You might dream of skiing in the or even high in the mountains of . However, there are some pretty great ski destinations in the United States as well. And, as an international traveller, you might initially feel drawn towards the Western United States.
Utah, Big Bear, and a host of other attract thousands of visitors each year looking to ski the powdery slopes of some of the best resorts in America. However, we’re here to spread the news: Vermont is a quality spot for experienced skiers as well.
Sure, the rest of New England’s home to prime powder as well, but Vermont’s got 43 cross-country and Alpine resorts to choose from, more than any other state in the region. With a variety of resorts to choose from, we thought we’d help you out by reviewing seven of the best ski resorts in .
Killington Resort, with six mountains and 140 trails, is the largest and most popular in the area. It’s great for skiers who don’t mind hard-packed conditions. Why? It gets colder here than any other ski destination in the United States! The terrain difficulty is split evenly among all levels of skier. There is also a 3,000-foot vertical drop that measures six miles in length and will take you hours to complete.
Offering an impressive variety of terrain, Okemo Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Vermont for adrenaline junkies looking for a little bit of everything. Experts consistently rank it pretty high in terms of, well, everything. From snow quality and grooming to terrain parks, family programs and resort dining, this spot’s top-notch all around. With 121 trails to choose from, you could spend a week here and still be aching to come back next season for more.
Serving up the best combination of woods and vertical drop in Vermont, Sugarbush Resort is frequented by locals and travellers alike each year. Experienced skiers love this place for their progressive out-of-bounds policy, while others are impressed by the variety of terrain available for those who might find themselves in a less adventurous mood. Expect serious steeps at the top and gentle greens down below but without too many slopes for total beginners.
Fancy a little out of bounds skiing and some challenging slopes? You’ll find it at Stowe Mountain Resort, which is consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in Vermont for experienced skiers. The resort is ideally nestled between Burlington and Montpelier, making it a great ski destination for out-of-town travellers interested in somewhat easy access. It’s also sandwiched between two mountains, boasting a total of 116 trails in total. Not for the faint of heart, more than half of the trails here are intermediate or difficulty levels.
Home to some of the deepest powder in the state, Jay Peak Resort is a favourite amongst those interested in treating themselves to the best glade skiing in the entire Eastern United States. Due to its northern location just four miles from the Canadian border, the resort sees a total of 380 inches of snow annually. The aerial tram will take you up to some powdery, fresh snow so you can speed down any one of the resort’s 78 trails. Or, visit one of the four terrain parks, all designed specifically for varying skill levels and abilities.
Looking to ski in Vermont but flying into New York City? The Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort is the closest resort to the city. Just four hours away from the Big Apple, you can easily make a day trip out of hitting the slopes here. The resort’s pretty popular for the sheer variety of trails that suit any kind of skill level. But, what’s really attractive is the entire mountain they’ve dedicated solely to terrain parks; there’s a total of 12!
Towering a whopping 3,875 feet above sea level, Stratton Mountain is Southern Vermont’s highest peak. Count on fast lifts and high-quality snow. Plus, there’s a nice variety of terrain. 99 trails to choose from ensures you’ll find one to suit your style. Their powerful snowmaking skills take care of the quality; you’ll find perfectly-packed powder on a consistent basis regardless of when you visit.
Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube. Contact: [email protected]
