A Guide To Skiing In New England
The birthplace of snowboarding, New England is home to over 60 ski and snowboard areas and resorts. It is also where winter sport enthusiasts find world class ski schools and countless cross-country skiing trails.
The region offers a wealth of winter fun for families and travellers of all ages. With smaller resorts in Massachusetts and Connecticut, most of New England’s premier ski resorts are found in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Most ski resorts are found within a two to four hour drive from Boston Logan International Airport, New England’s main gateway to the world.
From challenging runs to inviting beginner slopes, New England is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Connecticut
Connecticut ski areas are within reasonable driving distance from Massachusetts, as well as points within New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Highlights include Mohawk Mountain in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.
The state’s oldest and largest ski area, Mohawk offers 25 ski trails, seven lifts and a variety of lodging options. Other major ski areas in Connecticut include scenic Mountain Southington near Hartford and the 65-acre Ski Sundown northeast of New Hartford. A year-round destination close to New York City, Woodbury Ski Area has a large snow tubing park and 100 acres of skiable area.
Massachusetts
For downhill skiing, Wachusett Mountain is home to the state’s highest mountain east of the Connecticut River. The resort features a 1,000-foot vertical drop and 22 trails. The largest ski and snowboard resort in Southern New England, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in the Berkshire Mountains is a popular with snowboarders. The four-season destination boasts 45 trails and 3 terrain parks.
Canterbury Farm Cross Country Ski Area offers 22 kilometres of groomed and tracked cross-country skiing trails. When not skiing, visitors can relax in historic Colonial style homes at the Canterbury Farm Bed and Breakfast set in a secluded location close to Jacob’s Pillow. Just 30 minutes from Boston, Nashoba Valley Ski Resort is where you will find New England’s largest tubing centre, 17 ski runs and an exciting terrain park.
Maine
With some of the longest winter seasons in New England, Maine’s major resorts serve as training bases for past and aspiring Olympians. Sunday River includes eight mountains and three base lodges, extensive snow-making capabilities, day and night skiing and riding, and lodging for all budgets. In addition to 132 trails and 8 terrain parks, the resort has cross-country and snowshoeing trails, snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledding.
Maine’s northernmost resort, Sugarloaf is situated in the Carrabassett Valley of the Western Mountains. At the summit of Sugarloaf, skiers and riders get dazzling views of Vermont, New Hampshire and Canada. The resort offers 34 beginner trails, as well as 49 intermediate, 39 difficult and 24 expert runs.
Vermont
With 17 ski resorts, 30 cross-country centres, 1,187 alpine trails, 175 lifts, 5,972 acres of skiable terrain and 1,870 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, the state is an ideal skiing destination with a rich alpine and Nordic skiing heritage.
Killington Ski Resort is home to New England’s largest vertical drop at 3,050 feet. The central Vermont resort has 141 runs, 21 lifts and 752 skiable acres.With 116 trails, Stowe Mountain resort includes Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
The nearby town of Stowe is a popular destination, with a vibrant arts scene. Other major ski and snowboard destinations in Vermont include three-peak Smugglers’ Notch and the 4,000-acre Sugarbush Resort.
New Hampshire
Featuring the state’s longest vertical drop at 2,180 feet, Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park has New Hampshire’s highest ski area summit at 4,080 feet. The 73-trail resort also offers ski and snowboarding instruction for all abilities and ages thanks to a partnership with the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
Loon Mountain Resort is one of New England’s favorite resorts. With three peaks, the resort has 61 trails, a Paul Bunyan-themed terrain park and ample après ski activities.
The picturesque Waterville Valley Resort at Mount Tecumseh has 52 trails and 65 miles of cross-country skiing. A great place to learn to ski, the resort is a relaxing spot to enjoy fireworks over Corcoran Pond, sleigh rides, or ice skate in the resort’s postcard-perfect village. Other major ski areas include Wildcat Mountain, Bretton Woods, King Pine, Cranmore and Gunstock.
