When considering top skiing destinations in North America, many associate premier slopes with the west coast, particularly in the United States, renowned for its exceptional powder and iconic ski mountains. However, for those residing on the east coast, access to these powdery paradises may present a challenge. What alternatives exist for avid skiers and snowboarders unable to venture west?

There remain excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding on the east coast. Although early-season snow conditions may be less favorable, enthusiasts can nonetheless find remarkable experiences. Whether you’re a novice or seeking to refine your skills, the east coast offers a myriad of options for all levels. Here are my recommendations for the top ski resorts in the region.

Poconos Ski Mountains

The Poconos, located in Pennsylvania, showcases a diverse range of skiing experiences. The introduction of artificial snow by Pennsylvania’s John Guresh revolutionized skiing here; in regions like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, relying on natural snowfall isn’t feasible for a lengthy season. With a blend of natural and machine-made snow, alongside excellent grooming, these ski mountains serve as an ideal learning environment. However, they tend to be quite commercialized, attracting families from across the tri-state area—Camelback is a prime example of this trend.

Shawnee

My initial foray into the Poconos ski mountains began at Shawnee, the perfect venue to enhance my snowboarding skills. Recognized as a “learner’s mountain,” Shawnee can get particularly crowded, but the straightforward, well-groomed trails facilitate a smooth learning process. With a summit elevation of 1,350 feet and a vertical drop of 700 feet, Shawnee may seem modest compared to more prominent mountains like Stowe or Jay Peak. Additionally, its annual snowfall of 50 inches pales in comparison to the 300+ inches received at Jay Peak. Having not snowboarded for roughly twelve years, I harbored some anxieties. Despite the easy trails, ice can dramatically alter the experience. My first attempt resulted in many bruises and a few days of discomfort, yet my persistence paid off as I continued to return, grateful for the opportunity to learn at this mountain, which ultimately prepared me for more challenging terrains.

Camelback Mountain Resort

Following the addition of a waterpark, Camelback has transformed into a bustling hub. On one Sunday, we purchased night ski tickets but opted to leave for Shawnee due to overwhelming traffic; for an entire hour, we barely moved! Sometimes referred to as Big Pocono, Camelback boasts the second-highest number of ski runs in the Poconos, with a peak elevation of 2,133 feet.

Blue Mountain

If you possess solid skiing or snowboarding skills, Blue Mountain stands out as a premier destination in the Poconos. It offers a vertical elevation gain of 1,082 feet, with 14 ski lifts and 39 trails. While it may not rival Snowbird or Whistler, it’s widely regarded as one of the best options for advanced riders in the area. For discounted lift tickets, you can visit Liftopia.

Vermont Mountains

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe, Vermont, is not only a charming town but also an exceptional skiing destination, receiving an average of 314 inches of snowfall and outstanding powder conditions during optimal times. Under the ownership of Vail Resorts, it is also included on the Epic Pass.

With views of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 4,395 feet, Stowe provides stunning vistas from its trails. The mountain’s skiing elevation reaches 3,625 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,360 feet, creating a formidable skiing environment. Though the mountain offers limited green circle trails, mainly in one small area, its trail statistics show that only 16% is designated for beginners, while 55% and 29% are allocated for intermediate and expert skiers, respectively. Consequently, it may not serve as an ideal learning mountain, being better suited for intermediates. Regardless, the beginner trails offer breathtaking scenery, ensuring a captivating experience with every descent.

Jay Peak

Jay Peak is renowned for its tree runs and is often considered the best-kept secret on the east coast. Situated merely six miles from the Canadian border, it draws Canadians seeking an alternative to Mont Tremblant in Quebec. Increasingly popular since the introduction of a waterpark, Jay Peak has retained its charm despite attracting a larger crowd. Previously, it stood as a secluded mountain, nestled in a remote area. During one visit, I wasn’t skilled enough for the tree runs, opting instead to explore the town of Stowe with friends while my husband and buddy enjoyed the mountain. For an ideal rest day, consider my top recommendations for activities in Stowe. Jay Peak experiences some of the highest snowfalls on the east coast, featuring 79 trails, slopes, and glades across 385 skiable acres. The mountain encourages off-trail exploration, boasting over 100 acres of gladed terrain beyond the marked paths. Summiting at 3,968 feet with a vertical drop of 2,153 feet, Jay Peak averages a substantial 349 inches of snowfall annually. It caters to intermediate and advanced skiers, dedicating 20% to beginners while offering equal shares for intermediate and expert trails—an exhilarating mountain for skilled participants!

Sugarbush

Sugarbush, located in Warren, Vermont’s Mad River Valley, is one of the largest ski resorts in New England, offering outstanding groomers and natural ski areas. With a vertical drop of 2,600 feet and 483 skiable trails traversing 53 miles, it is an expansive playground for snow enthusiasts. While access can be challenging due to seasonal snow, plowing efforts ensure eventual clearance. Thus, equip your vehicle with appropriate snow tires, as the average snowfall here is 250 inches (640 cm).

As a participant in the Ikon base pass program, Sugarbush allows for year-round visits. For those without an Ikon pass, lift tickets during the peak season typically range between $109 and $169, so watch for special promotions, such as those on Valentine’s Day offering tickets for just $28.

Maine Mountains

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf introduced me to the experience of skiing on a “real’ mountain.” Years ago, I attempted snowboarding for the first time, without lessons, underestimating its challenges. My early attempts, starting on a smaller mountain in Nova Scotia, were daunting, leading to some emotional moments. Following a subsequent road trip with friends to Sugarloaf—Maine’s second-largest ski mountain resort, coming in after Killington in Vermont—I found myself grappling with the mountain’s formidable vertical drop of 2,820 feet and summit elevation of 4,237 feet. It also uniquely features the only above-treeline skiing opportunities in the Northeast. During my visit, I had my first lesson, which significantly contributed to my confidence; I managed to tackle some runs with my companions, even though I had little endurance. My time in the lodge and hot tubs was often longer than on the slopes.

Sugarloaf offers a diverse array of trails catering to all skill levels, featuring 25% dedicated to beginner skiers (green circles), 32% for intermediates (blue squares), 28% for advanced (black diamonds), and 15% for experts (double black diamonds). Additionally, its twenty glades invite those who enjoy tree skiing.

Sunday River

This ski area, located in Newry, Maine, boasts a vertical drop of 2,340 feet with 135 trails across 668 acres of skiable terrain, making it smaller in scale but offering enjoyable, well-groomed trails with numerous dining options nearby. Explore my top suggestions for restaurants near Sunday River.

For an optimal experience, I highly recommend lodging directly at the resort. The accommodations feature an outdoor hot tub and heated pool alongside ski and board check-in, allowing for seamless access to the slopes each morning. Make sure to try a run down White Heat while you’re visiting.

New York Mountains

Belleayre

Belleayre, found in Catskill Park, New York, adjacent to Woodstock, presents itself as a more relaxed family-friendly destination compared to its counterpart, Hunter Mountain—only a three-hour drive from New York City. It may be smaller than Stowe, Jay Peak, and Sugarloaf, with a summit of 3,429 feet and a vertical drop of 1,404 feet, yet it still sees approximately 141 inches of snowfall each year. For those seeking a break from the slopes, Belleayre offers five cross-country ski trails at no charge. Meanwhile, the mountain provides an array of trails suited for various skill levels, perfect for enjoying time on the slopes, complemented by a famous brisket sandwich at the lodge!

Whiteface

Spring snowboarding at Whiteface proved to be immensely enjoyable. This mountain ranks among the best for skiing on the east coast, providing spectacular views in proximity to the charming town of Lake Placid, which offers an abundance of dining options. Surrounded by the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery—especially on clear days, allowing glimpses of both Canada and Vermont. Whiteface is the fifth-largest mountain in New York, with a summit reaching 4,867 feet and a vertical drop of 3,166 feet. It features the hiking terrain known as “The Slides,” a double black diamond wilderness area. During my visit, this area was inaccessible due to weather conditions; the slides had become a perilous ice sheet that could result in serious injuries.

The trail I enjoyed most at Whiteface was Excelsior, a blue square trail that winds seamlessly down the mountain, converging with green circles below it. The fun was so engaging that I found myself repeatedly descending this beautiful slope. Other enjoyable features include informational placards on the lift poles indicating the heights of mountains surpassed during your ascent, including Jay Peak and Stowe. Additionally, a sign on the summit quad lift warns of “bear crossings,” which, upon seeing carved wooden bears below, induces a lighthearted sense of alarm.

The surrounding area offers numerous activities to keep you engaged, allowing for countless days filled with exciting adventures. Remarkably, it is home to two winter Olympic games, with the associated infrastructure available for public enjoyment, in addition to a wealth of hiking opportunities that promise to amaze. For more suggestions, consider my list of the Top 11 Things to Do in Lake Placid.

New Hampshire Mountains

Although I lack personal experience with New Hampshire’s ski mountains like Loon Mountain Resort, my husband recommends it as an enjoyable mountain, albeit not as remarkable as some larger ones discussed here. New Hampshire’s ski areas are nestled within the picturesque White Mountains, my favorite locale, particularly renowned for hiking and breathtaking vistas offered by its challenging trails.

Concluding Thoughts

Each mountain on the east coast possesses unique offerings, providing ample opportunities to relish the cold winter months while exploring new activities or enhancing existing skills. Regardless of your chosen destination, the Northeastern US ensures no shortage of exhilarating experiences for all ski and snowboarding enthusiasts.