Best Northeast Ski Resorts

The Northeast has one of the oldest skiing and riding cultures in the entire country. From the famous White Mountains of New Hampshire to the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont, this region is synonymous with the outdoor lifestyle.

There are several good reasons why so many people flock to ski resorts in the Northeast. With vertical drops of over 2,000 ft., the mountains of the East Coast are large enough to challenge the most serious skiers and riders, yet accessible to beginners and families.

Adolescent Snowboarding Near Sunburst Six at Okemo

The Best Ski Resorts in Vermont

The Green Mountains of Vermont are home to several world-class ski areas. Not only do people enjoy Vermont for its challenging skiing and riding, but they also love the quaint mountain town vibes like Stowe.

Stowe

Mountain Resort Highlights

Coming in at 2,360 ft., Stowe has one of the highest vertical drops of any ski resort on the East Coast. Even more, with an average annual snowfall of 90 inches, snow levels at Stowe rival even the biggest ski resorts in the West.

While Stowe boasts plenty of attractions for serious skiers and riders, it is also a great resort for families. For example, 55% of the trails at Stowe are ranked intermediate and accessible by most.

Off-Mountain Highlights

With sweeping views of Mt. Mansfield, Stowe has some of the best scenery in New England. Off-mountain, Stowe also has great amenities, including convenient slopeside condos, luxurious hotels, and remote mountain chalets.

When visiting Stowe, be sure to check out the Village at Spruce Peak for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The farm-to-table restaurant service at the WhistlePig Pavilion is also highly recommended.

Okemo

Mountain Resort Highlights

Not only does Okemo offer all the wonder and charm of New England, but it also has one of the best snowmaking operations in the East. Okemo has 20 chair lifts to service its sprawling slopes, including several high-speed, detachable chairs.

Okemo is also widely regarded for its ski and ride school, which offers group and private lessons for all skill levels.

Off-Mountain Highlights

With hot tubs, yoga classes, and a kid’s pool, the Springhouse Pool and Fitness Center is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. The Springhouse even offers massages after a day of hitting the slopes at Okemo!

Okemo has several great dining options:

  • Coleman Brook Tavern
  • Roundhouse Cafe
  • 43 North
  • Summit Lodge
  • Base68
  • The Bull Restaurant and Bar

Mount Snow

Mountain Resort Highlights

With 4 faces, and world-famous 100-acre Carinthia Terrain Park, Mount Snow offers some of the most diverse skiing and riding opportunities on the East Coast. Mount Snow also has expansive glades and tree skiing throughout the resort.

To ensure the best skiing and riding conditions possible, Mount Snow has snow-making operations across nearly the entire mountain.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Located in Southern Vermont, Mount Snow is one of the most easily accessed ski areas from major metropolitan areas like New York City. Families enjoy shopping at Mount Snow at several key retail stores, including Backside Snowboards, Mount Snow Sports at the Main, and Mount Snow Sports at the Grand.

Visitors to Mount Snow flock to Naturespa, which offers spa services such as massages, facials, body wraps, and more. Naturespa also offers other rejuvenating activities like hiking, meditation, painting, yoga, and more.

Skier Jumps Off Rock at Attitash

The Best Ski Resorts in New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are home to stunning alpine scenery as well as several world-class ski areas. Most notably, the Mt. Washington region is famous for big mountain skiing and expansive views like nothing else found on the East Coast.

Attitash

Mountain Resort Highlights

Attitash has long been a staple for skiing and riding in New England. The ski area spans two diverse mountains with Attitash and Bear Peak. With so much terrain to explore, Attitash has great skiing and riding options for people of all skill levels - from beginner to advanced.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Attitash exemplifies New England’s vibrant ski and ride culture. Importantly, Attitash has long been recognized for the “red carpet service” the resort rolls out for its guests.

Attitash has the best slopeside lodging options in the area that offer all the charm and wonder of a New England mountain experience.

Wildcat

Mountain Resort Highlights

Because the resort has a 2,100 ft. vertical drop, you get extremely full days of skiing and riding at Wildcat. The mountain even has a 2.75-mile long run! To this end, Polecat is a favorite run for both locals and visitors which rivals the lengths of trails in Colorado.

With 200 inches of snow each season, Wildcat also has some of the most advanced terrain, and best views of Mount Washington.

Off-Mountain Highlights

With sprawling views of Mt. Washington, Wildcat has consistently ranked the #1 resort for scenery on the entire East Coast. For ski apres activities, Wildcat has several dining and shopping options, including W Sports, Wildcat Pub, Wildcat Cafeteria.

Mount Sunapee

Mountain Resort Highlights

Located just 90 minutes from Boston, Mount Sunapee is nestled among New England’s most charming towns, offering the perfect balance between a big mountain experience and a classic ski resort. Not only does Mount Sunapee feature incredible glade skiing for more experienced skiers, the South Peak Learning area makes Mount Sunapee the perfect destination for beginning skiers as well.

Mount Sunapee also boasts four diverse terrain parks:

  • Six-O-Three
  • Eastside
  • Calypso
  • Lower Province

Off-Mountain Highlights

Mount Sunapee has all the amenities you would expect at a major New England resort. Dining and shopping options include the Sunapee Cafe, Summit Cafe, Spruce Cafe, Goosefeathers Pub, South Peak Base, and Mountain Outfitters.

The ski area is also widely regarded for the Mount Sunapee Alpine & Freestyle Program, which works to develop young skiers and riders.

Crotched Mtn

Mountain Resort Highlights

Crotched offers the perfect New England experience for families looking to escape their normal routine. Even better, 100% of Crotched is covered by snowmaking and open for night skiing. With these amenities, your family will enjoy unparalleled flexibility on their ski and ride vacation.

You can use the EpicMix App to track all your activity at Crotched. Compare vertical feet at the end of the day and share your favorite runs with family and friends.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Crotched offers a great selection of slopeside food at the Crotched cafeteria.

Like all resorts in the Vail portfolio, Crotched is dedicated to sustainability and environmental awareness. The resort has a commitment to zero waste and zero net emissions by the year 2030.

The Best Ski Resorts in New York

Just a short 2-hour drive from New York City, the Catskill Mountains are a favorite family vacation spot during both summer and winter. Throughout the year, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Catskills for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.

Hunter

Mountain Resort Highlights

The mountain highlights at Hunter are enough to entertain the whole family. For starters, the 4 terrain parks at Hunter are some of the best in the Northeast.

With diverse terrain offerings, Hunter is also great for families. The mountain has 25% beginner terrain, 30% intermediate terrain, as well as enough double-black diamond runs to keep experts coming back to Hunter time and again.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Like other resorts in the Northeast, Hunter has a great apres ski scene. Some of the most popular destinations include The Main Bar, or Van Winkles Restaurant for a more upscale experience. If you need a break from skiing and riding, Hunter also has great snow tubing facilities.

Lodging at Hunter is available through:

  • Kaatskill Mountain Club & Spa
  • Liftside Village Condos
  • The Pinnacle Condominiums

Book Your Ski and Ride Vacation in the Northeast

The best way to maximize your ski and ride vacation in the Northeast is with an Epic Pass. Not only do Epic pass holders enjoy unparalleled access to skiing and riding, but they also get 20% savings on lodging, food, rentals, and more.

Please note, Epic Passes are only available for purchase in the early season.

If you don’t have an Epic Pass, you can also save big by booking your Northeast skiing and riding vacation directly through the resort.