Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and venture out for an East Coast weekend ski trip to some of the best mountains on the East coast. Read on for insider knowledge, tips, and tricks for some of the best East Coast ski resorts—all within a hop, skip, and a ski from the major East Coast metros, like New York City and Boston.
Stowe Mountain Ski Resort
Nestled at the base of Vermont's highest peak sits Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the most fabled ski resorts in the East. A picture-perfect weekend ski destination with a longstanding heritage of being at the forefront of the Vermont mountain experience.
From the first lift-served runs on Mount Mansfield in 1937 to the birthplace of the 10th Mountain Division and home to the nation's oldest Ski Patrol, Stowe has long been a premier skiing & riding destination in Vermont.
Why Stowe?
- Easy weekend commute: Driving time from Boston—3.5 hours; New York—5 hours.
- Split between two mountains, Stowe sits on the Majestic Mt. Mansfield (the highest peak in Vermont) and Spruce Peak.
- The most on the East Coast… with 12 total lifts, Stowe boasts more mile-long lifts than any other ski resort on the East Coast.
- Dial up the fun with 485 skiable acres, 116 trails and 2 terrain parks.
- The lift-served vertical drop of Mount Mansfield is 2,360 feet, the fifth largest in New England and the fourth largest in Vermont.
- Unique activities on and off the mountain such as a scenic Gondola Skyride, the Cross Country Center, ice skating, and of course, the Spa at Spruce Peak.
- Can’t miss events throughout the ski season such as the Annual New Year's Eve Celebration and the Winter Rendezvous.
- A vibrant après-ski scene with hot spots such as the WhistlePig Pavilion and the Spruce Bar.
Be inspired by all-things Stowe. Check out the Stowe blog, Mansfield Moments: From the Peak of Vermont.
Okemo Mountain Ski Resort
Explore Okemo and all the beauty in Ludlow, Vermont. Dropping in for an East Coast ski weekend is effortless at Okemo. So, relax and unwind because it’s Okemo time. Welcome home.
With slope side lodging for a ski-in-ski-out experience, the best grooming and snow making capabilities on the East Coast, winter activities and dining options from base to base—the fun never runs out.
Why Okemo?
- Albany (ALB), Hartford Springfield's Bradley International (BDL), and Manchester (MHT) airports are each about a 2-hour drive.
- Two base areas and over 100 trails along with the highest vertical drop in southern Vermont—Check out the trail map to make the most of your Okemo time.
- Okemo is home to the best super pipe in Vermont! Take your terrain park skills to the next level at one of Okemo’s six innovative terrain parks.
- There's more to Okemo than skiing and riding. Take a scenic and exhilarating ride on the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster or explore Vermont’s winter woods by fatbike.
- You can always find some post-skiing fun at the Après Afternoons at Jackson Gore or at one of the many top Okemo mountain restaurants such as 43 North or The Bull Restaurant and Bar.
First time to Okemo Mountain Ski Resort? Prepare for your visit! First time skiing or snowboarding? Check out our Our Top Ten Beginner Tips!
Hunter Mountain Ski Resort
Four faces of fun at NY's Big Mountain. Hunter Mountain Ski Resort is located in Hunter, New York about three hours northwest of New York City, perfect for a ski weekend getaway. From its inception in the late 1950s, Hunter Mountain has been dedicated to extensive snowmaking and grooming operations.
From comfortable and spacious learning terrain perfect for first-timers, to steeps and bumps for the seasoned expert, and Empire Parks - there is something to satisfy any skiing or riding style!
Why Hunter?
- Weekend trips close to New York City New York. By car, Hunter is just over 2 hours north of New York City; by air—via Albany, JFK, LaGuardia and more; by train—you can opt to ride Amtrak to nearby Hudson, NY.
- The State of the Art Learning Center, built in 2002, is the perfect place to start for the ultimate East Coast beginner experience.
- Four separate mountain faces encompass a wide variety of terrain which caters to skiers and riders of all ability levels—explore them all with our trail map.
- At 3,200ft above sea level, the summit at Hunter offers breathtaking views that can be seen as far as Massachusetts' Berkshires and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
- With 1,600ft of skiable vertical drop, you’ll have plenty to explore from top to bottom.
- World class snowmaking—Hunter is known as the snow making capital of the world!
- No ski? No problem. There’s plenty of entertainment at Hunter including the bubly Snow Tubing Park, annual traditions such as the legendary Saturday après with live music at the Main Bar, and many delicious dining options including Van Winkle's full-service and The Marketplace.
Need some help with your East Coast weekend ski trip packing list? Check out our 2023/24 Winter Gear Guide!
Mount Sunapee Ski Resort
Where family traditions take flight. Since its inception, Mount Sunapee has been the destination for a fun, family ski weekend in Southern New Hampshire. Celebrate generations of traditions and make a few new ones with your loved ones at Sunapee.
Anyone that has visited Mount Sunapee knows it’s a very special place. It’s familiar, it’s warm (even in the middle of a cold winter’s day) and it’s a place where everyone in the family has fun.
Why Mount Sunapee?
- Mount Sunapee is conveniently located 20 minutes off of Interstate 89 and is the closest big mountain to Boston.
- With the dedicated South Peak Learning Area, Mount Sunapee is the perfect place to begin your lifetime of skiing and riding.
- Mount Sunapee Resort has three lodges—the Spruce, Sunapee, and Summit Lodges and 66 trails spread over 230 acres of skiable terrain. This trail map ensures you won’t miss an inch!
- From the summit at 2,743 feet, you can see 13 other East Coast ski resort peaks.
- Freestyle Fun—Mount Sunapee boasts 4 terrain parks each with a unique design and focus, from small progression features to large, expert level hits.
- Home to the annual Mount Sunapee Slush Cup and the Sunapee New Years Bash, there is always family fun to be had.
- Feed your famished fam along with the picturesque views at one of Sunapee’s mountain restaurants.
Want to create family traditions you'll pass down for generations to come? Then don’t miss the Mount Sunapee For Families planning guide!
FAQs: In the East Coast Know
Q: Can I rent equipment at these resorts?
A: Yes, all the resorts offer equipment rental services, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Q: Are ski lessons available for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Each resort has lessons for beginners, taught by experienced instructors.
Q: What's the best time to visit these East Coast ski resorts for the best snow conditions?
A: The peak season usually runs from December to March, ensuring the best snow conditions and an enjoyable skiing experience.
Q: Do these resorts offer dining options?
A: Yes, you'll find a variety of dining options, from cozy lodges to gourmet restaurants.
Q: Are there activities for non-skiers?
A: Definitely! These resorts offer a range of activities, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
Q: Can I book accommodation on-site?
A: Yes, all these resorts offer on-site lodging options, making it convenient to stay close to the slopes.
The East Coast's Stowe, Okemo, Hunter, and Mount Sunapee ski resorts are your golden ticket to an unforgettable adventure. With easy access from major East Coast metros, slopes for all skill levels, and plenty of activities, these resorts are the best weekend ski trips on the East Coast.