East Coast skiing has built its reputation as being one of the more difficult of the coastal ski regions, with some mountains building their rep on their treacherous icy conditions. Don’t get me wrong, powder days on the East Coast — though few and far between — are some of the greatest days a skier can hope for. But what the East Coast lacks in powder, they excel in culture.
“On the East Coast, with skiing, the history is a bit deeper because it’s been there longer. There are more people, and it developed earlier than skiing on the West Coast,” Big Sky Ski Instructor Brenna Kelleher says.
While there’s some great skiing down south at resorts in West Virginia, the majority of class mountains are found in New England. Here are 5 fantastic New England mountains that’ll get you salivating to come out and ski the east.
1. Mad River Glenn, Waitsfield, Vermont
A true skier’s paradise. Mad River Glenn provides the best one-two punch of backcountry and downhill skiing — if you time it right. Their iconic one chair carries you up 2,000 ft of vertical incline, dishing you off at the top, leaving you with an endless amount of ways down. Mad River Glenn is the closest you can get to backcountry without having to trek into the Vermont wilderness.
2. Jay Peak, Jay, Vermont
About 20 minutes south from the U.S. Canadian border lies Jay Peak, one of Vermont’s finest ski resorts. According to VT Sports, Jay Peak is ranked as one of the “snowiest” resorts in all of Vermont. As of February 8th (the time I’m writing this), Jay Peak has already received close to 200” of snow — and we’re not even halfway through the season! So if powder is what you desire, Jay Peak has you covered (literally).
3. Sugarloaf Ski Resort, Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Shifting gears, Sugarloaf Ski Resort is Maine’s most highly acclaimed ski mountain, and the East Coast’s largest skiable area with over 43 miles of terrain. Additionally, the Carrabassett Valley mountain offers the only lift-served skiing above treeline on the entire East Coast. They are also one of the few mountains on the east coast to offer CAT skiing as well. Sugarloaf is the epitome of Ski The East.
4. Stowe Mountain, Stowe, Vermont
Yes, back in Vermont: The Green Mountain State. Stowe is what some may consider a resort skier’s paradise. Boasting over 485 acres and roughly 116 trails, Stowe provides a well-balanced dish of challenge and simplicity. They offer rugged skiing with runs Goat that are just 1,241 feet of ledges, boulders, streams and a few moguls to keep things interesting, as well as relaxing groomers around the Spruce Base area. Whatever ski level you may be, Stowe is surely a mountain worth checking out. (Plus, they just got bought by Vail so the amenities are out of this world).
5. Smuggler’s Notch, Jeffersonville, Vermont
To wrap up, we have Sumggler’s Notch, or just plainly, Smugg’s, as the locals call it. It’s the second largest ski area on the East Coast, trailing Sugarloaf by a measly few dozen acres. Their back bowls are unmatched, offering acres upon acres of endless tree skiing through Smuggler’s Notch State Forest. Smugg’s also offers fantastic, family-friendly skiing to complement their technical alter-ego.
Snow Mag 