9 Best East Coast Ski Resorts

From Tremblant in Quebec to Sugarloaf in Maine, these are the best places to go skiing on the East Coast.

You don't have to go out west to find amazing skiing in North America. From French Canada to Maine, there’s an abundance of ski resorts along the Eastern Seaboard that blend great terrain with family-friendly fun. Some of the best East Coast skiing destinations are just a short drive or flight away, making these resorts the perfect place to spend a snowy weekend in the mountains. For instance, you can drive just two and a half hours from New York City to the slopes of Windham Mountain — or, head farther north to Tremblant, just a 90-minute flight north in Quebec, to feel like you’ve gone to Europe without the jet lag.

Here's what you need to know to plan the perfect trip to the best East Coast ski resorts.

Related: 10 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S.

Okemo, Vermont

Roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Boston, Okemo has 98 percent snow coverage (thanks to snowmaking) with a ski season going from late November through mid-April. The resort also offers intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders free mountain tours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays so you can get to know the mountain’s 122 different trails, slopes, and glades.

Tremblant, Quebec

About an hour and a half from Montreal, the Tremblant ski resort is within driving distance of (or just a short flight from) several U.S. cities, yet it feels like you're visiting a distant French alpine village. Ski or snowboard through 102 different trails spread across 755 acres, perfect for any skill level. After a long day of skiing, take a ride on the free open-air gondola to the base of the village and stroll through the town — stop by the charming shops and pick up a Beavertail (or Queues de Castor in French), a sweet fried pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar or chocolate hazelnut spread.

Whiteface Mountain, New York

Located in the Adirondack Mountains about a five-hour drive from New York City or Boston, Whiteface Mountain offers skiers and riders 94 trails over 25 miles, with 70 percent of them geared toward intermediate or beginner skill levels. When they're not hitting the slopes, thrill seekers can go for a ride on the Olympic bobsled track and history buffs can check out the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which commemorates the 1980 Winter Olympics and the "Miracle on Ice.”

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Combining luxury and easy-to-ski trails, Bretton Woods offers visitors 98 trails and glades to explore over 464 skiable acres, including five trails that are open at night. Make the most of the winter season at this stunning ski resort just two and a half hours from Boston with a horse-drawn sleigh ride or by trying your hand at snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or fat tire biking. After a big day on the mountain, head to the Slopeside Pub for après ski bites and cocktails.

Related: 9 Best New Hampshire Ski Resorts to Visit This Winter

Sugarloaf, Maine

Sugarloaf is one of the best East Coast ski resorts for those looking for an adventurous winter vacation. Located about a four-hour drive from Boston, more than 1,360 skiable acres await at this Maine resort, with 176 trails and glades, 54 percent of which are perfect for beginner and intermediate skill levels. Looking for even more of a challenge? Try cat skiing, where a snowcat will take you to the top of Burnt Mountain for a unique skiing experience. For a different kind of adrenaline rush, try fat tire biking through the snowy woods or head indoors to the Anti-Gravity Complex, where you can jump on giant trampolines and tackle a climbing wall.

Stowe, Vermont

Roughly a three-hour drive from Boston, Stowe offers an incredibly varied terrain for its 116 different trails: 16 percent are considered beginner, 55 percent are for intermediates, and 29 percent are for expert-level skiers and snowboarders. There’s even a cross-country center where you can explore nearly 28 miles of groomed trails and more than 18 miles of backcountry terrain. Later, head to nearby Burlington (about 50 minutes away) where you can pop into some of the best craft breweries around.

Killington Resort, Vermont

About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Boston, Killington Resort has seven mountain areas, with Killington Peak towering over the rest with an elevation of 4,241 feet, meaning you’ll be skiing for quite some time to get down these mountains. The resort’s ability to cover 600 acres of skiable land with its snowmaking system compliments the 250 inches of natural snowfall it gets each year, making it one of the best ski resorts in New England for fresh powder. When you're not skiing, take in the mountain views with a leisurely ride on the scenic gondola, during a snowshoeing or snowmobile tour, or while snow tubing.

Windham Mountain Resort, New York

Windham Mountain Resort is just two and a half hours north of New York City, yet it feels like you’re nowhere near the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. While it is smaller than some of the other East Coast ski resorts with only 54 runs, its size makes it feel manageable and family-friendly — plus, the mountain offers 45 acres of night skiing on six trails so you don’t have to rush off of the slopes when it gets dark. While there, head to the Catskill Mountain Country Store & Restaurant for some country charm with plenty to entertain the kids.

Related: 9 Best Places to Ski in New York State

Loon Mountain Resort, New Hampshire

A whopping 72 percent of trails at Loon Mountain Resort, just a two-hour drive from Boston in New Hampshire, are set aside for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, making it one of the best East Coast skiing destinations for those who are just learning. And for people looking to hone their skills, there are four terrain parks for all levels. When you're not skiing, try taking a ride on a Snow-Go, a bike-like device, or channel your inner child and go snow tubing.

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