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So maybe the term “ice coast” isn’t far off, but we firmly believe that learning how to set an edge when you really need one only makes you a better skier. And despite the playful moniker, the East Coast does receive snow—though some resorts are heavily favored. To find out which Eastern ski areas consistently get the most powder, we turned to our readers in our annual Reader Resort Survey, and the opinions poured in.
    See the Full Rankings: The Top 20 Resorts in the East for 2025
While there’s no arguing the East doesn’t rake in the powder of the West, these resorts still stood out against the competition. If you’re looking for the best conditions possible, look no further than these snow-sure hills so you can #SkiTheEast and earn your turns this winter.
Top 10 Resorts in the East for Snow
No. 10: Waterville Valley, N.H.
Score: 7.67
Other Strengths: Grooming, Value
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Treeline to treeline snowmaking and perfect corduroy.”
“They do an amazing job making/maintaining snow, so we can get out in all conditions. It’s been a hidden gem as my kids learn to ski.”
No. 9: Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
Score: 7.80
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Lifts, Parking
What Readers Say
“Big mountain, great snow, long season.”
“Sugarloaf saved our holiday ski week in 2023. Boyne has invested in snowmaking and now lifts (Bucksaw) while maintaining what is special about the ‘Loaf. It is probably the most unique ski experience on the East Coast thanks to the high vertical, terrain variety, and atmosphere.”
No. 8: Killington Resort, Vt.
Score: 7.82
Other Strengths: Après, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Family Friendly
What Readers Say
“Killington does everything it can to get snow early in the season—and it was a lot better than what was expected.”
“Great terrain variety, solid snowmaking network.”
No. 7: Mad River Glen, Vt.
Score: 7.82
Other Strengths: Challenge, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Lifts, Grooming
What Readers Say
“The snow is variable, but that is the entire experience of MRG. I LOVE IT!!!”
“Natural snow conditions, no manmade, little grooming, off-piste encouraged. A skier’s paradise.”
No. 6: Wachusett Mountain, Mass.
Score: 7.86
Other Strengths: Grooming, Access
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Challenge
What Readers Say
“The amazing snowmaking and grooming teams made for a great 2023-2024 season despite Mother Nature not cooperating.”
“The resort puts a lot of effort into making sure that they have good quality snow with plenty of snowmaking and grooming when the weather allows.”
No. 5: Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.
Score: 7.98
Other Strengths: Family Friendly, Grooming
Weaknesses: Lifts, Dining
What Readers Say
“Mother Nature does not cooperate all the time but their mountain ops does a great job leveraging the snow they have and making plenty where they can. When it does snow, the fun starts with plenty of adventurous ways to come down the mountain (in and out of bounds).”
“Smuggs is the best—snow, terrain, and vibe!”
No. 4: Sunday River, Maine
Score: 8.00
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Parking, Access
What Readers Say
“Good snow quality and grooming.”
“They have the best conditions considering its at low elevation only 100 miles from the ocean.”
No. 3: Saddleback Mountain, Maine
Score: 8.43
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Lifts
Weaknesses: Access, Dining
What Readers Say
“Saddleback is a hidden gem. When N.H. got rain, they received all snow and had a deep base on their natural trails and glades.”
“Snow is reliably good.”
No. 2: Jay Peak, Vt.
Score: 8.44
Other Strengths: Terrain Challenge, Dining
Weaknesses: Grooming, Lifts
What Readers Say
“Lots of snow for the East.”
“True skiers’/riders’ mountain. Great snow and endless tree skiing.”
No. 1: Bretton Woods, N.H.
Score: 8.63
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Challenge, Après
What Readers Say
“No matter what other area resorts are facing—ice, flooding, rain, whiteout, winds—Bretton Woods is an oasis, somehow always rising to the top as the best ski destination around. I’ve started my day at a nearby mountain and have regularly left to find conditions 10 times better just down the road at Bretton Woods with their grooming and snow quality.”
“Bretton Woods has the best snow and grooming of any of the ski areas in the region.”