Where to Find the Best Skiing & Snowboarding in New England

Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine

Sugarloaf Mountain appears akin to a volcano in the Pacific Northwest as it rises out of the Carrabassett Valley in northern Maine. This resort boasts one of the largest continuous verticals in the east—2,820 feet—and, other than Stowe, is the only ski area in the East to offer alpine terrain. With its location well north of Portland, Maine, there are fewer crowds than many of the southern New England ski areas. The mountain has a vibrant, local vibe and is family-friendly.

Saddleback Mountain, Maine

Another mountain that shouldn’t be overlooked is Saddleback Mountain, located in Franklin County, Maine. With a base elevation of 2,460’, it has the highest base elevation of any ski area in the East! Boasting a ski school, equipment rentals, six lifts, and 68 named runs, this mountain has everything you need for a great day on the slopes!

Sunday River Ski Resort, Maine

Sunday River is a sprawling ski area spanning over eight interconnected mountain peaks, including White Cap, Locke Mountain, Barker Mountain, Spruce Peak, North Peak, South Ridge, Aurora Peak, and Oz. This ski resort is a happy place for all winter sports enthusiasts with tree skiing and terrain parks. Explore pass options today!

We recommend checking out Loon Lodge Inn & Restaurant or the Bethel Inn Resort for your trip to Sugarloaf Mountain and Saddleback Mountain. The former is a quaint inn situated on the eastern shore of Rangeley Lake, and only an hour’s drive along scenic Route 16 to Sugarloaf Mountain and just a quick 30-minute drive to Saddleback. The latter is a luxury Four Season Resort in the heart of Maine's White Mountains, just 6 miles from Sunday River.

Blue Hills Ski Area, Massachusetts

Only 20 minutes from Boston, Blue Hills Ski Area is easily accessible and doesn’t require any far travel. With 60 acres, 16 trails, and four ski lifts, this resort is excellent for anyone looking to escape the city for the day to get their shred on! Season passes and updates can be found on their website.

You can choose to stay at any of our Boston hotels and be within a 15-mile distance of Blue Hills Ski Area.  

Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Massachusetts

The Berkshires are a quintessential New England destination for many, and that includes skiers and snowboarders alike! With a mountain range that is exceptionally breathtaking all year round and Berkshire East having the terrain you’re looking for, both the elements and sights set you up for a top-tier ski trip. Visit their website for information on passes and Covid policies and procedures.

A mere 30-minutes away in Deerfield, MA, you’ll find comfortable lodging at the Deerfield Inn. This historic Massachusetts hotel offers an excellent farm to fork restaurant and tavern, warming fireplaces, and a constant spirit of serenity, peace, and welcome. 

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Massachusetts

Declared the best ski area in Massachusetts, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England, with 45 trails. This resort offers various ski and snowboarding lessons for all ages and other fun snowsport activities and events. You can purchase your pass and lift tickets online.

Hotel on North is a quick 20-minute drive to Jiminy Peak and is a 45-room design-focused boutique hotel. Explore more about this hotel and book your stay today.

The Backcountry at Mount Washington, New Hampshire

These trails may not be for beginners as Mount Washington, part of the \White Mountain National Forest in northern New Hampshire, stands at 6,288 feet, dwarfing the neighboring Green Mountains of Vermont, and is known for its extreme weather conditions. Big with backcountry skiers in New England, Mount Washington is home to a famed cirque called Tuckerman Ravine, a rite of passage for many East Coast skiers. Located on the southeast face of Mount Washington, the ravine requires boot-packing up a 50-degree pitch before thundering down a chute that’s close to vertical.

Consider retreating to the Omni Mount Washington Resortafter a gnarly day on the backcountry trails. This hotel has been renowned throughout history for its natural beauty and luxurious accommodations.  

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire>

Bretton Woods boasts 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 63 trails and 35 glades, a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. In addition, this mountain offers ski and snowboarding classes, alpine, nordic, racing trails, a terrain park, and so much more.

Mountain View Grand Resort and Spais located a mere 20 minutes outside of Bretton Woods. It offers visitors an incomparable retreat, a grand escape amid the beauty of the White Mountains, surrounded by 57 peaks.

Loon Mountain, New Hampshire

Offering fun activities year-round, definitely isn’t lacking when it comes to epic trails for skiers and snowboarders alike. With multiple trails, ticketdeals, and exciting extras like snowshoeing and gondola sky rides, this resort has it all!

If Loon Mountain sounds like a mountain you’d like to shred, check out RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain and The Mountain Club on Loon. These quintessential mountain escapes offer the highest quality lodging accommodations with luxurious suites and awe-inspiring mountain views! With an outdoor heated pool at the former and an on-site spa and health club at the latter — rest and relaxation are guaranteed after a long day on the slopes. 

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch is a classic northern Vermont ski area locals love for its excellent terrain and low-key vibe. It’s reminiscent of the old Vermonters who have lived in the towns nearby for generations and is said to breed strong skiers. The ski area has a modest base village with lodging and prides itself on its family programs. So, drop the kids off for ski school while you shred some classic runs, then meet back up for family time in the gentler terrain, and you have a day for the books!

Stay at the classic Smugglers’ Notch Resort located in Jeffersonville, VT. This is a family-friendly resort village located in Vermont’s picturesque Green Mountains, a guaranteed fun-filled vacation that every member of your family will enjoy. 

Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont

Stowe is considered the ski capital of the East and is a ​picturesque winter wonderland for all winter sports lovers. A leading family-friendly resort, there are options for even the youngest snow bunnies in your family. More than 50% of its trails are intermediate, 29% are expert, and 16% beginner, making for a diverse and accessible trip for all.

We have various accommodation options in Stowe, VT, from cozy inns to luxurious mountain resorts. Explore all your options and start planning your trip today!

Killington Ski Resort, Vermont

Skiers delight at the plenty of winter activities this mountain offers! With 212 trails and a whopping 4,241-foot elevation, this is every ski bum’s dream. But not to worry if skiing or snowboarding downhill isn’t your thing — Killington offers plenty of other things to do, like the 4,800-foot-long outdoor Beast Mountain Coaster or the impressive scenic gondola ride.

Our collective of accommodations offers a variety of stays in and around Killington, Vermont, so be sure to check them out when planning your trip to the mountain!  

This is just a short (but mighty!) list of New England’s favorite ski resorts. Check out this list for even more places to shred (or wipe out)! From Maine to Massachusetts to New Hampshire to Vermont, we hit most of the hot spots for winter sports in the New England region—so, which mountain will be your next destination?

The New England Inns & Resorts Association has proudly represented over 300 New England resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motor inns since 1907. From the grandest luxury resort to the coziest country inn, what ties us together is our commitment to gracious hospitality! 

Look to us to help you find the perfect accommodations for your next ski or snowboarding trip.