6 Best Vermont Ski Resorts for Fresh Powder and Picturesque Peaks

When Vermont ski resorts get their annual covering of snow, the state turns into one of the East Coast’s most idyllic winter wonderlands—there’s a reason the 1954 classic White Christmas takes place here. It's hard to imagine a better way to spend a wintry weekend; drinking hot coca, getting cozy by the fire at a cabin in the woods. But it's worth it to venture into the cold temperatures and enjoy the state that has something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels—Vermont is hard to beat. Think fresh powder, picturesque peaks, and more maple syrup than you can handle. But choosing where to ski in a place that draws so many to its resorts is another task entirely: The slopes are great, the après-ski food and drink is even better, and the locals are welcoming. We've made our top picks for the best Vermont ski resorts, and included intel on passes, what to eat, where to après, and the perfect places to stay.

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Stowe

Stowe is a top ski destination for those living on the East Coast—and for good reason. Home to two different mountains, Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, a lift connecting the two makes it easy for visitors to ski both in the same day. Stowe is also the birthplace of alpine skiing in Vermont, with the first trails cut on Mount Mansfield in 1933. More than half of the resort’s runs are intermediate, making this the ideal spot for those looking to perfect their technique and log some miles on mellow runs.

Stats: Thirteen lifts take visitors to 116 runs on the resort’s two mountains. Though 55 percent of the runs are intermediate, there is a little something for skiers of all levels, ranging from green circles to double black diamonds.

The pass situation: Expect to pay around $169 for an adult day pass, and closer to $130 if you purchase online in advance. As part of the Vail Resorts consortium, you can also use your Epic Pass here.

Where to eat and drink nearby: After a long day on the slopes, locals and visitors alike congregate at the Matterhorn, a lovable dive located on the access road between the resort and town, where there will be cold beer, fresh pizza, and delicious sushi–yes, sushi. There’s also no shortage of excellent, chef-driven foodie spots in town, such as California-inspired Plate and foraging-driven Hen of the Wood, located in neighboring Waterbury.

Where to stay: The funky Field Guide Lodge offers an intimate, design-y take on this classic mountain village, with nice touches such as included breakfast and a fun après-ski bar scene. Looking for something a little more nostalgic? Head to the Austrian-style Trapp Family Lodge (yes, of the Austrian Von Trapp family), where you can explore 2,500 acres of snowy land with cross-country ski trails that come right up to your front door.

Sugarbush

Deep in the Mad River Valley of Vermont is one of the biggest ski resorts in New England—Sugarbush, which sits on more than 4,000 acres of mountainous land. Slide Brook Basin separates the resort’s two main ski areas, Lincoln Peak and the south side of Sugarbush (just call it “south” if you want to blend in with the regulars). But, if you’re after variety, this is your spot, because the resort also has several smaller ski areas, including the steep runs of Castlerock, the forests of Slide Brook, and Mount Ellen, one of the highest peaks in the state. In off seasons, hikers visit Sugarbush for access to its 272-mile trail, appropriately named the Long Trail.

Stats: Over 600 skiable acres, 16 lifts, and a variety of green circles, blue squares, black diamonds and lift-accessed backcountry options make this the kind of mountain that takes many return visits to fully explore.

The pass situation: Purchase an off-peak lift ticket in advance and you can expect to spend about $109, but the prices soar on busy weekends. It’s also part of the IKON pass network.

Where to eat and drink nearby: Mad River Valley is home to more bars and restaurants than you’d have time to visit in one trip. Favorites include pizza night on Fridays at American Flatbread and flavorful tacos and Mexican fare at The Mad Taco.

Where to stay: For the cutest, coziest rooms in town, head to The Pitcher Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property that’s perfect for a romantic vacation. Slope-side Clay Brook Hotel offers comfortable accommodation for groups of all sizes.

Okemo Mountain

You haven’t experienced true Vermont terrain until you’ve skied Okemo. Local skiers and boarders both love this family-friendly resort, which sees an average of 200 inches of snowfall each year. Founded in the mid-1950s, the two Poma lifts originally cost 20 and 60 cents to ride. Today, although a lift pass will run you a little more than 20 cents, Okemo remains the go-to for those toting little ones due to one-third of the runs being greens. Still family-run, Okemo also attracts freestylers, who make good use of the resort’s Superpipe and eight terrain parks.

Stats: 20 lifts, 121 trails, and 667 acres of skiable terrain.

The pass situation: Okemo is part of the Epic Pass network. Getting a lift ticket from the ticket window will run you $140, but buy them in advance and you can get that down to about $111.

Where to eat and drink nearby: Fuel your day on the slopes with sugar waffles from Waffle Cabin. Harry’s Cafe is a fave for farm-to-mouth dining, with a menu filled with seasonal veggies, grilled duck, and the best jerk scallops in town.

Where to stay: The Pointe at Castle Hill is the go-to for anyone skiing Okemo. Enjoy the rolling hills that make up the picturesque views from rooms at the hotel, and soothe your sore muscles in the Pointe’s hot tub, all just a short drive from the ski runs.

Killington Resort

As one of the biggest on the East Coast, Killington’s trail system spans a whopping six mountains. Looking for gentle, groomed runs? Try Killington. Hoping to be challenged on steep mogul trails? Killington's your spot, too. When you’re ready to take a break from the slopes, enjoy dog sledding and snowmobile touring in the area.

Stats: The resort also features a 3,050-foot-long drop, the second largest in New England. Prep yourself for a giant half-pipe, 21 lifts, six terrain parks, and more than 1,500 acres of skiable terrain divided up into over 150 runs—the longest of which stretches over 6 miles.

The pass situation: All of this can be yours for about $110 if you purchase online in advance, and the resort is also open to those with an Ikon Pass.

Where to eat and drink nearby: For homemade pasta, fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and sometimes even live music, head to The Foundry at Summit Pond. If you're hoping for a more relaxed outing, Choices Restaurant has everything from tuna to duck to salads to help you refuel after a long day of chasing powder.

Where to stay: The Vermont classic, the Killington Mountain Lodge, comes with cozy fireplaces and views of the scenic Green Mountains. Or, get back to the basics at the nearby Cascades Lodge, where the lifts are just a short walk away.

Jay Peak

Set just four miles south of the Canadian border, Jay Peak has pine forests, powder for days, and some of the best ski terrain on the East Coast. Its location in the Green Mountains makes for plenty of snow, long trails, and a solid blend of intermediate and more advanced runs.

Stats: Nine lifts access over 380 acres of skiable terrain. Though about 40 percent of the trails are black diamonds and another 40 percent are blues, there are still a handful of greens, so beginners shouldn’t shy away from the resort, which averages more than 330 inches of snowfall each year.

The pass situation: Jay Peak is one of the only resorts of its size to still offer a window rate adult lift pass at under $100 per day ($99, to be precise), but if you’re exploring multi-mountain passes, it is also part of the Indy Pass network, which provides access to over 100 other independently owned resorts in the US, Canada, and Japan.

Where to eat and drink nearby: Alice’s Table, which lies on resort grounds, is the go-to for high-end brunch, filling BBQ on Fridays, and more. Tasty sandwiches and appetizers like the scallop bisque at the High Country Deli at Jay Country Store will keep you coming back for more.

Where to stay: Book a ride-in, ride-out room at the Stateside Hotel and Baselodge for the easiest access to fresh snow. Or, snag a cozy suite built from locally crafted materials at the Tram Haus Lodge.

Saskadena Six

The resort formerly known as “Suicide Six” changed to a more gentle name earlier this year, but it still has the same gnarly trails and historic ethos that folks around the nation love. Not only does this resort rake in more than 100 inches of average annual snowfall, it is also known for implementing the first “ski lift” in the East, a quasi-tow rope that opened in the mid-1930s. Though small and one of the lesser-known in Vermont, Saskadena Six’s claim to fame is that it hosts the longest-running ski race in North America: The Fisk Trophy Race, founded in 1937, has been won by Olympians like Bode Miller, and other celebrated skiers. Locals love Saskadena Six for its wide variety of offerings in terrain and difficulty.

Stats: With an even breakdown of 30 percent green circles, 40 percent blues, and 30 percent black diamonds, skiers of all abilities will enjoy this resort.

The pass situation: Come on a weekend and an adult will pay $89 at the window for a lift ticket, but on quieter weekdays you can sneak onto the slopes for just $49, an incredible deal as far as ski resorts go these days. 

Where to eat and drink nearby: Just a few miles from the slopes sits the Prince & The Pauper Restaurant, where you'll find seafood and fine dining takes on homestyle favorites like meatballs and chicken pot pie.

Where to stay: Located near the shops and cafes along Woodstock’s Main Street, the Woodstock Inn & Resort grants easy access to the Green Mountains and has a classic New England feel. The newer branch of the Woodstock Inn, the 506 on the River, is a more intimate boutique option.