Vermont Ski And Snowboard Resort Guide
The East Coast, and Vermont in particular, has some of the most dedicated skiers and snowboarders out there. These weekend warriors and powderhounds simply love to ski and snowboard, which is reflected in the amazingly friendly and welcoming Vermont culture. There are some bigger ski and snowboard resorts in Vermont, like Killington, which has a bigger vertical drop, 3,050’, than many West Coast areas. Additionally, there are many small ski and snowboard areas with reasonable lift tickets and an easygoing atmosphere. These areas are also close to some of the largest cities in the East. Vermont’s resorts offer some of the closest skiing to cities like Boston, Albany, and Burlington. The ski and snowboard resorts in Vermont may not get the continuous huge snowstorms of Utah and the rest of the west, but when a big Nor'easter rolls through, the powder skiing and snowboarding can be just as good.
| Killington Jay Peak Mount Snow Okemo Stowe Bolton Valley Bromley | Burke Mountain Mad River Glen Magic Mountain Smuggler's Notch Stratton Sugarbush |
Vermont Ski Resorts Map
Killington, or “The Beast of the East,” is one of Vermont’s best and biggest ski and snowboard areas. With 1,977 skiable acres and 3,050’ of vertical drop Killington and sister resort Pico Mountain are as big, or bigger than many western United States ski resorts. On the mountain, there is a great assortment of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities spread over five separate peaks. Killington also has some of the best terrain parks on the East Coast. Off of the mountain, the nightlife is some of the best in Vermont. Overall, Killington has something for everyone, from families to park skier and snowboarders.
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Jay Peak’s 377’ of average annual snowfall is the most in Vermont, and the whole East Coast. Tucked away far toward Vermont’s northern border with Canada, this powder paradise is still easily accessible from Boston and Burlington. Jay Peak is served by one tram, and 6 chair lifts that bring skiers and snowboarders to all kinds of fun terrain, including great glades. While some Vermont ski and snowboard resorts may not allow skiing in the trees, Jay Peak has a liberal off-piste policy.
Jay Peak’s 377’ of average annual snowfall is the most in Vermont, and the whole East Coast. Tucked away far toward Vermont’s northern border with Canada, this powder paradise is still easily accessible from Boston and Burlington. Jay Peak is served by one tram, and 6 chair lifts that bring skiers and snowboarders to all kinds of fun terrain, including great glades. While some Vermont ski and snowboard resorts may not allow skiing in the trees, Jay Peak has a liberal off-piste policy.
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Mount Snow is one of the closest Vermont ski and snowboard areas to Boston. Located in the southwest corner of Vermont there are 589 skiable acres available at Mount Snow. There are four main parts of the mountain, the Main Face, Carinthia, Sunbrook, and the North Face. Carinthia is filled completely with terrain parks, which are some of the best on the East Coast. The rest of the areas have a wealth of intermediate terrain, with some skiing and snowboarding for beginners and advanced riders mixed in. Overall, Mount Snow has some of the best variety in Vermont.
Mount Snow is one of the closest Vermont ski and snowboard areas to Boston. Located in the southwest corner of Vermont there are 589 skiable acres available at Mount Snow. There are four main parts of the mountain, the Main Face, Carinthia, Sunbrook, and the North Face. Carinthia is filled completely with terrain parks, which are some of the best on the East Coast. The rest of the areas have a wealth of intermediate terrain, with some skiing and snowboarding for beginners and advanced riders mixed in. Overall, Mount Snow has some of the best variety in Vermont.
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Okemo has 2,200’ of vertical drop, the most in southern Vermont, and some really fun East Coast skiing and snowboarding. Of the 610 skiable acres, 95% are covered by snowmaking, giving Okemo some of the best and most consistent snow coverage throughout the winter. Lots of great intermediate cruising, beginner learning areas, and some advanced glades and trees make Okemo a nice mountain for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Located in southern Vermont, Okemo is also easy to get to for skiers and snowboarders from throughout Boston, Albany, and the entire northeast.
Okemo has 2,200’ of vertical drop, the most in southern Vermont, and some really fun East Coast skiing and snowboarding. Of the 610 skiable acres, 95% are covered by snowmaking, giving Okemo some of the best and most consistent snow coverage throughout the winter. Lots of great intermediate cruising, beginner learning areas, and some advanced glades and trees make Okemo a nice mountain for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Located in southern Vermont, Okemo is also easy to get to for skiers and snowboarders from throughout Boston, Albany, and the entire northeast.
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Our Favorite Outerwear for Vermont
Stowe is a classic Vermont ski and snowboard area, with a nice town to match, it’s vintage New England. The Mountain itself has a large 2,360’ of vertical drop across three peaks. There is great skiing and snowboard for all abilities at Stowe, so everyone can find something to love. Stowe has some of Vermont’s steepest and longest inbounds runs, giving the mountain some of the best terrain on the East Coast. Off of the mountain, the town of Stowe is a cute ski town with plenty to do, and lots of character. Stowe is located in northern Vermont, about a three and a half hour drive from Boston.
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Just a 30 minute drive from Burlington, Vermont, Bolton Valley is a small old school ski and snowboard area. The prices are reasonable, and there is a lot of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, making Bolton Valley a great family resort. Unlike some East Coast ski and snowboard resorts, Bolton Valley has several marked tree skiing areas, and an open off-piste policy, so powderhounds can chase freshies in the trees.
Our Favorite Skis For Riding Vermont
Located in southern Vermont, Bromley is one of the closest ski and snowboard areas to Albany, New York.The mountain is known for its great family access, and ease of navigation; all trails lead back to the base area, so no one can get lost! In total, there are 300 acres of skiable terrain with 1,334’ of vertical drop. This terrain is split evenly between beginner, intermediate, and advanced rated runs. Bromley faces south, which means they get a lot more sunshine than some bitter cold Vermont ski and snowboard resorts.
Located in southern Vermont, Bromley is one of the closest ski and snowboard areas to Albany, New York.The mountain is known for its great family access, and ease of navigation; all trails lead back to the base area, so no one can get lost! In total, there are 300 acres of skiable terrain with 1,334’ of vertical drop. This terrain is split evenly between beginner, intermediate, and advanced rated runs. Bromley faces south, which means they get a lot more sunshine than some bitter cold Vermont ski and snowboard resorts.
While Burke Mountain Resort is not one of the largest ski and snowboard areas in Vermont, this northern Vermont resort is one of the most storied. Burke Mountain Academy, located in the mountain village, has produced numerous Olympians, and some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. A good value, and lack of crowds have made Burke a favorite Vermont resort for many.
Mad River Glen is one of the Vermont resorts that keeps the soul in skiing (sorry snowboarder are not allowed). The mountain has an old-school feel, is cooperatively owned, and has some of the best glade skiing on the East Coast. The motto “ski it if you can” describes the steeps, bumps and trees that locals love. The famous single chair (only one seat) serves up some great skiing. Mad River Glen is located a 60 minute drive southeast of Burlington.
Mad River Glen is one of the Vermont resorts that keeps the soul in skiing (sorry snowboarder are not allowed). The mountain has an old-school feel, is cooperatively owned, and has some of the best glade skiing on the East Coast. The motto “ski it if you can” describes the steeps, bumps and trees that locals love. The famous single chair (only one seat) serves up some great skiing. Mad River Glen is located a 60 minute drive southeast of Burlington.
195 acres of terrain are available for skiers and snowboarders at Magic Mountain, in southern Vermont. Terrain is split fairly evenly between beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert rated runs. Magic prides itself on its independent ownership and welcoming vibes. Surrounded by some of the larger Vermont ski resorts, Magic Mountain is a nice uncrowded, and laid back alternative.
195 acres of terrain are available for skiers and snowboarders at Magic Mountain, in southern Vermont. Terrain is split fairly evenly between beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert rated runs. Magic prides itself on its independent ownership and welcoming vibes. Surrounded by some of the larger Vermont ski resorts, Magic Mountain is a nice uncrowded, and laid back alternative.
Our Favorite Snowboards For Riding Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch, or just Smuggs, has three mountains of great Vermont skiing and snowboarding. These three mountains offer riding for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, from the never-ever, to the expert. The Morse Mountain learning area, daycare, and snowsports school all make Smuggler’s Notch a great family resort. High up on Madonna Mountain, meanwhile, experts will find steep and challenging terrain. In total, there are 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, and 2,610’ of vertical drop at Smuggs.
Smuggler’s Notch, or just Smuggs, has three mountains of great Vermont skiing and snowboarding. These three mountains offer riding for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, from the never-ever, to the expert. The Morse Mountain learning area, daycare, and snowsports school all make Smuggler’s Notch a great family resort. High up on Madonna Mountain, meanwhile, experts will find steep and challenging terrain. In total, there are 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, and 2,610’ of vertical drop at Smuggs.
Only a 120 minute drive from Albany, and three hours from Boston, Stratton is one of Vermont’s most popular and most developed ski and snowboard resorts. This means great service for skiers on and off of the ski hill. 670 acres of skiable terrain and over 2,000’ of vertical drop offer skiers and snowboarders of all abilities plenty of options.
Sugarbush is one of the best Vermont ski and snowboard areas, with a little something for everyone. The mountain and its 581 skiable acres are spread across two main areas and four peaks. The variety makes Sugarbush a nice family resort, while the steeps make the mountain good for experts as well. Some other Vermont ski resorts are known for their larger terrain parks, but skiers and snowboarders at Sugarbush love the quality and setup of the parks here. The wooded tree areas are pretty fun, too.
