Best Ski Mountain in Every New England State

American skiing owes a lot to New England. Some of the country’s earliest ski resorts launched in its rugged (and often icy) mountains. Olympians have been born here, they’ve trained here, and they still ski here. And New England remains a prime skiing region today.

There are more than 90 ski resorts scattered across New England, from Maine to Rhode Island. But in every state, there is one mountain you just shouldn’t miss. Read on for our nominees for the best ski mountain in every New England state.

The Best Ski Mountain in Every New England State

Best Ski Mountain in Vermont: Stowe Mountain Resort

Widely known as one of the top ski destinations in New England, Stowe Mountain Resort has 485 skiable acres and 116 trails, and thanks to an average snowfall of 314 inches, it typically has a long season of top-notch skiing and riding. The cross-country ski center at the resort offers 45 kilometers of groomed trails and 30 kilometers of backcountry terrain, plus a rental shop whose inventory includes Nordic gear, snowshoes, backcountry gear, and kids’ gear (like little snowshoes, and sleds for the sledding hill). For non-snow-based fun at the resort, there’s an ice skating rink and an indoor climbing center. Alternatively, you can appreciate Stowe’s favorite winter sports without stepping foot outside when you visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, which has rotating exhibits and a hall of fame.

Best Ski Mountain in New Hampshire: Bretton Woods

Other mountains may offer more challenging terrain (including nearby Wildcat Mountain), but no place in New Hampshire offers a more beautiful skiing experience than Bretton Woods. The state’s largest ski resort, Bretton Woods offers 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 63 trails and 35 glades. The views of the surrounding Whites, including a drop-dead gorgeous shot of Mount Washington, makes this resort a bucket-list destination for any winter fan. Bonus: Bretton Woods’ eight-person gondola, the only one in New Hampshire, whisks skiers to the summit at a clip of 1,200 feet per minute.

Best Ski Mountain in Maine: Sugarloaf

Set in the stunning terrain of western Maine’s Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf is the kind of winter escape that caters to both newbies and veterans alike. The vertical drop checks in at just over 2,800 feet, and there are some 1,200 acres of skiing and 162 glades and trails. Plus, with an average snowfall of more than 200 feet per winter — not to mention the robust snow-making that happens throughout the season — you can hit the greens, blues, and black diamonds deep into spring.

Best Ski Mountain in Massachusetts: Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

Spread across 167 acres, southern New England’s largest ski resort has 45 rails and nine lifts, including the Berkshire Express, a six-passenger high-speed ride to the summit. This family-friendly mountain features a host of groomed beginner and intermediate trails that cater to first-timers as well as those looking to knock a little rust off.

Best Ski Mountain in Connecticut: Mohawk Mountain

Mohawk’s history dates back to 1947, when legendary skier Walter Schoenknecht, a future U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame inductee and pioneering ski resort developer, opened Mohawk in northwest Connecticut. The industry’s first snow-making was tested at the mountain, and today Mohawk caters to skiers and riders of all levels with 26 trails, including the Deer Run, a 1.25-mile green that’s guaranteed to produce smiles.

Best Ski Mountain in Rhode Island: Yawgoo Valley

Rhode Island’s only major ski resort, Yawgoo makes its home in Exeter, just 25 miles south of Providence. The ski season runs a solid three months, beginning in early December. The terrain features 36 acres of skiing and 14 trails. Snow tubing and night skiing are also offered.

SEE MORE:
Best Unique New England Ski Experiences
Best Cross-Country Skiing in New England
Best 5 New England Snow Tubing Parks

Ian Aldrich

More by Ian Aldrich