Best East Coast Skiing
You don't have to go out west to find amazing skiing in North America. From New York all the way up to Quebec, there’s an abundance of ski resorts along the Eastern Seaboard that blend great terrain with family-friendly fun. In fact, some of the best East Coast skiing might be just a short drive away from your hometown, making these resorts the perfect place to go for a snowy weekend away.
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You can go from the city to the slopes in only two and a half hours at Windham Mountain, which feels like it’s a world away even though it's close to New York City. Or head to Mont-Tremblant in Quebec to feel like you’ve gone to Europe without the jet lag.
This winter, plan a vacation to hit the slopes at one of these nine best East Coast ski resorts.
Okemo, Vermont
About two and a half hours from Boston, this Vermont ski resort has 98 percent snow coverage (thanks to snowmaking) with a ski season going from early November all the way through mid-April. The resort also offers intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders free mountain tours on weekends and holidays so you can get to know the mountain’s 121 different trails, slopes, and glades.
Find it: Okemo, 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT
Tremblant, Quebec
About an hour and a half from Montreal, this skiing destination is driving distance to several U.S. cities, yet it feels like 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, stopping at the charming shops and grabbing a Beavertail (or Queues de Castor in French), a sweet fried pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar or chocolate hazelnut spread.
Find it: Tremblant, 1000 Chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Whiteface Mountain, New York
This Lake Placid resort offers skiers and riders 87 trails over 22 miles, with 62 percent of the trails geared towards 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. In February, this East Coast ski resort will be celebrating 40 years since the 1980 Winter Olympics and the "Miracle on Ice.” In honor of this exciting occasion, the resort is planning to light the original 1980 Olympic cauldron, host free skating with Olympians, offer dance parties at the Olympic ski jumps, and more.
Find it: Whiteface Mountain, 5021 Route 86, Wilmington, NY
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Combining luxury and easy-to-ski trails, this New Hampshire resort offers visitors 97 trails and glades to explore over 464 skiable acres (including five trails that are open at night). Make the most of the winter season with a three-hour canopy tour over the snow-covered treetops or a horse-drawn sleigh ride. After a day of skiing, head to the Slopeside Pub for après ski or bring the kids to their own themed après ski party.
Find it: Bretton Woods, 99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, NH
Sugarloaf, Maine
Sugarloaf is one of the best East Coast ski resorts for those looking for an adventurous winter vacation. More than 1,200 skiable acres await at this Maine resort, with 163 trails and glades (57 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 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.
Find it: Sugarloaf, 5092 Sugarloaf Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, ME
Stowe, Vermont
This Vermont resort 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 (it’s about 40 minutes away) where you can pop in to some of the best craft breweries around.
Find it: Stowe, 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT
Killington Resort, Vermont
This 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. Plus, 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, strap in for a ride on the outdoor Beast Mountain Coaster, a 4,800-foot-long alpine coaster featuring 360-degree corkscrews, or take in the mountain views with a leisurely ride on the scenic gondola.
Find it: Killington Resort, 4763 Killington Road, Killington, VT
Windham Mountain Resort, New York
This mountain is only a couple hours north of New York City, yet it feels like you’re nowhere near the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. It’s smaller than some of the other East Coast ski resorts with only 54 runs, but 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.
Find it: Windham Mountain Resort, 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY
Loon Mountain Resort, New Hampshire
A whopping 80 percent of trails at this New Hampshire resort are set aside for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, making it one of the best East Coast skiing destinations for those just learning. And for people looking to hone their skills, there’s six terrain parks for all levels, including two for kids. When you're not skiing, try zip-lining 700 feet across the Pemigewasset River (open all four seasons), or channel your inner kid and go snow tubing
Find it: Loon Mountain Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, NH
