The best east coast skiing resorts unquestionably offer a different experience than the west coast ski resorts.
The higher elevations and the knee-deep powder of the ski resorts on the west constitute the major differentiating factors, as ski resorts on the east coast have comparatively lower elevations and more natural and man-made snow.
However, Vermont’s green mountains and New Hampshire’s white mountains are home to some of the tallest peaks in the northeastern United States. Along with the state’s northern latitude, their elevation ensures plenty of natural snowfall.
Moreover, to sustain the infrequent winter defrosting and during early and later in the season, the latest snowmaking and grooming technology is used to maintain the slopes and trails in excellent condition throughout winter.
Thus, the east coast ski resorts have brilliantly managed to keep up with the west coast ski resorts and ensure that all its visitors have the best and an unforgettable skiing experience. So now, without any further delay, let us deep dive and know more about the best east coast skiing resorts.
Best East Coast Skiing Resorts:
1. Mont Tremblant, Quebec:
Mont Tremblant is hands down the top option for the best east coast skiing resorts. This resort resembles the perfect place not just because of the numerous skiing and snow activities but also for its excellent service, beautiful nightlife experience, and soothing aura.
With a colorful blend of European-style villages, this resort is known as the Disneyland of ski resorts and offers an incredible experience to its visitors throughout their stay.
Mont Tremblant spreads across 755 acres with an average snowfall of 150″, offering a ski school, ice staking, snowshoeing, play centers, cross-country skiing, and more.
One can ski through the 102 trails that Mont Tremblant consists of for everyone, however, especially for the advanced and expert skiers. It also offers 14 lifts that provide high-speed express rides from the base to the top, giving an adventurous experience.
The savvy locals around this resort village recommend skiers to start from the Northside, while the day travelers usually prefer the Edge and the Sunnyside.
The pedestrian village is also well equipped with lodging facilities, lavish hotels, fine dining, outdoor fire pits, and captivating cobblestone streets with vibrant colors.
Mont Tremblant is accessible through the Ikon Pass. Both the Ikon and the Ikon Base Pass give holders unlimited access to the resort.
The closest airports to Mont Tremblant are the Montreal-Mirabel International Airport and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, which are at a 1 hour and 1.5-hour drive away, respectively.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 25th November 2021.
Closing Date: 18th April 2022.
2. Killington Resort, Vermont:
If you plan to go skiing in the east and not visit the Killington resort, you will miss a one-of-a-kind experience.
Killington is the largest ski resort in Vermont that spreads across seven mountain areas and is considered one of the best east coast skiing resorts.
This resort is thus nicknamed the “The Beast of the East” and spreads across 1,509 acres with an average snowfall of 250″. This resort has a total of 155 trails, marks as a resort with the greatest number of ski trails and terrain parks.
Additionally, it consists of a total of 22 lifts making the skiing experience more enjoyable and exhilarating.
This place truly holds something for everyone, from mellow groomers to scary steeps and off-the-slope activities such as tubing and snowmobiling.
Besides all the snow and skiing activities, the Killington resort also represents a renowned après-ski experience with a wide range of dining and nightlife options.
In addition, you will also find several lodging facilities across the base areas, close to the slopes, as well as other places to stay along the access road that leads to the resort. Shuttle services are available to move between the ski areas of this widespread ski resort.
The closest airports to the Killington resort are Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport, which is around 35 minutes drive away, and Burlington International Airport, that is around a 2-hour drive away.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 6th November 2021.
Closing Date: 30th May 2022.
3. Sugarloaf, Maine:
The Sugarloaf ski resort, located in Maine, is the second-largest ski resort in the east, coming after Killington. It is one of the best east coast skiing resorts, spread across 1,240 acres with an average snowfall of 200 inches.
The Sugarloaf is the only ski resort in the east that offers a lift-serviced skiing terrain above the treeline, heading towards the snowfields. The mountain top is at the height of 4,237 ft, allowing visitors to witness the magnificent views above the Carrabassett Valley.
With 162 trails and 23 lifts, this resort is ideal for all ski lovers and venturesome skiers. As the Sugarloaf is all about skiing, not many off-the-slope activities are found at this resort.
But you will surely find various lodging, dining, and drinking options available in the base area. A free shuttle service between the skiing area and Carrabassett Valley will make it easier to get around the resort.
However, getting here may take you a long drive, even from the nearest cities of Boston and Montreal. The Sugarloaf ski resort is available on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective Pass.
With the Ikon Pass, one gets access to 7 days at this resort, whereas, with the Ikon Base Pass, one gets access to 5 blackout-restricted days. With the Mountain, Collective pass, one gets access to 2 days at the resort, in addition to 50% off additional days.
The closest airports to Sugarloaf are Portland International Jetport – around 2.5 hours drive away, and Mount Washington Regional Airport – around 3 hours drive away.
Resort Ski Season:
Opening Date: 23rd November 2021.
Closing Date: 2nd May 2022.
4. Stowe, Vermont:
An enduring and one of the best east coast skiing resorts offering several skiing opportunities for everyone is the Stowe Mountain Resort. This resort lies across two mountains, namely the Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, and offers a number of challenging terrains across these two mountains.
The Stowe Mountain resort spreads across 485 acres with an average snowfall of 314″. Additionally, it comprises a total of 13 lifts and 116 trials. Mount Mansfield being the highest peak, is the most favorable for all the expert and advanced skiers.
However, an intermediate and a beginner-friendly terrain is just an inter-transfer gondola ride away at the Spruce Peak. It is thus the favorite mountain of beginner and intermediate skiers.
In addition, at Spruce Peak, you will find luxury lodging, ski-in or ski-out accommodation, restaurants, and a beautiful place for shopping.
Downtown Stowe also has endless stay facilities and a wide range of dining and drinking options. Around 10-15 minutes away from the resort is the actual town of Stowe, where shuttle services facilitate the transport.
With so much to explore at the Stowe resort, one must also keep in mind that it is considered the most expensive ski resort and gets very crowded on weekends.
The Stowe resort is accessible on the Epic Pass, and Pass holders can avail of unlimited access to this resort if one has some spare time while at this resort; they can have an enjoyable time at the ice staking rink located at the slopeside of Spruce Peak Lodge.
The closest airports are the Morrisville-Stowe State Airport which is around 30 minutes drive away from the resort, and Burlington International Airport, which is around a 1-hour drive away.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 27th November 2021.
Closing Date: 17th April 2022.
5. Sugarbush Ski Resort, Vermont:
Another best east coast skiing resort quite similar to Stowe or Killington ski resorts, but with less crowd and cheaper rates, is the Sugarbush ski resort.
This resort has a lovely ski area that allows visitors to enjoy great skiing throughout its wide-stretched beautiful terrain across two mountains, viz, Lincoln Peak and Mt Ellen.
The Sugarbush mountain spreads across 481 acres with an average snowfall of 250″. With 16 lifts and 111 trails, this resort holds plenty of opportunities for all the snow lovers.
The skiers around here often rave about the Castlerock because of its thick steeps and evocative vibe.
In addition, for all the skiing enthusiasts, there is a skiers-only resort called “Mad River Glen” that is around a 15 minutes’ drive away.
Moreover, getting around the Sugarbush resort is also not a great task as there is a free bus service available between the two base areas and a few surrounding areas as well.
Along the way that leads to the Sugarbush resort, one can find lodging facilities that are serviced by a shuttle. However, for a luxury stay, one can go down to the Lincoln Peak village as it provides visitors with lavish accommodation and fine dining options.
On the contrary, there is an absence of nightlife at the Sugarbush resort, unlike many other ski resorts on the east coast.
Sugarbush resort is accessible on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective Pass. With the Ikon Pass, one gets access to 7 days at the resort, whereas, with the Ikon Base Pass, one gets access to 5 blackout-restricted days. With the Mountain Collective pass, one can get access to 2 days at the resort, in addition to 50% off additional days.
The closest airports to the Sugarbush Resort are Burlington International Airport and Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport, which are around 1 hour and 1.5-hour drive away, respectively.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 25th November 2021.
Closing Date: 1st May 2022.
6. Jay Peak, Vermont:
Located in the Northeastern Kingdom, outside the town of Jay, the Jay Peak resort is one of the best east coast skiing resorts.
As this resort is located in Vermont’s far northern region, the crowd here is comparatively less than in other east coast ski resorts.
This mountain is known to be a family-friendly mountain and the only one that experiences natural snowfall in abundance. With a total of 9 lifts and 78 trails, it offers an ample amount of opportunities to all its visitors.
This resort has a lot to explore, ranging from skiing and snowboarding across steep slopes and plenty of powder to ice skating, a climbing gym, and a massive indoor waterpark with numerous slides.
Moreover, the only aerial tram in Vermont is also found at this resort and marks the perfect place to start for all the expert skiers and snowboarders.
The Jay Peak Mountain spreads across 385 acres with an average snowfall of 349″ and has two main parts, the Tramside and Stateside, each with its own base area.
It is here where one can find a number of accommodation and dining options. However, this resort lacks a nightlife experience. Jay Peak is on the Indy Pass, and the pass holders get access to 2 unrestricted days at the resort.
The closest airports to Jay Peak are Northeast Kingdom International Airport, a 35-minute drive away, and Burlington International Airport, a 1.5-hour drive away from the resort.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 1st December 2021.
Closing Date: 23rd April 2022.
7. Mad River Glen, Vermont:
A true legend of the ski world and one of the best east coast skiing resorts is the Mad River Glen. It is amongst the last few USA’s skiers-only mountains and consists of one of the only two single chair lifts in the country.
The Mad River Glen is well known to offer the most diverse and challenging skiing terrain in the country, complete with natural glades, steep bumps, and narrow winding trails following the natural outline of the mountain.
With banners of “Ski it if you can!” all over the place, this ski mountain welcomes and encourages all its visitors to experience the natural snow skiing it has to offer.
The average snowfall at Mad River Glen is around 228″ with the mountain spreading across 115 acres. Additionally, this legendary ski resort offers five lifts and 53 trails, thereby offering an exhilarating experience.
This resort is operated by a co-operative and has a neighborhood feel. A tavern serving lunch and après can be found in the single base area. Besides, there are several hotel alternatives in the vicinity, the nearest of which is only 2 miles from the slopes.
Waitsfield is a 10-minute drive away and offers more dining and retail alternatives. In order to access the Mad River Glen resort, one does not need to have any multi-resort passes.
With plenty of challenges, including a frozen waterfall to jump over, the Mad River Glen is one of the best east coast skiing resorts for all the skiing experts.
The closest airports are the Burlington International Airport, a 50-minute drive away from the resort, and Morrisville-Stowe State Airport, which is around a 1-hour drive away.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 11th December 2021.
Closing Date: 2nd April 2022.
8. Loon Mountain Resort, New Hampshire:
Loon Mountain, another best east coast skiing resort, is located in central New Hampshire in the White Mountains. It proves to be an ideal ski destination, especially for all the intermediate skiers and freestylers.
The Loon Mountain ski area consists of three peaks: the North peak, Loon peak, and the recently established South peak. Each of these peaks has its own base area with lodging and dining options.
This resort is home to six award-winning terrain parks and New Hampshire’s only superpipe. The Loon Mountain spreads across 370 acres with an average snowfall of 160 inches.
It offers a total of 61 trails and 12 lifts. Besides that, the off-slope activities at the Loon resort include snow tubing park, snow-go bike riding, and horseback riding.
This resort is easily accessible as it is just a 2-hour drive away from Boston and nearly a 10-minute drive away from Interstate 93. The Loon Mountain is a family-friendly resort featuring ski-in/ski-out lodging along with a wide range of other accommodations.
Moreover, a shuttle service is available between the base and nearby lodging areas, allowing visitors to get around the resort effortlessly.
The Loon Mountain Resort is accessible on the Ikon Pass and the New England Pass. With the Ikon Pass, one can get access to 7 days at the mountain, whereas, with the Ikon base pass, one can get access to 5 blackout-restricted days. On the other hand, the New England Pass gives skiers assorted access to Loon.
The closest airports to the Loon Mountain Resort are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, a 2-hour drive away, and Boston Logan International Airport, a 2.5-hour drive away.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 26th November 2021.
Closing Date: 17th April 2022.
9. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire:
The largest ski resort in New Hampshire and one of the best east coast skiing resorts is the Bretton Woods ski resort. This resort facing Mount Washington is home to well-groomed runs and will charm you with its natural beauty and magnificent mountain views.
The Bretton Woods consists of 464 acres of skiable area with an average snowfall of 200″ and spreads across three peaks. This ski resort is the most upscale and listed among the highest resorts for excellent snow conditions in the east.
The Bretton Woods has ten lifts and 97 trails and offers several winter activities, including 62 mi of Nordic skiing trails. Moreover, it is also known for having one of the state’s most substantial cross-country skiing networks.
During the 2019-2020 ski season, the Bretton Woods marked the launch of New Hampshire’s first eight-passenger gondola that travels at a speed of 1,200 ft per minute.
Additionally, unlike many other eastern resorts, Bretton Woods offers night skiing on Friday and Saturday evenings, thus giving all the skiers a unique experience.
Besides skiing, the Bretton Woods resort offers plenty of other activities like tubing, zipline tour, fat biking, staking, sleigh rides, and more, making it one of the best east coast skiing resorts. Various lodging and dining options are available at the base lodge and the townhomes close to the lifts.
However, the Omni Mount Washington Resort, a 5-minute drive away from the slopes, is a major spot for luxury accommodation.
It offers ski-and stays packages that include comprehensive services such as a swimming pool, spa, and other leisure facilities.
The closest airports to Bretton Woods are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Portland International Jetport, both around a 2-hour drive away.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 26th November 2021.
Closing Date: 10th April 2022.
10. Whiteface, New York:
The Whiteface Mountain, located in New York, is one of the best east coast skiing resorts for all the advanced skiers and snowboarders as it proves to be a natural powder play area offering challenging terrain.
Being serviced by 12 lifts, the Whiteface Mountain is home to the biggest vertical drop in the east at 3,430 ft. An inbound off-piste ski area known as “The Slides” is found at the highest peak of this resort and offers a double-black terrain to all the skiing experts.
However, it opens only when the snow conditions are considered safe. In addition, this ski mountain also has an exclusive section of green runs with exquisite views.
The Whiteface Mountain expands across 288 acres and has an average snowfall of 190 inches and a total of 87 trails. This resort has two primary base areas where one can find dining options but no lodging.
Lake Placid, a village around 15 minutes away from Whiteface ski resort, is the top choice for accommodation, dining, and shopping options. Lake Placid is also well-known for hosting the Winter Olympics two times.
One can also participate in various slope attractions and activities at Lake Placid, including bobsledding, luge rides, ice skating, and the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Whiteface ski resort is on the NYSKI3 pass. One gets unlimited access with the full pass, whereas one gets holiday-restricted access to the slopes with the limited pass.
Burlington International Airport and Albany International Airport are the closest airports to this resort, both a 2.5-hour drive away.
Resort Ski Season 2021-22:
Opening Date: 26 November 2021.
Closing Date: 1st May 2022.
After knowing so much about the best east coast skiing resorts, you must be ready to hit the snow, explore and encounter all the skiing, and the après ski activities offered by the best east coast skiing resorts.
In addition, you should know that one of the benefits of planning a ski holiday on the east coast is that you will find many of the great ski resorts situated close to one another, thus enabling you to explore more than one ski resort in a single trip.
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