New England is one of America’s most scenic areas, with Atlantic Ocean views, stunning seasonal shifts, and colonial-inspired towns. The nature in New England is unmatched, with rolling hills and deep forests. From Connecticut to Maine, this incredible region has a lot to offer.
New England remains a beautiful location throughout the entire year, with summer making it an ocean lover’s paradise and autumn providing stunning changing leaves. But in winter, New England transforms into an eerie and beautiful environment, with deep snowfalls and ice-covered trees.
This environment makes it the perfect place for skiers and snowboarders. With countless great ski destinations in this large region, there is no going wrong when skiing in New England. To help narrow down some of the different options, here are six New England ski resorts that make for a picturesque winter getaway.
Killington
If you want to ski somewhere thrilling and adventurous, head to Killington Ski Resort in Vermont, also known as the “Beast of the East.” The largest ski area in the United States, Killington is a massive destination that draws in avid skiers and boarders from across the country. Killington Ski Area has the largest vertical drop in New England at 3,050 feet, making it the ideal getaway for the adrenaline-seeker. The resort also has great shopping, dining, a spa, and rowdy nightlife, making it the perfect getaway for families and friends.
Stratton
Only a short drive from New York City, you’ll find Stratton Mountain in Vermont, home to the Stratton Ski Resort. This resort has been running since 1961, playing home to a huge number of ski vacationers. Stratton Mountain is the highest peak in Southern Vermont, and Stratton Resort takes full advantage of this massive beast with 99 ski trails, 11 lifts, and almost 700 acres of skiable terrain. In Stratton Village, there are tons of dining, shopping, and après ski options, and the quaint-looking Village makes for the perfect winter wonderland.
Stowe
Stowe Mountain Resort is a historic ski area in Northern Vermont that has been in operation since 1931. Comprised of two separate mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe offers skiers and boarders a huge supply of great runs. With over 115 trails and four terrain parks, whatever you’re looking for in a ski resort, chances are Stowe has. Winters at Stowe are made better at the Stowe Village, where there are a variety of shops and restaurants, including the WhistlePig Pavilion, which serves freshly-made rye whiskey. What better way to warm up after a long day on the slopes?
Mad River Glen
Another historic Vermont skiing destination, Mad River Glen first began running in 1948. It has gained a reputation as a resort with diverse ski terrain, and it is also for skiers only. It is one of only three ski areas in North America that doesn’t allow snowboarders, so if you’re looking to do some New England boarding, look elsewhere. Mad River Glen is considered to have some extremely advanced and challenging runs but also has easy runs beginners can handle. It is famous for its single chair lift, which is one of two left in the country, and it is less commercial and packed than the typical New England resort.
Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf is a ski area based on Sugarloaf Mountain, the second tallest mountain in Maine. This is a massive skiing area, with over 1,200 developed skiable acres, 13 lifts, and a typical annual snowfall of over 200 inches. The conditions at Sugarloaf are incredible, and they have a great variety of trails that accommodate skiers of all skill levels, ranging from beginner to extremely advanced. The Sugarloaf Village has shopping, restaurants, bars, and lodging options, so there are many great ways to unwind at the resort after a long day of hitting the slopes.
Bretton Woods at Mount Washington
While not quite the classic ski getaway that Vermont is, New Hampshire still has a lot to offer for skiers, including Bretton Woods. Bretton Woods is the largest ski area in New Hampshire, with over 464 acres of skiable land available. With 63 trails and 35 glades as well as ten lifts, Bretton Woods is a large resort that can handle a big crowd. There are several different fine-dining options available at Bretton Woods, like Crystal Hill’s wood-oven pizzas or Switchback Grille’s charcuterie board. There are also a variety of shops and lodging options nearby.
