snow skiing

Top Ski Areas on East Coast

By Janet Fraser 5 June, 2023 2 mins read

New England ski resorts offer everything: lakeside ski villages to stunning views of the Northeast’s most majestic mountains. The unique culture of skiing is also found in these resorts. While the mountains out West may be more famous, there are plenty of hidden gems in New England that offer excellent snow, terrain and prices.

Top ski areas of the east coast

There are many ski areas in the United States, but these ten top New England areas offer everything a skier could need from reliable powder to traditional ski culture. These mountains are worth visiting whether you're there for a single day or for a whole weekend.

Stowe Mountain is Vermont: New Englanders love Stowe Mountain because of its excellent weather and great snowmaking. It boasts 66 trails and 10 lifts. There are also two high-speed quads that take you to the top. This mountain is easily accessible from Boston.

Mount Sunapee New Hampshire, another mountain easily accessible from Boston. This ski area consistently ranks amongst the East’s best for snowmaking or grooming. There are many trails available, including a beginner-friendly Long John Trail that is accessible from the top a three-mile long lift.

Killington, Vermont: Often regarded as one of the best places in the country to ski, Killington has everything from mellow beginner slopes to scary steeps. It offers a wide variety of off-slope sports, such as snowmobiling or tubing, making it an excellent option for families.

Wildcat Mountain, New Hampshire: If you're looking for a little more challenge than Killington offers, Wildcat is the place to go. This mountain has long, continuous fall-line trails that drop down the side to deep bump runs and open corduroy lands. It is the perfect place to grab your skis.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Massachusetts: Other than Stowe Mountain, it is the only East mountain that offers lift-serviced terrain. Sugarloaf's summit elevation is 4,237ft. It offers some of the most challenging skiing terrain in the state. There are 50-degree steeps as well as ice-bulge and cliffs.

Loon Mountain, New Hampshire: For the best beginner-to-intermediate slopes in the region, head to Loon. It boasts a six-pack lift at high speed, and it is the only mountain in New Hampshire that offers night skiing. This allows you to ski the slopes even after the sun sets.

Bretton Woods (New Hampshire): This popular area is for ski enthusiasts and bros. It boasts a reputation of reliable snowmaking and has 62 trails.

Vermont Wintersports: If you are looking for a new type of skiing, Vermont offers a variety of great places to do cross-country and freestyle. The Nordic Ski Center offers cross-country trails covering 37 miles. The Trapp Family Lodge, a popular spot for fat biking and other outdoor activities, is also available.

With a thriving ski culture, New England is a prime destination for all types of skiers. These ten ski areas are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and make some new friends while skiing.

FAQ

How do I travel light?

There is no right or wrong way to pack for a trip. These are some suggestions to help you pick the right items to take on your trip.

Only take what you actually need.
Only bring what you plan to actually wear.
Do not overpackage yourself with items.
Make sure you have room in your suitcase.
Always double-check that you've packed everything you need.
Enjoy free storage
Use reusable water containers instead of buying bottled water.
You can carry a backpack rather than a suitcase.
Walk or cycle whenever possible instead of using public transport.
Choose the right size bag.
Avoid carrying heavy items.
Prepare for anything.
You can't leave any trace.

How can I prepare myself for vacation?

It is essential to exercise and eat healthy while on vacation.

Before you leave for work, it is important to be well-hydrated and rested.

All necessary travel documents should be prepared.

Also, be sure to bring enough medication for your trip in case you need it.

Finally, be sure to pack a change of clothes in case you get sick or injured.

How much luggage should I take with me?

The length of the trip will affect how much luggage that you can take. If you are traveling by plane, you only need hand baggage, usually less than 20kg. If you're traveling by bus or train, you'll need more space.

An airport form with information regarding your flight will be handed to you upon arrival. This will include information such a weight of your bags, and whether you need assistance with checking them in.

Before you leave for work, make sure to check it. You could end up spending hours waiting for your luggage to be checked while others check theirs.

It's best to travel light, as you never know when something might happen. For instance, if your bag is lost or stolen, you won’t have any clothes.

What snacks can you take on a plane with you?

There are many different types of snacks available for you to choose from when flying. It is a good idea to bring along any food you love while you travel.

If you love chocolate, for example, you might want some chocolates and other treats like biscuits and crisps.

Try packing some cheese and crackers if your goal is to make something savory.

It's also worth considering what kind of beverages you'd prefer to have aboard. Perhaps you'd prefer something cold or hot?

Whatever type of snack or drink you decide to bring along, make sure they are all packed safely and securely.

This will ensure that your belongings are safe during transport.

Statistics

That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. (travelandleisure.com)
You can use compression sacs or cubes to reduce the volume of your clothes by up to 80%—this is especially convenient for bulky items such as sweaters and jackets. (eaglecreek.com)
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. (tsa.gov)
No Checked Bags: No Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. (tsa.gov)
They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. (travelandleisure.com)