Featuring more than twenty ski areas and resorts, it's no wonder Vermont is hands-down considered the premiere skiing and riding destination on the East Coast. From novice to Olympian, Vermont ski areas have unbelievable terrain selection for all skill levels. And once you’ve gotten in your full day (or night!) of riding, the restaurants, bars, and lodges that are waiting for you are equally word-class! Bottom line, when you’re skiing or riding in the Green Mountains, you’ve made the right choice.
Northern Vermont: Rewards After The Drive
In snow sports as in real estate, it’s all about location and skiers and riders can expect to be rewarded for a long drive by finding some of the best snow around. Bolton Valley, Burke Mountain, Cochran’s Ski Area, Jay Peak, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, and Stowe make up northern Vermont’s ski offerings.
Featured Ski Areas
Let's take a closer look at some of the notable ski areas in Northern Vermont:
- Bolton Valley: Nestled at the head of its own valley north of I-89 between Route 100 and Burlington, it is modest in size but not in flavor, offering excellent fall line.
- Burke Mountain: A big, no-frills mountain that many believe is the best-kept secret in the Northeast. Its huge bulk dominates the landscape of its region, and the mountain offers great trails and an old-time feel.
- Cochran’s Ski Area: Cochran’s is the nation’s first 501 (c)(3) (charitable non-profit) ski area and has molded generations of top racers, and Olympic medalists, including four members of the resort’s founding family.
- Jay Peak: The mix of languages you'll hear in the Base Lodge and on the tram lend a pleasant international flavor to a trip to Jay.
- Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Smugglers’ Notch has a well-deserved reputation as a family skiing area with a special emphasis on kids. Smuggs offers skiing on three mountains, with two major base areas. What makes Smugglers’ Notch a unique resort is our complete and single-minded commitment to making your stay with us the family vacation of a lifetime! That is our mission.
Family Ski Trip in Vermont. (Smugglers' Notch) #1
- Stowe: Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East," is the perfect combination of ski area and ski town. History’s roots go deep here. Charles "Minnie" Dole and friends founded the National Ski Patrol at Stowe in 1938.
More Vermont Ski Areas to Explore
- Stratton Mountain Resort: Stratton offers an enticing menu of year-round activities and adventure to share with friends and family, and to make your group outings unique. Will it be the still of a moonlight snowshoe trek or the adrenaline of snowmobiling under the stars. Hike, bike, paddle. Soar to the summit of southern Vermont’s highest peak for fall foliage viewing. Practice your mountain pose. Dance to the music. Ski + Ride Today
Luxury and Activities at Stowe
The old Mt. Mansfield Base Lodge is a historic structure where ghosts of the past mingle happily with the skiers and riders of today. Stowe Winter Carnival offers something for everything. The Stowe Derby, by contrast, appeals to the primal urge to be best at a difficult challenge as skiers race 10 miles from the summit of Mt. Mansfield.
This is a high-luxury ski area, with plenty of trails, glades, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing for people of all abilities. Among its other lifts, a gondola transports guests between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, creating lots of interchange between these ski areas. This standing gondola spans Route 108.
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Luxury lodgings, child care, lots of dining on the mountain and in town, shops, ski rentals and lessons, sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice and rock climbing are available.
Lift Tickets and Deals
Score discounted lift tickets when you book lodging directly. Ski hard, rest easy, and unleash your inner Beast at Killington. The Killington Tubing Park, presented by bubly, is now open for the season. Race your friends, then warm up inside with hot cocoa and light fare at the Clubhouse Grill.
| Ski Resort | Known For | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Stowe | Luxury Skiing | Gondola between peaks, historic base lodge |
| Smugglers' Notch | Family Friendliness | Dedicated kids' programs, three mountains |
| Burke Mountain | No-Frills Experience | Great trails, old-time feel |
| Bolton Valley | Excellent Fall Line | Modest size, family-friendly |
| Cochran's Ski Area | Non-Profit, Racing History | Training ground for Olympic racers |
Where to Stay
Ditch the big booking engines and tap into Vermont’s best-kept stays - direct from the source. Our new guide delivers unique rentals, mountain cabins, cozy cottages, and one-of-a-kind homes you won’t find anywhere else. Skip the fees, support locals, and stay somewhere that actually feels like Vermont.
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