Riding the Slopes: A Guide to Snowboarding in Vermont

Discover the best places to snowboard in Vermont—Get info on beginner runs, kid-friendly offers, and ski schools to plan your escape to places like Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow. 

Snowboarder Enjoys Fresh Powder at Mount Snow

Vermont, a snowy haven in New England, is home to some of the best snowboarding resorts in the US. And places like Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow are not just about great slopes; they offer a great intro for beginners and families alike.

From beginner-friendly runs and lessons, to some of the best terrain parks in the East, we’ll give you a quick tour of a few of the premier resorts to snowboard in Vermont. 

Stowe Mountain Resort: Snowboarding for the Whole Family

Stowe Mountain Resort welcomes beginner snowboarders with 16% of its trails dedicated to beginner to novice boarders. Notable beginner runs include Inspiration and Easy Street. In addition, kids under four ski for free, adding extra value for families.

Trails like Tyro and Toll Road, offer long runs that cater to different skill levels. The Standard Terrain Park park is perfect for more experienced boarders looking to dial in their tricks on jumps, boxes, and rail features. Stowe's blend of natural and man-made features provides an ideal playground for snowboarders of every level.

The Ski & Ride School at Stowe Ski offers comprehensive lessons for all ages—from the basics to big jumps—making it a great choice for families. 

Okemo: Getting Started or Still Shredding 

Okemo stands out for its beginner-friendly terrain, with about 34% of the runs tailored for novices, with green trails that are accessible off of every lift—including Dream Weaver, which gives beginners a chance to make a trip to the South Face Peak. Kids six and under get free skiing, making Okemo a fantastic family destination.

In addition, Okemo packs in more fun at the terrain parks—again, suited for riders of all levels. Whether it’s Gordon’s Gardens for the newbies or The Zone by Rocckstar Energy for the rippers, there are features galore. Not to mention, its home to the only Superpipe in Vermont. 

New to the sport or looking to brush up on some skill sets? Okemo Ski and Ride School offers a variety of lessons, including private and group options for all ages.

Mount Snow: Where Beginners Finds First Tracks

Mount Snow provides a diverse set of beginner trails , with about 14% dedicated to beginners, including Long John, a 2-mile long beginner trail, and the Discovery Shuttle lift, which services a dedicated learning area for beginners. The resort also presents special deals for young learners, with children six and under skiing for free.

Mount Snow is also known for its exceptional terrain parks. The resort’s dedicated terrain park face, Carinthia Parks, covers 100 acres and includes a wide variety of trails packed with features, from the Grommet progression park to the large jumps and rails of Nitro to the unique wooden elements at Prospector. The variety of parks offers a multitude of features for riders of all skill levels.

The Mount Snow Ski & Snowboard School offers various programs for all ages, focusing on building skills and confidence. 

Exploring Snowboarding in Vermont. 

Wherever you end up, Vermont has plenty of options to get your feet underneath you on a snowboard. 

Resorts like Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow stand as beacons for snowboarding, each resort offering a unique mix of beginner-friendly slopes and extreme terrain parks,  excellent ski schools, and family-oriented deals. 

So whether it’s your first ride, an introduction for your kids, or just another day pulling big airs at the park, Vermont has what you’re looking for… And it’s all set amongst the picturesque backdrop of a Vermont winter.