Born and raised in New Hampshire, I was thrown onto skis as soon as I could stand and sent down the bunny hill with my father yelling, “french fries, not pizza!” from the top. I grew up skiing with my family, traveling across the Northeast to hit the region’s very best spots. As I got older, family ski outings turned into trips with friends, creating some of my most cherished memories.
Skiing is more than a great winter activity — it’s a whole experience shaped by the mountain and everything surrounding its base. The lodge, the hot chocolate, the outfit, the much-needed hot tub — all play a crucial role in making a ski trip memorable. While the slopes and promise of breathtaking views may be what bring you to the mountain, the après — the shops, food, vibrant atmosphere, and the people you meet along the way — are what make you want to stay. It’s the rich history of the resorts, the individual personality of each village, and the local coffee shop that has been there for generations. These are the details that turn a day on the mountain into a destination worth returning to year after year.
Northeast skiing has a reputation for being a little rough around the edges compared to its Western counterparts — and that’s part of its charm. The terrain is rarely powder-soft and perfectly smooth, though when it is, that’s a great excuse to day trip to your nearest mountain. Steep slopes, hard-packed snow, and the occasional patch of ice are all parts of the classic Northeast skiing experience. People say that if you can ski in the Northeast, you can ski anywhere.
Now, across the Northeast, the first real snow is dusting the mountains, snow guns are firing, and the snowcats are grooming the trails into perfect corduroy. From New England to New York, the season is underway, and the mountains are calling. So pack your ski bag, sharpen your edges, and get ready to explore some of the best skiing the Northeast has to offer.
Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont
Just under 20 miles southeast of Manchester, Vermont, at the tippy top of a windy access road, sits Stratton Mountain Resort in all its glory. The skiing is great, but what makes Stratton Mountain truly stand out is its quintessential village. Austrian-inspired buildings and cobblestone streets make this a picturesque location. In the center of the village is a grand clock tower which has become the symbol of Stratton over the years. Outdoor benches and firepits are scattered throughout, perfect for grabbing a hot cocoa or mulled wine and hanging out after a cold run.
This premier resort first opened in 1961 with three lifts and eight trails. Today, 11 lifts and 99 trails grace over 640 acres of skiable terrain, and skiers (and snowboarders) come from all over New England and beyond to carve it up.
Where to Stay
Ski in and ski out when you stay at the Long Trail House, a premier condominium resort located directly on the Village Common. This property is walking distance from the village and features an indoor sauna, pool, as well as an outdoor hot tub.
For a more private stay, consider this ski in/ski out airbnb. It includes a hot tub and a shuttle service to and from the mountain (though you don’t need it!). Another great option is this airbnb with a balcony overlooking the village — front and center. Both are conveniently located and perfect for an intimate weekend getaway.
Shops to Check Out
If you’re looking for a new ski kit and gear, I highly recommend trekking down the access road and checking out The Startingate and Norse House. Both establishments are family owned and run, and you will be sure to have a personal and memorable shopping experience here. Because 80 percent of skiing is looking good while doing it.
Après-Ski
After hitting the slopes, keep your boots and pants on and head to Grizzly’s at the Base Lodge for a cozy meal and bar setting. You can sit inside or outside on their porch which overlooks the American Express lift and Gondola.
If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up in between runs, I highly recommend checking out Upper Standard, an adorable coffee shop in the village where you can order a cappuccino or one of their signature espresso martinis.
Mulligans is a casual Irish pub ideal for grabbing a hot mug of cider and pot roast (it’s seriously delicious). On weekends, you can try fresh sushi at Mulligan’s Snowfish Sushi. In the evening, go downstairs to the iconic Green Door Pub.
For a more refined dining option, choose Stratton Mountain Club’s eLevation. They have a sushi menu, a raw bar, an a la carte menu, and an on-site Sommelier to help you choose the best wine pairing for your meal. Their caviar mini hot dogs and Thai crab cakes are to-die-for.
Killington Resort, Vermont
Located in the Green Mountains and nicknamed the “Beast of the East”, Killington Resort is the largest ski area in the Northeastern United States. The mountain hosts a series of annual concerts during the season (which is the longest in the region, lasting from early November until late May or early June), including their iconic Dazed and Defrosted Bash, held in mid-April to celebrate the tail end of the skiing season with live music and outdoor festivities. Every weekend, live music is played by various bands at the base lodges, creating a fun and energetic après-ski atmosphere.
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.
Where to Stay
Just a 20-minute drive from the mountain is the Woodstock Inn & Resort
Après-Ski
Après-ski in Killington is all about a lively, laid-back atmosphere, with bars and restaurants along the access road drawing skiers in for great food, drinks and music. 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.
For après-ski that transitions into a lively nightlife location, check out The Pickle Barrel. This venue has three levels and four bars, and skiers dance late into the night enjoying live DJ sets and drinks.
Some other great food picks are Casey’s Caboose — offering free wings during their 4–6 p.m. happy hour, Domenic’s Pizzeria for great post-ski pizza, and The Foundry for a more elevated meal.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Founded in 1763, Stowe is one of the oldest towns in the region and renowned for being a quintessential Vermont skiing destination.
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!
One of the most notable parts of Stowe’s history is its connection to the Von Trapp family, made famous by The Sound of Music (my favorite movie of all time, as it is for many). After fleeing Austria in 1938 to escape the Nazi annexation, the family of 12 relocated to Stowe, Vermont in 1942. The Green Mountains reminded them of the Austrian Alps, making this a perfect spot for their new home. They brought with them their Austrian heritage, hospitality, and a love for skiing, which would eventually become an important part of the family’s legacy in Stowe today.
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. Grab a hot belgium waffle when you get off the gondola at the summit of Mount Mansfield or slopeside in the village at Spruce Peak — a well deserved and well worth it treat.
Where to Stay
The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort was first established by the original Von Trapp family in the summer of 1950 when they first opened the doors of their 27-bedroom home to visitors. Today, it continues to be entirely owned and operated by descendants of the Von Trapp family, although the structure has since been rebuilt following a fire in 1980. Now with 96 rooms and suites, as well as luxurious villas and guest house chalets, this charming alpine lodge celebrates the family’s Austrian heritage with Austrian-inspired cuisine and lagers, architectural details, music, and European furnishings. Located just under 15 minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort’s base lodge, this stay promises beautiful mountain views and hospitable warmth. Winter amenities include an indoor pool, a 20-person outdoor hot tub surrounded by heated slate, a fitness center offering yoga classes and a sauna, a complimentary lending library, and a massage sanctuary. Other fun things offered by the property include horse drawn carriage and sleigh rides, history tours of the property, maple sugaring, and weekly wine cellar tastings.
Another great stay is the Lodge at Spruce Peak, located just steps from the gondola of Stowe Mountain Resort. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large stone fireplaces, and panoramic mountain views are part of what makes the experience great. Bonus points for their spa, a perfect reset after a long day on the slopes
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.
Whether you’re staying at the von Trapp Family Lodge or not, I highly recommend booking a reservation at The Main Dining Room. Nightly live music fills the elegant space, with Austrian-inspired dishes like the Wiener Schnitzel and Entenbrust lending to its European feel. A slice of their German Chocolate Cheesecake to conclude the meal is a must.
Sugarloaf in Carrabasset, Maine
In Maine’s western mountains, the picturesque town of Carrabassett Valley is surrounded by 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.
Where to Stay
Nestlewood Inn – 5 minutes
Hillholm Estate – 20 minutes
The Inn on Winter’s Hill – 20 minutes
If you’re looking for a quieter stay, we recommend booking a slopeside Airbnb. Ski in/ski out at Slopeside Oasis at the Timbers and then enjoy the sauna and hot tub for an at-home post-ski spa. If you don’t mind the drive, this charming chalet is only a five minute drive from Sugarloaf’s base lodge, and includes a game room with ping pong for some fun downtime. A final great spot is Bubblecuffer Cabin, which has a hot tub and gas fireplace to warm up and relax, and is conveniently located along the shuttle bus’s route which takes you directly to the base lodge.
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.
Hunter Mountain Resort in Hunter, New York
Escape the city to the most popular ski destination in the Catskills. Hunter 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.
Hunter Mountain has 67 trails, 13 lifts, and 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.
Where to Stay
Scribner’s Catskill 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 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.
Whiteface Ski Resort in Wilmington, New York
Whiteface Ski Resort is renowned for its impressive terrain, but its Olympic history is what makes it really stand out. The 1980s Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, New York, with Whiteface serving as the venue for the Games’ alpine skiing events.
At 3,430 feet, Whiteface is the greatest vertical drop in the Northeast. Its terrain is versatile and accessible to all ski levels, with 30 percent being expert, 46 percent intermediate, and 24 percent beginner.
Whiteface is a particularly great destination for expert skiers because of its challenging trails such as The Slides. Double-black diamond and only accessible by hiking to it, The Slides is entirely ungroomed natural terrain and considered one of the most challenging ski trails in the Northeast. For a less extreme trail, Whiteface’s Wilmington Trail measures just over two miles, making it the longest single intermediate run in the Northeast. All that is to say that the skiing at Whiteface is genuinely impressive and worth a visit for those looking for some really good skiing.
Unlike the other resorts mentioned in this article, Whiteface is not surrounded by a traditional ski resort village. Alternatively, Lake Placid, New York is this mountain’s “town” where you can find great lodging, food, and shopping, located a 30-minute drive from the mountain. Although the drive may seem long, the Olympic setting makes it worth it.
Where to Stay
Reconnect with nature at The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid’s Adirondack-styled luxury resort located in the village’s surrounding woodlands. The property was established in 2005 by 1988 Olympian luger, Joe Barile. Hand-milled timber and indoor Adirondack furnishings contribute to this property’s uniquely warm and cozy personality. Think of it as a wood cabin, but with all the bells and whistles that come with a luxury stay. If you’re looking for more outdoor adventuring after visiting the mountain, Whiteface Lodge is situated right on the shore of Lake Placid, and open to skate on during the winter. Hotel highlights include a 56-seat surround-sound movie theater for private movie viewing, a game room with billiards, shuffleboard, foosball, and air hockey, a two lane bowling alley, nightly campfires with s’mores, year-round indoor and outdoor heated pools, outdoor hot tubs, and one of the best spas in the country.
Après-Ski
Cloudspin Bar & Grill at Whiteface’s base lodge is a great place to grab a locally brewed beer and burger before heading back to your lodging in Lake Placid. A casual, convenient spot perfect to reset after a day on the slopes.
For a more refined meal, check out Whiteface Lodge’s KANU. The setting is rustic, with exposed timber and antlers adorning the walls. Natural stone fireplaces warm the space, while floor-to-ceiling windows let light in and offer breathtaking mountain views. Its open kitchen allows guests to witness as chefs prepare their meals. The menu features sophisticated Adirondack-inspired cuisine, with à la carte dishes and multi-course wine pairings showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Bousquet Mountain in Pittsfield, 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.
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.
Where to Stay
33 Main is an eight-room boutique bed and breakfast less than a 10 minutes from the Bousquet base lodge. Each room is thoughtfully curated by interior designer and owner Annie Selke, whose long career in textiles design brought her to many hotels before she opened 33 Main. From the rugs to the furniture and beyond, almost every detail in this home was designed and manufactured by Selke and her staff. Chic and intimate, this quaint stay is a great home base for a cozy Berkshire ski getaway.
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.
Bretton Woods Mountain Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Framed by the towering White Mountains covered in dense, lush evergreens, Bretton Woods stands as the largest ski resort in New Hampshire. On clear days, you can see Mount Washington, the tallest peak along the Presidential Range as you ride the gondola to the top of Mount Rosebrook. Awarded best snow and grooming in the East, the ski resort’s 103 trails and glades promises exceptional skiing.
Beyond skiing, Bretton Woods offers a classic New England winter experience, from its horse-drawn sleigh rides to its fireplaces and scenic setting. After escaping the city, this is the ultimate place to slow down and breathe in fresh, crisp mountain air.
Where to Stay:
The historic Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is almost reason enough to visit Bretton Woods, skiing aside. Completed by Joseph Stickney in 1902, this stately resort has welcomed elite travelers and dignitaries from all over the world, including four Presidents of the United States. Grand crystal chandeliers hang from high ceilings, Italian plasterwork covers the walls, and Tiffany stained-glass accents adorn the Grand Hall and neighboring Dining Room. Stay at one of their 269 rooms, including the Presidential Suites which have their own private balcony or patio overlooking the Whites.
Après-Ski
Experience a private fine dining experience at The Gold Standard, located within the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa. Here you can learn about the site’s rich history while enjoying a multi-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Dan DeFusco.
For a more classic après experience, ride the gondola to the summit of Mount Rosebrook, where you will find Switchback Grille. Here you’ll find European inspired bites and panoramic views.
Featured image courtesy of Whiteface Mountain Resort
