Skiing in Vermont

For too many things, Vermont takes a backseat to other New England states, but the skiing in Vermont isn’t one of them. World famous resorts like Killington and Sugarbush have mountains that produced champion skiers and snowboarders. And with hundreds of inches of snowfall in the mountains to go along with snow-making infrastructure that borders on overkill, skiers never have to worry about snow coverage or a shortened season. This state is where you go to turn.

Where to Go Skiing in Vermont

Ski resorts are located throughout the entire state. From Jay Peak near Newport in the north to Mount Snow near the southern border, you’re never farther than an hour’s drive from a slope anywhere in the state. In general, resorts are described as being in one of three areas: north, central, and south Vermont.

Northern Vermont is about an hour and a half from Montreal and four hours from Boston. Resorts here include Bolton Valley, Burke, Smugglers’ Notch (Smuggs), and Jay Peak. Southern Vermont resorts are closer to Boston, about two hours’ drive. Mount Snow, Stratton, and Magic are among the resorts you’ll find here. In between them, about equidistant from Boston and Montreal are the central resorts. Here you find Sugarbush, SnowBowl, Pico, Killington and the Suicide Six.

Finding Your Spot to Ski

Vermont is one of the busiest ski states in the country, but if you’re trying to get away from crowds, it can be done. Most people flock to Killington, “the Beast of the East,” and the luxury resorts of Stratton and Stowe. For skiing with smaller crowds, try Smuggs and Jay Peak. Although they’ve been gaining in popularity recently, you’re still not going to get the crush that you’ll find around Killington. If you’re going to Sugarbush, stick around Mount Ellen. It’s not as cushy as Lincoln is, but it’s also less crowded.

If you’re going to go off-piste skiing, remember to bring a friend and pack your avalanche kits. It’s also a good idea to pack a two-way radio, as cell coverage can get spotty once you’re out of bounds.

Save Money and Headaches with Vermont Ski Authority

Skiing in Vermont is never going to be cheap, but you can do it on a smaller budget than you might think. For instance, stay at Stowe for the lower prices, but you’re also close to Sugarbush, so you can ski both. Sugarbush offers discount tickets if you only ski Mount Ellen, which still has some fantastic trails. If you can, ski early or late in the season, as you’ll find better deals from resorts and shops.

Moreover, as with anything vacation related, plan ahead. Get your equipment rentals reserved as soon as your trip is booked. Let us help you with equipment rental, and you can save up to 20%. With our relationships with the resorts and ski areas, we try to bring you the latest information. You can also get personalized advice if you write to us with your questions. In any case, let us help you make the skiing in Vermont the best it can be.