The 15 best East Coast ski resorts

Everyone has to try the East Coast at least once. We’re talking about cute, picturesque New England ski towns, the Appalachian and Green Mountains, and shred trips direct from Boston. Oh, and most East Coast ski resorts are on the Ikon or Epic Pass. So, there’s no excuse not to go if you’re already a passholder!

Okay, we can’t ignore its nickname, ‘Ice Coast’. But forget the haters! Hit any east-side resort on a bluebird, and few places can beat it. Plus, if you can rip the East Coast, you can handle just about anywhere. So, what are you waiting for? Drop in to our pick of the 15 best East Coast ski resorts. Trust us – our selection is pretty darn epic. 
And shredding the East Coast has another bonus: it’s significantly kinder on the purse strings than the West Coast monsters! That’s all thanks to its independently run resorts and smaller, charming towns. That means you have more dollars to spend on your new gear, right? Then check out our latest collection of ski pants for men and ski pants for women, just waiting to tear up Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and more.

Where to ski on the East Coast

Jay Peak Resort, Vermont

You probably associate the West Coast with buckets of pow, but, uh, have you met Jay Peak? This Vermont beauty is loaded with the white stuff, averaging an impressive 29 feet per year – that’s pretty much neck-and-neck with Utah’s Park City! It even has its own name: Jay-POW (not to be confused with Japan’s Japow!). Make sure you pack an insulating layer or two, though, as Jay Peak is just below the Canadian border. So things get cold. But once you’re wrapped up, get ready to tear up its snorkel-requiring amount of snow, super fun terrain (including two terrain parks), and rad tree glades. 

And Jay Peak might be just as fun off the mountain as on it. That’s all thanks to its insane amount of post-shred activities, including an indoor climbing gym, movie theater, skating rink, arcade, and the Pump House, an incredible indoor water park. Oh, and how could we forget the après-ski? Hit Bullwheel Bar for beer and live music every Saturday and Tower Bar for tapas and acoustic tunes. 

Top tip: Respect the rules! Jay Peak has a self-declared ‘liberal in-bounds policy,’ but there are a few things to follow. These include riding through the glades in maximum groups of three and not entering wooded areas after 3 pm. Hey, you’ve got to be cautious in the East Coast’s snowiest resort. 

Stowe Resort, Vermont

Luxury reigns supreme at the ‘Vail of the East’ – a.k.a. Stowe Mountain Resort. Expect 5-star hotels, decadent spas, ski valets, and the option to reserve your own private pergola in the village center. However, despite the grandeur, Stowe Mountain never loses its small-town, authentic charm. And the mountain? Legendary. Stowe opened in 1937, securing it as the birthplace of Vermont’s alpine skiing scene. 

Vermont’s highest peaks surround Stowe, and the resort’s terrain is split between Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain. This gives you the chance to shred spine-tingling steeps and challenging runs. Our favourites? The famous Front Four. These are Goat, National, Liftline, and Starr, four original double-blacks tracked in 1940! Stowe also serves epic lift-accessible backcountry. Take the gondola near Mount Mansfield’s 4,395-foot summit, hike the rest of the way, and choose one of the epic runs down. Beginners and intermediates are spoilt for choice here, too, with 55% of the trail map painted blue or red and 16% green. And for après? Choose fancy wine bars or ferret out the dive bars instead. Our top picks are The Matterhorn for brick oven pizza and live tunes and The Backyard (known as the ‘Yaaaahd’) for local craft beer, good vibes, and insane beer-battered fish tacos. 

Top tip: Experience the work of Charlie Lord, the legendary designer of Stowe’s trails. Our go-to is Bruce Trail, an original trail that provides mellow, laid-back cruising – perfect when your legs have given up! 

Loon Mountain Resort, New Hampshire

How about ski-tripping to one of New Hampshire’s biggest ski resorts? And just over an hour’s drive from Boston? Yep, Loon Mountain’s 403 acres are ready to rip ‘n’ ride across two mountain areas: the South Peak and the North Peak. Most of the resort’s terrain and fun, zoomy groomers are on the North Peak side. The South Peak side is still fun to explore, though – and usually less crowded! It also hosts the Timbertown terrain, a group of beginner trails. Bear in mind, there’s no trail connecting the two areas. Jump on a quad lift instead, with blue cruisers taking you back down to base. 

After more of a challenge? Ride Ripsaw, Loon’s double-black run. It’s regularly groomed, however, so if you’re after some of those famous East-coast bumps, head for the black trails on the upper half of North Peak. More into catching air? Loon Mountain has five terrain parks, including an 18-foot superpipe and a Lil’ Stash park with natural, wooden features. However, keep an eye out for their ‘Top Secret’ terrain parks. These are small-to-medium parks that appear on random spots around the mountain throughout the season. 

Top tip: Visit the Paul Bunyan Room in the Octagon Lodge – allegedly where Loon’s après-ski scene was born! Check out the legendary lineup of IPAs while enjoying the sun deck.

Sunday River Resort, Maine

©Nick Lambert - www.sundayriver.com

Sunday River Resort has so much ski-in, ski-out accommodation that you might very well experience choice paralysis! Our top choice is the Jordan Hotel, just moments from the lifts. However, wherever you choose will be awesome – and provide you with super close access to one of the three base lodges. From there, take your pick of Sunday River’s eight peaks with terrain to suit all riders – and hardly any crowds (score!). Finding your groove on greens? Head for North Peak. Looking to dare yourself on double-black diamonds? Lock in Oz and Jordan Bowl. 

Once up the mountain, you have to try Apleniglu. It’s Sunday River’s igloo and ice lounge in Jordan Bowl, which you can only access via your skis, snowboard, or snowcat. Then, what better way to warm up than by refueling on lobster? When in Maine, right? Our top pick is Maine Lobster Express. You can even order it as a takeaway to enjoy in front of your chalet’s roaring fire. That’s the version of heaven you never knew you needed until now …

Top tip: Experience twilight riding! Yep, on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, Sunday River extends its lift hours to 6.30 pm. If you can hold off après-ski for that long, of course…

Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont

We can’t deny that (sometimes) aesthetics do it for us. If that’s the case for you, set your sights on Stratton and its cute ‘n’ classic ski village. This beautiful resort isn’t just chocolate box cute, though, it’s also got a host of other things going for it, too. These include stellar customer service, awesome grooming, multiple shops, restaurants, a tubing park, an outdoor skating rink, a rock climbing center, and more. 

And on the mountain? Speed is your friend. Yep, the lifts don’t play around, zooming you to the summit in no time. Then, it’s dealer’s choice of zippy blues or limit-pushing expert trails on the mountain’s north-facing slopes or the Sun Bowl side (home to tougher terrain). If you want a beer without leaving the hill, aim for Grizzly’s, a rustic slopeside bar with draft beer, live music, and epic views. Then, it’s down to Mulligan’s/Green Door, with a laid-back bar and diner on the top floor and DJs, live music, and pool tables on the bottom. 

Top tip: Experience dinner with a difference! Take an evening snowcat ride to Mid-Mountain Lodge for an incredible three-course meal (their blueberry crème brûlée is to die for!). Then, enjoy the ride back down the mountain under the stars.

Sugarloaf Resort, Maine

@Sarah Sindo - www.sugarloaf.com

Looking to ski and snowboard in peace? Sugarloaf Resort is the place! It’s about 3.5 hours north of Boston and somewhat remote, though the pilgrimage is 100% worth it as you experience unmatched terrain, old-school Maine vibes, and fantastic service. And Loaf’s incredible terrain is hefty, spanning 1,240 acres, making it the second-largest ski resort on the East Coast (Killington just beats it). It’s also Maine’s second-tallest mountain at 4,237 feet. Oh, and there are 2,820 feet of vertical for your thighs to soak up (only 280 feet behind West Coast’s Mammoth!). 

Loaf is East Coast riding personified. Yes, you have the awesome terrain – almost 50% of which is black or double-back diamonds. However, you’ll also likely experience wild winds and plummeting temperatures. Those stunning views make up for it, though. On a bluebird, you’ll experience insane vistas extending to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. And let’s not forget that rad gladed terrain – accessible off the Spillway chair. Alternatively, book a snowcat to access 650 acres of backcountry trees at the side of Burnt Mountain. You’ll ‘Yew!’ so loud, they’ll hear you in Vermont. Then, work your way through 20 Maine-brewed beers on tap at The Widowmaker – the place for après! 

Top tip: Book tickets to Reggae Fest in April! It’s the East Coast’s biggest party, taking place over two nights in the King Pine room, two days outside on The Beach, and three nights of music in The Widowmaker. Trust us – you don’t want to miss it! 

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont

East Coast trippin’ with the family? You’ll be pushed to find anywhere better than the independently owned Smugglers’ Notch – also known as Smuggs. This place is epic, with over 1,000 acres for all styles and abilities across three mountains: Sterling, Madonna, and Morse. And the fun doesn’t stop when the lifts do. Prepare for the kids to beg you to make Smugglers’ Notch an annual tradition with its tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and swimming pool. Plus, there’s the legendary FunZone, a 26,000-square-foot indoor playground packed with laser tag, mini-golf, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and arcade games. If you want to do things together, the resort arranges tons of games and activities, such as scavenger hunts, magic shows, bonfires, bingo, and more. 

On the mountain, newbies and little ones can nail the Pizza-to-French-Fries maneuver on Morse Mountain’s green trails. Want to pick up the pace? Why not try Madonna Mountain’s triple-black-diamond trail? It’s the only one in the Northeast! Or there’s always the Fab Five, a group of the East Coast’s most heart-rate-raising black diamonds. Glades more your thing? Don’t skip Doc Dempsey’s. It’s a classic Smuggs trail that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear. 

Top tip: If you’re after après-ski over family-fun activities, head for Lot 1. It’s iconic for a reason: live bands perform in a parking lot while riders sit by their cars and vans, trading stories about best lines and favorite stashes. It’s certainly après-ski with a difference – and a session you won’t forget. 

Killington Resort, Vermont

How could we exclude the Beast of the East!? Killington is gigantic in size and epic-ness. Its seven mountains and 1,500+ acres make it the largest ski resort on the East Coast, while the 3,000+ feet of vertical and Woodward Mountain Park secure its status as one of the most epic. In fact, there’s a park zone to match all ages and skills – whether you’re trying your first-ever feature or hucking it off 50-foot kickers. And, thanks to the shapers, you can never get too comfy – they switch the features weekly to keep riders on their toes. 

On the mountain, there are trails to suit all riders. However, if you’re after toe-curling steeps, aim for the top of Killington Peak and the descents off the K-1 Express. And then it’s on to the après-ski! And man, does Killington know how to party. Take your pick from two iconic spots, or line up both. These are Wobbly Barn, a steakhouse by day and nightclub at night, and Preston’s, a laid-back hotel hangout with awesome food (featuring Vermont-sourced ingredients) and local beer on tap.  

Top tip: Have an Ikon Pass? Plan a road trip! Killington is a 10-minute drive from the quieter Pico Mountain, also on the pass. 

Whiteface Mountain, New York

Mountains are beautiful without even trying. But Whiteface Mountain takes things to another level. Aim for this ski resort near Lake Placid and prep for jaw-dropping views. Oh, and jaw-dropping terrain. Yep, Whiteface Mountain doesn’t mess around, throwing everything at you from pow, crud, and groomers to sheet ice and bulletproof runs. It’s no wonder Whiteface demands you bring your A-game.

Whiteface hosts the East Coast’s highest skiable terrain at 4,867 feet. And, if you’re looking to reach the summit before sunrise, investigate Whiteface’s Uphill Program. It’s a pass that allows you to skin up particular routes pre-sunrise and claim the corduroy before the lifts open. Just remember to sign in at Ski Patrol before you head off. If you fancy a lie-in and switching things up, Whiteface delivers plenty of alternative activities, thanks to its Olympic facilities (it hosted the Winter Olympics twice). These include bobsledding, ice skating, and the Olympic Museum. 

Top tip: Check out Cloudspin Lounge for some classic Whiteface après. It’s a rustic locals’ spot with beer at après-ski prices, BBQ beef brisket, and a shuttle service to whisk you back to your accommodation if staying in nearby Wilmington or Lake Placid. 

Mad River Glen, Vermont

Mad River Glen is a resort with a difference. It’s more of a community mad about skiing (in the best way). And it helps if you’ve got skills. That’s because Mad River Glen prioritizes narrow, steep runs alongside gnarly, technical terrain. In fact, it’s as close to ‘backcountry’ terrain as you can get without leaving in-bounds territory. You’ll quickly realize why their slogan is ‘Ski it if you can’ – some say Mad River Glen is the most challenging ski resort on the East Coast. And sorry, snowboarders – this mountain is for skiers only.

Mad River Glen is hard to beat with its famous single chair (one of two left in the US), lodge, and friendly, welcoming locals. And it’s not all super hardcore – there’s enough intermediate terrain (35% of the trail map) and beginner (20%) to keep those seeking a mellower experience happy. And, once the snow gods deliver, Mad River Glen becomes nirvana – especially if you side-step to the tree-lined Paradise trail and float through the neighboring glades. Just watch out for the hefty cliff drops! Then, it’s down to Stark’s Pub via the winding Upper and Lower Antelope trail. You’ll be met with live music, Vermont microbrews, and the ‘Wall of Fame’, showcasing photos of the resort’s legendary ‘Ski It If You Can’ bumper stickers plastered in likely and unlikely places around the world.  

Top tip: Time your trip! As Mad River Glen doesn’t have snowmaking facilities, it’s best to go once Vermont has soaked up those midwinter East Coast storms. January through to March is your best bet for pow, pow, and more pow. 

Cannon Mountain Ski Resort, New Hampshire

What’s not to like about Cannon Mountain Ski Resort? It offers a lengthy season and varied terrain for all abilities on Cannon Mountain. Plus, there’s Tuckerbrook, its family area, and Mittersill, with its race-training facilities and famous backcountry history. There’s also New Hampshire’s longest vertical drop at 2,180 feet and America’s first aerial tramway. 

If you’re an expert or advanced rider, you’ll definitely rate Cannon Mountain Ski Resort. Must-ride trails include DJ’s Tramline, starting as a skinny tree-lined trail and opening out into a mega steep and long finisher. Watch out for the exposed rock, too! Alternatively, feel the burn on the black trails off the Zoomer lift – full of bumps and ready for action. Okay, accommodation, mountain lodges, and après-ski are pretty basic here, but nearby North Woodstock and Lincoln are packed with bars, restaurants, and other post-shred activities. And Cannon Mountain does have Powder Makers at The Notchview Café – perfect for soaking up chili and hot toddies!

Top tip: Looking for an introduction to hike-to terrain? Take the short hike from Upper Cannon to Mittersill. It’s mellow, short, and opens up plenty of gladed terrain. If you want to stick to slopes, opt for The Saddle, a cruisey blue, or Wicked Haahhd, a black trail that whisks you through one of Cannon’s toughest glades. 

Sugarbush Resort, Vermont

Craving cruising? Wanting a learner area? Looking to catch air? How about getting your legs working on bumps? Whatever you’re after, Sugarbush Resort will deliver it throughout its 581 acres and two peaks, Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Ellen. You’ll also feel the burn on its 2,600-foot vertical drop – one of New England’s steepest! 

And, woah, does Sugarbush kill it on a pow day. After a night’s nuking (Sugarbush has 57 annual days of snowfall), head straight for the Castlerock lift. From there, you’ll access Castlerock, Sugarbush’s toughest terrain zone full of ungroomed steeps and trees, ready for your tracks. And if you like glades, that’s where Sugarbush thrives. It offers 28 gladed areas – ranging from beginner to advanced. Then, it’s straight onto après-ski. And at Sugarbush, that means an Apres Groomer Ride: soak up a one-hour private ride to the summit of Lincoln Peak in one of Sugarbush’s heated, glassed husky cat skis. But if you’re after beer, aim for Green Mountain Lounge and order a pint of Lawson’s Finest Castlerock IPA alongside their plate of Classic New England Clam Chowder. Or, indulge in craft cocktails at the Black Sheep Bar. Try one of their Cider Margaritas, made with Espolon Blanco and local apple cider! 

Top tip: Jump on a cat ski for a Sugarbush Sunrise First Tracks tour! You’ll get to carve the corduroy and lay tracks in fresh pow off the North Lynx Triple before anyone else!

Saddleback Mountain, Maine

Hands up if the following sounds good: stunning scenery, zero lift lines, and fun, varied terrain. If you’re intrigued, head to Maine’s Saddleback Mountain. Okay, things are petite at this locals’ mountain, with only 220 rideable acres and six lifts. However, you’ll feel you have the place to yourself as the mountain stretches over miles upon miles of striking wilderness. 

As for riding, take your pick from Saddleback’s three areas: South Branch, Rangeley, and Kennebago. These cater to newbies, intermediates, and advanced riders, respectively. Try your hand at Muleskinner, a double-black full of twists and turns. Or, launch into Saddleback’s notorious gladed terrain (you won’t regret it). Then, it’s down to Saddleback’s laid-back town, where a few mellow bars and restaurants await alongside some ski-in, ski-out condos. Saddleback’s events are where things really ramp up, though. Don’t miss out on iconic days, such as the bonkers annual cardboard box race, carving carnage at the Banked Slalom, and special après-ski events in the Pub. 

Top tip: Make sure you’re in town for Saddleback’s infamous Spring Bash Weekend! Expect live music, rail jams, dance parties, après swag prizes, and the legendary pond skim!

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

If Wes Anderson made ski resorts, it’d be Bretton Woods. This place takes ‘picturesque’ to a whole new level with its movie-set-worthy 120-year-old Omni Mount Washington Hotel at the base and insane views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range from the summit. And, thanks to the base-to-summit gondola, non-riders can soak up these views. Plus, beginners don’t have to hop back on the lift to the bottom, either — Bretton Woods’ design includes long, wide-open greens at the summit. Intermediates will also love it here, with 30% of the trails marked for their skill set. Want to branch out into the backcountry? Book a backcountry lesson – they’re famous for being awesome at Bretton Woods! 

If you’re looking to mix things up, there’s only one thing to do: zipline on the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, one of America’s longest canopy tours. Then, what better way to tackle the adrenaline comedown than by sampling the local craft brew scene alongside rad live music? Yep, every weekend, Bretton Woods features local breweries' brews — from Moat Mountain to Tuckerman. 

Top tip: Stay at the Omni Mountain Washington Hotel – it’s iconic for a reason! You’ll experience its history and charm alongside a speakeasy bar, spa, arcade, outdoor tubing area, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bowling alley, and more.

Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

Okemo (meaning ‘home’) is awesome for all riders. However, beginners, in particular, will find their groove on the Green Mountains’ greens. That’s all thanks to 33% and 37% of the trail map marked for beginners and intermediates (respectively) across wide, winding groomers. The ski school is also top-dollar. But you don’t have to worry about being stuck at the base’s learner areas. Instead, jump on one of two luxuriously heated bubbles to the summit and soak up the greens all the way down. 

Wake up to a bluebird? Okemo is hard to beat. Those lifts whisk you from the car park to the summit in just 15 minutes – meaning you’ll be scoring freshies before any morning caffeine kicks in. And Okemo provides more than riding. Get your kicks on alternative winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. There are also some out-of-the-ordinary activities, such as maple syrup tours, fat tire bike rentals, and the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, a sled-like rollercoaster whipping you over 3,100 feet of loops, rollers, and twists at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! Then, don’t après-ski without going to Main + Mountain for craft cocktails and CBD-infused drinks, and Tom’s Loft Tavern, a local spot with 25 Vermont beers on tap. Make sure you order the Nachos Supreme (nachos topped with pulled pork and chicken) and grab yourself a ‘Tom’s Loft Tavern’ beanie. 

Top tip: Carve Bode Miller! No, not the actual snowboarder – Bretton Woods named some of their trails after iconic and legendary riders. And each rider chose which run to attach their name to! 

Wrapping up

Well, East Coast, you’ve done it – you’ve proved you don’t need to head West to experience mountain peaks, pow, and killer après-ski. And that all these things are, in fact, available on East Coasters’ doorstep! Plus, what better way to mix things up than by booking a trip to the Big Apple at the same time? New York City and carving? That’s a combo we can get behind!

Of course, if we’ve missed some sick spots, let us know via crew@dopesnow.com. We’re always stoked to hear from you and help with article updates, outerwear advice, or to chat about all things snow. 

Related reading: 

• Best West Coast ski resorts
• Ski jackets for men / Ski jackets for women
• How to ski in powder
• Ski clothes men / Ski clothes women
• How to keep ski goggles from fogging