Best East Coast Ski Resorts: Where to Ski and Stay this Winter

The Short Answer: The top East Coast ski resorts offer world-class slopes from Maine to Vermont, with Stowe Mountain Resort and Killington leading the pack. These northeastern destinations combine challenging terrain with reliable snowmaking and modern facilities with reliable snowmaking and modern facilities to deliver excellent skiing experiences.

While western mountains often get all of the love, resorts across New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Pennsylvania deliver consistent snow, accessible locations, and terrain for all skill levels. From Thanksgiving through late spring, snowmaking ensures coverage when natural snow falls short.

What sets these mountains apart is their proximity to major cities, offering easy access for weekend getaways. The largest resorts rival their western counterparts in skiable acres, while smaller operations provide fewer crowds and a more personal experience.

Resorts were evaluated based on:

• Terrain variety and vertical drop
• Snowmaking and natural snowfall
• Lift infrastructure and wait times
• Overall value and accessibility

Top Vermont Resorts

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe sets the standard for East Coast skiing. Connected to Spruce Peak, it offers 2,360 feet of vertical drop and 545 skiable acres across two mountains. Beginners enjoy gentle slopes at the base, while experts tackle the legendary Front Four trails with sustained steeps and challenging pitches.

Highlights:

• Full-service village with dining, lodging, and après-ski
• Stunning Green Mountain views
• Advanced lifts minimizing wait times

The village at the base provides everything you need, creating a complete mountain experience without leaving the resort.

Killington Resort

Known as the "Beast of the East," Killington is the largest ski resort in the eastern U.S., with 1,526 skiable acres, seven peaks, 155 runs, and 22 lifts. Snowmaking covers 70 miles of trails, extending the season from October through May.

Highlights:

• Vibrant après-ski and live events
• Outer Limits double-black diamond for advanced skiers

Killington’s mix of terrain and social energy makes it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and social skiers alike.

Stratton Mountain Resort

Stratton offers easy access from Boston and New York and is ideal for families. With 99 trails across 670 acres, it features a top-rated ski school and renowned terrain parks.

Highlights:

• Extensive snowmaking and nightly grooming
• Programs for all ages and abilities
• Southern Vermont location with slightly warmer temperatures

Stratton is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a reliable, well-maintained mountain.

Maine and New Hampshire Stars

Sugarloaf (Maine)

Sugarloaf is the only East Coast resort with lift-served above-treeline skiing. With 1,360 acres and 2,820 feet of vertical, it delivers a true big-mountain experience. Its remote location near the Canadian border means fewer crowds and a laid-back atmosphere.

Highlights:

• 142 inches of natural snowfall annually
• Extensive snowmaking system
• Challenging terrain for strong intermediates and experts

Sugarloaf offers raw, authentic skiing, reminiscent of the East Coast’s early days.

Sunday River (Maine)

Sunday River connects eight peaks into one seamless skiing experience. Its lift system moves 3,200 skiers per hour, keeping lines short, while night skiing extends your day on select trails.

Highlights:

• Over 2,000 snowmaking guns
• Consistent conditions for all abilities
• Multiple base areas to spread crowds

Bretton Woods (New Hampshire)

Located in the Mount Washington Valley, Bretton Woods provides 464 acres of perfectly groomed terrain. Consistent natural snowfall and a relaxed pace make it ideal for families and intermediate skiers.

Highlights:

• Extensive cross-country trails
• Ice skating and other winter activities
• Views of Mount Washington and historic lodge charm

New York and Pennsylvania Highlights

Whiteface Mountain (New York)

Whiteface boasts the East Coast’s highest vertical drop at 3,430 feet. Long, sustained runs challenge advanced skiers, while beginners have dedicated learning areas. Lake Placid’s Olympic village adds history and charm.

Hunter Mountain (New York)

Just 2.5 hours from NYC, Hunter offers 66 trails across three mountain faces. Snowmaking covers 100% of terrain, with terrain parks and night skiing seven days a week. Its social atmosphere appeals to younger skiers and city escapees.

Camelback (Pennsylvania)

Located in the Poconos, Camelback has 39 trails, an 800-foot vertical drop, and extensive night skiing. Its learning areas and beginner programs make it ideal for families, while one of the largest snow tubing parks in the country provides options for non-skiers.

Additional Notable Resorts

• Jay Peak (VT): 350+ inches of snowfall annually, indoor water park, authentic mountain culture
• Mount Snow (VT): 601 acres, strong intermediate terrain, Epic Pass access, top terrain parks
• Smugglers’ Notch (VT): Family-focused, ski-in/ski-out lodging, comprehensive kids’ programs
• Loon & Cannon Mountains (NH): Classic New England terrain, fewer crowds, well-maintained slopes
• Okemo & Sugarbush (VT): Impeccable grooming, family-friendly trails, vertical drops up to 2,820 feet
• Gore Mountain (NY): 453 acres, state-run, affordable lift tickets, focus on skiing itself

Your next adventure

You don’t need to fly west for quality skiing. From Stowe’s village charm to Killington’s massive trails, Sunday River’s eight peaks, and Whiteface’s Olympic pedigree, the East Coast delivers consistently excellent skiing. Terrain and conditions cater to advanced skiers chasing vertical drops as well as families seeking gentle learning slopes.

Trip Tips:

• Visit between late December and March for optimal conditions
• Many resorts open by Thanksgiving for early-season skiing
• Higher-elevation resorts like Killington can extend through April
• Midweek visits offer the best value and smallest crowds
• Book lodging early for holidays and February vacation weeks

Consider skill level, resort proximity, and amenities. Advanced skiers should prioritize vertical and expert terrain at Whiteface, Sugarloaf, and Killington. Families benefit from ski schools and varied difficulty at Stratton, Bretton Woods, and Smugglers’ Notch.

East Coast skiing is accessible: leave Friday, ski all day Saturday and Sunday, and return home Sunday night.

Before you hit the slopes, make sure you have the right gear. Peter Glenn has been a trusted name in winter sports for over 65 years, offering expert guidance to help match skis, boots, poles, outerwear, and accessories to East Coast conditions, from hard-packed groomers to powder days.

Visit Peter Glenn today for personalized gear recommendations and everything you need for an unforgettable ski season.