A northeastern United States ski destination, Vermont has incredible snow, challenging runs, and plenty of backcountry trails to explore. Home to around two dozen ski resorts, you could spend an entire winter on the slopes and still not ride every acre the Green Mountain State has to offer. A haven for snowboarders and skiers east of the Rockies, Vermont should be at the top of your New England ski trip list this winter.
7 Best Ski Resorts by Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is known as the snowiest state in the US, and the town of Burlington in the Northwest is situated near the state’s snowiest peak. With it as a home base, it’s easy to find more than half a dozen resorts to ski and snowboard. Seven different ski areas, from ski hills to one of …
Vermont Ski Areas by City
Being a smaller state, locals and visitors won’t have to travel too far from Vermont’s best-known cities to shred some fresh pow. Offering runs for all experience levels, no matter which VT ski resort you visit, you’re sure to have a magical time. Resorts like Killington, Stowe, and Jay Peak are among the favorite cold-season destinations for downhill skiers and boarders.
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Guide to Vermont’s 24 Ski Resorts
Skiing in Vermont is all about the snow. The state receives more snowfall annually than any other, so the ski areas are among the most popular in New England.
The average snowfall in the state is 89 inches, and most resorts see up to 250 inches. Some resorts receive more than 300 inches of snowfall annually, and with the addition of snowmaking capabilities, it seems there’s almost always fresh powder to enjoy.
With this abundance of snow, the season can last from early November into May. The best skiing is in March when Vermont’s snowfall is at its peak and warmer weather makes skiing very pleasant.
The 20+ ski areas across Vermont vary from luxurious resorts to simple community ski hills. Many of Vermont’s ski areas and terrain parks are challenging, plus there’s enough glade and backcountry skiing to take advantage of the quantity of fresh powder.
Fewer than a dozen of the state’s ski areas are independently owned and operated, but while the corporate-owned resorts may be pricier, some offer combination tickets or discounts at other slopes in the vicinity. Vermont has 1 private ski area that’s available only to members. Bear Creek Mountain Club near Coolidge State Forest limits the number of people allowed on its slopes.
The rest of the state’s public resorts come in all sizes, ranging from 15 skiable acres to more than 1,500. Some of the smaller ski areas don’t have ski rental available but are inexpensive options for local skiers. The multitude of resorts in every size are found in every direction of the Green Mountain State.
The Large Resorts
One-third of Vermont’s ski resorts exceed 400 acres. Some are among the most well-known resorts in the country, though its popularity can mean crowded slopes. Killington Resort is well-regarded for its snowmaking and grooming abilities. Located in the heart of Vermont, it’s a favorite place to ski for visitors and locals alike.
Killington is a massive resort with 155 trails on 1,509 skiable acres. The resort spreads across 7 peaks and the trails are fairly evenly divided between green, blue, and black. The other large resorts in the state are equally impressive with a wide variety of runs.
- Smugglers Notch Mountain Resort
- Stratton Mountain
- Okemo Ski Resort
- Mount Snow Ski Resort
- Sugarbush Resort
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- Pico Mountain
The Medium Resorts
The medium resorts, between 100 and 400 skiable acres, may be smaller in size but many packs a serious punch. One of the most challenging in the state is Mad River Glen, located an hour southeast of Burlington. The resort leaves the steepest terrain ungroomed, increasing the level of difficulty. The other resorts are spread across the state and vary in what they offer.
- Jay Peak Resort
- Bromley Mountain
- Bolton Valley
- Magic Mountain Ski Area
- Burke Mountain Resort
- Saskadena Six Area (formerly Suicide Six)
- Ski Quechee / The Quechee Club
- Middlebury College Snow Bowl
The Small Ski Areas
Some of Vermont’s ski areas have fewer than 100 skiable acres, though they are cost-effective and easy options for a few hours of skiing. All of these small ski areas are operated by volunteers and operate as non-profit organizations.
- Cochran’s Ski Area
- Lyndon Outing Club
- Northeast Slopes
- Ascutney Outdoors
- Hard’ack Recreation Area
- Brattleboro Ski Hill
Some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding can be found in Vermont thanks to its abundance of snowfall. With ski areas of every size easy to reach, the state has plenty of choices of downhill resorts and plenty of varieties of trails to experience.
