Photo by Zach Dischner on Fllickr
|

A Guide To Skiing In New England

ByCharles and Micki
Photo by Zach Dischner on Fllickr
Photo by Zach Dischner on Fllickr

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

Photo by randihauskenon on Flickr
Photo by randihauskenon on Flickr

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

Photo by ClickFlashPhotos Nicki Varkevisser on Flickr
Photo by ClickFlashPhotos Nicki Varkevisser on Flickr

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

Photo by Vincent Lock on Flickr
Photo by Vincent Lock on Flickr

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

Photo by Rudi Riet on Flickr
Photo by Rudi Riet on Flickr

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

Photo by Karsten Seiferlin on Flickr
Photo by Karsten Seiferlin on Flickr

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.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Montezuma – Artisan Paradise or Failed Hippie Rejuvenation Project?

    Of all the places on the southern tip of the Nicoyan Peninsula, we had heard the most about Montezuma. Of all the people we had talked to, there was never a negative word said about it. We really hadn’t done a lot of homework on the place but we knew it had a few hotels and restaurants and had pre-decided that if we spent the night, it would probably be in Montezuma. Neither one of us knew what to expect as we drove down the steep road leading into town and to be honest, we still have mixed feelings about the place. It is at once greater and lesser than we expected.

    It is greater in that it is quite a cute little offbeat town tucked on the sides of a mountain with gorgeous beaches running along both sides of it. There are a dozen little restaurants and shops hidden along its curving streets and lanes. There is a nice park and play center right smack in the middle of it all. The people in town seem friendly enough and the prices, though not amazing, seem on par for that area of the world. There is a definite “earthy” feel to the town with yoga classes, all natural foods and organic fare available at a bunch of places. We even had decent healthy food at The Bakery Cafe while watching a pair of monkeys descend from the treetops to entertain us while we ate a late lunch.

    That all being said, there seems to be an hidden undercurrent to the town. Both ends of the beach have…

  • | | |

    Travel Photo: Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Beach), Boracay, Philippines

    The island of Boracay in the Philippines is considered by many to be one of the nicest beach destinations in the world. It routinely makes it into the top 10 beach lists year after year. After a few moments walking the length of it’s three main beaches you’ll quickly understand why.

    Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Beach) on the northern side is special because it’s entirely made up of white puka shells. Though this creates a slightly rougher sand compared to the famous white powder on White Beach, the color of the azure water and the quiet isolation easily make up for it.

    The throngs of people that spend their waking hours walking up and down amazing White Beach or Kite Boarding on the windy Bolabog Beach rarely venture to this quiet area that is every bit as nice as it’s siblings. To get there you can…

  • | |

    Best of Playa Del Carmen Restaurants

    Eating out in Playa del Carmen can be expensive. Many of Playa’s restaurants, especially those on Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) cater to the tourist crowd. While some are fantastic, they cater almost exclusively to tourists, and the prices reflect it.

    Since we were in town for a couple of months, we spent some time finding out where the locals go for a taste of the real and affordable Playa del Carmen. This is in no way a complete list of Playa’s restaurants, but they are some of our favorites. Feel free to check any of them the next time you’re down there.

    Best Breakfast: La Cueva Del Chango

    With it’s unique garden style patio, and turtle and poi pond under a concrete canopy fitted with glass bottles to let in the sun, La Cueva Del Chango was by far our favorite breakfast place. The decor definitely makes the place stand out, however the food was delicious and a decent price as well. The kids loved walking around and watching the turtles. Their french toast was Charles’ favorite, but Micki and kids loved their granola concoction.

    Calle 38 North between 5th and 10th

    Best Pizza: Pizza Bella Vita

    When we first arrived and asked people for suggestions on restaurants this place came up more than once. Seems that it was on everyone’s favorite list. After trying it for ourselves it quickly became a regular staple. Only a block from Mamitas Beach, we either stopped here before heading to the beach or on our way back. The pizza melted in your mouth and the calzones were incredibly light and crunchy. The place is run by a young Italian owner and is fairly new. They have some odd topping selections, but after trying most of them out you can’t go…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *