The 20 Best East Coast Ski Resorts – 2022

Back in March 2021, when sent out our annual Reader Resort Survey following a pandemic ski season where things were far from normal, we had no idea what to expect. With all the travel restrictions in the East, we knew that skier travel habits were altered, more people stayed closer to home, and some skiers couldn’t get out at all.

So, how did it impact the Eastern rankings? Across the board, we saw a higher response rate for smaller ski areas, even welcoming a new ski area into the rankings for the first time this year (hey, Hidden Valley!) Not surprisingly, we also observed that those visiting the larger ski areas hemmed and hawed even more than usual about lift lines, parking, crowds, and limited amenities. The good news? All signs point to a return to a ski season more closely resembling normal this winter.

We will invariably get angry missives ranting about how tiny Wachusett can best big-bad Stowe in any reputable ski-resort survey. Well, that’s on you guys. It’s a reader survey—you vote, not us. That said, maybe placing value in good, kind service, clean and welcoming lodges, and a truly communal vibe isn’t all that crazy after all. Because at the end of the day, skiing is more than just the act of sliding down a hill.

You’re free to disagree. You’re also free to share your thoughts in the next Reader Resort Survey. We’ll make sure it finds its way into your inbox as this season winds down in the spring. Until then, enjoy arguing about the rankings—we sure do!

20. Gore Mountain, N.Y.

Gore Mountain is set in the majestic beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. It’s a family-friendly resort with excellent moderate terrain and an old-school vibe. 

Overall Score: 7.56 / 10

Strengths

✅  Value

✅  Lifts

Weaknesses

❌ Dining

❌ Service

What Readers Say

“I skied at Gore all of this season—40-plus days. I love Gore’s variety of terrain and great layout for easy access between peaks and great lift service. Gore has terrain to offer for everyone, on busy days the layout of the mountain allows skiers and riders to nicely spread out with minimal lift lines in great areas. I would say the Gore is the best big mountain in New York.”

Summary

Gore Mountain serves up the best of the Adirondacks in an unspoiled slopeside experience—there is no commercial development on the mountain. This upstate N.Y. resort simply oozes charm and natural beauty. The terrain has a mix of everything, though its moderate runs are the most memorable. Gore Mountain is an excellent family destination with solid skiing and exquisite mountain views.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Gore Mountain, N.Y.

19. Hidden Valley Resort, Pa.

Hidden Valley is an unapologetically welcoming resort with tons of heart. The mountain is known for its excellent ski school, intermediate runs,  diligent snowmaking, and high-quality grooming. 

Overall Score: 7.59 /10

Strengths

✅ Grooming

✅ Access

✅ Family Friendly

Weaknesses

❌ Challenge

❌ Variety

What Readers Say

“Hidden Valley is what it says is: A family-friendly resort with a plus. The staff throughout are awesome and treat you like family. The ski school is top-shelf. If you want to go bigger, its sister resort Seven Springs is around the corner. The local town and residents are happy to see you. There is tons to do around the resort area. A great vacation spot to relax. The staff there creates that easygoing feel.”

Summary

Hidden Valley is one of the most friendly mountains around—and not just for families. The resort doesn’t try to be something it’s not. This welcome lack of pretentiousness revels in the glory of mellow cruisers, fun intermediates, and a pair of terrain parks. It’s not a huge mountain but the expertise in snowmaking and grooming means the hills are always ready to go—no small task given in the inconsistent Pennsylvania snow.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Hidden Valley Resort, Pa.

18. Mount Snow, Vt.

Mount Snow is a solid all-around mountain that benefits from its close proximity to several major East Coast cities. It’s a big mountain with a solid blend of terrain and one of the very best terrain parks in the East.

Overall Score: 7.62 /10

Strengths

✅ Grooming

✅ Nightlife

Weaknesses

❌ Service

❌ Lifts

What Readers Say

“Mount Snow is still a solid choice for skiing in the East. A bit of everything you need for an interesting weekend of skiing and a reasonable travel time from New York area.”

Summary

The four mountains that comprise Mount Snow really do have something for everyone. Reliable snow is a big plus for experts who are looking for legit steeps. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene for when the sun goes down.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Mount Snow, Vt.

17. Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt.

Stowe Mountain is classic New England skiing. Set among Vermont’s highest mountains, Stowe is known for its thrilling steeps and ski-town vibe, which manages to be hip and quaint at the same time. 

Overall Score: 7.69 / 10

Strengths

✅ Après

✅ Dining

✅ Terrain Variety

Weaknesses

❌ Overall Satisfaction

❌ Value

What Readers Say

“Stowe is as good as you’ll get in the Northeast. The mountain is large and varied in terms of terrain. There are enough classic Vermont trails to make the experience challenging and skiing in the trees can be a joy. The cruisers are variable enough to hold your attention and can be easily distinguished from one another. Like the rest of Vermont, the weather and the conditions are probably the most challenging aspects of skiing at Stowe. You just never know what is coming and it can change fast. The off-mountain scene at Stowe has enough variety to keep all sorts happy; from down and dirty dive bars to fine French dining; dormitory lodging to presidential suites. Stowe has tradition; something that every serious skier ought to experience at least once, if not regularly.”

Summary

Stowe Mountain is a traditional ski area that flirts with an upscale atmosphere but never loses its small-town New England spirit. Its high peaks are a dream on a powder day though it can get bitingly cold at times. No worries, though, the culture and atmosphere of the town of Stowe accommodate everything from fine-dining to dive bars.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt.

16. Seven Springs Resort, Pa.

It’s been said that no other resort does so much with so little. A lot of love goes into Seven Springs, especially when it comes to night skiing. Seven Springs is also located relatively close to several East Coast cities, perfect for a quick visit. 

Overall Score: 7.70 / 10

Strengths

✅ Access

✅ Nightlife

Weaknesses

❌ Snow

❌ Challenge

What Readers Say

“Consistently good with an excellent snowmaking system. They cover their terrain well and refresh it with snowmaking on nights when temps are right. Mountain is easy to get around, and has some nice local secrets if you can figure them out.”

Summary

Seven Springs is on the smaller side, but the terrain that is there is meticulously maintained. Night skiing is a big perk along with the lively nightlife scene. The majority of the terrain is intermediate but curious skiers can find secrets in the trees that up the challenge.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Seven Springs, Pa.

15. Wachusett Mountain, Mass.

This punchy mountain is a favorite destination for Boston-based skiers looking for a quick, nearby ski fix. Despite only having 110 acres, there is a lot of personality packed into this well-curated resort.

Overall Score: 7.82 / 10

Strengths

✅ Access

✅ Family-friendly

Weaknesses

❌ Challenge

❌ Variety

What Readers Say

“For what it is, a modest-sized ski area proximate to the urban agglomeration of Eastern Massachusetts, WaWa is a gem: from the beautiful setting, to the on-hill product (lifts and snowmaking) to their ski school, junior race program, and guest services. Among the New England ski areas that our family has skied at, it belongs to a very small handful that actually serve food that goes beyond the usual chili/hot dog/burger/limp salad fare. I know, because our kids were in their race program for several years, and we did not have to stop by Dunkin’s on the way there! Yes, it does get very busy at times, but this year’s reservation system helped even out the crowds.”

Summary

A lot of Massachusetts kids learn to ski here—it’s a family-friendly mountain that has excellent instructors. It’s also a busy place. Despite this, the snowmaking crews make two passes a day during the busy season to ensure the good stuff doesn’t get entirely skied off. Wachusett Mountain may not get a ton of powder days, but when it does it levels up the fun across its 25 trails.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Wachusett Mountain, Mass.

14. Sunday River, Maine

Sunday River reflects the quiet, stoic spirit seen throughout Maine. It’s a big mountain that prefers not to hold your hand, instead letting skiers explore its stunning northern New England terrain on their own terms. 

Overall Score: 7.83 / 10

Strengths

✅ Grooming

✅ Snow

Weaknesses

❌ Family

❌ Local Flavor

What Readers Say

“I’ve been a season pass holder for many years, and I’d recommend it to skiers of all abilities. End to end there is terrain for everyone. Snowmaking is great and grooming (ability to recover after foul weather) is also great. Once you know the mountain, it’s fairly easy to avoid the crowds.”

Summary

Sunday River’s varied terrain is complemented by grooming crews who can adapt the mountain to any condition—ice storms, melt-outs, and bitter cold to name a few. The bumps are good, the glades have great flow, and the terrain parks are among the best in New England. Sunday River is also known for its ski-in/ski-out lodging on the mountain.

🔹 Read Ski’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Sunday River, Maine

13. Loon Mountain, N.H.

Loon Mountain is known for its wealth of intermediate runs, which the staff grooms to perfection on a daily basis. It’s also an accessible mountain and that means it can be a busy place on weekends. 

Overall Score: 7.84 /10

Strengths

✅ Access

✅ Grooming

Weaknesses

❌ Overall Satisfaction

❌ Crowds

What Readers Say

“When I relocated from my hometown of Salt Lake to Boston, I was… pretty sad about the upcoming ski season. But Loon’s accessibility made it possible for me to get a full 40-plus day season in. A straight shot on the freeway from Boston, Loon is totally doable as a day-trip. The terrain is fun, especially if you love ripping groomers, and there are some nice pitches off of the north and south peaks. It’s relatively cheap, is on the Ikon Pass, and is rarely crowded, especially if you avoid the gondola. Overall a great value for East Coast skiing.”

Summary

Loon Mountain is a popular place because the skiing is solid and it’s relatively easy to reach from several East Coast cities. Fast lifts and assertive snowmaking keep the mountain in good shape no matter how many people are on the slopes. Good snow days are common in the White Mountains and Loon Mountains more aggressive terrain is a joy to ski on a big powder days.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Loon Mountain, N.H.

12. Stratton Mountain, Vt.

Stratton Mountain emphasizes quality throughout the mountain. This means fast lifts, excellent grooming, timely shuttles, and a variety of dining options in the village. 

Overall Score: 7.84 /10

Strengths

✅ Dining

✅ Grooming

Weaknesses

❌ Variety

❌ Value

What Readers Say

“Customer service is great, grooming is excellent, amenities are great—always a pleasure to ski at Stratton Mountain!”

Summary

Stratton Mountain skews toward the affluent crowd in its lodging and dining, but the mountain itself is a fine collection of speedy blues, a few spicy expert runs, and a well-laid-out trail system. The mountains skis fast and it’s easy to rack up runs thanks to the speedy lifts.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Stratton Mountain, Vt.

11. Okemo Mountain Resort, Vt.

When Okemo gets a good powder day—which is common—the mountain is a magical place to be. It’s family-centric but still offers a nice mix of terrain. 

Overall Score: 7.91 / 10

Strengths

✅ Grooming

✅ Snow

Weaknesses

❌ Challenge

❌ Local Flavor

What Readers Say

“For the Northeast, Okemo is a large enough mountain without being too big. They do a great job with grooming, and it’s large enough that you can usually find some good stashes away from the crowds. Absolutely love it on bluebird weekdays when you can cruise blue cruisers all day long and jump right back on the chairlift without a wait. I feel like the crowds are mostly just nice people there to ski, as the throngs of posers, park rats, gear junkies, and extreme skiers have gone to other resorts … which is perfectly fine with me, as I reach the summit on a bluebird Tuesday 15 minutes after parking the car.”

Summary

Okemo is a friendly mountain that gives skiers lots of room to grow. The 620 acres focus on fun with mostly moderate terrain and excellent cruisers. Slopeside lodging is available and the comfort extends to the mountain in the form of heated lift seats and windscreens.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Okemo Mountain Resort, Vt.

10. Sugarbush Resort, Vt.

Sugarbush is a beautiful mountain with plenty of bite. As one of the premier destinations in the Mad River Valley, the expert runs are legit and the natural beauty is dazzling. 

Overall Score: 7.98 / 10

Strengths

✅ Variety

✅ Challenge

✅ Terrain Variety

Weaknesses

❌ Value

❌ Family

❌ Access

What Readers Say

“Great terrain and far enough away from NYC that you get primarily serious skiers. The terrain is HUGE when you count both Lincoln and Ellen, and you get Castle Rock (no grooming) for those awesome powder days. Grooming is fabulous and they keep everyone skiing late into the season even in low-snow years like this one. Fun après, too!”

Summary

Sugarbush gets enough natural snow that it doesn’t have to rely on snowmaking and groomers to earn its reputation. As a result, there are some gutsy runs throughout the mountain, notably Castlerock. This is a skiers’ mountain that is geared toward those who see skiing as more than just a casual hobby.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Sugarbush, Vt.

9. Sugarloaf Resort, Maine

Sugarloaf is a picture of pristine natural beauty that has some of the best terrain in the East. It’s also somewhat isolated, a fact which can add to its appeal or make it seem like a mountain too far. 

Overall Score: 8.01 /10

Strengths

✅ Snow Quality

✅ Variety

Weaknesses

❌ Access

❌ Dining

What Readers Say

“I have been a LOAFER since 1972. While the ride from MASS is about 3:45, it is a nice, quiet, comfortable ride. The mountain is secluded and can be cold and windy quite often but the terrain is unmatched, along with the mountain’s commitment to their clientele. The LOAF is a huge mountain and it all centers around one large base area, without a lot of cross-cuts, poling, connecting lifts, etc. The loyalty of its skiers is unmatched. I am 71 years old and next winter will be my 50th at the LOAF. My children grew up skiing here and now I am skiing with my five grandchildren. Every time I turn the infamous “ohmygosh corner” a couple miles from the access road on Rt 27, I know that I AM HOME!”

Summary

Sugarloaf Resort is an accommodating mountain for skiers of all levels but it favors those who want to test their mettle in all conditions. This is East Coast skiing at its purest, complete with wild weather, incredible terrain, and astonishingly gorgeous views. For most New Englanders, it’s a long road trip … all the more reason to stick around an extra day or two.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Sugarloaf Resort, Maine

8. Cannon Mountain, N.H.

Cannon Mountain is known for its superb trees, stunning mountain views, and a fine variety of terrain. The area gets enough natural snow that local secrets are often ready to ski—if you can find them. 

Overall Score: 8.11 / 10

Strengths

✅ Variety

✅ Lifts

Weaknesses

❌ Après

❌ Nightlife

What Readers Say

“The best ski resort in New Hampshire, Cannon has it all—a long season, a great variety of terrain, from first-timer stuff to some of the hardest lines at an Eastern resort, to its own wonderfully contained family area of Tuckerbrook, to the awesome old-school vibes of Mittersill.”

Summary

Cannon has a wealth of excellent terrain packed into a medium-sized mountain. Mittersill is famous for its backcountry history and is now served by lifts. Its intermediate glades are also well-known as a right of passage for skiers who get a chance to find their flow through the trees.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Cannon Mountain, N.H.

7. Whiteface Mountain, N.Y.

While all ski mountains revel in natural beauty, Whiteface’s location near Lake Placid is so stunning, it’s almost not fair. The mountain throws everything it can at you, making it a favorite among expert skiers. 

Overall Score: 8.12 / 10

Strengths

✅ Après

✅ Lodging

✅ Challenge

Weaknesses

❌ Grooming

❌ Service

What Readers Say

“Whiteface, the Olympic Mountain, dammit! Ski it if you can—groomed, powder, ice, crud, more ice, more crud—get your shit together, sonny. This ain’t no Disneyland, Jim. Lake Placid is a real ski town! No made-up Austrian village made of plastic with plastic women in furs. Everyone is welcome, everyone. And that’s the best part, no airs. Been everywhere and this is the real shiz.”

Summary

From a distance, Whiteface Mountain’s well-named slopes look impossibly steep. It’s not a huge mountain in terms of terrain but you better bring your A-game when you come here to ski. Accommodations and dining in nearby Lake Placid offset the ski-it-if-you-dare reputation of this Adirondacks classic.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Whiteface Mountain, N.Y.

6. Jay Peak Resort, Vt.

Jay Peak is the benefactor of gobs of natural snow—along with a history of skiers who pushed some of the toughest tree lines in New England. The terrain challenges skiers with well-earned turns, especially when the weather kicks into its deepest winter chill. 

Overall Score: 8.13 / 10

Strengths

✅ Snow

✅  Challenge

Weaknesses

❌Access

❌ Grooming

What Readers Say

“Ja-POW is a real saying and when you can get to Jay Peak on a powder day you won’t be able to walk the following day. I have never skied so hard as I have done at Jay Peak. Miles of terrain, amazing glades, and the tram is truly unique.”

Summary

Jay Peak is so far north, it’s almost in Canada. It can absolutely puke snow for days on end, setting up some of the best tree runs anywhere in America. The area has been subject to development over the years but it hasn’t yet lost its hardcore spirit and remains a prime destination for expert skiers.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Jay Peak Resort, Vt.

5. Mad River Glen, Vt.

Mad River Glen is a throwback mountain that values the deep, real experience of skiing above all other things. It’s a gnarly mountain with great variety paired with a friendly, eternally-stoked staff. 

Overall Score: 8.25 / 10

Strengths

✅ Challenge

✅ Value

Weaknesses

❌ Grooming

❌ Lodging

What Readers Say

“Mad River is the best in the East. It is considered to be among the hardest. But it has easy and intermediate terrain that is beautiful. I love the Vermont vibe, the single chair and the simple but great lodge. Do you want to go to the real Vermont or to a slick resort? Vermont’s where it’s at.”

Summary

Mad River Glen is well-known for its toughest terrain but it’s also a surprisingly friendly mountain. Vermonters tend to be softer on the edges than other New England states and the welcoming vibe at Mad River is a testament to that notion. The after-ski scene is refreshingly honest, perhaps because it’s hard to have a bad day on such a wonderful mountain.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Mad River Glen, Vt.

4. Mont Tremblant, Qué.

Mont Tremblant’s 755 acres offer a good variety of terrain. A charming destination in its own right, this resort excels at skiing as well as the peripheral experiences—lodging, dining, nightlife—that make for a memorable ski vacation. 

Overall Score: 8.29 / 10

Strengths

✅ Lodging

✅ Nightlife

Weaknesses

❌ Snow

❌ Lifts

What Readers Say

“Over the years Tremblant has grown in many amenities and has gotten so diverse for everyone in the family. The terrain is kept very well, whether you’re an expert or a beginner. The nightlife is fantastic with the French après-ski.”

Summary

Unlike many other ski resorts, Mont Tremblant’s old-world charm isn’t a manufactured facsimile. The ski village certainly reflects a European heritage, yet it doesn’t ignore modern amenities that make a cold winter night more comfortable. Lifts are fast, runs are long, and the only gripe may be that natural snowfall isn’t predictable.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Mont Tremblant, Qué.

3. Killington Mountain Resort, Vt.

Killington is a big mountain that has evolved over the years to accommodate the crowds who are drawn to its varied terrain and excellent after-ski scene. Powder days are common mid-winter and the resort tends to stay open later than other east coast destinations. 

Overall Score: 8.34 / 10

Strengths

✅ Après

✅ Snow

✅ Terrain Variety

Weaknesses

❌ Family

❌ Local Flavor

What Readers Say

“4,000 feet of vertical that I can drive to on a day’s drive. So many mountains and angles, you can always find a place out of the wind. So many trails—I have been going there for years and still find new areas. Even new skiers can ski from the top.”

Summary

Killington’s 1,500-plus acres and relatively high elevation give it a mountain west vibe. There are tons of great cruisers, fun trees, and some fearsome steeps. Management has sought to balance the whole experience in recent years, improving bars, dining, and lodging in the area.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Killington Mountain Resort, Vt.

2. Holiday Valley, N.Y.

This western N.Y. mountain is a small hill that punches above its weight. The skiing is pure fun and the friendly atmosphere makes all comers feel welcome. 

Overall Score: 8.56 / 10

Strengths

✅ Lifts

✅ Dining

Weaknesses

❌ Challenge

❌Variety

What Readers Say

“This is my favorite resort in my area. Grew up skiing here. It grew with me. It is like family with the people who work there and the friends I ski with. Awesome lake-effect snow, meticulous grooming, and a good variety of terrain. Not the most vertical, but the most for the vertical it has! It is the gold standard that I use for comparison and recommendations to others.”

Summary

Holiday Valley trades sheer vertical for laps and somehow pulls it off with seamless style. There are 60 trails over 290 acres, which offers a surprising amount of variety for a mountain that only boasts 750 vertical feet of elevation gain. The excellent accommodations, dining, and laid-back spirit make this one of the very best ski destinations in the East.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Holiday Valley, N.Y.

1. Smuggler’s Notch Resort, Vt.

Locally owned and operated, this iconic ski mountain has stayed the course over the years with great skiing, friendly confines, and as luck would have it, pretty good natural snowfall. 

Overall Score: 8.74 / 10

Strengths

✅ Family

✅ Service

Weaknesses

❌ Lifts

❌ Dining

What Readers Say

“I have been going to Smuggs since I was 4 and now I take my own kids there. They have learned to ski from the wonderful instructors and are masters of the mountain. Each time we go they gain more confidence, and Smuggs is literally their favorite place to go!”

Summary

Smugglers’ Notch hits a sweet spot with everything that is great about skiing. It’s got a wide swath of varied terrain, it’s family-friendly but also primed for experts, its views are stellar, and it’s not so far away that you have to plan a caravan to get there. It’s independently owned and heavily invested in the local community, so it’s very easy to overlook the lack of a high-speed lift.

🔹 Read SKI’s resort review and get trip-planning tips: Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.