

Skiing the East should not be overlooked when planning a winter getaway. From the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Adirondacks, there are a lot of great ski resorts in the east coast states for those who love skiing, snowboarding and participating in fun winter adventures. A lot of these ski resorts offer the best skiing in the Northeast!
There is nothing like a fun-filled day on the slopes! One of the best feelings is when you first get on the lift and see everyone below you making their way down the mountain with smiles. Once you’re off the ski lift, the most liberating experience is finally gliding through the fresh snow and enjoying all the beauty around you. There’s a reason why it is said that you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a lift ticket, which is practically the same!

Overall, there are a lot of incredible Northeast ski resorts to enjoy! In this article, I’m excited to partner with other travel bloggers to introduce the best skiing in the Northeast. Most East Coast ski resorts mentioned in this blog post can easily be reached from New York City, Boston and Washington D.C.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Best Skiing in the East – Amazing Ski Resorts in the Northeast
Whiteface Mountain, New York:

Whiteface Mountain is located near the Olympic ski village of Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. Known for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is the ultimate winter destination where you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, ice skate and Nordic ski.
During the winter months, Lake Placid is cold! Temperatures range from highs of 31° Fahrenheit to lows of 5° Fahrenheit. On average, it snows around 103” annually in the Whiteface Mountain/Lake Placid area. Always dress warmly when visiting Lake Placid and avoid exposing too much skin to prevent frostbite.
There are two regional airports near the Olympic resort – Lake Placid Airport and Adirondack Regional Airport. The closest international airport is Plattsburgh International Airport, which is around an hour from the heart of the village.
The best place to stay when planning a ski trip to Whiteface Mountain is Mirror Lake Inn. It is situated on the breathtaking Mirror Lake in Lake Placid that faces New York State’s highest mountain peak – Mount Marcy!
The Cottage is a great restaurant to enjoy in the same area, where you can sit in one of the heated ski gondolas and enjoy a mulled wine. This lakeside village also has excellent breweries to enjoy after a fun-filled day experiencing Lake Placid’s winter activities. The breweries to visit are Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery.
As mentioned above, Whiteface Mountain is the main ski resort in Lake Placid. It offers some of the best skiing east of the Rockies, which is why the National Olympic Committee chose to have two winter games.
Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid is recognized for the longest single intermediate run, making it some of the best and most iconic skiing in the Northeast! This epic ski run is 2.1 miles long and it’s called the Wilmington Trail.
The Main Valley Area of Whiteface Mountain boasts a lot of green (easy) and blue (moderate) trails. The Lower Mountain is excellent for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Bear Den Mountain also has great green and blue trails.
Little Whiteface has many blue and black diamond (challenging) trails for advanced skiers. Double black diamonds are also on this mountain for expert skiers looking for a fun thrill!
Whiteface Mountain also has terrain parks and some of the best snow tubing on the east coast!
By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont:

As Vermont’s highest peak and the fifth-largest ski mountain in New England, there is no question that Stowe is one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast. The resort’s two peaks have a combined 116 trails and 40 miles of skiable terrain. Additionally, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy.
Stowe Resort is in Northern Vermont, just 50 miles from the Canadian border. It boasts some of the best skiing in the Northeast within the Green Mountains! If you’re flying in, Burlington International Airport is the closest to the resort and it’s a short drive off exit 10 on I-89.
There are plenty of lodging options to choose from. Please note that those located at the resort can get pricey! Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa is a more affordable option in downtown Stowe. It was rated #2 Best Resort in the East by Condé Nast Traveler in 2022. Plus, you’ll still have easy access to the mountain via the free Mountain Road Shuttle that runs every 20-30 minutes.
For the powder seekers, there’s no shortage of snow in Stowe, Vermont. It gets an average annual snowfall of 314″. Temperatures in January peak at just 17° Fahrenheit, so bring lots of warm clothing!
Beyond skiing, there’s plenty to do at Stowe Resort. Spruce Peak Village has a European ski town vibe, with many cute shops, restaurants and an ice-skating rink. Don’t miss out on visiting WhistlePig Pavillion, a whiskey distillery that’s one of the best après-ski spots on the East Coast!
Outside the resort, you can tour the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, sample ice cream and explore the “graveyard” of retired flavors. If you’re a fan of the Sound of Music, the Trapp Family Lodge is also a must-see! This is where the Von Trapp family settled in the 1940s after fleeing Austria.
Dining options in Stowe range from high-end to quick and easy. Cork is an excellent option for wine lovers. It’s a restaurant/shop specializing in natural wine and small plates. For something more casual, grab an Italian-style pizza from Piecasso.
By Laura of Wine Travelista
Wintergreen Resort, Virginia:

If you’re looking for the best skiing in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic combined, you cannot beat Wintergreen Resort in Nellysford, Virginia. After all, this is one of the best places for skiing in Virginia, as it’s nestled deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s also an hour away from Virginia’s capital city – Richmond.
The weather at Wintergreen Resort during the winter is usually mild. Temperatures range from highs of 39° Fahrenheit to lows of around 17° Fahrenheit. Even though the resort receives about 19” of snow annually, it boasts premier snow-making machines for excellent ski conditions on warmer days.
The best way to get to Wintergreen in Virginia is by flying into Richmond International Airport and renting a car. The resort is also an hour from the cities of Lynchburg, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, Virginia.
Upon arrival, enjoy a sprawling 11,000-acre area that features 6 miles of slopes that are made of green (easy), blue (moderate) and black (challenging) runs. There are also five lifts available to transport guests up the mountain, with an array of lift ticket options that include eight-hour tickets, full-day tickets, night skiing tickets and more.
Wintergreen Resort offers semi-private, private and family lessons for skiing and snowboarding daily if you want to learn how to ski or snowboard. You could also visit The Plunge, Virginia’s largest tubing park, which allows riders to cruise up to 30 mph!
When you’re ready to unwind for the evening, head back to the lodging area and spend the night at one of the resort’s on-site one-bedroom suites, condos, homes and private properties. Don’t forget to also stop by The Edge to fuel up. It’s a casual, on-site eatery that offers great sandwiches, homemade desserts and an incredible selection of craft beers.
By Victoria of Southern Trippers
Mad River Glen, Vermont:

Escape to the winter wonderland of Mad River Glen in Vermont’s Green Mountains! Nestled in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, this ski resort is only a 10-minute drive from Waitsfield. It’s also an hour away from Burlington Airport if you plan to fly.
With plenty of lodging options surrounding the area and an excellent honest snowfall throughout any typical season, it’s easy to enjoy all that the winter has to offer at one of the most underrated Northeast ski resorts.
A cozy lodging recommendation is The Waitsfield Inn, located nearby delightful dining spots to fuel yourself up after a long day on the slopes. Peasant is one of the top restaurants near Mad River Glen!
At Mad River Glen, you will get a classic and diverse ski experience while enjoying one of the last single chairlifts in the country! The rugged terrain and snow conditions bring a unique challenge that makes it exciting for skiers of all abilities. The slopes are narrower than most ski areas, lightly (if at all) groomed and full of natural beauty. Not only does this mountain offer some of the best skiing in the Northeast, but it also has something for every ski enthusiast to enjoy!
If you’re new to skiing or just aren’t feeling up to tackling the mountain on your own, Mad River Glen offers a variety of ski lessons and clinics that can get you up and moving in no time.
In addition, their Naturalist Snowshoeing Program offers an incredible opportunity to explore the mountain and its surroundings more intimately. It is led by experienced guides passionate about sharing their expertise and love for the environment.
The old school lodge at Mad River Glen is the heart of the resort and a great place to grab portable snacks or relax after a long day on the slopes. Located right inside the lodge, Stark’s Pub, a cozy restaurant and bar, is a favorite spot for skiers looking to grab a bite to eat.
By Heather of This Noshtalgic Life
Holiday Valley Ski Resort, New York:

Holiday Valley Ski Resort sits on the edge of town in Ellicottville, New York and is consistently named and recognized for the best Northeast skiing.
Ellicottville is around an hour south of Buffalo, New York, which has the closest major airport to the ski resort. You’ll need to rent a car to get around because the town is small and there is barely any public transportation.
At Holiday Valley, there is a wide range of terrain to explore and enjoy, from learning on the bunny hills to weaving through evergreen glades. Holiday Valley has snow-making capabilities on most of its terrain and natural snowfall, which averages 180″ annually. For some of the best skiing in the Northeast, a great time to visit this resort is between January and February.
Once you park at the main lodge and resort services building, you can secure lift passes outside at the kiosk windows. There are lockers and space for getting ready inside the Holiday Valley lodge on the downstairs level. You gain access to the entire mountain via 13 chair lifts.
You can ski from 8:30 am to 10 pm on the weekends at Holiday Valley, as 39 trails are lighted for nighttime skiing. The ski resort also boasts other winter activities, including cross-country skiing, tubing and a mountain coaster.
Outside Ellicottville, there are plenty of great spots for winter hiking, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Nearby, Allegany State Park is one of the largest parks in the state to enjoy!
After a day of adventure, stay at the Inn at Holiday Valley. It’s close to the ski slopes and is easily accessible to all the amenities of town, which is just a few minutes away from the hotel.
By Samantha by PAonPause
Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Massachusetts:

Berkshire East is the prime ski destination in Massachusetts and offers some of the best skiing in the Northeast! Located in the charming small town of Charlemont, in the Berkshires, Berkshire East provides a great alternative to the big mountain skiing in the neighboring state of Vermont.
This wonderful ski resort is around a 2-hour drive from Boston Logan International Airport on the scenic Mohawk Trail. It is also family owned and boasts 38 trails for all abilities.
Five lifts take skiers to the scenic top of the mountain, where they can view the whole Deerfield River Valley. The steep vertical drop of the ski hill means that the black diamond expert trails challenge the best! Beginners will also love the long, winding outback ski trail on the backside of the mountain!
For families, the resort has snow tubing on three 500-foot tubing lanes. A magic carpet takes you back to the top for another run! In addition, cross-country skiers and snowboarders will find some of the best winter sports areas in the Berkshires near the resort.
Berkshire East has an on-site restaurant for after-ski dining and drinking. They also have rustic heated cabanas you can rent to change and relax. These cabanas are situated at the base of the mountain!
Classically, beautiful New England accommodations in the area include the Warfield House Inn and the Hawk Mountain Lodge. Choose from a guestroom, a fully appointed apartment or a bungalow at the Warfield House Inn.
Also, wind turbines and solar panels provide electricity to power the resort. Berkshire East is the only ski area in the world to generate 100% of its electricity from on-site renewable energy. Berkshire East has consistent natural snow and excellent snowmaking.
With the most skiable terrain in Massachusetts, Berkshire East is a long-running favorite ski resort for many!
By Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Love skiing? Check out these other great ski resorts in North America:
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best skiing in the Northeast and will book your next winter trip to one of these epic mountain resorts. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Below are the top travel companies I use for convenience and cost:
Shop my Winter Ski Look:
Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!
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Skiing the East should not be overlooked when planning a winter getaway. From the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Adirondacks, there are a lot of great ski resorts in the east coast states for those who love skiing, snowboarding and participating in fun winter adventures. A lot of these ski resorts offer the best skiing in the Northeast!
There is nothing like a fun-filled day on the slopes! One of the best feelings is when you first get on the lift and see everyone below you making their way down the mountain with smiles. Once you’re off the ski lift, the most liberating experience is finally gliding through the fresh snow and enjoying all the beauty around you. There’s a reason why it is said that you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a lift ticket, which is practically the same!

Overall, there are a lot of incredible Northeast ski resorts to enjoy! In this article, I’m excited to partner with other travel bloggers to introduce the best skiing in the Northeast. Most East Coast ski resorts mentioned in this blog post can easily be reached from New York City, Boston and Washington D.C.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Best Skiing in the East – Amazing Ski Resorts in the Northeast
Whiteface Mountain, New York:

Whiteface Mountain is located near the Olympic ski village of Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. Known for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is the ultimate winter destination where you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, ice skate and Nordic ski.
During the winter months, Lake Placid is cold! Temperatures range from highs of 31° Fahrenheit to lows of 5° Fahrenheit. On average, it snows around 103” annually in the Whiteface Mountain/Lake Placid area. Always dress warmly when visiting Lake Placid and avoid exposing too much skin to prevent frostbite.
There are two regional airports near the Olympic resort – Lake Placid Airport and Adirondack Regional Airport. The closest international airport is Plattsburgh International Airport, which is around an hour from the heart of the village.
The best place to stay when planning a ski trip to Whiteface Mountain is Mirror Lake Inn. It is situated on the breathtaking Mirror Lake in Lake Placid that faces New York State’s highest mountain peak – Mount Marcy!
The Cottage is a great restaurant to enjoy in the same area, where you can sit in one of the heated ski gondolas and enjoy a mulled wine. This lakeside village also has excellent breweries to enjoy after a fun-filled day experiencing Lake Placid’s winter activities. The breweries to visit are Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery.
As mentioned above, Whiteface Mountain is the main ski resort in Lake Placid. It offers some of the best skiing east of the Rockies, which is why the National Olympic Committee chose to have two winter games.
Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid is recognized for the longest single intermediate run, making it some of the best and most iconic skiing in the Northeast! This epic ski run is 2.1 miles long and it’s called the Wilmington Trail.
The Main Valley Area of Whiteface Mountain boasts a lot of green (easy) and blue (moderate) trails. The Lower Mountain is excellent for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Bear Den Mountain also has great green and blue trails.
Little Whiteface has many blue and black diamond (challenging) trails for advanced skiers. Double black diamonds are also on this mountain for expert skiers looking for a fun thrill!
Whiteface Mountain also has terrain parks and some of the best snow tubing on the east coast!
By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont:

As Vermont’s highest peak and the fifth-largest ski mountain in New England, there is no question that Stowe is one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast. The resort’s two peaks have a combined 116 trails and 40 miles of skiable terrain. Additionally, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy.
Stowe Resort is in Northern Vermont, just 50 miles from the Canadian border. It boasts some of the best skiing in the Northeast within the Green Mountains! If you’re flying in, Burlington International Airport is the closest to the resort and it’s a short drive off exit 10 on I-89.
There are plenty of lodging options to choose from. Please note that those located at the resort can get pricey! Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa is a more affordable option in downtown Stowe. It was rated #2 Best Resort in the East by Condé Nast Traveler in 2022. Plus, you’ll still have easy access to the mountain via the free Mountain Road Shuttle that runs every 20-30 minutes.
For the powder seekers, there’s no shortage of snow in Stowe, Vermont. It gets an average annual snowfall of 314″. Temperatures in January peak at just 17° Fahrenheit, so bring lots of warm clothing!
Beyond skiing, there’s plenty to do at Stowe Resort. Spruce Peak Village has a European ski town vibe, with many cute shops, restaurants and an ice-skating rink. Don’t miss out on visiting WhistlePig Pavillion, a whiskey distillery that’s one of the best après-ski spots on the East Coast!
Outside the resort, you can tour the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, sample ice cream and explore the “graveyard” of retired flavors. If you’re a fan of the Sound of Music, the Trapp Family Lodge is also a must-see! This is where the Von Trapp family settled in the 1940s after fleeing Austria.
Dining options in Stowe range from high-end to quick and easy. Cork is an excellent option for wine lovers. It’s a restaurant/shop specializing in natural wine and small plates. For something more casual, grab an Italian-style pizza from Piecasso.
By Laura of Wine Travelista
Wintergreen Resort, Virginia:

If you’re looking for the best skiing in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic combined, you cannot beat Wintergreen Resort in Nellysford, Virginia. After all, this is one of the best places for skiing in Virginia, as it’s nestled deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s also an hour away from Virginia’s capital city – Richmond.
The weather at Wintergreen Resort during the winter is usually mild. Temperatures range from highs of 39° Fahrenheit to lows of around 17° Fahrenheit. Even though the resort receives about 19” of snow annually, it boasts premier snow-making machines for excellent ski conditions on warmer days.
The best way to get to Wintergreen in Virginia is by flying into Richmond International Airport and renting a car. The resort is also an hour from the cities of Lynchburg, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, Virginia.
Upon arrival, enjoy a sprawling 11,000-acre area that features 6 miles of slopes that are made of green (easy), blue (moderate) and black (challenging) runs. There are also five lifts available to transport guests up the mountain, with an array of lift ticket options that include eight-hour tickets, full-day tickets, night skiing tickets and more.
Wintergreen Resort offers semi-private, private and family lessons for skiing and snowboarding daily if you want to learn how to ski or snowboard. You could also visit The Plunge, Virginia’s largest tubing park, which allows riders to cruise up to 30 mph!
When you’re ready to unwind for the evening, head back to the lodging area and spend the night at one of the resort’s on-site one-bedroom suites, condos, homes and private properties. Don’t forget to also stop by The Edge to fuel up. It’s a casual, on-site eatery that offers great sandwiches, homemade desserts and an incredible selection of craft beers.
By Victoria of Southern Trippers
Mad River Glen, Vermont:

Escape to the winter wonderland of Mad River Glen in Vermont’s Green Mountains! Nestled in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, this ski resort is only a 10-minute drive from Waitsfield. It’s also an hour away from Burlington Airport if you plan to fly.
With plenty of lodging options surrounding the area and an excellent honest snowfall throughout any typical season, it’s easy to enjoy all that the winter has to offer at one of the most underrated Northeast ski resorts.
A cozy lodging recommendation is The Waitsfield Inn, located nearby delightful dining spots to fuel yourself up after a long day on the slopes. Peasant is one of the top restaurants near Mad River Glen!
At Mad River Glen, you will get a classic and diverse ski experience while enjoying one of the last single chairlifts in the country! The rugged terrain and snow conditions bring a unique challenge that makes it exciting for skiers of all abilities. The slopes are narrower than most ski areas, lightly (if at all) groomed and full of natural beauty. Not only does this mountain offer some of the best skiing in the Northeast, but it also has something for every ski enthusiast to enjoy!
If you’re new to skiing or just aren’t feeling up to tackling the mountain on your own, Mad River Glen offers a variety of ski lessons and clinics that can get you up and moving in no time.
In addition, their Naturalist Snowshoeing Program offers an incredible opportunity to explore the mountain and its surroundings more intimately. It is led by experienced guides passionate about sharing their expertise and love for the environment.
The old school lodge at Mad River Glen is the heart of the resort and a great place to grab portable snacks or relax after a long day on the slopes. Located right inside the lodge, Stark’s Pub, a cozy restaurant and bar, is a favorite spot for skiers looking to grab a bite to eat.
By Heather of This Noshtalgic Life
Holiday Valley Ski Resort, New York:

Holiday Valley Ski Resort sits on the edge of town in Ellicottville, New York and is consistently named and recognized for the best Northeast skiing.
Ellicottville is around an hour south of Buffalo, New York, which has the closest major airport to the ski resort. You’ll need to rent a car to get around because the town is small and there is barely any public transportation.
At Holiday Valley, there is a wide range of terrain to explore and enjoy, from learning on the bunny hills to weaving through evergreen glades. Holiday Valley has snow-making capabilities on most of its terrain and natural snowfall, which averages 180″ annually. For some of the best skiing in the Northeast, a great time to visit this resort is between January and February.
Once you park at the main lodge and resort services building, you can secure lift passes outside at the kiosk windows. There are lockers and space for getting ready inside the Holiday Valley lodge on the downstairs level. You gain access to the entire mountain via 13 chair lifts.
You can ski from 8:30 am to 10 pm on the weekends at Holiday Valley, as 39 trails are lighted for nighttime skiing. The ski resort also boasts other winter activities, including cross-country skiing, tubing and a mountain coaster.
Outside Ellicottville, there are plenty of great spots for winter hiking, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Nearby, Allegany State Park is one of the largest parks in the state to enjoy!
After a day of adventure, stay at the Inn at Holiday Valley. It’s close to the ski slopes and is easily accessible to all the amenities of town, which is just a few minutes away from the hotel.
By Samantha by PAonPause
Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Massachusetts:

Berkshire East is the prime ski destination in Massachusetts and offers some of the best skiing in the Northeast! Located in the charming small town of Charlemont, in the Berkshires, Berkshire East provides a great alternative to the big mountain skiing in the neighboring state of Vermont.
This wonderful ski resort is around a 2-hour drive from Boston Logan International Airport on the scenic Mohawk Trail. It is also family owned and boasts 38 trails for all abilities.
Five lifts take skiers to the scenic top of the mountain, where they can view the whole Deerfield River Valley. The steep vertical drop of the ski hill means that the black diamond expert trails challenge the best! Beginners will also love the long, winding outback ski trail on the backside of the mountain!
For families, the resort has snow tubing on three 500-foot tubing lanes. A magic carpet takes you back to the top for another run! In addition, cross-country skiers and snowboarders will find some of the best winter sports areas in the Berkshires near the resort.
Berkshire East has an on-site restaurant for after-ski dining and drinking. They also have rustic heated cabanas you can rent to change and relax. These cabanas are situated at the base of the mountain!
Classically, beautiful New England accommodations in the area include the Warfield House Inn and the Hawk Mountain Lodge. Choose from a guestroom, a fully appointed apartment or a bungalow at the Warfield House Inn.
Also, wind turbines and solar panels provide electricity to power the resort. Berkshire East is the only ski area in the world to generate 100% of its electricity from on-site renewable energy. Berkshire East has consistent natural snow and excellent snowmaking.
With the most skiable terrain in Massachusetts, Berkshire East is a long-running favorite ski resort for many!
By Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Love skiing? Check out these other great ski resorts in North America:
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best skiing in the Northeast and will book your next winter trip to one of these epic mountain resorts. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Below are the top travel companies I use for convenience and cost:
Shop my Winter Ski Look:
Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!
2 Comments
Great guide to awesome ski resorts on the east coast ~ enjoyed all the breathtaking photos of these beautiful ski areas ~ thank you all for the awesome recommendations ~ love you, mom 👩🏻 xoxo 🩷
Great guide to awesome ski resorts on the east coast ~ enjoyed all the breathtaking photos of these beautiful ski areas ~ thank you all for the awesome recommendations ~ love you, mom 👩🏻 xoxo 🩷
Thank you mom! A lot of awesome places.