Home to four ski resorts, those hoping to snowboard or ski in Connecticut will have a handful of places to go. Located in the northeastern region of the United States, you can typically start enjoying fresh snow on the slopes in mid-December. Close to New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, it’s common for people to visit Connecticut to enjoy a few runs.
Guide to Connecticut’s 4 Ski Resorts
Connecticut’s ski areas may not have the vertical drops of other New England resorts, but they all have a multitude of activities and dining beyond downhill skiing. There are a couple of resorts near the capital city of Hartford and a couple in the southern part of the state.
These ski resorts are family-friendly, easy to access, and give skiers of all ages a comfortable setting to learn to ski. The state receives an average of 37 inches of snow annually, about the same amount that falls at the ski resorts. The mountains range from 525 feet to 1600 feet in elevation.
All four Connecticut ski resorts are located in the western half of the state and all are within a short distance of major interstates and each other. The closest resorts are only 17 miles apart, and even the farthest two are only 51 miles apart, near enough to hit more than one resort in a day.
Ski Area near Hartford, CT
Mowhawk Mountain near the New York border is the largest of the four resorts and is situated within a 350-acre state forest. The resort occupies 112 acres of skiable terrain. Skiers should be aware that while most of the lifts have access to all of the terrain, the Boulder Summit triple lift only services black diamonds.
The 26 trails empty into a base area with plenty of dining options. The resort has a ski school with lessons for all ages and its own mascot, Goggles the Yeti.
Ski Sundown to the east is smaller at 70 skiable acres. More than half of the 16 trails are considered easy, but the mogul-heavy double black diamond called Satan’s Staircase will challenge expert skiers and snowboarders.
The terrain park is divided by level and lessons are offered for those wishing to improve their tricks. One program is designed specifically for female skiers and snowboarders.
Ski Areas in South CT
Mount Southington may seem small, with only 51 acres for the entire resort. Yet the ski area has 14 trails, two terrain parks, and a mini halfpipe. The resort has been family-owned and operated since it opened in 1964.
Lessons are available for all ages for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and telemark skiing. There are several restaurants with views of the slopes plus an outdoor heated pub for après skiing.
Directly south of Hartford is Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort. The resort first opened in 1959 as Powder Hill, then went through a period of rocky history before closing for many years. It was refurbished and reopened in 2014.
Today the ski resort has plenty of winter sports options on 255 acres of slopes such as tubing, snow biking, and night skiing. There are 19 trails of mostly green and blue runs serviced by four lifts and a magic carpet, plus a full halfpipe and three terrain parks.
Beyond downhill ski areas, Connecticut boasts five spots for cross-country skiing. The proximity of New England’s ski areas means challenging skiing is never far away, and fortunately, the four ski areas in Connecticut are all within easy reach for a brief or full-day trip of easy skiing.
