5 Classic Vermont Ski Towns

New England offers some of the best skiing in the country, made all the more epic with exceptional places to ski, stay, shop, and explore in New England's best ski towns. If you are ready to plan your next New England getaway, we have some classic ski town options that you are sure to love.

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Classic Vermont Ski Towns to Love

1. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a 200-year old village and one of Vermont's favorite ski towns, complete with a quaint main street and two ski resorts: Stowe Mountain Resort, which spreads across Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, and Smugglers' Notch Resort. Skiers flock to Stowe for its historic flavor and Vermont charm that mixes effortlessly with modern luxury. 

The best of both worlds is captured in Stowe lodging options too: there's top-of-the-line luxury at Topnotch Resort and Spa, originality at the new boutique hotel Field Guide, and intimacy at small B&Bs like the Stone Hill Inn (couples only!). Families will love Stoweflake Mountain Resort and the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge, where resort activities keep the kids occupied while the parents enjoy a day on the slopes or an après ski drink. 

For days off the slopes, try mountaintop yoga, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, or the popular Stowe Winter Carnival in January. No matter where you stay or what you do, Stowe, Vermont, is a picture-perfect Vermont ski town.

2. Sugarbush, Waitsfield and Warren, Vermont

Mt. Ellen and Lincoln Peak are home to Sugarbush Resort, conveniently located on the Skier's Highway between two cozy Vermont ski towns, Waitsfield and Warren. Top notch skiing is found all over Mt. Ellen and Lincoln Peak; it takes days to explore both peaks and all 111 trails. After a long day (or days) of skiing, make your way home to either Warren or Waitsfield. Here’s what we love about each spot.

Warren 

Warren is a tiny town located at the southern end of the Mad River Valley. No trip to Warren is complete without a visit to the famous Warren Store, where you'll find groceries and a legendary deli serving freshly baked bread mixed in with jewelry, housewares and souvenirs. Many pilgrimage here to look for Vermont's lauded craft beer, Lawson's Finest Liquids. Matching the town’s imitate setting, Mad River Barn promises a charmingly rustic stay paired with comfort food and local hospitality.

Waitsfield

Nothing beats the sweet rustic charm of Waitsfield. The vibrant village center is full of boutiques, galleries, artisan food, a funky museum, and the oldest covered bridge in Vermont. Waitsfield is the perfect place to unwind and explore after a day on the mountain.

3. West Dover and Wilmington, Vermont

Just 25 minutes from Mount Snow is Newfane, Vermont. This charming little town is home to the 15-bedroom Four Columns Inn and is perfect for those who want to hit the slopes, but then stay somewhere more upscale and secluded than the packed areas around the mountain itself. With a small ski town feel, it is the quaint little community of your dreams. 

West Dover

Just four miles south of Mount Snow, West Dover offers small town charm with a variety of choices for dining and après ski, including our favorites the Valley View Saloon Sports Bar and the 1846 Tavern & Restaurant.

Wilmington

Wilmington, just a little further south, has a bustling town center where historic buildings filled with shops, galleries and restaurants line the Deerfield River. There is also a fabulous array of dining options, from the comfort food of Cask and Kiln Kitchen to a unique arcade experience at The Last Chair Bar and Grill.

4. Manchester and Surrounding Areas

Manchester is a mountain town that has it all: dining, arts, history, and of course, skiing. With easy access to both Bromley and Stratton Mountains, Manchester is an epicenter for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation within a town that exudes an long-standing atmosphere of status.

For the luxury of visiting both slopes there are multiple options for lodging in Manchester. Indulge your senses and stay at The Equinox, one of the town's oldest resorts, or try one of the newest, Kimpton Taconic. Alternatively, tuck yourself away in a cozy inn like The Reluctant Panther Inn and the Inn at Manchester. For the shopaholics out there, be sure to check out the wide variety of shops at the Manchester Designer Outlets during your stay.

Sunderland

Both Bromley and Stratton Mountain draw snow lovers from near and far. Bromley features 47 trails on over 170 skiable acres and nearby Stratton is known for its nightlife fit for a proud ski bum. Spend the day under the sun and then stay nearby at Hill Farm by Sagra in Sunderland to experience a contemporary take on a historic bed & breakfast and dairy farm nestled in the Equinox Mountain Valley. With sweeping views of the mountains and a feature restaurant highlighting sustainable and local dishes, your simple ski weekend will turn into a full winter experience.

5. Killington Resort

Killington Resort has 6 peaks offering 3000’ of vertical drop and the complete winter package — skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, gondola rides, sleigh rides, and cross country skiing. The resort and its busy access road boast about 100 restaurants and bars, and there's almost always an afterparty somewhere — it's a great Vermont ski town for a college trip. Almost every month of the year boasts an event; the season kicks off with Killington Brewfest in September.

If you'd prefer to be removed from the craziness that sometimes describes Killington, the beautiful, nearby town of Mendon. In another direction, The Mountain Top Resort offers a free shuttle to Killington and lots of other winter fun when you return.

In between laps on the lifts, set aside some time to explore one of these classic Vermont ski towns for yourself. Each has plenty to offer guests in the way of fabulous skiing, dining, accommodations, and, of course, après ski shenanigans.