SnowboarderSki Vacations, Find the Perfect Mountain

New England Skiing and Snowboarding

     Northeast ski resorts are generally smaller than those in the West. Northeast ski areas can be very crowded on the week-ends, with almost no one on the slopes during the week. Due to differences in weather, one may spend the day sliding on ice rather than powdery snow. The best skiing in the northeast is in Vermont. With the development of Loon Mountainaffordable air travel in the 1970's, east coast skiers began to travel to the west to ski. It is extremely rare to find a westerner who travels to the east to ski.  Most visitors only come for the week-end leading too much crowding at this time. Northeast resorts rely on snowmaking and trail grooming operations.

Vermont

 Killington - One of the finest ski areas in the northeast state of Vermont. There is an excellent snowmaking system and trails are present for all skill levels. The resort is very crowded on the week-ends with long waits at chairlifts. There is an active party scene with restaurants, bars and rental shops. The overcrowding leads to slopes turning to ice quicker.

 Stowe - This area has narrow winding runs. It is like a traditional ski resort with excellent backcountry skiing. There is no slope-side lodging, and the village of Stowe is 7 miles below the resort.

Sugarbush - Since 1994, management problems have existed. The ski terrain is very exciting. Lift tickets are affordable. This is not a good resort for after-ski partying.

New York

 Gore - Many improvements have recently been made in the 300 acre ski area. They have updated equipment and snowmaking abilities. Some skiers feel that Gore is the best kept secret in the east.

Hunter - This is a 240 acre resort with very diverse terrain. There is much crowding on week-ends and holidays creating long lift waits and overcrowded trails. Trails for all skill levels are present.

Whiteface - This is the best all-around ski resort in New York. The resort is underused due to extremely cold temperatures and the long drive to get there. This was the site of 2 past winter Olympics. Something is available for all levels of skiers. This resort is 9 miles away from Lake Placid.

New Jersey

Mountain Creek - This is a 200 acre snow park where the mountain is very flat. Intermediate and expert skiers will not be happy with the ski resort but beginners will probably like the slope.

Maine

 Sugarloaf - This is the second highest peak in Maine. There are many trails that are available. A terrain park is present for the snowboarders and there is a slope-side Alpine Village. The resort is located far from any city. It is the only park with thin crowds in the east.

Sunday River - There is a very large trail network with massive snowmaking and grooming operations.   There are no slope-side accommodations, but there is something there for all skill levels. The resort is near the town of Bethel.

New Hampshire

 Cannon - This is the best advanced mountain in New Hampshire. There are 200 acres of terrain with 445 trails. This is a good family resort with affordable prices. It is very easy to get frostbite here so be sure to dress properly. Lodging and food is 5 miles to the north.

 Loon Mountain - This is New Hampshire’s most popular ski area. There are many varied ski trails. You can experience everything in this park in one day, and it is easily accessible from Boston.

 Waterville Valley - This area is very crowded on week-ends, and Lift tickets are very affordable. The resort is bland and good for a family getaway. A small village is one mile away. Probably would be enjoyed by beginners.

 Wildcat - This area has 47 trails. A basic terrain park is available. All levels of skiers can ski here. There are no slope-side amenities.