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The mountains are calling. Up in the Green Mountains of New England are incredible ski and snowboard resorts. Vermont ski resorts are among the country’s finest spots to wind your way through fresh, powdery snow. The trails, as well as terrain parks and glade areas, are enough to keep you coming back year after year. Plus all the quaint New England towns dotting Vermont’s mountains will charm you into staying. With so many incredible spots, it’s impossible to list them all. But we’ve helped you out — check out some of the top Vermont ski resorts.
1. Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, VT
Vermont’s most quintessential town is the perfect backdrop for your ski and snowboard weekend. Stowe Mountain Resort, in the charming Stowe, is full of some of the area’s best, most challenging runs. With 116 trails, a vertical drop of 2,360 feet, and the highest elevation of 3,625 feet, you’ll never run out of fun. Stowe Mountain Resort features two main mountains. Mount Mansfield, at 4,395 feet, is the highest peak in the state of Vermont, and Spruce Peak has some of the smoother, easier runs, making it well-suited for those just beginning. Stowe Mountain Resort is home to more than just downhill skiing and snowboarding, with terrain parks to practice your jumps, an ice rink to practice your spins, and a cross-country skiing center to practice the classic Nordic (and Vermont) sport. Don’t forget to visit the town of Stowe while you’re there! With great food and great breweries, as well as unique art galleries and classic country general stores, Stowe Village will make you fall in love.
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2. Smugglers Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
Just around the corner from Stowe Mountain Resort is the area’s other top spot for skiers and snowboarders: Smuggler’s Notch. This family-friendly resort is home to over 1,000 skiable acres across three of Vermont’s best mountains. Madonna, Sterling, and Morse give you trails of all levels and easy access between the three peaks. The resort is also home to an impressive six terrain parks. Burton Treehouse Riglet Park is the perfect spot for young skiers and snowboarders to learn tricks. The park has a ski camp for kids aged three to five also. Log Jam is perfect for novice level skiers and Flowground is great for the whole family. Birch Run is ideal for intermediates, with a park full of table tops, rolls, and more. Knight’s Revenge and The Zone are the most challenging terrain parks at Smuggs, fit for experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to test their skills.
3. Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT
Pack your bags and head off to Sugarbush Resort, in Warren, Vermont. The resort is famous worldwide as one of the state’s most classic mountain experiences. Sugarbush Resort features three main mountains full of trails for your days on the slopes. Lincoln Peak offers skiers and snowboarders the greatest joy, from acres upon acres of skiable terrain to the ski school to the entire Lincoln Peak Village. Lincoln Peak features a lift that connects to Mt. Ellen. The mountain is perfect for adventurers, complete with two terrain parks, and the highest chairlift in Vermont. Slide Brook Basin is one of Sugarbush’s most unique features. The basin is technically not on resort property and is much more in the wilderness than the other two slopes. Despite this, you can still go to Slide Brook to get in some skiing or snowboarding, as long as it’s with an official Sugarbush guide.
4. Jay Peak Resort, Jay, VT
Head way up north toward the Canadian border and you’ll find yourself at Jay Peak Resort. The Vermont ski resort is famous for having the most snow in the east coast of the United States. Check out Jay Peak’s 385 acres of slopes and an annual snowfall of 349 inches. The slopes at this resort are geared more toward advanced skiers and snowboarders — 20% are beginner level, while the other 80% are intermediate and advanced level runs. Jay Peak’s season runs from November through May, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the 2,153-foot vertical drop and two terrain parks. Despite having marked ski areas, Jay Peak suggests you venture outside a bit to get “off the beaten track.” Once you’re done with the snow for the day, head back to Jay Peak’s base and have some fun in the Pump House Indoor Waterpark. With water slides, wave pools, a lazy river, as well as arcades and more, you’ll be entertained for hours.
5. Mad River Glen, Waitsfield, VT
If you’re an avid skier and haven’t been to Mad River Glen yet, what are you waiting for? As one of Vermont’s most iconic ski resorts, it’s known as one of the most challenging ski resorts in New England, as well as one of the only places for skiers only (sorry, snowboarders). The terrain at Mad River Glen is family-friendly, though mostly boasts more difficult trails. Curve your way in and out of the trails cut to fit the natural curves of the mountains. Check out Mad River’s countless glades to wind your way through the trees, and when the day is done, make your way back to the resort’s singular base area.
6. Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT
Southern Vermont’s premier ski resort is hiding right under your nose. The highest peak in the southern half of the state rises to 3,875 feet. 670 acres of skiable terrain, 97 trails, 160 acres of gladed terrain, and trails ranging from beginner to expert round out Stratton’s list of key features. Plus with ski schools, mountain tours, terrain parks, and world-class dining back at base camp, the trip has everything you could need. Stratton Mountain also features private lodging right on the mountain, so you can jump out of bed and into your boots in the mornings. Check out the private rooms and apartment-style suites available at various sites on the mountain.
7. Mount Snow Resort, Dover, VT
Another top southern Vermont spot is Mount Snow, by the New York border. The famous mountain is open 9 am to 4 pm weekdays and 8 am to 4 pm on weekends and holidays. Enjoy the three main ski areas: Main Mountain, North Face, Sunbrook, and Carinthia with a vertical drop of 1,700 feet. Carinthia ski area also has a full 10 terrain parks. Dive into the half pipes, jumps, and fun features waiting for you. If you’re sick of skiing or snowboarding, Mt Snow has got you covered. Try out some of the other activities available, including dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tubing, and snow skiing. While there, head over to the Dover Historical Museum to learn about the town’s past, or try your luck at a strike in the town’s bowling alley.