Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State, but in the winter months it could complement its neighboring state of New Hampshire as perhaps the “White Mountain” state. Our wonderful New England state is a popular destination for ski enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.
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With its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and world-class ski resorts, it is no wonder why so many people flock to Vermont each winter, seeking recreation and a getaway from the toils of work and daily routines.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss some of the top-rated ski resorts in Vermont that are definitely worth visiting.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is a very well-known ski area in Stowe, Vermont. It is one of Vermont’s most popular ski destinations, and for good reason. With a towering height of 4,395 feet, skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find plenty of challenging terrain to explore. With 116 trails, the ski area offers a range of slopes for skiers of all levels.
We know Stowe Mountain Resort for its stunning mountain views and its large snow making system, making it a popular destination for both beginners and experienced skiers. This ski resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, from restaurants and bars to spas and local shopping, making it the perfect choice for families and friends.
Killington Resort
Killington Resort is another popular ski destination in Vermont that offers an impressive range of ski runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With a height of 4,241 feet, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Killington Resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including dining, nightlife, and entertainment. The city of Rutland is nearby and easy to drive to from New York and other New England states.
Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak Resort is a hidden gem in Vermont’s “Northeast Kingdom” ski scene, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the state. With a height of 3,968 feet, this ski resort boasts a range of challenging runs, glades skiing, as well as more gentle slopes for beginners. With 88 trails, the ski area offers a range of slopes and trails for everyone. From chairlifts to a mountain top tram ride, there are plenty of ways to get to the top of Jay. The mountain top views are spectacular and awe-inspiring.
Jay Peak Resort is famous for its challenging terrain and its large snow making system, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers. In addition, Jay Peak Resort offers a variety of activities and facilities, including lodging, dining, shopping, a year-round water park and entertainment. The ski area, in the town of Jay, offers a scenic view from the base of the Mountain Road, from the Jay Country Store.
Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush Resort, in the small town of Warren is another top-rated ski resort in Vermont, offering skiers and snowboarders a range of challenging terrain and breathtaking views. With 111 trails and a height of 4,083 feet, this ski resort is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Sugarbush Resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including dining, local shopping, and entertainment.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch Resort (also known locally as ‘Smuggs’) is a family-friendly ski resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont that offers a range of 79 trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With a height of 3,640 feet, this ski resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including dining, shopping, and entertainment. Smugglers’ Notch Resort is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and its commitment to sustainability, making it a popular destination for families and environmentally conscious skiers.
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort is a world-renowned ski destination in Vermont that offers skiers and snowboarders a range of challenging runs and breathtaking views. With a height of 3,875 feet, 670+ acres of terrain, top-ranked terrain parks, the fastest fleet of lifts in the East, this ski resort is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Stratton Mountain Resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including luxurious lodging, shopping, dining and après ski activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort is a family-friendly ski resort in Vermont that offers a range of ski runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With a height of 3,344 feet, this ski resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including dining, shopping, and fun things to do and see. Located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, Okemo is a convenient and exciting destination to experience Vermont’s great outdoors year round. Equipment rental outlets are available at both the Clock Tower base area and Jackson Gore base area during the Winter Season.
Mount Snow Resort
Mount Snow Resort is a popular ski destination in Vermont that offers skiers and snowboarders a range of challenging terrain and breathtaking views. With a height of 3,600 feet, this ski resort is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Mount Snow Resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including local dining, shopping, and entertainment. From terrain & lift updates to weather conditions to on-mountain dining and events, they have all the information you need to enjoy your time at Mount Snow.
Magic Mountain Resort
Magic Mountain Resort is a hidden gem in Vermont’s ski scene, offering skiers and snowboarders a range of challenging runs and breathtaking views. With a height of 2,800 feet, this ski resort is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Combined with tree-skiing, Magic’s terrain is what makes this ski area different from all others in southern Vermont and the East Coast—virtually unchanged since the 1960s. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Magic Mountain Resort also offers a range of activities and facilities.
Bromley Mountain Resort
Bromley Mountain Resort is your ideal family-friendly ski resort in Vermont. For the kids, the mountain seems enormous. To parents, it is the correct size with terrain that funnels everyone into their centralized base area. Everyone enjoys their pleasant southern exposure, slopeside lodging, varied terrain, friendly workers, and tasty food. With a height of 3,284 feet, this ski resort also offers a range of activities and facilities, including dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Bolton Valley Resort
Bolton Valley Resort is a ski area in Bolton Valley, Vermont. It is located just 30 minutes from Burlington, Stowe, Montpelier and the Mad River Valley. Only 2 hours from Montreal and 3 hours from Boston, with 76 trails. The ski area offers a range of slopes for skiers of all levels. We know Bolton Valley Resort for its beautiful mountain views and its commitment to sustainability, making it a popular destination for environmentally conscious skiers.
Burke Mountain Resort Burke
Burke Mountain Resort is a Northeast Kingdom ski area in East Burke, Vermont. With 77 trails, the ski area offers a range of slopes for skiers of all levels. Burke Mountain Resort is famous for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families and beginner skiers. The second floor of the Burke Mountain Hotel houses the Willoughby Gap Tavern’s large windows that provide sweeping views of the valley below. But the bar’s stepped-up foods, excellent cocktails and craft beers tend to be such a good fortune that you quickly become accustomed to coming back time and time again.
Vermont’s Smaller Ski Areas that are NOT large, full feature resorts
Vermont is famous for its picturesque landscapes and gorgeous winter sports destinations. With many ski resorts to choose from, the state attracts thousands of tourists every winter. However, there is a side of Vermont that few know about, its smaller ski areas that are not resorts. These ski areas offer a more intimate and personalized skiing experience, away from the crowds and commercialization of larger resorts.
In this guide, we will consider some of the best smaller ski areas that are not resorts in Vermont. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, these ski areas have something to offer for everyone.
Exploring the Best Smaller Ski Areas in Vermont
- Cochran’s Ski Area is a family-owned ski area in Richmond, Vermont. With eight ski trails and 3 lifts, the ski area offers a range of slopes for skiers of all levels. Cochran’s Ski Area is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families and beginner skiers. Cochran’s Ski Area has a snack bar with the local town of Richmond offering more dining choices, stores and a ski shop.
- Rikert Nordic Center is a cross-country ski area in Ripton, Vermont. The ski area offers over 50 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Rikert Nordic Center is a popular destination for skiers who want to experience the beauty of Vermont’s backcountry without having to leave the groomed trails. The Nordic Center is fully ADA accessible, offers a full service rental shop, a PSIA certified ski school, and has 5km snow making.
- Middlebury College Snow Bowl is a ski area in Hancock, Vermont, 13 miles east of Middlebury in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The ski area has been owned and operated by Middlebury College since its first trails were cut in 1934. The Snowbowl has 17 trails and 3 chair lifts, offering access to more than 700 acres of terrain offering a range of slopes for skiers of all levels. Middlebury College Snow Bowl is known for its beautiful mountain views and its commitment to sustainability, making it a popular destination for environmentally conscious skiers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vermont’s Smaller Ski Areas that are NOT Resorts
Are there any ski areas in Vermont that are not resorts?
Yes, there are many ski areas in Vermont that are not resorts. These smaller ski areas offer a more personalized and intimate skiing experience, away from the crowds and commercialization of larger resorts.
Are the smaller ski areas in Vermont good for beginner skiers?
Yes, many of the smaller ski areas in Vermont are great for beginner skiers. These ski areas offer a welcoming atmosphere, as well as a range of slopes that are suitable for skiers of all levels. They can also be more affordable for beginners and budget minded folks.
Can you rent ski equipment at Vermont’s smaller ski areas that are not resorts?
Yes, some of Vermont’s smaller ski areas (that are not all-inclusive resorts) have equipment rental facilities. These facilities usually offer skis, boots, and poles for rent, as well as other equipment and accessories.
Vermont’s smaller ski areas offer a unique and intimate skiing experience that cannot be found at larger ski resorts. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, these ski areas have something for everyone. With friendly atmospheres, and a range of slopes for skiers of all levels, Vermont’s smaller ski areas are a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Vermont winter.
