Vermont is a skiers paradise with a wide variety of beautiful mountains. We have prepared a list of these best mountains to ski in Vermont to save you time in your search.
Our 9 picks for the best mountains to ski in Vermont are as follows:
- Stratton Mountain
- Okemo Mountain Resort
- Smuggler’s Notch
- Killington Mountain
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- Bromley Mountain Resort
- Magic Mountain
- Mount Snow
- Jay Peak
Read on to learn more about the best mountains to ski in Vermont including the details of each.
What Is the Best Mountain to Ski in Vermont? – 9 Best Ski Mountains
1. Stratton Mountain
Everything that you need for a winter vacation is found in regal Stratton Mountain. Standing tall with its incredible natural beauty, Stratton Mountain is one of the best mountains to ski in Vermont. You can explore all the slopes you want to and indulge in the posh amenities nearby for a night’s stay. Secure and comfortable lodging, good diners, and rentals are offered at discounted rates.
If you’re new to skiing, the resort’s Mountain Sports School offers private and group ski lessons to skiers of all ages. Notably, it’s the first ski school for kids in the US; and is home to world-renowned snowboarders, such as Ross Powers. Powers was the gold medalist in the 2002 Olympics.
Stratton Mountain boasts of 5 terrain parks that have been recognized by USA Today as one of the top 5 terrain parks in the US. That recognition indicates that the parks are some of the best in Vermont and the country.
There are 99 well-maintained trails that skiers of different skills could take on. These are distributed in 600 acres of properly groomed skiable area. The vertical drop is at a frightening 2,000 feet, with 16 lifts to get you back to the top.
2. Okemo Mountain Resort
Another one of the best mountains to ski in Vermont is Okemo Mountain Resort. Rated as the US Top Family Snow Resort by Parents Magazine, the resort caters to skiers of various skiing abilities.
There is always a ski program for individuals or groups, be it for beginners or expert skiers. Lessons such as adult group lessons, child group lessons, private lessons, and women’s alpine adventure are among these programs.
The elevation of the ski mountain is 3,344 feet with the base elevated at 1,134 feet. There are 121 runs organized superbly in the 667 acres spread of skiable area. It provides 8 terrain parks that are efficiently managed and peppered with challenging features that beginners and advanced skiers can find either quite easy or hair-raising.
The scenery from the slope is breathtaking and the air is nifty and pristine. You would surely become energized and be at peace. Efficient amenities are nearby, such as accommodations, diners, rentals, and vacation cafes. It’s a totally wholesome and welcoming community on its own.
3. Smuggler’s Notch
Smuggler’s Notch is a family-friendly mountain ski resort in Vermont that offers winter packages to various types of skiers; be it beginners, intermediate or advance. Ski lessons for adults, teens, and kids are specifically designed to respond to their needs.
For kids who are too young to ski, they have a special place to play at Treasures. Huge discounts are awarded to those who purchase their passes at earlier dates, and for some specific groups.
The highest mountain of Smuggler’s Notch has a remarkable vertical drop of 2,610 feet, which is Vermont’s 3rd largest drop and New England’s 4th largest. In addition, it does not have only one mountain – but three majestic ones; these are Sterling, Morse, and Madonna.
These challenging slopes provide all the fun and adventure that skiers of varying abilities would certainly enjoy. The beginner trails are situated in the village area and Morse Mountain, while the trail for the advanced and intermediate skiers are at Sterling and Madonna.
There are 78 awesome runs with 19% designated for beginners; 50% for intermediate; 25% for advanced; and 6% for extremely advanced skiers. The vertical drop is at 2,610 feet, with the base elevation at 1,030 feet.
The resort offers interesting summer recreational activities as well, so it is typically open all year-round.
4. Killington Mountain Resort
What is the biggest ski mountain in Vermont? The answer is Killington Mountain. Killington Mountain Resort is known as the “Beast of the East”. Killington Peak is Vermont’s biggest ski mountain in Vermont and is the second-highest mountain in Vermont. Also, it has the largest vertical drop and ski area in New England and the Eastern U.S., respectively. It has 6 interconnected peaks that make it convenient for skiers to continue to other trails.
There are 155 runs spread across the vast 1,509 acres of skiable area. Beginners have 28% of the trails to themselves; and 33% is for intermediate skiers, while 39% is for experts. The vertical drop is an astonishing 3,050 feet, with the base elevation at 1,165 feet.
Beginners can ski all they want at Snowshed and Sunrise Mountain, which provide open slopes for easy skiing, On the other hand, more skilled beginners and intermediate skiers can use the runs at Ramshead Mountain. Snowdon Mountain also provides trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. You can choose a mountain that corresponds to your skiing goals.
Most expert skiers prefer the extreme and steepest trails at Killington Peak and Bear Mountain; with the latter, more dangerous than the former. If you’re confident about your skiing skills, you can try this thrilling and challenging ride. However, don’t attempt to ski in these dangerous trails if you’re a beginner as mishaps can happen.
For the 6th peak, Skye Peak, it provides a variety of trails for all skiers. You will have to choose which peak is appropriate for your skiing ability. Remember to be cautious as safety is still your top priority.
Killington, being the biggest ski mountain in Vermont, is also the site for the Ski World Cup Tour since 2016. The size of the mountain is perfect for the long runs of the ski world tour.
5. Stowe Mountain Resort
You can find every recreational event in Stowe Mountain; be it winter, spring, or summer activities. During winter skiing and snowboarding are the top activities. The picturesque surroundings, the quaint village, and the great amenities make it a perfect vacation haven.
A total number of 116 runs are spread in the 485 acres of skiable area; 16% of these are for beginners; intermediate skiers have 55%; and 29% of the trails are for experts. The elevation of Mount Mansfield peak is at 4,395 feet, while its vertical drop is at 2,360 feet, and 12 lifts are ready to take you back to the top.
There are 6 distinct areas that offer a number of unique features to cater to all types of skiers. A Freestyle Terrain is available for skiers who want to flip and fly while conquering obstacles, such as ramps, fun boxes, bump terrains, and the natural features of the terrain. Make sure you observe courtesy towards other skiers and abide by the rules of the park.
6. Bromley Mountain Resort
Bromley Mountain Resort operates all year round to offer amazing adventures to vacationers, who want to enjoy their time away from home. If you want to get big discounts, you may want to purchase a season pass in advance. This will entitle you to a lot of deals and specials.
Bromley Mountain is good for family winter outings. The 47 trails provide just enough slopes for children to practice their skiing know-how. Furthermore, there are Kids Mountain Camps that would teach them how to ski properly.
The mountain’s vertical drop is at 1,334 feet; with the summit elevation at 1,950 feet; and the base elevation at 3.284 feet. You may want to ski along the longest trail that runs 2.5 miles long. Beginners have 32% of the 178 acres of skiable terrain; while 37% belong to the intermediate skiers; and 37% of the skiable area is assigned to expert skiers.
7. Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain is one of the best mountains for advanced skiers to explore. This is because many of its rails are winding and narrow – a perfect invitation to skilled skiers. The topography is naturally steep with the beauty of nature all around you. You can get to meet thrill-seeking adventurers who are out for the ultimate challenge and gain more friends.
The community is a welcoming place where skiers look out for each other and help one another while on the slopes. In addition, there’s an area where kids can learn while having fun. They can explore the slopes and get to know each other. This place is called “Magic.” It’s a fitting name as kids always relish the joy that the place brings them.
The vertical drop is at 1,500 feet, which can be thrilling to well-trained skiers. There are 39 major ski trails amidst the 135 acres of skiable terrain. Its top elevation is at 2,850 feet with the base elevation at 1,350 feet. Novice skiers are assigned 12 trails, while more skilled skiers have 16 trails to themselves. The advanced and expert skiers have the rest of the difficult trails to conquer. The longest run is 1.6 miles.
The amenities of the resort provide friendly and warm services to patrons. The village is welcoming and every visitor is treated like an old friend by the locals.
8. Mount Snow
Mount Snow sits on 601 acres of skiable terrain with 86 available runs. Thirteen percent (13%) of the runs are for beginners; 73% for intermediate and 13% for expert skiers. There are 12 terrain parks where skiers of various skill-level can explore. Included in the park are more than a hundred features, such as pipes, walls, and other man-made obstacles to test the skill of the skier.
The peak elevation is at 3,600 feet, this is one of the highest in Vermont; while the base elevation is at 1,900 feet. The longest run is at 3.1 miles. Four mountain areas make up Mount Snow; these are Sunbrook, Main Face, North Face, and Carinthia.
Because of the mountain ski resort’s proximity to urban areas, the place could be crowded, especially during weekends. However, this is counter-balanced by the presence of 20 lifts that could quickly transport skiers to their destinations.
9. Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak has 78 trails, with beginners having 15 trails all to themselves; 30 runs for intermediate; and 31 runs for experts. The skiable area is 385 acres, providing the resort a vast expanse of natural wonders that visitors can discover. The vertical drop is at 2,153 feet, with the peak elevation at 3,858 feet, and base elevation at 1,843 feet. You can experience the thrill of the longest run at 3 miles.
Since the resort is located near the border of Canada and the US, you may meet visitors from Canada, who want to experience stateside skiing. Jay Peak may not be as big as other resorts, but it has its own back country appeal that exudes purity and tranquility.
The resort is famous for its “Face Chutes” which are the steepest and most difficult ski trails; with a heart-thumping mandatory cliff drop. If you’re in for an extreme adventure, Jay Peak is the best mountain for you.
As for accommodations and food, there are nearby establishments that offer comfortable rooms and scrumptious food for skiers. Parking lots are also available to patrons.
Conclusion – 9 Best Ski Mountains in Vermont
What is the best mountain to ski in Vermont? The 9 best mountains to ski in Vermont are as follows:
- Stratton Mountain
- Okemo Mountain Resort
- Smuggler’s Notch
- Killington Mountain
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- Bromley Mountain Resort
- Magic Mountain
- Mount Snow
- Jay Peak
These Vermont ski mountains have their own perks to offer; so, we cannot recommend only one. If you are traveling to Vermont from out of state, or perhaps even out of the country, I highly recommend visiting more than one of these Vermont ski mountains. There are so many beautiful mountains to ski in Vermont that it would be a shame to limit yourself to only one.
