Top 10 Resorts in the East for Grooming
The votes from SKI's 2024 Reader Resort Survey are in: these Eastern resorts are the best in the grooming department.
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Grooming is often the most important tool that sets good days in the resort apart from really, really good days. Sure, the East may have freezing temperatures with high moisture (hello “bulletproof” ice), and spotty, even grassy sections but doesn’t that make you a better skier anyway? East Coast ski resorts often work harder than their Western counterparts to achieve a carvable groomer and these top ten resorts are giving it their all.
Resort Guide 2023: Top 50 Resorts in North America
According to the opinions of SKI readers, the following resorts are best in groom for the 2024 Reader Resort Survey. These resorts take what Mother Nature provides and make the absolute most with it, some even grooming twice a day, now that’s service!
Top 10 Resorts in the East for Grooming
No. 10: Gore Mountain
Score: 7.79
Other Strengths: Value, Lifts
Weaknesses: Dining, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Probably the best resort in New York. Well-maintained lift systems, great grooming, and the best trails around.”
“Great value, grooming is always better than expected.”
No. 9: Loon Mountain
Score: 7.89
Other Strengths: Access, Lodging
Weaknesses: Snow Quality, Terrain
What Readers Say
“Speedy lifts, excellent snowmaking, excellent grooming.”
“If you like groomed trails – they are efficient and all over it. Professionally run. They are efficient and attentive.”
No. 8: Killington
Score: 8.15
Other Strengths: Terrain, Après
Weaknesses: Family friendly, Access
What Readers Say
“Great terrain, great grooming varied terrain.”
“Killington does a great grooming job to keep skiing viable when the snow is poor.”
No. 7: Holiday Valley
Score: 8.16
Other Strengths: Lifts, Access
Weaknesses: Snow quality, Challenge
What Readers Say
“The snowmaking and grooming are excellent / exquisite.”
“They are always improving every year. Great snowmaking ability. Great grooming!”
No. 6: Okemo Mountain Resort
Score: 8.36
Other Strengths: Dining, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Terrain, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Okemo does a better job than any eastern mountain in making, managing and grooming snow!”
“Great family resort, dependable conditions due to excellent snowmaking and grooming, friendly staff.”
No. 5: Sunday River
Score: 8.50
Other Strengths: Snow quality, Lifts
Weaknesses: Local Flavor, Parking
What Readers Say
“What a gorgeous resort that had well-groomed terrain for days.”
“Snowmaking second to none – early season to open and powerful ability to recover from mid-season New England weather catastrophes. Experienced and dedicated snowmaking/grooming staff.”
No. 4: Sugarloaf
Score: 8.51
Other Strengths: Terrain, Challenge
Weaknesses: Family-Friendly, Access
What Readers Say
“Grooming is great even if the weather hasn’t been cooperative.”
“Worth the long trip for some of the best terrain and snow on the east coast. The staff is top notch and always helpful and nice! ”
No. 3: Smuggler’s Notch
Score: 8.53
Other Strengths: Terrain, Lodging
Weaknesses: Lifts, Après
What Readers Say
“Grooming is top-notch even with bad weather.”
“Although I’ve never had a bad day on the slopes at Smuggs, the groomers make the iciest of days enjoyable. They have a top-notch mountain crew.”
No. 2: Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
Score: 8.79
Other Strengths: Value, Guest Services
Weaknesses: Terrain, Challenge
What Readers Say
“They have great snow making and grooming so even in a marginal year the conditions will be good and the lift system is great.”
“The snowmaking and grooming are as good or better than anyone up north.”
No. 1: Bretton Woods, N.H.
Score: 9.24
Other Strengths: Snow, Lifts
Weaknesses: Challenge, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Grooming and snow quality were amazing this year, considering the late start and having to contend with Mother Nature.”
“The snow quality and attention to grooming has spoiled me anywhere else I go. I can be at a resort 20 minutes down the road or a resort in Utah, literally anywhere, and I’m always thinking back to the consistency and grooming at Bretton Woods.”