13 Best Ski Resorts in Vermont for a Winter Getaway
Vermont knows how to make winter magical. Legendary powder stashes? Check. Family-friendly slopes? Absolutely.
The Green Mountain State has carved out a reputation as the East Coast’s top spot for snowy adventures.
Here are the best ski resorts in Vermont you need to check out.
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1. Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is Vermont’s main event, with 116 trails draped across Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
Beginners and experts both find their groove here—one minute you’re cruising mellow greens, the next you’re staring down a seriously steep chute.
The Main Street run is wide, perfectly groomed, and the views? Pure Green Mountain drama. April brings quieter slopes and surprisingly good snow if you’re into late-season turns.
Best For: Skiers who want a mix of terrain, big mountain views, and consistent snow.
Where to Stay: Book a stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak for maximum slope time. You’ll roll out of bed and straight onto the lifts.
2. Killington Resort
Killington Resort is a beast—six mountains, 155 trails, 21 lifts, and a vibe that’s as lively as it gets.
Express gondolas and high-speed chairs keep you moving, so you’re never stuck in line for long.
There’s terrain for every mood: wide cruisers, old-school New England steeps, moguls, and tree runs. You could ski here for days and still find new stuff to explore.
Best For: Groups and families who want a massive playground with all the options.
Where to Stay: The Killington Grand Resort Hotel sits right on the slopes, so you can maximize your laps (and your après).
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3. Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush is where things get real. Two connected mountains, 111 trails, and a no-nonsense vibe in the Mad River Valley. Chairlifts and shuttles keep it all flowing.
The place keeps its roots—minimal base sprawl, thoughtful planning, and terrain that’ll make advanced and intermediate skiers grin. If you want the “real Vermont” feel, this is it.
Best For: Those chasing authentic mountain energy and tough terrain across two peaks.
Where to Stay: Try the Inn at Round Barn Farm—a 1910 dairy barn turned luxury lodge, with killer views to boot.
4. Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak sits way up near the Canadian border and gets the most snow in the Northeast.
It’s a powder magnet that draws in skiers who want the deep stuff and don’t mind a bit of a drive.
With 385 acres of terrain and tree glades you’ll want to lap all day, Jay’s the place for off-piste adventures. Natural snowpack, endless glades, and a wild, untamed feel.
Best For: Powder chasers and advanced skiers who crave tree runs and deep snow.
Where to Stay: Hotel Jay puts you right on the slopes and connects to a year-round indoor waterpark—a surprisingly fun après option.
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5. Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo is all about family-friendly comfort. With 120 trails over 667 acres and some of the East’s most reliable snow, it’s a no-brainer for groups with kids or mixed abilities.
The snowmaking here is next-level, so conditions stay solid even when Mother Nature slacks off.
Lifts are modern and quick, and the terrain parks keep things interesting for anyone who likes a little airtime.
Best For: Families who want consistent snow, varied terrain, and surprisingly good mountain eats.
Where to Stay: The Jackson Gore Inn is right at the base, so you’re never far from your next run.
6. Mount Snow
Mount Snow is almost too easy to get to—just a couple hours from Boston, four from NYC. It’s the go-to for city folk who want max skiing with minimal travel.
Most of the terrain is intermediate, but Carinthia’s 10 terrain parks and superpipe turn the place into a freestyle playground.
Best For: Anyone who values easy access, variety, and top-tier terrain parks.
Where to Stay: The Grand Summit Hotel is slope-side, so you can sneak in a few last runs before calling it a day.
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7. Smugglers’ Notch
They call it America’s Family Resort—and Smugglers’ Notch earns it. Top ratings year after year, with a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.
With 78 trails across three mountains, there’s plenty of room to roam. Sterling Mountain’s single-black runs are great for intermediates pushing their limits.
Best For: Families with kids who want great ski lessons and a mountain that never gets boring.
Where to Stay: On-mountain condos at Smugglers’ Notch Resort put you steps from the lifts, and full kitchens mean you can eat something besides pizza.
8. Bolton Valley
Bolton Valley is just 30 minutes from Burlington, so it’s perfect for quick escapes. 71 trails and 300 acres make it feel bigger than it looks on the map.
With over 300 inches of snow each year and legit backcountry access, you can dip your toes into off-piste adventures.
Lessons in freeride and backcountry techniques are a nice touch for those wanting to level up.
Best For: Families who want affordable skiing, great snow, and a taste of backcountry near Burlington.
Where to Stay: Bolton Valley Resort’s slope-side lodging keeps things simple—roll out and ride.
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9. Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton brings the heat with 99 trails and over 670 acres, making it a southern Vermont favorite.
There’s a bit of everything: groomers, moguls, and glades packed with powder on a good day.
It’s close to NYC and Boston, so weekend getaways are easy. Terrain variety is strong, and the mountain village has just enough buzz if you’re craving a little après action.
Best For: Groups who want lots of terrain and quick access from the city.
Where to Stay: Stratton Mountain Resort’s slopeside digs mean you can ski until the lifts stop spinning.
10. Bromley Mountain
Bromley Mountain faces south, so you’re skiing into the sun—expect warmer days and bluebird skies more often than not.
It’s a manageable size, which means you can let the kids roam without worrying too much.
All the runs funnel back to a central base, so getting separated is nearly impossible. Forty seven trails and a mix for all levels make it a solid pick for groups with different skills.
Best For: Families who want sunny, easygoing slopes in southern Vermont.
Where to Stay: Bromley View Inn gives you mountain views from your room and quick access to the lifts.
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11. Mad River Glen
Mad River Glen is the only cooperatively owned ski mountain in the country. Tucked in the Mad River Valley, it’s also the only ski area in the US on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s all about classic ski culture here—rustic, quirky, and fiercely independent since 1947.
The terrain is tough, the spirit is strong, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time (in the best way).
Best For: Skiers after no-frills, old-school mountain vibes and a true sense of community.
Where to Stay: West Hill House B&B is just minutes from the slopes, with cozy rooms and personal touches you won’t get at a chain.
12. Magic Mountain Ski Area
Magic Mountain in Londonderry is the antidote to crowded mega-resorts. Independent, uncrowded, and refreshingly low-key, it caps ticket sales so you’re never fighting for space.
There are 39 marked trails, 11 glades, and a 1,500-foot vertical that’ll leave your legs burning.
The Red chair gets you to the summit, and the Black Line Quad keeps lines moving fast.
Best For: Skiers who want real Vermont character and slopes that never feel crowded.
Where to Stay: Upper Pass Lodge is right at the base and feels like a true mountain hideaway.
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13. Burke Mountain
Burke Mountain stays Vermont’s best-kept secret up in the Northeast Kingdom. We’re talking 55 trails, 15 glades, and 270 acres—without the headache of lift lines.
Snowfall? About 217 inches a year, all natural. Burke Mountain Academy has produced over 50 Olympians, so you can expect terrain that doesn’t mess around.
Best For: Families who want wide-open runs and stellar tree skiing.
Where to Stay: Burke Mountain Hotel sits right at the bottom, so you can be on the lift in minutes.
