Planning a ski trip to Vermont? That’s a plan that can hardly go wrong. Vermont offers endless miles of trails for snowboarders and skiers of all levels; plus the best maple syrup and cheddar cheese out there! There is a reason why skiing in Vermont is legendary; its striking peaks and the amounts of fresh powder that fill them during high season are hard to match. We are talking about twenty feet of natural snow each year, begging to be experienced. While some could argue Vermont does not have the altitudes that the Rockies –and other western spots –offer, no other state matches the Winter Olympians per capita as Vermont. It is safe to assume this popular destination offer plenty of spots for these world-class competitors
The resorts are a perfect match for this beautiful scenery. Fine dining, luxury lodging, and a laid-back ambiance pervade on this array of accommodations that can fit anyone –from the most punctilious guest to a skier on a tight budget. Moreover, these resorts have become a traveling destination all-year long because of their amenities and the attractions that can be found nearby. Ready to hit the slopes?
Here are five of the best ski resorts in Vermont:
1. Jay
Skiers and experts in the subject assure no other place in eastern North America gets as much snow as Jay Peak. This northern Vermont mountain offers 79 runs and trails good enough to satisfy the most avid snowboarder or skier. Located close to the Canadian border, Jay Peak bestows a Resort Stateside Hotel and Base lodge. What does it offer? Uncomplicated, but large rooms with many casual restaurants. A variety of amenities that include a massive indoor water park and a climbing gym. –They also host hockey tournaments inside the facilities! Of course, as soon as the first snowflakes begin to fall, the resort becomes invigorated and offers anything from fat bike rentals, to snowmobile tours and cross-country skiing. While the drive to the mountain can seem fastidious, you can always check optional flights from Burlington Airport, which is less than one and a half hours from the resort.
2. Smugglers Notch
Are you planning a family trip? Are you thinking about taking ski lessons? Are you traveling offseason? If you answer YES to any of these questions, then Smugglers Notch must be your destination.
Named top #1 Ski destination in Vermont by many reputable sites, Vermont is an excellent value for your money. They proudly own one of the best ski schools in the area, where beginners can enjoy their learning process, having a whole mountain devoted to them –Morse Mountain. The area also encompasses two other mountains and 78 trails for you to explore. Smuggler’s Notch is also famous for its diverse terrain and the family atmosphere that distinguishes them. The resort has plenty of events and activities throughout the entire year. In the summer, you can find fantastic water slides and a farmer’s market, as well as other activities. The Fall has Foliage Tours to explore the serene Waterbury Reservoir. And of course, the winter bestows its best glades, apt for beginners and those who are looking for a challenge. The resort is not close no any of the bigger cities such as NY or Boston, but one slide through those slopes will make the hassle worth it!
3. Stowe
If you are an intermediate skier and looking to perfect your technique, this is your resort.
Here are some interesting stats on this top ski destination: thirteen lifts take skiers to 116 runs on the resort’s two mountains. There’s something for snowboarders and skiers of all levels, although around 50% are intermediate. You can measure yourself against a green or a double black diamond. It was 1933 when alpine skiing was born in Vermont; that actually happened on Mount Mansfield, so you can call it a historic landmark.
Another interesting fact: the resort’s two mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak are connected by a lift. So if you are skiing and which to visit the two mountains on the same day, you can. Another attraction? Doc ponds, a cool hangout nearby; with a fireplace, the best burgers in the area and enough craft brews for you to never go thirsty.
4. Okemo Mountain Resort
Family-owned Okemo Mountain Resort is a constant recipient of awards and high ratings on their snow quality, their customer service, and their impeccable grooming. They are famous for continually updating the place, the variety of slopes, and their family programs. They do not care if you are a committed skier, a work in process or if you just came to have a good time with the family; Okemo is ready and eager to have you! (By the way, they rock the kids’ ski programs as well)
Vail Resorts acquired Okemo in 2018 and became an Epic Resort. High-end lodging can be found at Mountain Lodge at Okemo and Jackson Gore inn, both located at the base of the slopes. You can even catch sight of the lifts from them.
The resort has 121 trails across over 650 acres divided for varying levels; besides, they have a dozen glades for highly experienced skiers who enjoy tree-studded terrains. Close to 98% of the skiable area is covered by trailblazing snowing which covers the average 16 feet of natural snow. That is why many people claim Okemo has the best ski conditions in the east. State-of-the-art machinery and equipment are not only used for snowmaking but to power their lifts. The Sunburst Six –the first East bubble-covered six-seater with heated seats –was installed in Okemo. All of its lifts are more energy efficient that many found at other spots.
The resort also draws constant attention due to other facilities, non-ski related. From a luxury resort hotel, stunning condos, dining (elegant and casual), a spa, snowshoeing, a skating rink, indoor pools, a tubing hill, among many others. And lastly, do not let this family-friend resort give you the wrong impression; if you are a hard-to-impress skier, try the double black diamond trails!
5. Killington Grand Resort
The resort -the largest snowboard and ski destination on this side of the United States –is also super accessible from the big cities. Especially compared to other ones.
Lodging does not represent an issue, The Killington Grand Hotel –on the mountainside –has every amenity and feature you could ask for. You may enjoy a nice swim in the heated pool and admire the stunning ski runs in the distance. Killington Peak, the highest peak reaches 4,241 ft! The variety of terrain only will make it worth the trip. For beginners, there is a wide-open green at Snowshed; for more experienced skiers and snowboarders the longest ski trail in the East – Juggernaut blue run –will be the perfect spot to test the blades. Are you up for a gnarly adventure? Try the Anarchy double diamond and fly away!
Conclusion
Vermont’s snowy slopes are hard to match, as they are one of the best places for snowboarding and skiing in the East Coast. Get ready to pamper yourself with maple soaked pancakes before you hit the best slopes in your next winter wonderland getaway.