5 Best Ski Towns In New England
Are you looking for the best ski towns New England has to offer?
While places like Aspen, Colorado, and Banff, Alberta, are likely top of mind for people wanting to hit the slopes, New England has a surprisingly good selection of ski towns to choose from.
Check out this list of the five best ski towns in New England, made by our friend Amanda from My Vintage Map, to begin planning your winter adventures.
Best Ski Towns In New England
Here is a list of the five best ski towns in New England. If you’re looking for a snowy escape to the northeastern part of the United States, these places are great options to start.
1. North Conway, New Hampshire
USA Today ranked North Conway #3 in their list of best ski towns in North America. It’s a lively little town tucked away in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Aside from being near a plethora of ski and snowboard options (13 different resorts within a half-hour drive!), North Conway is favored by visitors for its friendly, unpretentious vibes and its delicious food scene.
Three of the best ski resorts to visit in or near North Conway include Cranmore Mountain Resort, Bretton Woods, and Attitash Mountain Resort.
❄️Cranmore Mountain Resort
Cranmore Mountain Resort is a family-friendly resort in North Conway with 57 trails and glades of varying difficulty, making it a great place for skiers at all levels.
Cranmore is known for its ski school, where people can try their hand at skiing for the very first time.
There is also a giant snow tubing hill and Mountain Adventure Park with a mountain coaster, giant swing, and zip line that are favorites among adults and children alike!
Hours of operation*:
- Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
*Hours vary by month and on holidays. Check the resort’s website for their current hours.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: Various options starting at $495
- Single lift ticket: $99-$109 (weekend/holiday) | $89-$99 (mid-week/non-holiday)
*Discounts available for seniors and children.
What makes Cranmore Mountain Resort special:
There are a bunch of snow activities to do with family and friends aside from just skiing. And the snow tubing hill is ranked #1 in New Hampshire!
❄️Bretton Woods
Ski magazine ranked Bretton Woods #4 on the list of best ski resorts in the United States. It is the largest ski resort in New Hampshire with 464 acres of skiing terrain, including 63 trails and 35 glades.
It also is home to New Hampshire’s only eight-person gondola, a selling point for larger groups. The Rosebrook Lodge is at the top of the gondola ride, giving you panoramic views of the Presidential Range before gliding down one of the trails.
Note that Bretton Woods is about a 40-minute drive from North Conway, but since it’s one of the top-rated ski resorts in the country, I’ve included it on this list.
Hours of operation:
- Monday-Thursday/Non-holidays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday/Holidays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: $1259 (adults age 30-64)
- Single lift ticket: $129 (weekend/holiday) | $105 (mid-week/non-holiday)
*Discounts available for seniors, military personnel, and those under age 30.
What makes this Bretton Woods special:
Customers rave about the amazing views from the Rosebrook Lodge at the top of the mountain. Many have also complimented the quality of the snow grooming on the trails.
❄️Attitash Mountain Resort
Attitash Mountain Resort spans across two mountains, Attitash and Bear Peak. It has a total of 68 trails and 8 lifts, with a wide array of trail types to suit all skiers.
Hours of operation*:
- Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
*Hours vary slightly between early and peak seasons. Check the resort’s website for their current hours.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: Check start of season
- Single lift ticket: $109 (weekend/holiday) | $99 (mid-week/non-holiday)
*Discounts available for seniors and children.
What makes this Attitash Mountain Resort special: Attitash hosts one of New Hampshire’s original freestyle terrain parks.
2. Stowe, Vermont
Called the “ski capital of the East,” Stowe is home to some of the best skiing in New England (ranking #4 in USA Today’s list of best ski towns).
Part of what makes Stowe such a sought-after location is not just the skiing itself, but the scenic, storybook-like quality of the town and surrounding landscape. For a quintessential New England experience, Stowe should be at the top of your list.
The main resort in Stowe is Stowe Mountain Resort, but within a 40-minute drive, you can also get to the popular Smugglers’ Notch Resort.
❄️Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort has been around since 1937, so they are a well-oiled machine. They have 12 lifts capable of transporting nearly 22,000 passengers every hour.
With 116 different trails spanning 485 skiable acres, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
Hours of operation*:
- Every day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
*Note hours may vary depending on conditions. Check the resort’s website for their current hours.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: Check start of season
- Single lift ticket: $190 (weekend/holiday) | $135 (weekday/non-holiday)
*Discounts available for seniors and children.
What makes Stowe Mountain Resort special:
You’ll get to ski down Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mount Mansfield, with a summit elevation of 4,395 feet and skiing elevation of 3,625 feet.
❄️Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch Resort refers to itself as “America’s Family Resort.” They strive to offer a skiing experience that’s fun for the whole family. If you plan to take your kids with you on your skiing trip, “Smuggs” is an awesome choice.
Hours of operation:
- Every day from 8/8:30/9 a.m.*-4:00 p.m.
*Opening and closing times vary slightly by lift. Refer to the Smuggs website for detailed hours of operation.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: $449 for adults ages 19-26 | $699 for adults ages 27-69
- Single lift ticket: $85 per day during regular season
*Discounts available for seniors, children, and students. Prices vary during early or late season and on holidays.
What makes Smugglers’ Notch Resort special:
The emphasis on family is one of the greatest selling points of Smuggs. Their children’s programs provide a safe, fun environment for kids to learn and play while the adults enjoy a day to themselves on the slopes.
3. Bethel, Maine
Referred to as “Maine’s most beautiful mountain village,” Bethel is a popular ski town in the northeast US, with close access to the Sunday River and Mt. Abram resorts.
Bethel is known for its cozy après ski scene and a walkable downtown area with plenty of lodging and dining options.
Two of the best ski resorts near Bethel include Sunday River Resort and Mt. Abram Ski Area.
❄️Sunday River Resort
Sunday River Resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in Maine and has the second-longest vertical drop of 2,340 feet. This massive resort contains 884 skiable acres of land with 19 lifts and 139 trails and glades.
Hours of operation*:
- Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
*The resort will close between 3:15-3:45 p.m. from October to January due to the time of sunset.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: New England Pass gives access to Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon Mountain resorts, starting at $709 for midweek and early/late season access and $1,019 for any-day access. (Passes with additional perks are also available at a higher price.)
- Single lift ticket: Starting at $49 per day
*Discounts available for seniors, children, and students. Prices vary during early or late season and on holidays.
What makes Sunday River Resort special:
The brand-new Jordan 8 lift just opened in the 2022-2023 season and is the fastest 8-person chairlift in North America. It even has ergonomic heated seats and weather-blocking bubbles.
❄️Mt. Abram Ski Area
Mt. Abram Ski Area is a smaller ski resort near Bethel that is favored by families and first-time skiers, as well as those looking for a quieter, more local skiing experience.
The resort is close to the Presidential Range, offering beautiful views on the way up and down. There are five lifts servicing 10 easy, 21 intermediate, and 13 expert trails.
Hours of operation:
- Thursday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Season Prices:
- Season pass: $589 for adults ages 19-64*
- Single lift ticket: $35 everyday including holidays and weekends | Children 5 and under and adults 80 and over ride for free!
*Discounts are available for children, seniors, military personnel, and college students.
What makes Mt. Abram Ski Area special:
Skiers enjoy the friendly service and lower lift ticket prices compared to other resorts. Another fun detail is that each trail at Mt. Abram is named after the vintage Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon show (Dudley Do Right, Boris Badenov, etc.).
4. Killington, Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont is the scenic ski town of Killington, which is part of the Appalachian Trail.
The town is best known for its Killington Resort (and nearby Pico Mountain Resort) and its close proximity to Okemo Mountain Resort.
❄️Killington Resort
With a 3,050-foot vertical drop, 1,509 skiable acres, 21 lifts, and 155 trails, Killington Resort, also referred to as “The Beast,” is one of the most sought-after and best ski resorts in New England.
The resort also features the Woodward Mountain Park with terrain and freestyle zones to explore.
Hours of operation:
- Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and peak days from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Season Prices:
- Season pass: $1,609 for adults ages 30-64*
- Single lift ticket: Range from $128-$172 for adults ages 19-64**
*Season pass discounts exist for adults and children under age 30 and seniors 65 and older, as well as military personnel.
**Lift ticket discounts are available for children ages 7-18, seniors, and military personnel. Children 6 and under ride for free.
What makes Killington Resort special:
They claim to be open more days of the year than any other resort in New England. As soon as temperatures cool, their team is out making snow so they can be back in operation!
❄️Okemo Mountain Resort
Ski down the highest vertical in southern Vermont (2,200 feet) at Okemo Mountain Resort. The resort has 121 trails, slopes, and glades and 20 lifts, including one high-speed lift with protective bubbles and heated seats.
Okemo also has several terrain parks and pipes where you can practice your skills.
Hours of operation:
- Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: Check start of season
- Single lift ticket: Ranges from $123-$131 for ages 13-64
*Discounts available for seniors and children.
What makes Okemo Mountain Resort special:
Snowmaking composes 98% of the terrain at Okemo, which is the highest snowmaking efficiency of all resorts in Vermont.
5. Hancock, Massachusetts
While Massachusetts doesn’t have the tallest peaks in New England, the scenic Berkshires region is still worth adding to your New England skiing itinerary.
The quiet town of Hancock has a population of only around 700 people and is home to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. Travel around 30 miles south and you’ll get to another popular Berkshires ski resort: Butternut Ski Area.
❄️Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort has been around since 1948 and is a popular resort, especially among families, in Southern New England.
The resort has 9 lifts and 45 trails, most of which are easy or intermediate, meaning it’s a great place for beginner skiers to get their start.
Hours of operation:
- Monday-Friday (non-holiday) from 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Season Prices:
- Season pass: $1,254 if purchased after October 15*
- Single lift ticket: $109 for ages 19-64, $94 for all other ages (weekend/holiday) | $99 for ages 19-64, $84 for all other ages (midweek/non-holiday)
*Passes are significantly cheaper if purchased earlier in the year. Pass discounts are available for children 18 and under. There is also a College Pass available to students for just $399.
What makes Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort special: Jiminy gets 100% of its electrical power from renewable sources. They also have an adaptive skiing program to assist those with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.
❄️Butternut Ski Area
Located in Great Barrington, about 30 miles south of Hancock, is another popular ski resort in the Berkshires: Butternut Ski Area. They’ve been around since 1962 and have the motto, “Where families go to play in the snow.”
In addition to its 22 ski trails, Butternut also has a tubing hill for more family fun.
Hours of operation:
- Monday-Friday (non-holiday) from 9 am.-4 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m.
Season Prices*:
- Season pass: $599
- Single lift ticket: $80 (weekend/non-holiday) | $35 (weekdays) | $85 (holiday)
*Discounts available for children and seniors.
What makes Butternut Ski Area special:
Butternut is only a couple hours from most major cities in New England as well as New York City, making it an easy weekend destination from all directions. Guests rave about the friendly service and the support for beginner skiers.
Which New England Ski Town Is The Best To Live In?
While each of these New England ski towns are lovely to visit, North Conway, New Hampshire, is one of the best places to live year-round.
With its close proximity to the White Mountains, there is a never-ending list of outdoor activities to take advantage of throughout the year, whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and more.
North Conway also has plenty of dining options and a close-knit, friendly community.
If you’re seeking a weekend escape to the city, Portland, Maine, is only a little over an hour and Boston about two hours away from North Conway.
Which Ski Resort Is Closest To Boston?
The Blue Hills Ski Area is just a few miles outside of Boston and has been in operation since 1950. You’ll find 16 different trails here with varying difficulty, which is great for skiers at all levels from beginner to advanced.
If you’re looking for a larger ski resort, here is the distance from Boston to the other resorts recommended in this article:
✔️Cranmore: 2 hours, 30 minutes
✔️Bretton Woods: 2 hours, 30 minutes
✔️Attitash: 2 hours, 30 minutes
✔️Stowe: 3 hours, 20 minutes
✔️Smugglers’ Notch: 3 hours, 20 minute
✔️Sunday River: 3 hours, 10 minutes
✔️Mt. Abram: 3 hours
✔️Killington: 2 hours, 45 minutes
✔️Okemo: 2 hours, 40 minutes
✔️Jiminy Peak: 3 hours
✔️Butternut: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Which Ski Resort Is Closest To New York City?
The Thunder Ridge Ski Resort in Patterson, New York is only about one hour and 20 minutes from New York City.
The closest ski resorts in New England are Connecticut’s four resorts: Mohawk Mountain, Mount Southington, Powder Ridge Mountain, and Ski Sundown.
Their vertical drops aren’t nearly as tall as other areas of New England, but each place is about a two-hour drive from New York City, making for an easier day or weekend trip.
For larger New England ski resorts with higher vertical drops, two of the closest ones to NYC are Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Massachusetts (3-hour drive), and Butternut (2 hours and 40 minutes’ drive).
The Wrap-Up
There are 76 different ski resorts in New England, but in this article, I have highlighted five of the best New England ski towns and 13 of the best ski resorts to help narrow down your decision.
Whether you choose to ski or snowboard in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts, have an amazing time on the slopes of New England!
