Vermont’s Top 14 Winter Getaways For Skiing, Snowboarding And Snowy Mountain Charm
If winter had a love language, Vermont would be whispering sweet nothings in every snowflake.
Here, mountain peaks glaze over like frosted cupcakes and powder days arrive with the enthusiasm of a golden retriever seeing fresh snow for the first time.
The ski culture is vibrant yet unpretentious, the views are postcard-worthy, and the charm?
Well, it’s no joke: Vermont really does winter better than almost anywhere.
If you crave variety, this list of top winter getaways for skiing and snowboarding will be your lift ticket to the good stuff!
So, bundle up, wax those boards, and let’s chase the flakes to the Green Mountain State’s greatest hits.
1. Killington Resort
Welcome to the Beast of the East, where six peaks link into a massive winter playground and the lift network moves you like a conveyor of pure stoke.
What I love about Killington is the sheer variety.
Bringing a group with different ability levels? Perfect.
Want to spend the morning lapping thrills and the afternoon sipping après drinks? Also perfect.
If you’re the type who gets giddy over first tracks or those golden-hour final runs, Killington gives you endless opportunities to make winter memories.
And because the vibe here is as big as the terrain, the energy is electric, especially when the resort opens early and stays open late in the season.
When people picture “a big Vermont ski trip,” this is the mountain they’re imagining.
Come ready to roam, explore, and maybe fall a little in love with winter again.
2. Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe is pure winter elegance, like the ski equivalent of slipping into the perfect wool coat.
Nestled at the foot of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), the resort manages to feel both grand and grounded.
On one side, you have steep, thrilling terrain that challenges even seasoned skiers.
On the other, the beautifully developed Spruce Peak village that delivers cozy luxury without feeling snooty.
It strikes that elusive balance: refined, but never out of reach.
Everything about Stowe feels classic New England.
The covered bridges nearby, the charming town, the crisp mountain air: all of it sets the tone before you even snap into your bindings.
And once you’re on the trails?
Expect everything from graceful cruisers to technical descents that remind you why Stowe has been a beloved skiing and snowboarding destination for generations.
3. Jay Peak Resort
If you’re chasing deep, dreamy, “how-is-this-even-possible?” kind of snow, Jay Peak is your holy grail.
All the way up near the Canadian border, Jay sits in a unique meteorological sweet spot that blesses it with some of the most abundant natural snowfall in the East.
Powder lovers treat this place like a pilgrimage site.
After your first run through those famous tree glades, you’ll understand why.
The vibe here is unpretentious, adventurous, and downright giddy on storm days.
Skiers and snowboarders flock for the glades, the steep shots, and that “locals know” energy that makes the mountain feel like a secret.
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up, looking outside, and seeing snow swirling like confetti thrown by Mother Nature herself, Jay Peak is your haven.
And a bonus?
The resort has a super-family-friendly side, with plenty of trails for developing skiers plus indoor activities when the legs need a break.
4. Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush spreads across Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, giving you two personalities in one ticket and plenty of ways to match the day’s mood.
With 111 trails and glades that invite exploration, you can chase steeps before lunch and slide into scenic cruisers by afternoon.
The Mad River Valley backdrop adds a slower, soulful pace that feels like a proper escape.
Lincoln brings lively base energy and terrain variety, while Mt. Ellen delivers longer fall line runs and a classic vibe.
When conditions align, tree skiing is a highlight, with natural features that make every turn feel earned.
The Slide Brook Express ties the areas together, transforming your plan into a choose your own adventure route.
Stay slopeside for convenience or in Warren and Waitsfield for farm-to-table dining and artsy evenings.
Ski school is strong for learners, and advanced skiers can ramp it up on Castlerock’s narrow challenge.
If you want big options minus big crowds, Sugarbush hits the sweet spot between adventure and easygoing charm.
5. Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo is where relaxed winter getaways meet dialed grooming and a welcoming base scene that makes families feel instantly at home.
The mountain’s wide boulevards are perfect for building confidence, and snowmaking keeps things consistent when storms play coy.
You get variety without stress, with plenty of blue and green terrain to cruise comfortably.
High speed lifts cut down on wait times, and the learning areas are thoughtfully designed so new skiers can progress smoothly.
Off slope, the village and Ludlow’s main street offer cozy cafes, good pizza, and a few spots that make hot chocolate feel celebratory.
Advanced riders will find pockets of steeper terrain and fun side hits, but the real magic is how the whole mountain flows.
If your group spans multiple levels and you want a stress free mountain with friendly vibes, Okemo checks every box.
6. Mount Snow
Mount Snow is the easy button for quick winter escapes, especially from New York and Boston.
The layout is intuitive, with long groomers up front and the legendary Carinthia parks offering a freestyle playground for riders who love features.
It’s approachable for beginners yet fun for intermediates who want speed laps without overthinking.
Carinthia’s progression parks are a standout, giving newcomers safe steps while letting advanced park skiers and riders go big.
When the final bell rings, the base fills with music, burgers, and that Friday to Sunday party energy.
Stay slopeside for maximum convenience, or tuck into West Dover for a quieter night.
If you want a no fuss road trip with plenty of turns and lively apres, Mount Snow delivers exactly what you are picturing.
7. Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton blends 99 trails, swift lifts, and a charming village that makes weekends feel like a curated mini vacation
You will appreciate how everything clicks: park the car, stroll cobbled walkways, then jump on a high speed chair for quick laps.
The trail mix suits groups well, from mellow morning warm ups to faster fall line runs after lunch.
The village base is a highlight, with coffee spots, gear shops, and restaurants that turn apres into an easy nightly ritual.
Snowmaking is robust, so coverage is reliable even during lean stretches.
Freestyle fans find tasteful park lines, while carvers chase crisp groomers that reward early edges.
Lodging spans slopeside condos to classic Vermont inns nearby, and lessons help newcomers find their feet quickly.
Nightlife is social but not overwhelming, ideal for relaxing without missing first chair.
So, if you want convenience, comfort, and variety in one tidy package, Stratton is your sweet Southern Vermont pick.
8. Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch, affectionately called “Smuggs”. has earned its reputation as one of the best family ski resorts in the East.
Honestly? The love is well-deserved.
The mountain layout is clear and accessible and there’s a warm sense of community that makes even first-time visitors feel like old friends.
But don’t mistake “family-friendly” for boring.
Smuggs has terrain for every level, including some surprisingly challenging runs that adventurous skiers and riders adore.
The three interconnected mountains give you room to roam, but the resort never feels overwhelming.
Instead, it has a welcoming, neighborly vibe that turns a vacation into something more.
Think of it as a winter reunion you didn’t know you needed.
9. Mad River Glen Ski Area
Mad River Glen is legendary, and proudly so.
This cooperative-run ski area has carved out its own identity in the Vermont ski world: rugged, soulful, and fiercely dedicated to preserving classic New England skiing.
The trails here follow the natural contours of the mountain, resulting in narrow, twisting experiences that feel almost like time travel.
This is skiing as it once was: raw, technical, and beautifully unpolished.
It’s important to know that Mad River Glen is skier-only: snowboarding isn’t permitted.
But that’s part of its charm and its commitment to a specific kind of alpine culture.
The single-chair lift adds another layer of charm, giving you quiet moments to soak in the scenery.
For purists, adventurers, and lovers of old-school winter magic, Mad River Glen is a must-visit.
10. Bromley Mountain Resort
Bromley is the bright, sunny side of Vermont skiing, literally, with south facing slopes that soak up light and keep spirits high
The terrain is manageable, perfect for families who want progress without pressure.
You get classic groomers, a friendly pace, and that small mountain feel where staff remember your name.
It is easy to navigate, making meetups and lunch plans simple.
The vibe is unhurried, like a winter picnic with chairlifts and better views.
Stay nearby in Peru or Manchester for charming inns, outlets, and memorable dining.
Bromley is the spot for confidence building days that end with rosy cheeks and happy legs.
If you crave sunshine, smiles, and a straightforward mountain that punches above its size in good feelings, Bromley will definitely win you over.
11. Bolton Valley Resort
Bolton Valley feels like Vermont’s best-kept secret.
It’s smaller than some of its big-name neighbors but full of character and heart.
The resort is perched high enough to get excellent natural snowfall, and the mountain’s layout makes it accessible for beginners.
It also offers pockets of adventure for more seasoned skiers and riders!
What makes Bolton Valley especially appealing is its balance.
It’s quieter than the major resort destinations but still offers night skiing, multiple lifts, and plenty of winding trails through pretty glades.
Families love it because it feels safe and manageable; experienced skiers appreciate that the mountain can still surprise them with fun terrain.
Bolton also has a distinctly community-oriented feel.
You won’t find over-the-top glitz, but you will find friendly faces, a focus on sustainability, and an atmosphere that lets you fully exhale.
12. Magic Mountain Ski Area
Magic Mountain is the antidote to cookie cutter resorts, a low frills, high character hill where the skiing comes first.
The trail map leans steep and technical, with narrow shots that reward precise timing and confident edges.
When storms hit, trees fill in and the faithful rejoice with leg burning powder laps.
The base lodge is rustic, the bar is buzzing with locals, and the liftlines feel like a small town block party.
Snowmaking has improved, but this mountain shines brightest when Mother Nature delivers.
Expect fewer crowds, great camaraderie, and a sense that you have discovered something worth protecting.
Lodging options nearby are simple and affordable, keeping weekends accessible.
Intermediates can find routes, but advanced skiers get the most out of Magic’s terrain.
If authentic Vermont flavor and challenging lines call your name, this mountain will cast a spell you will not want to break.
13. Pico Mountain
Pico is the mellower cousin next door to Killington, offering a laid back experience with real Vermont charm.
The mountain’s winding groomers and straightforward layout make it a joy to explore without constantly checking the map.
For families or skiers who prefer a mellow pace, Pico is a dream.
The trails flow beautifully, the crowds tend to be lighter, and the entire experience feels unhurried.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Pico.
It feels almost like stepping into the Vermont ski culture of decades past, but with modern grooming and friendly service.
And despite its size, Pico has real mountain character.
There are scenic cruisers, steeper shots for intermediate skiers, and tree-lined trails that offer peaceful immersion in winter’s beauty.
14. Saskadena Six
Saskadena Six is one of the oldest ski areas in the country, and you can feel that history the moment you arrive.
The terrain here is approachable but still engaging, making it a favorite among families, beginners, and anyone seeking a peaceful day on the slopes.
You won’t find sprawling crowds or overwhelming trail maps!
Instead, you’ll find classic New England skiing that celebrates simplicity and connection to the land.
Woodstock’s proximity adds another layer of appeal.
The town is famously picturesque!
Think snowy streets, boutique shops, and warm cafés waiting to greet cold hands.
Saskadena Six is less about racking up high-speed laps and more about savoring the beauty and heritage of Vermont winter culture.
It’s skiing with soul, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
