While David VanderSchee currently lives and works in Colorado he previously lived and worked in New England. In his spare time, he enjoyed hitting the slopes as an avid skier in New England. In the following article, David VanderSchee provides a look at some of the best ski resorts in the New England area for visitors and residents alike.

While winter may not be everyone’s favorite season, there are a bevy of activities that can make the cold weather more bearable, including skiing. There are 462 ski resorts in the United States, with some of the greatest located in select areas.

Why Does New England Have Such Good Ski Resorts

Grab your ski boots and let’s go! David VanderSchee says that the area of New England is comprised of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, and is well known for the beauty of the vibrant seasons. Many visitors will flock to the area during the autumn to see the gorgeous reds and golds of the trees on the mountains, but when the snow starts to fall, the influx of visitors flock to the area for winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Winters are notoriously long with up to 120 inches of snow on average annually, so enjoying the outdoors is a way to endure the colder weather. Vermont and New Hampshire are especially popular destinations thanks to the Green Mountains and White Mountains that make up most of the state.

What Makes a Good Ski Resort

David VanderSchee says that “good” is relative, but typically, the best ski resorts will have the following:

• Variety of slopes: skiers come to resorts with a certain knowledge of skiing so a good resort will have slopes for different levels. Greens are for beginners, blues are for intermediate/advanced, and black diamonds are for advanced/expert skiers. Having a combination of these, with long runs will provide fun for all.
• Well-maintained slopes: groomed runs, meaning that they’re smoothed out by a machine, make skiing easier and many skiers appreciate it.
• Lots of snow: it makes sense that good ski resorts will have lots of snow and New England consistently has lots of it throughout the winter months!

Six Great Ski Resorts in New England

There are six New England ski resorts that David VanderSchee says are among the best in the country, regardless of whether you’re a tourist or a permanent resident.

Killington

Located in Vermont, David VanderSchee says that Killington is the largest ski area in the eastern United States. It has the biggest vertical drop in the New England area, earning it the name “Beast of the East.” There’s a cozy lodge with live music and the Killington Grand Spa to help muscles relax after a long day on the slopes.

Okemo Mountain

Okemo Mountain is part of Vermont’s Green Mountain range and offers some of the best skiing around. Besides groomed runs, Okemo also has a top-notch terrain park, where skiers (and snowboarders!) can practice their half pipes and jumps. Playing it safe? Try one of the 121 groomed trails instead.

Bretton Woods

David VanderSchee says that Vermont may get all the attention when it comes to ski resorts, but Bretton Woods in New Hampshire is a solid choice when it comes to hitting the slopes. It’s the largest in the Granite State at 464 acres and offers a variety of other winter activities besides downhill skiing, including cross country, tubing, and fat tire biking.

Jay Peak

Jay Peak is located in Jay, Vermont and boasts some of the most diverse amounts of ski runs in New England. While many people go to ski the mountains, Jay Peak is unique in that it offers an indoor waterpark. Experience summer in the middle of winter! There is also a climbing gym, an ice-skating rink, a spa, and even a movie theater!

Stowe Mountain

Another great ski resort in Vermont is Stowe Mountain. David VanderSchee says that it’s known as the birthplace of alpine (downhill) skiing and offers runs for all levels, but they’re especially great for intermediate skiers. Some of the best tree skiing is available at Stowe, and when the day is done, the quaint New England village lodge offers warmth and delicious food.

Smuggler’s Notch

Smuggler’s Notch is another very popular ski resort in Vermont and for good reason. It’s great for families as there are often games, winter carnivals, and dance parties to keep the kiddos occupied. Adults needn’t worry though! David VanderSchee says that Vermont has the highest number of breweries per capita so the lodge at Smuggler’s Notch has a large variety of brews for those over the age of 21.

The ski season is still in full swing so why not head to New England and check out some of the best ski resorts in the United States?