Hitting the slopes is a wintertime rite of passage, but not just any resort will do. The northeastern United States is renowned for its charming alpine villages, abundant snowfall with fresh powder, and a broad selection of ski resorts that cater to long-time skiers, those new to the sport, and every skill level in between. From the peaks of the Green Mountains to the unparalleled idyllic beauty of the Adirondacks and Catskills, the Northeast offers a dazzling winter wonderland, prime for exploration.
Think powdery snow dusted across epic runs, the sun shining brightly above, and stunning views in every direction. Back at the lodge, you’ll find a crackling fire, hot beverages, and a range of apres-ski activities. (Definitely opt for a post-slope massage or take a dip in a steaming hot tub.)
Following are the best luxury ski resorts in the Northeast. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, each property will leave you spellbound.
Hunter Mountain, New York
The most popular ski destination in the Catskills is Hunter Mountain, an easy day trip from New York City. The mountain has an alpine ski resort with great runs, and the area boasts a quaint small-town vibe with picturesque scenery, plenty of hiking trails, and intimate restaurants.
The Mountain: Hunter Mountain has 67 trails, 13 lifts, and over 320 skiable acres. There are several sections: Hunter East (sometimes called Hunter One), where you’ll find the best beginner runs; Hunter West, for steeper and expert terrain; Hunter North (a newer expansion); and the Main Face, a mix of intermediate and advanced runs. Hunter Mountain can produce snow on 100% of its skiable terrain. So unless it’s raining, you’ll be able to get on the slopes throughout the season.
Driving Distance from NYC: A simple 2.5-hour drive.
Best Place to Stay in Hunter Mountain
Scribner’s Catskills Lodge exudes nostalgic ski lodge charm with a healthy dose of New York cool. The chic ‘60s alpine property, located across the road from Hunter Mountain, was given a modern makeover, transforming it into a luxe 38-room boutique-style lodge. Lofted ceilings, skylight windows, and plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces honor the property’s mountain surroundings, set on 20 hilly acres. The chalet-style lobby and lounge room are perfect for relaxing with a pinot by the fire. The all-white loft-style rooms are an exercise in sleek Scandi minimalism with sleep lofts, sunken seating, maple floors, local artworks, and loomed tapestries, and a private deck with Adirondack chairs to enjoy the spectacular view.
Après Ski
The dining room at The Prospect has floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of Hunter Mountain. White oak tabletops, wood-paneled walls trimmed in a deep black give classic ski lodge — perfect for apres ski. The gourmet menu features many local Hudson Valley ingredients like the striped bass with caramelized cauliflower puree and the favorite Prospect burger, smothered in local cheddar. Enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks on the large heated deck by the fire pit.
East Killington, Vermont
The largest ski resort in Vermont is in Killington, a small town located in the Green Mountains surrounded by apple orchards and artisanal cheesemakers.
The Mountain: The terrain at the Killington Ski Resort is diverse, with gentle areas ideal for learning, steep slopes, mogul runs, and excellent terrain parks. Killington Peak summit sits at about 4,200 feet — with a base elevation of over 1,000 feet — which makes it the largest vertical drop in New England. If you’re looking for the hardest or steepest mountain to ski in the Northeast, this is definitely one to add to the list.
With more than 150 trails and 1,509 miles of skiable acres, Killington Ski Resort offers diverse terrain, making it conducive for those traveling with non-skiers. Snowshoeing, gondola rides, snowcat-drawn sleighs, and of course apres ski options are all excellent.
Driving Distance from NYC: 4.5 hours from New York and under 3 rom Boston.
Best Places to Stay in East Killington
The Woodstock Inn and Resort was originally built by the Rockefeller family in the 1960s. The interior’s simple design maintains that ‘60s style in a modern elevated way. Rooms are decorated in a neutral color palette with floral upholstered armchairs and wooden floors. There is an onsite organic garden, stellar spa, and one of the best upscale dining experiences in the region, The Red Rooster. For the ski enthusiast, the hotel also owns the Suicide Six Ski Resort where guests have full access. Also consider the Mountain Top Inn & Resort and The Jackson House Inn.
Après Ski
No trip to Killington is complete without visiting the legendary Wobbly Barn Steakhouse. One part steakhouse, one part nightclub, the Wobbly Barn has been a local institution since 1963. The menu is seasonal, rich comfort foods including unique North American game meats. Try the pan-seared halibut with coconut rice and mango beurre blanc or house-roasted prime rib.
Sugarloaf, Maine
In Maine’s western mountains, the picturesque town of Carrabassett Valley is surrounded mountains and dense forest. The town thrives on outdoor activities like hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, mountain biking, and of course, skiing. Although it is home to the largest ski area east of the Rockies, Sugarloaf Mountain’s remote location makes it a bit of a best kept secret. The extra time in the car or plane (the closest major airport is Portland) quickly pays off with smaller crowds and a more classic northeastern feel.
Enjoy 1,360 skiable acres, a top elevation of 4,237 feet, and 176 trails and glades. The Snowfields at Sugarloaf have some of the best rugged expert terrains in the east along with 20 gentle greens and an amazing amount of intermediate trails. You can also jump on more than 60 miles of Nordic trails if you need a break from the downhill.
Driving Distance from NYC: It’s a full 7 hours and 25 minute drive, but manageable especially with an overnight stop in Boston.
Best Places to Stay in Sugarloaf
Located at the base of the mountain, the views from Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel are stunning. Rooms have an upscale cabin feel; many come with full-size refrigerators and stoves. There is an onsite steam room, sauna, and a 30-person hot tub, but the ski-in/ski-out accessibility is the hotel’s biggest highlight.
Après Ski
Located right at the hotel is 45 North. The restaurant’s signature 45N Burger — of those burgers you keep thinking about long after it’s gone — features local beef, maple-candied bacon, and onion jam made using a Maine IPA. Focus is on local ingredients and everything maple, as Sugarloaf has its very own sugar shack. For cocktails, a bloody mary in the Adirondack chairs at Bullwinkle’s is a must.
Stowe, Vermont
One of the oldest New England ski towns, Stowe is a photo-worthy Vermont clapboard village known for its hospitality. Located at the foot of Smugglers Notch State Park and Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, the town is filled with small family-owned breweries, cideries, and a 125+ year-old general store. The Ben and Jerry’s factory is only 15 minutes away.
Stowe Mountain Resort is made up of two separate mountains: Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. It boasts 116 runs, 12 lifts, 485 skiable acres, 90% snow-making coverage, and an impressive vertical drop of 2,360 feet. Stowe can be rugged and often a little icy; it definitely has some of the hardest slopes to ski in the Northeast.
Driving Distance from NYC: A leisurely 5.5 hours with plenty of gorgeous tree-lined highways.
Best Places to Stay in Stowe
Floor-to-ceiling windows, large stone fireplaces, and panoramic mountain views are part of the experience at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, located just steps from the gondola.
Après Ski
Begin at The Matterhorn, serving a delicious combo of brick oven pizza and made-to-order sushi. There’s almost always live music and the crowd is a mix of locals and visitors. For a more elevated fine dining option, make a reservation at Plate. This chic Stowe hot spot has a rotating seasonal menu that blends California favorites with local Vermont ingredients. Extra points because there’s also a massive selection of vegan and vegetarian offerings like garden vegetable en papillote. The cocktail list is equally impressive. Try the “About Last Night,” an apple cider sparkler with prosecco and a cinnamon sugar rim.
Bousquet Ski Area, Berkshires, Massachusetts
Narrow winding roads, historic villages, and a densely wooded area make the Berkshires the go-to rural destination for New Yorkers looking to escape the city. It is a year-round destination, but in the fall and winter its quaint New England charm shines the brightest. Along with outdoor activities, great shopping, and museum options also set the Berkshires apart.
The Mountain: With just 23 runs and one terrain park, Bousquet Ski Resort is smaller than the others on this list, but it is one of the best luxury ski resorts. The resort has great beginner runs and, because of its size, the lines and the traffic are much easier to navigate. Night skiing, where floodlights are attached to the lift poles, was invented here, so make sure to give it a go.
Driving Distance from NYC: A 2-hour, 45 minutes drive from both New York and Boston.
Best Places to Stay in the Bousquet Ski Area
Blantyre County Resort and Estate, a Tudor-style Mansion and estate built in 1902. Though closed for renovations, an elegant spa, full-service Dom Perignon Salon, and gourmet dining just scratch the surface of the property’s highlights. We also recommend Canyon Ranch.
Après Ski
Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar is one of the hottest restaurants in the Berkshires and for good reason. The trendy Lenox-based Mediterranean restaurant serves elevated comfort food and dishes like the hearty pan-roasted trout and braised pork cheeks. The space feels warm and inviting with wood floors, antique chandeliers, and an exposed shelf bar made of iron and distressed wood. Be sure to make a reservation and don’t leave without sampling their curated wine list.
Feature image courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort. Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page.
