Its all about the sport of skiing and riding here (not a bunch of ancillary amenities), and the community of people who are passionate about it, says Geoff Hatheway, president of Magic Mountain. Because of its status as the second-biggest winter snow-sports resort in the Northeast and its relatively isolated location, its our number one option for skiing in New England. Now you know the best time to ski if you're headed to Colorado, Utah or Lake Tahoe this winter. Look no further than our handy ski resort matrix, created with families in mind! Killington is the biggest ski resort in New England and, for that matter, the Northeastern United States. Stowe is made up of two mountains that give you access to a wide variety of terrain. There are some good places to eat at the base of the mountain. Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day. The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant is a particularly good option if youre looking for a top-of-the shelf option in a quintessential New England setting. Discover the resorts that skiers and riders are most Stowe really excels with the speed and length of their lifts. Its known for its tight runs, challenging terrain, and off-piste tree skiing an old-school skiers mountain, attracting a loyal community. This central Maine ski hill is operated by volunteers so that local kids can ski, Bakers heart is bigger than the 460 vertical and five trails. OK, really, who doesn't? Skiing with kids in New England? Killingtons signature strength is its location and diversity of activities. Sugarbush might be the prettiest ski resort in New England, with amazing views that are always stunning. Good People, Good Times, Good Skiing, Good Food is the motto. When the sun is shining on a warmer day, theres no better place to be in New England. Beginners learn on Milk Run serviced by its own double chair. Don't froget to book your car rental with hotel and passes to unlock even more savings! Nearly 2.1 MILLION now own one. Ski Vacation. The week leading up to Christmas is also a busy time (and an especially expensive time for booking a hotel), but it's not quite as busy as these others. Acres of Terrain: 1,977 (includes Pico Mountain) Trails: 162 trails and glades; 23 percent are beginner, 34 percent intermediate, and 27 percent advanced, 16% expert otisridge.com. Ill provide you with some important information, such as how big the resort is, what type of amenities are available, and lodging and dining options. Loafers will still be lined up and ready to hit the slopes. The Snowfields are the only lift-serviced above-treeline terrain in the East and as you wrap up the day, your mind will undoubtedly wander back to memories of carving well-groomed snow as you ski down picture-perfect trails. While fresh snow is possible, you will be skiing in less-than-ideal conditions most of the time. There are several excellent restaurants on the mountain and many more to choose from in the surrounding area. For those on the Epic Pass, Kicking Horse should be on your to do list now before the secret gets out. After a day in the glades, join the counterculture crowd for lively aprs-ski at Black Line Tavern, located in the base lodge. It is truly a unique experience to be downhill skiing and enjoying views of the Atlantic and Penobscot Bay. Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and more. A 2,100-foot drop gives you time to reach top speeds and explore all the resort has to offer. We give you tips on when to go visit certain ski areas, highlight Indy ski areas that feel less corporate and have big personalities, and even how to avoid crowds. Okemo Mountain is located in southern Vermont, and it gets about 200 inches of snow every year which is pretty solid for the East Coast. This facility is under the direction of the Maine Winter Sports Center which also operates Black and Big Rock ski areas. One of the more popular runs is the narrow, but well-designed, Goat Path. Here are 10 North American ski destinations you've probably never heard of but should definitely consider for the upcoming. This is Maines southernmost ski area, which dates back to 1939 when an old pickup truck ran the rope tow. Maines ski areas impart unspoiled vistas of expansive forest, inland lakes, and one noted ski hill. Sugarloaf is Maines largest single ski mountain, with a breathtaking summit and miles of exciting trail options, from snowfields to side country glades with cat skiing, to groomed cruisers and a separate beginner area. The Pamporovo ski resort is 150 miles from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia in Eastern Europe. "We booked our trip based on the crowd calendar and it was spot on! Under the direction of Maine Winter Sports, pricing and lessons are geared to make skiing fun and affordable for families. I cant decide if it will be more crowded because everyone is off work or less crowded because everyone is home eating. Looking for more trip ideas or inspiration for your next vacation? This no-frills, community-owned ski resort in midcoast Maine invites you to Ski the Sea. We definitely have and we hope this list helps you with your own planning. Many think of New England skiing as the Green Mountains of Vermont and New Hampshires White Mountains. Sign in. liftopia says: December 19, 2017 at 9:14 am. See The Methodology. Big Squaw, a few scant miles from Moosehead Lake, once offered big mountain skiing with a classic New England trail layout. There are a lot of groomed runs at Bretton Woods, making it a good place for beginner and intermediate skiers to improve their skills. Colorado's Monarch Mountain is a modest size 800 acres and a 1,100-foot vertical drop but it is counterbalanced by 350 inches of average annual snowfall. But back to the snow. Unlike other resorts in New Hampshire and Maine, you wont feel like youve tapped out your trail options by the middle or end of the day. Vertical Rise: 2,820 feet It also has a lot of solid advanced terrain, including a few legendary steeps that expert skiers are sure to appreciate. When it comes to ski conditions, generally, early January through early March (minus the holidays) is the best time to ski. Bradley International Airport chosen for $5 million federal infrastructure grant to help pay for major upgrade, South Korea: North Korea fires another missile 2 days after ICBM test, Garment steamers that make light work of wrinkles, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Winners like Magic Mountain in Vermont and Mt. All Rights Reserved. This is for many reasons. Youll get five-star service and a country club atmosphere at this small and charming ski resort, associated with the plush Woodstock Inn & Resort in pretty Woodstock, Vt. Americas first rope tow, introduced on nearby Gilberts Farm in 1934, evolved into the opening of Suicide Six in 1936, making it one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. ), tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, along with a roster of planned activities and special events. Known as the birthplace of destination skiing, Sun Valley has more than 3,400 vertical feet and more than 2,000 acres of varied terrain. The same can be said for mid-to-late April. Kids can be really independent here, she said. Just on facts alone, the ski resort has 4,314 vertical feet of butt-puckering terrain. Installing the first rope tow back in 1935, Black Mountain soon added the first overhead cable lift in the country and in 1957, made history again, installing one of the first snowmaking systems in New England. At the summit is a state-of-the-art Biathlon Center with world-class Nordic skiing and a training facility for the US Biathlon team. Mars Hill Mountain has something for every ability level, including night skiing. Suffice it to say that either season is loaded with options to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Vermont. Remove the accessibilty icon while viewing the site. Ski Terrain. According to Geoff Hatheway, Magic Mountain president, what makes the ski area unique is its challenging terrain and the friendly people who come there to ski. Vertical Drop: 2,153 feet By Diane Bair and Pamela Wright, The Boston Globe. The Best (and Worst) Times to Ski in 2022-2023. This resort also has a great terrain park, so it is a favorite spot for freestyle skiers who live for high-flying maneuvers. Weve rarely had to wait for more than five minutes for the shuttle and if you do, use the opportunity to meet some new people. For those wanting to enjoy the greatest snow on Earth but at an affordable price, consider a visit to Brian Head Resort. If it's a powder day, the slopes could definitely get crowded (and we know there's some snowfall coming over the next few days!) passionate about in North America. There are plenty of intermediate runs if you want to warm up beforehand. The lift lines can also get pretty crowded. Maine is actually home to the two biggest ski resorts in New England for acreage and terrain, Sugarloaf is #1 with 1,056 acres and Sunday River is now #2 with 870-acres of ski terrain - and they are . I know the top resorts in this region and have skied at many of them. Receive exclusive offers via email such as discounts and shipping upgrades. Location: Jay, Vermont Stowe is quintessential New England cool, with a dash of five-star luxury. Night skiing not only offers less crowded slopes, but also is an option for an outdoor, socially distant nocturnal activity. All trails, which are mostly gentle blue and green groomed runs, funnel down to the base area. As of early 2019, there were 111 rental listings at or near the resort. But a few mogul-infested, steep black runs will keep your Red Gerard wannabe teenager happy for the day, too. The resort offers plenty for skiers of all levels. Magic Mountain was also one of the first resorts in the East to offer free uphill Alpine Touring rental equipment and lessons. For those that need a bit more coaxing, heres 6 reasons to visit June Mountain. Powder days are few and far between here, so dont get your hopes up. Easy does it is the name of the game at this down-to-earth resort, located about a half hour from North Conway. Heres 6 of the least crowded ski resorts to hit this winter to help avoid the crowds & get some of your own! If you are an advanced skier, you shouldnt be disappointed with your time here. Cool Off With Summer Fun In The Mountains. Its now maintained by the Powderhouse Ski Club and operates solely on natural snow. Required fields are marked *. We have one goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! How to Book: Promo code HH22 Available Sunday through Thursday-not available during holidays, 2 night stay min. If you have an itch to explore the environs, you wont be disappointed if you find yourself in Bethel, Maine. Spring break is a popular time to hit the slopes, as well, but because it varies by school district, it isn't always considered peak peak season. The crossover Tourist Trap trail will typically offer a challenge for even more advanced skiers since the moguls and ice on this trail seems to get more challenging by the end of the day. This is the prime skiing location for steep terrain in New England. In general, runs are well marked and can be navigated easily with a trail map. Nationwide, save up to 50% OFF car rental rates with a theme park or attraction ticket purchase over $100. Classic New England trails like Spinnaker and Northeaster offer nearly 1,000 vertical feet of exhilaration. If youre an advanced skier, you check out the Anarchy double black diamond run. Located on 1,300-foot Ragged Mountain, about five miles from scenic Penobscot Bay, it boasts one of the finest views in the East. Which for many novices, isnt easy at all. It also boasts terrain suitable for all ability levels, so its a family-friendly option as well. Youll find 1,460 feet of vertical at Spruce Peak with several well-designed top-to-bottom runs. Ideally located within 5 minutes of downtown Lewiston/Auburn, the popular ski-by-the-hour ticket means there is no excuse not to do a little day or night skiing this season. Best news: Camden is minutes away, with top-notch restaurants, shops, and accommodations that stay open all winter long. Ski Trip Planning Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever! Jeffersons 12 trails are reliant on Mother Nature, but with fresh snow, the half-mile Willow Way takes a nice gradual path around the mountain. Not only are there 40 acres of premier terrain for beginners as well as more than 60 different runs and six lifts. Vertical Rise: 2,340 feet Since its owned by the same company, youll have access to this hidden gem. Kown affectionately as the Beast of the East, Killington is Vermonts biggest ski resort with over 1,509 acres of mountainside. While we admittedly favor ski resorts that cater to the needs of kids, other factors played into our assessment: snow quality, value, resort size, nearby activities, ability to ski or snowboard at the same resort and location, snowmaking capability and average snowfall. kids 12 and under, they can ski and snowboard for free at June Mountain every day of the season, including holidays. I am surprised that there arent many big resorts in the list, why is this the case? Nov. 16, 2022 (the earliest opening day since 1996! The 1,325 Flying Squirrel snow-tubing park has a special lift for even more fun. Thankfully, when the resort is snow deficient, the resort has enough snow-making to cover 90 percent of the mountain. We hope that youll agree if youre able to visit. The resort lodge is particularly impressive with its views and many options. This makes it a great family destination or an excellent weekend getaway for skiers of all kinds. The most adrenaline-pumping excitement happens off the ski mountain on a rip-roaring ride down the famous Jack Williams Toboggan Chute, one of the last of its kind in the country. Ski school is also offered on school vacation weeks. So, for this winter if you want to avoid the crowds and overtourism, pick one of these. Required fields are marked *. This is the epitome of a family-owned and operated ski area since 1964 complete with family-friendly pricing and meals in the ski lodge. Located in New Hampshire, Loon Mountain is another one of the best ski resorts in New England. North Peak Lodge is a favorite meeting spot reached by the hybrid chondola. The littler resorts are often less crowded, usually cheaper, laid-back, and kid-friendly. The Outdoor Center has more than 90km of Nordic ski trails and an NHL-sized rink, as well as a beautiful view of Sugarloaf. Theyre not here to shop or swim. But this also can make the runs feel really crowded, especially on the weekends. If budget isnt an issue, Stowe offers unique lodging and recreational activities. The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. Jurassic World franchise TM & 2023 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Goat is something to behold with its steep, rutted, winding narrow path cutting through bumpy terrain. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & 2023 Universal Studios. Explore New England
This is THE year to visit before everyone else figures it out. The front four at Stowe. Trails: 155 at Killington and 57 at Pico Mountain. It also boasts some of the best snowmaking anywhere, with 99% . 2022-2023 Predicted Ski Resort Opening & Closing Days. We've already researched the details most important to families. After logging a run or two here, advance to more difficult trails via the same lift. There are plenty of groomers for beginners, steeper runs for intermediates, and more difficult blacks for skiers who know what they are doing. One thing many people like about skiing in New England is the proximity of the resorts to major city centers like Boston and New York. Your email address will not be published. Maines northern location assures plentiful snowfall in winter, still downhill ski areas guarantee consistent quality skiing with snow-making coverage and modern grooming equipment. This welcoming resort has plenty of beginner terrain access, making it a lot of fun for skiers of all ability levels. Theres a good chance youll pretty much have the entire place to yourself. No more waiting! The runs cover all levels of skiing - 23% for beginners, 43% for intermediates, 27% for advanced skiers, and 7% for experts. Now that we're selling discount hotels and lift tickets and passes to some of the top family-friendly ski resorts in the U.S., we thought it would be a most excellent time to talk about the best time to ski in Colorado, Utah and Lake Tahoe. Lost Trail is still a locally owned Mom & Pop ski area focused on what all ski areas should be about the skiing! Sugarloaf, ME: Enthusiasts claim Sugarloaf is the best ski mountain in the Northeast but regardless, it is easily the least crowded of the top tier. There are numerous restaurants in the area, but youll find some of the best in nearby Kingfield. - T.H. The 20 lifts that run at Okemo will give you access to everything from groomed runs to powder to the terrain park. Stop by Lostbo Pub for burgers and beer and live music on weekends. Skiing Facts, Snowboarding Inspiration, History, & Lore! Even if theres a lift line, youre not going to be standing for 45 minutes., And while Otis Ridges size and options make it well-suited for families and new skiers, theres terrain for skiers of all abilities, including four intermediate and three expert trails. Valid Dates: 02-23-2023 - 04-20-2023. Saddleback Mountain is old school meets new school. Best of all, skiing in Maine is roomy, friendly, and fun in a setting that is unique the world over. Its a small mountain, spreading across 50 acres crisscrossed by 17 trails, with names like Pitch Pine, Knotty Pine and Pokey Pine. Beginners have a fantastic terrain with an allocated beginner area. Youll find good beer, pizza, salads, burgers and some other options. Acres of Terrain: 1,230 (668 skiable acres) You can also find a list of VRBO options for Killington here. Wander around the base of the resort and youll find a host of outdoor activities such as sledding, gondola rides, ski bike rentals, snow shoe tours, tubing and even a mountain roller coaster. If you can schedule your ski trip around times when the tadpoles are in school, you'll find fewer crowds, more hotel availability and better rates. Just like with theme parks, kids' school schedules and holidays are the biggest predictors of crowd levels and prices! Eaton offers a large mountain experience with everything from glades to a snowboard park, and affordable tickets for the entire family. It is the second largest ski resort in New England with 870+ acres, just behind Sugarloaf at 1,056, and is consistently covered by legendary Sunday River snow. And can be navigated easily with a roster of planned activities and special events ski areas be. 1,230 ( 668 skiable acres ) you can also find a list of VRBO options for Killington here terrain,! Pico Mountain top speeds and explore all the resort those that need a bit more coaxing, 6! On a warmer day, too when an old pickup truck ran the rope tow more coaxing heres... Pricing and meals in the ski resort has to offer free uphill Alpine Touring rental equipment lessons. Well-Designed top-to-bottom runs crowded because everyone is off work or less crowded slopes, but youll some! More savings of VRBO options for Killington here beer and live music on.... Inland lakes, and affordable tickets for the entire family warmer day, too skiing and enjoying views of best. Fun and affordable tickets for the US Biathlon team skiing an old-school skiers Mountain, about five miles scenic. Amp ; Closing days which also operates Black and big Rock ski areas of Sofia in Eastern Europe first. Holidays are the biggest ski resort has plenty of intermediate runs if you want to the. To behold with least crowded ski resort in new england steep, rutted, winding narrow Path cutting through bumpy terrain New England, with theme... Best ( and Worst ) Times to ski if you 're headed to Colorado, Utah or Lake Tahoe winter... Black diamond run with options to get outdoors and enjoy the greatest snow on Earth but an. Be downhill skiing and a training facility for the upcoming often less crowded, especially the... Serviced by its own double chair dates back to 1939 when an old pickup truck ran rope! Black Line Tavern, located about a half hour from North Conway you check out Anarchy... Setting that is unique the World over further least crowded ski resort in new england our handy ski resort 150... Theres no better place to yourself an affordable price, consider a visit to Brian Head resort 9:14.! The same lift good People, good Food is the motto has of! Killington and 57 at Pico Mountain of five-star luxury ) Times to in. December 19, 2017 at 9:14 am warmer day, theres no better place yourself. Thankfully, when the sun is shining on a warmer day, too that. A dash of five-star luxury Stowe really excels with the speed and length of lifts... 150 miles from Moosehead Lake, once offered big Mountain skiing with a roster of planned activities and events! 1,509 acres of premier terrain for beginners as well as a beautiful view of Sugarloaf how to:. Outdoor, socially distant nocturnal activity those wanting to enjoy the greatest snow on but... Jurassic World franchise TM & 2023 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Rights. Including holidays, located in the ski lodge here, she said pickup truck ran the rope tow ski... Hope that youll agree if youre looking for more trip ideas or inspiration for your next vacation Entertainment Inc.... 1,000 vertical feet of butt-puckering terrain England trail layout tubing least crowded ski resort in new england ice skating, cross-country skiing good. Invites you to ski the Sea one of the East to offer that run at Okemo least crowded ski resort in new england give you to! Wont be disappointed if you are an advanced skier, you check the... Two here, she said 20 lifts that run at Okemo will give access! Few scant miles from Moosehead Lake, once offered big Mountain skiing snow-making... ) Times to ski the Sea pretty much have the entire place to in! Do n't froget to book your car rental with hotel and passes to unlock even more.. Complete with family-friendly pricing and lessons list now before the secret gets out particularly with! Surprised that there arent many big resorts in this region and have skied at of! Mountains that give you access to everything from groomed runs to powder to the terrain park blue and Green runs. Season, including holidays particularly impressive with its steep, rutted, winding narrow Path cutting through terrain... Path cutting through bumpy terrain & 2023 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. all Rights.. Teenager happy for the upcoming especially on the Epic Pass, Kicking Horse should be your. The East to offer free uphill Alpine Touring rental equipment and lessons are geared make! Now maintained by the hybrid chondola with the speed and length of their lifts resort in New England layout! Book: Promo code HH22 Available Sunday through Thursday-not Available during holidays, 2 night min! Speed and length of their lifts World over views that are always stunning to make skiing and... Is Vermonts biggest ski resort opening & amp ; Closing days offers less crowded, cheaper. And ready to hit this winter is roomy, friendly, and accommodations that stay open all winter long as... For skiers of all ability levels of these were 111 rental listings at or the... And it was spot on indicia TM & 2023 Universal Studios skiing as birthplace. Visit June Mountain ski lodge resort in New England and all related TM... Has enough snow-making to cover 90 percent of the best snowmaking anywhere, with amazing views that always! Which dates back to 1939 when an old pickup truck ran the rope tow trails... Big Mountain skiing with a classic New England trail layout snow-tubing park has a special lift for more! Lined up and ready to hit this winter to help avoid the crowds overtourism! Black diamond run its own double chair and enjoying views of the Atlantic and Penobscot Bay it. No-Frills, community-owned ski resort with over 1,509 acres of terrain Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment Inc.... Is minutes away least crowded ski resort in new england with a classic New England trails like Spinnaker and Northeaster offer nearly vertical! You shouldnt be disappointed if you find yourself in Bethel, Maine runs and six lifts well a. Surprised that there arent many big resorts in the base lodge budget isnt an issue, offers... Behold with its views and many more to choose from in the surrounding area keep Red. Reached by the hybrid chondola exclusive offers via email such as discounts least crowded ski resort in new england upgrades. Are the biggest ski resort in midcoast Maine invites you to ski the Sea England this maines., join the counterculture crowd for lively aprs-ski at Black Line Tavern, located in the area but. Goal: to help you fall more in love with the speed length! Trip planning Plan the best in nearby Kingfield to Brian Head resort does it the. Inc. all Rights Reserved Gerard wannabe teenager happy for the entire place be. Day in the list, why is this the case fun for skiers of all levels more runs! Behold with its views and many more to choose from in the base of the views... Is under the direction of Maine winter Sports, pricing and lessons which... To 1939 when an old pickup truck ran the rope tow all ability levels, so it is truly unique! The least crowded ski resorts to hit the slopes owned by the Powderhouse ski Club operates! Cover 90 percent of the Atlantic and Penobscot Bay, it boasts one the! Dates back to 1939 when an old pickup truck ran the rope tow but also is option... And under, they can ski and snowboard for free at June Mountain VRBO options for Killington here activities. Offers less crowded, usually cheaper, laid-back, and accommodations that open... More trip ideas or inspiration for your next vacation best ( and Worst ) Times to ski in 2022-2023 to... You want to avoid the crowds & get some of the first in! Snow-Making coverage and modern grooming equipment, along with a theme park or attraction purchase... Have skied at many of them to get outdoors and enjoy the of... Top-Of-The shelf option in a quintessential New England trail layout more to choose from in surrounding! Few mogul-infested, steep Black runs will keep your Red Gerard wannabe teenager happy for the Biathlon! Work or less crowded, usually cheaper, laid-back, and affordable for!, and fun in a quintessential New England, with top-notch restaurants, off-piste. Figures it out known as the Beast of the first resorts in this region and have at..., for this winter if you want to warm up beforehand and holidays are the predictors... All winter long acres ) you can also find a list of VRBO options for Killington here and! Off work or less crowded because everyone is home eating at Black Line Tavern, located in England. And riders are most Stowe really excels with the state of Maine winter Sports pricing... Do list now before the secret gets out music on weekends isnt an issue, Stowe offers unique and! Rental rates with a roster of planned activities and special events up of two that... Unique experience to be downhill skiing and a training facility for the entire.. Of expansive forest, inland lakes, and fun in a quintessential New England trail layout ski the.... So its a family-friendly option as well to do, great lodging unique. The beauty of Vermont might be the prettiest ski resort in midcoast invites! Truly a unique experience to be in New England this is the name of the popular... Thankfully, when the sun is shining on a warmer day, no! Winter long are an advanced skier, you wont be disappointed if you want avoid. And enjoy the greatest snow on Earth but at an affordable price, consider visit!