When you think of skiing, most of the times your thoughts go to the western US. But a little-known fact is that the eastern side of the US is also a great hub for winter-time fun! What’s even better is that many of the ski resorts along the East Coast are fairly easy to get to in comparison to western ski resorts due in large part to the major travel hubs that are nearby. So, with that in mind, be sure to check out one of our top picks for the 5 best ski resorts on the East Coast!
Before you go, be sure to check out our ski shop for all the best deals on high quality gear. In need of a new set of skis and bindings? No problem! We’ve got plenty of awesome brands for skis and outerwear like Atomic and Salomon that will be sure to help you send that next awesome line. Also, be sure to pack warm base layers, gloves, and beanies as the winters on the East Coast can get cold enough to make your bones rattle!
The 5 Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast
1. Mad River Glen Ski Resort, VT
Acreage: 115 acres
Highest elevation point: 3,637 ft.
Number of runs: 52
Best for: tree skiing, beginner to intermediate skiers
One of the coolest things about Mad River Glen is that it is one of the oldest East Coast ski resorts still in operation today! A great example of the New England skiing heritage that this East Coast resort boasts is the single chair lift that slowly creaks its way up the mountain. It’s one of only two single chair lifts that are still in operation in the US!
After you’ve gotten done geeking out about the ski history of this awesome ski resort, be sure to also check out the over 800 acres of unmarked tree and backcountry skiing available. Get away from the crowds and flow through the New England trees as much as you like!
2. Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort, ME
Acreage: 1,240 acres
Highest elevation point: 4,237 ft.
Number of runs: 160
Best for: Ikon Pass holders, all-level skiers, early season skiing, groups
Sugarloaf Mountain is the only ski resort on the East Coast that has a lift that takes skiers above treeline! Talk about getting a birds-eye view! And when you’re at the top of the mountain, make sure to scout which of the 160 trails you’d like to hit up next. There is a pretty even split of beginner to intermediate trails with expert level trails, so you’ll be sure to suit everyone’s ability level in your group!
In addition to its huge amount of terrain to choose from, Sugarloaf also opens towards the beginning/middle part of November, pretty rare for an East Coast resort, and stays open until near the end of April. This means that you can expect to have over 150 days of skiing available to you, including spring skiing! Be sure to start working out now so that you can get as many days on your pass as possible at this awesome New England mountain.
3. Stowe Mountain Ski Resort, VT
Acreage: 485
Highest elevation point: 3,719 ft.
Number of runs: 116
Best for: Epic Pass holders, families, beginners, après ski
One of the best places to take beginners and younger skiers is Stowe Mountain. Stowe, Vermont offers an amazing spot for beginners to learn the basics of skiing at Spruce Peak. Most of their beginner trails as well as their ski school is located at Spruce Peak, making it an easy place on the East Coast to keep everyone together for a fun day on the slope!
And don’t forget to hit up the town when you’re done skiing for the day. Stowe has plenty of awesome places to get a drink or bite to eat after an adventure filled day on the slopes, filled with lots of East Coast charm.
Remember to bring your Epic Pass to get discounts at all the resort, restaurants, bars, as well as the gear shops on the mountain, since Stowe is one of the East Coast resorts that is part of the Epic Pass family!
4. Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, NY
Acreage: 314
Highest elevation point: 4,867 ft.
Number of runs: 90
Best for: intermediate to advanced skiers, ski racing
One of the coolest things that Whiteface Mountain is known for is its vertical drop. From top to bottom, skiers at this resort can experience over 3,000 ft. of adrenaline inducing drop. This is what made Whiteface the prime location to host the alpine ski racing events during the 1980 Winter Olympics!
With over 22 miles of trails to ski, it’s no wonder why expert skiers from all over the world have shredded the slopes at this East Coast resort. The variety and the steepness of the mountain offer expert skiers’ tons of opportunity to push their limits!
5. Camelback Mountain Ski Resort, PA
Acreage: 166 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,133 ft.
Number of runs: 39
Best for: families, beginners, snow tubing, après-ski
If sending it at Whiteface ski resort sounds like a bit too much, head a few hours west to hit up Camelback Mountain for some much milder trails. This makes is so much easier for beginner skiers and families to stick together while having a great day out on the slopes. And if you end up deciding that you or someone in your group decides that skiing just isn’t for them that day, no worries! Camelback offers tubing that will surely help everyone enjoy being outside on the mountain.
Once everyone is done for the day, be sure to hit up one of the many awesome restaurants at the base of the mountain. The outdoor seating is amazing as there are tons of comfy chairs and heaters to keep you nice and toasty after a long day of playing in the snow!
The East Coast abounds with opportunities to hit up quality resorts for all levels of skiers. From the highest points of Whiteface to the variety of trails to be found at Sugarloaf, there is something that is sure to make everyone in your group happy on the East Coast. So, gather up your ski gear and go hit the slopes! And don’t forget to let us know where you went, and which resort was your favorite!
