New England's Best Ski Resorts

The western half of the United States, with its massive mountains that are capped with snow year-round in some parts, usually comes to mind when the subject of world-class skiing and snowboarding is brought up. There are, however, other regions of the country that share a passion for these downhill activities as well.

New England is renowned for its coastal beauty and cold, snowy winters, but oftentimes is underrated for its hills and mountain ranges, many of which host some of the nation's busiest ski resorts.

For you east coasters out there (and the west coasters who want to experience something different), forget making a lengthy trip to Colorado this year and check out these top-tier ski and snowboard destinations right in the heart of America's northeast.

Stowe Mountain Resort - Vermont

Stowe Mountain Resort near the small town of Stowe in Vermont is among New England's most popular ski destinations. Located in the Green Mountains, this destination in the far northern reaches of the state pairs lofty hills with excellent natural scenery.

The resort is anchored by Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest peak, and Spruce Peak, providing skiers and snowboarders access to 116 trails across 485 acres of skiable terrain. Stowe is particularly well-regarded for its advanced and expert trails, but it also caters to beginners with well-groomed slopes and ski school programs.

Stowe Mountain truly is a modern resort, with lifts including a high-speed gondola that ensures quick access to the runs, while extensive snowmaking infrastructure guarantees optimal conditions throughout the season. Speaking of, Stowe Mountain Resort generally opens in mid-November and closes in mid-April.

Off the slopes, the Spruce Peak Village features amenities like boutique shops, fine dining, and a variety of luxurious accommodations. Here, you can also enjoy other winter activities like snowshoeing on local trails and ice skating.

Sugarloaf - Maine

Sugarloaf, located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, is the largest ski resort east of the Rockies with over 1,300 acres of skiable terrain and 176 trails that cater to all skill levels. The resort’s Snowfields area is one of its most unique features, providing the only above-treeline skiing in the East allowing you to take in jaw-dropping 360-degree views from the top.

Sugarloaf is known to many for its challenging trails, including double black diamonds like White Nitro and Bubblecuffer, but it also offers a wide selection of beginner and intermediate runs, making it suitable for all types of groups. The resort boasts modern lifts, extensive snowmaking capabilities, and a spirited ski community in western Maine.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Sugarloaf also has maintained trails for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking.

The base area is where cozy lodging, dining options, and a lively après-ski scene can be found too. Seasonal events at the resort, including the famous Reggae Fest, where visitors can partake in a 4-day long party with DJs, bars, and other activities, are another major draw at this resort.

Sugarloaf is usually open from mid-November to spring whenever the snow melts, which depending on the year, generally spans between late-April to mid-May.

Bretton Woods - New Hampshire

Bretton Woods rests in New Hampshire’s scenic White Mountains and is the state’s largest ski resort, offering 464 acres of skiable terrain and 63 trails. Known for its well-groomed slopes and family-friendly atmosphere, the resort caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders in the northern half of the state, with a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails.

One of its standout features is the stunning view of Mount Washington, particularly from the summit. For adventurous visitors, Bretton Woods also provides glade skiing (with 35 glades) and a nice variety of terrain parks.

Off the slopes, Bretton Woods is an attractive destination for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and those who want to embark on a zipline tour, which, unlike many other ziplines across the country, is open all year round!

Visitors often opt to stay the night at Omni Mount Washington Resort, where restaurants, a spa, and other useful amenities are available.

Bretton Woods generally opens in mid-late November and closes from late March to mid-April.

Wachusett Mountain - Massachusetts

Wachusett Mountain is one of the most conveniently located ski resorts in New England, accessible with only about a 2-hour drive from Boston. With 110 skiable acres and 26 trails, this resort may not be the biggest but is perfect for anyone from the big city who wants to try their hand at skiing or snowboarding.

Its terrain includes a decent selection of gentle beginner slopes, smooth intermediate runs, and a handful of more challenging black diamond trails like "Smith Walton," making it a well-rounded option for all.

Wachusett Mountain's high-speed Polar Express Quad lift reduces wait times, speeding up the lines at this often busy resort. Wachusett is also known for its robust ski school programs for visitors who want to learn how to ski, and the night skiing hours on the hills, for those who simply want to skip the daytime crowds.

The base lodge contains a typical mix of cafes, ski shops, and dining areas. While this hill doesn't have its own overnight accommodations, the nearby towns of Fitchburg and Gardner have a selection of hotels, inns, Airbnb rentals, and resorts, notably a Great Wolf Lodge just minutes away.

The Wachusett Mountain ski area is often open from late December to early April.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Resort - Connecticut

Mohawk Mountain Ski Resort is close to the town of Cornwall in Connecticut and is one of the oldest and most beloved ski areas in New England. Located just bout 3 hours from New York City, Mohawk Mountain is a highly accessible option for New Yorkers and New Englanders alike seeking a convenient and classic skiing experience this winter.

Founded in 1947, it is known as the birthplace of modern snowmaking technology, thanks to the fact that founder Walt Schoenknecht implemented the first of such machines capable of keeping ski runs functioning even in unfavorable conditions. This innovation revolutionized the skiing industry on the East Coast, where keeping naturally made snow on the ground is a common issue.

The resort spans 107 skiable acres with 25 trails. Beginners can enjoy gentle slopes like “Deer Run,” while more experienced skiers can tackle steeper runs such as “Wildwood” or “Timber.” Mohawk is also home to a dedicated terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts. Night skiing is a popular draw too, with brightly-lit trails providing extended hours.

Its family-friendly atmosphere is complemented by ski lessons, rental services, and a cozy lodge offering food and refreshments at the bottom.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Resort is often open from early December to late March or early April.

Enjoy Skiing on the East Coast this Winter

With a top-notch assortment of ski areas located in most states in New England, there is no excuse for all the east coasters out there to not hit the hills this winter.

Whether you are looking for challenging black diamond routes, gentle cross-country ski trails, or simply want to soak in the wonderful views of the region's snow-covered forests or mountains there is something for everyone here. Better yet, many of these highly recommended destinations feature accommodations that will allow you to extend your stay, making them perfect for a weekend trip as temperatures begin to drop this season.