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Grooming is what sets good days in the resort apart from really, really good days. East Coast ski resorts often work harder than their Western counterparts to achieve a carvable surface, and these 10 resorts are giving it their all.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 20 Resorts in the East for 2024
According to SKI readers, the following resorts are offer the best and most consistent grooming in the East, taking what Mother Nature provides and making the most of it.
Top 10 Resorts in the East for Grooming
No. 10: Gore Mountain, N.Y.
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, N.H.
Score: 7.89
Other Strengths: Access, Lodging
Weaknesses: Snow, Terrain Variety
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 Resort, Vt.
Score: 8.15
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, 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, N.Y.
Score: 8.16
Other Strengths: Lifts, Access
Weaknesses: Snow, 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, Vt.
Score: 8.36
Other Strengths: Dining, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, 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, Maine
Score: 8.50
Other Strengths: Snow, 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 Resort, Maine
Score: 8.51
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, 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: Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.
Score: 8.53
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, 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, Mass.
Score: 8.79
Other Strengths: Value, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Challenge
What Readers Say
“They have great snowmaking 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 have 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.”