River Walk Resort at Loon Mountain, where hot tubs, fire pits, a fitness center, and the Solstice North Day Spa are waiting to help you release any physical tension you may hold after your long day on the trails.
Another great option for releasing tension is visiting the tasting room for Seven Birches Winery, located right at River Walk Resort. Loon Mountain Resort is one of the most popular New Hampshire ski resorts, and after your next ski getaway there, you’ll see why.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book River Walk Resort at Loon Mountain!
2. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville VT
Affectionately known as “Smuggs,” Smugglers’ Notch Resort has over 1,000 acres of trails, wooded glades, and terrain parks with 3 mountains (Sterling, Madonna, and Morse) that are conveniently connected by trails and lifts.
Known for being one of the best family-friendly resort destinations in New England and rated the #1 resort in eastern U.S. and Canada by readers of Ski magazine in 2017, Smuggs offers plenty of trails for skiers of all skill levels and even features 5 Black Diamond runs, including The Black Hole, the only Triple Black Diamond in the eastern U.S.!
There are plenty of opportunities for having fun in the snow at Smuggs, with snowshoe nature hikes, fat bike rentals, winter walking excursions, bonfires with marshmallow roasting, and even fireworks!
Smugglers’ kid-friendly reputation is due in part to its many kid-centered activities, including their child care center, children’s lessons, the Smugglers’ Notch Kids’ Club, family tube sliding, an indoor pool (and hot tubs!), Friendly Pirate Sing-Alongs, and FunZone 2.0, Smugglers’ Notch 26,000 sq. ft. indoor playground.
There are several options for mountain lodging, depending on what you are looking for regarding amenities, location, and price. Shopping and dining is available throughout the village and at the day lodges at the base of the three mountains.
The après options at Smugglers’ Notch include more than just kicking back at a pub, with live music, karaoke, and even magic shows happening throughout the week.
Between the three mountains and all the resort activities, there is plenty at this popular Vermont ski resort to keep everyone in the group happy!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Smugglers’ Notch Resort!
3. Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry ME
One of the best ski resorts Maine has to offer, Sunday River is situated on 884 acres of snow to play on! You’ve got with peaks to play on: White Cap, Locke Mountain, Barker Mountain, Spruce Peak, North Peak, South Ridge, Oz and Aurora Peak.
139 trails and glades + 5 terrain parks give plenty of opportunity for skiing and snowboarding at Sunday River. You’ll even find the longest superpipe in the East at Sunday River’s North Peak.
There are plenty of other great winter activities, too, including hanging at Alpeniglu, the snow igloo/ice lounge offering a unique après ski experience. There’s also twilight skiing, slopeside fireworks, sno-go ski bikes, and a ton of great dining options.
Resort lodging includes a choice between several properties, including Jordan Hotel, Grand Summit Hotel, and Snow Cap Inn, just depending on what amenities and activities you’re looking for. You’ve even got ski-in/ski-out access at Grand Summit Hotel!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Grand Summit Hotel!
4. Jay Peak Resort, Jay VT
Located just 5 miles south of the US/Canadian border and with the most snowfall in eastern North America, Jay Peak Resort’s reputation as a must-ski destination in the northeast well-precedes itself!
With 385 skiable acres and 81 trails, slopes, and glades to check out, three terrain parks to shred on, and The Nordic Center, where you can rent Nordic skis, snowshoes, and fat bikes, there are several ways to get out and enjoy Jay Peak’s incredible natural terrain and what some even say is the “best snow in the east.”
There is no shortage of fun things to do at this popular VT ski resort, but a big crowd favorite is Pump House Indoor Waterpark, the resort’s splashtastic indoor waterpark that features waterslides, a lazy river, a wave rider, and more!
However, if you’re not interested in swapping out your winter wear for a swimsuit, then head to Ice Haus, where you can skate your heart out on the NHL-sized rink. If that doesn’t sound like fun, you have arcades, a fitness center, a rec center (with a climbing gym!), and a movie theater to choose from!
Oh, and if you’ve got the littles with you, child care is available at the Mountain Kids Adventure Center.
Safe to say that boredom won’t be an issue at Jay Peak Resort, and the après scene offers several options for everything from a quick bite to a full dinner with drinks.
Go shopping for some cool new gear or visit Taiga Spa for a little extra TLC, and when it comes to choosing where to lay down your head each night, there is lodging to accommodate just about any budget or expectation, including several ski-in/ski-out options.
With “the best snow in the east” and no shortage of activities, Jay Peak Resort is always one of the most popular VT ski resorts!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Jay Peak Resort!
5. Cranmore Mountain, North Conway NH
Located in lovely North Conway, Cranmore Mountain Resort is a historic resort that packs quite the punch in its concentrated 170 acres with 56 trails. With 16 designated beginner trails, 25 intermediate, and 15 rated advanced, Cranmore Mountain offers trails for skiers of all skill level. For boarders, 5 terrain parks offer plenty of space and interesting features to shred on, so come prepared to work on your jumps and grinds!
There is plenty more to do at at this North Conway ski resort than just ski and board, too; with 10 snow tubing lanes, Cranmore Resort is considered the #1 tubing park in New Hampshire, and their Mountain Coaster will send you winding through the forest at speeds up to 25mph!
If that’s not enough heart-thumping fun for you, there’s also a Giant Swing and a Soaring Eagle Zip Ride. With such an adrenaline-inducing array of activities, it’s no wonder that Cranmore has developed such a strong rep for their off-hill winter activities!
Après ski, exploring North Conway is the way to go! In fact, the New England Ski Journal even cited North Conway’s Zip’s Pub as being one of the top après ski bars in New England!
If you’re looking for a little relaxation, The Soaking Pot full-service day spa is the place to go after a long day on the slopes; there’s a reason North Conway is considered one of the top winter getaways in New England!
Slope-side lodging is available, including Fairfield Inn that is situated right by the resort with a pool, hot tub, and cocktail bar. There are several other local options as well, depending on what you are looking for during your New England ski vacation!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Fairfield Inn!
6. Attitash Mountain Resort, Bartlett NH
With 311 skiable acres spread out across two mountain peaks, Attitash Mountain Resort offers some of the finest skiing in New Hampshire with 68 trails, 3 terrain parks, and 98% snowmaking coverage. Trails are split with 26% rated for beginners, 46% rated intermediate, and 28% advanced, so there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.
There are several other ways to enjoy the snow here, too, with ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even old-fashioned sleigh riding available at Attitash Mountain Village, located at the base of Attitash Mountain Resort.
Après ski, there are limited dining options at Attitash Main Base Lodge and Bear Peak Base Lodge, but nearby North Conway is where most choose to go for dining, shopping, and off the trail recreation!
There are several lodging options for visitors to Attitash, including a variety of accommodations at Attitash Mountain Village, rooms at the lovely Grand Summit Hotel, and more, depending on what kind of amenities and proximity to the slopes you are looking for.
Attitash Mountain Resort consistently ranks well for snowmaking, grooming, and off-hill activities; if this sounds like what you are looking for in a ski getaway, then Attitash Mountain Resort is the perfect destination for you!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Grand Summit Hotel!
7. Killington Resort, Killington VT
Aptly nicknamed “The Beast of the East,” Killington Resort has 1,509 skiable acres (1,977 if you include Pico Mountain, which you totally should), 212 combined trails, and 5 terrain zones full of variety that gives boarders every chance to level up their moves!
Killington also offers a nice variety of trails for every proficiency level but has more expert terrain than any other resort in the east. They have a great rep for snowmaking and grooming, and skiing and boarding certainly aren’t the only ways to enjoy Killington’s snow; with a tubing park, snowshoe and snowmobiling tours, and sleigh rides, there are many ways to get out and play in the snow at Killington!
Après-ski, Killington Resort stays pretty busy-and you will be, too, while you’re there, with plenty of live entertainment, festivals, and competitive events to check out and participate in.
You can go shopping for official Killington merch at Killington Sports Route 4 or go to The Grand Spa, Killington’s full-service spa and fitness center, and spend your afternoon getting pampered with some of their signature services, like their Warm Maple Sugar Scrub or Black Diamond Sports Massage.
In addition to being known for its excellent snow and wide range of activities both out on the trails and après, Killington Resort is also well-known for their selection and quality of dining options. Local ingredients, including honey from their on-mountain apiary, give Killington’s restaurants a fresh edge, and guests find themselves counting the delicious food as being one of many reasons Killington Resort is returned to time and time again!
Killington Grand Resort Hotel and several other Killington managed properties offer a variety of different views, amenities, and convenient ski-in/ski-out access, depending on what you’re looking for during your stay.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Killington Grand Resort Hotel!
8. Sugarbush Resort, Warren VT
In historic Mad River Valley, Sugarbush Resort has 111 trails and 3 terrain parks with 484 acres of trails for all skill levels, including 36 trails and 21 glades marked expert. A reputation for great grooming and snowmaking practices complements natural terrain that lends itself well to some wonderfully diverse runs!
Of Sugarbush’s expansive 4000+ acre terrain, 2000 of those acres are known as Slide Brook Basin, offering backcountry fun for those both skilled and adventurous enough to go off on their own.
There’s more to this popular VT ski resort than just skiing and snowboarding, too. Snowshoeing gives an opportunity for exercise and relaxation out in the still winter forests, and specialty Cabin Cat Adventures include a Sunset Groomer Ride to the top of Lincoln Peak.
This is a trip to the top of Gadd Peak for Allyn’s Lodge Fireside Dining, and Sunrise First Tracks, where you get to hitch a ride up with a Cabin Cat they call the Lincoln Limo and ride the untouched runs before the lifts even start running for the day!
If you want a little break from the slopes, a visit to the Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center gives you access to a fitness center, classes, hot tubs, sauna, steam room, pools, and a rock-climbing gym. What more could you possibly want?
From swanky slope-side hotel accommodations to charming country inns, you have several options for lodging at Sugarbush Resort, and the après scene offers dining, nightlife, and shopping options in the villages at the base of Lincoln Peak and Mt Ellen.
Clay Brook Hotel features an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs!
If you’re able, check out Castlerock Pub, an après ski favorite that offers delicious pub food and an excellent selection of local beers.
For kiddos, there are private and group kids’ ski lessons and the Kids Adventure Zone, where there are several indoor activities to entertain the youngest members of your group. Sugarbush Resort is standing by to show you why they’re one of the best ski resorts in Vermont.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Clay Brook Hotel at Sugarbush!
9. Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley ME
Maine’s biggest ski resort, Sugarloaf is always a solid choice for skiing in New England! At 4,237 feet tall, this is the second highest summit in Maine. The 2,820 feet vertical drop makes this an easy choice for skiers looking for some speed.
With 6 terrain parks, 176 trails and glades, 1,360 developed skiable acres, and a ton of beautiful sidecountry terrain, Sugarloaf has plenty of space to play!
In fact, this is the only place for Cat Skiing in New England. Their custom passenger snowcats deliver you to the top of Burnt Mountain, where you’ll be able to enjoy 1,500 vertical feet of powder paradise!
As for après ski, there are many dining, shopping and entertainment options, like live entertainment at the Widowmaker or enjoying drinks and dinner at their ski in/ski out restaurant, Shipyard Brew Haus.
As for where to stay while skiing Sugarloaf, you’ve got plenty of great lodging options. Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel is the signature property, located right in the heart of Sugarloaf village. There’s onsite dining, breakfast, and sauna and steam rooms to sweeten your stay, too.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel!
10. Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe VT
At Stowe Mountain Resort, you’ll find 116 trails on 485 skiable acres waiting for you in one of the most picturesque Vermont ski resort villages.
With a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails for skiers, 3 terrain parks for boarders, and excellent snowmaking capability, Stowe Mountain Resort is a snowy paradise for skiers of all proficiency.
Private and group lessons are available for both kiddos and adults, and there’s even a Cross Country Ski Center and an ice rink, if you’re looking for other ways to enjoy the outdoors!
Stowe Mountain Resort offers plenty of fun winter activities, but perhaps one of their best-known features is Spruce Peak Village, the center of all après fun.
Treat yourself at the full-service spa before catching a show at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center; afterward, you’ll have several options for dinner and drinks featuring farm-to-table Vermont staples and local craft beer and spirits. If shopping is more your speed, there’s plenty of that, too!
Whether you decide to stay in the luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel, The Lodge at Spruce Peak, or any of the other varied options of inns, hotels, resorts, and rentals, any stay in storied Stowe is bound to be a good time, and Stowe Mountain Resort is there to host all your winter fun!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book the Lodge at Spruce Peak!
Final Thoughts: New England Ski Resorts
This is meant to be a quick round up of some of the top ski resorts in New England, so there are several popular spots that didn’t make the list time but that are still incredible options:
- Bretton Woods, Bretton Woods NH
- Jiminy Peak, Hancock MA
- Okemo, Ludlow VT
- Cannon Mountain, Franconia NH
- Stratton Mountain, Stratton VT
- Saddleback, Rangeley ME
A lot of these New England ski resorts also offer year round recreation, like hiking in the spring and summer and fall foliage tours in the fall. Hopefully you’ve found something on this list of the best ski resorts in New England that will work for your next skication!
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