Vermont, home of the Green Mountains, is arguably the skiing capital of New England, and by extension, the Eastern U.S. The ski areas in Vermont are rugged; the temps are often cold; and the locals are characterized by a down-to-earth attitude. Furthermore, this place sees some insane snowstorms each winter. Consider the annual snowfall at Jay Peak (377”), Stowe (314”) and also Killington, Mad River Glen and Sugarbush (250”) and you’ll realize Vermont’s potential for pow is nothing to scoff at.
Whether you’re an East Coast ripper looking to expand horizons or an out-of-towner keen to enjoy some rich New England skiing and ski history, consider linking a trip to any (or all) of the eight resorts along the “Green Mountain spine.” For the purposes of this article, we’ll work our way from south to north, beginning in West Dover, 10 miles from the southern terminus of the famed Route 100: The East Coast’s “Powder Byway.”
0h 44m • 28.7 miles
MAGIC MT. > OKEMO
0h 28m • 19.2 miles
OKEMO > KILLINGTON
0h 35m • 22.6 miles
KILLINGTON > SUGARBUSH
1h 08m • 46.5 miles
SUGARBUSH > MAD RIVER GLEN
0h 11m • 6.5 miles
MAD RIVER GLEN > STOWE
0h 45m • 28.6 miles
STOWE > JAY PEAK
0h 57m • 42.5 miles
TOTAL DRIVE TIME
4h 8m • 194.6 miles
Mount Snow
When you have an entire mountain peak dedicated to park, you know sh#t’s going down every single day. It’s no secret Carinthia is Vermont’s—heck, probably the entire East Coast’s—most dedicated, quality set- up for jump lines, jibs, rails and more. If you don’t know, then you must go.
SLEEPS » Grand Summit Hotel for slopeside digs with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and high- end restaurant. Big Bear Lodge and Vintage Motel for more affordable offerings.
EATS » 1900’ Burger on hill—an ode to the base elevation of Mt. Snow and home to tasty burgers and pub food. Last Chair Bar and Grill for off-hill scrumptiousness, with sea- food, pasta, steak and renowned ribs.
Magic Mountain Ski Area
Magic is as core and down-home as it gets. Thanks to the locals and independent ownership, it’s hands-down the most low-key, stoke heavy, pow hungry, shot-ski friendly, shredder-centric mountain in all of Vermont.
SLEEPS » Upper Pass Lodge. Located at 420 Magic Mountain Access Rd. (wink), this is the top spot to hunker down for that southern VT snowstorm. It only has 20 rooms, so book ‘er early.
EATS » The Mill Tavern, 10 minutes from Magic, is housed in an 1800s-era mill with tools of yore decorating the place. Surf, turf, pasta, big portions.
Okemo Mountain Resort
With 2,200 feet of vert, Okemo hooks you up with long runs that frequently end up at its “big boy park.” Why? It has the longest superpipe (18’ tall, 500-plus’ long) in the East and has features designed by world-renowned Snow Park Technologies.
SLEEPS » Jackson Gore Village. This is the top-notch spot as far as hotel and condo options go. Timber Inn Motel, 10 minutes from Okemo, is a more affordable offering, and it’s across the street from Sam’s Steak House, which is a win.
EATS » Sam’s, duh. Check out the “Early Bear” special from 5-6 p.m. offered seven
nights a week.
Killington Mountain Resort
It’s the king of Vermont vertical and acreage at 3,050 feet and 1500-plus acres, respectively. It boasts Volkswagen-sized bumps, steep trees, ample back- few trams in the East (only one in Vermont), which side backcountry, incredible park skiing and legendary après. For the full run-down on the Beast of the East, as its known, check out our full resort profile.
Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush boasts 2,600’ of vertical, two major peaks and a massive sidecountry zone called Slide Brook Basin. The ‘Bush also has one hell of a jib park.
SLEEPS » Clay Brook at Lincoln Peak. It’s slopeside with luxurious suits, prime hot tubs and valet ski service. Its rooms are styled like a classic Vermont barn with a silo. Pitcher Inn is another fancy spot in downtown Warren. Hit Hostel Tevere for the most affordable digs.
EATS » The Common Man for delectable American cuisine and a full bar.
Mad River Glen
MRG’s infamous single chair accesses some of the most challenging terrain in the state; glades that will keep your quads burning for days; and plenty of cliffs to huck, too. Most trails are empty because everyone is in the woods.
SLEEPS » Mad River Barn. There’s a vintage shuffle board table, foosball and a nice restaurant/bar for awesome grub and craft brews galore.
EATS » MadTaco.This is the post-shred place to be.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe has a true big-mountain feel with the most variety of terrain in all of Vermont, blanketed by 314 inches of snow annually, on average. Head to Tres Amigos or Goat for next level pow and tree skiing. The park scene is on-point, too. Oh, there’s also amazing backcountry skiing off the highest peak in VT that accesses real-deal chutes, big hucks, and pow fields.
SLEEPS » Stowe Mountain Lodge. It’s got full-on luxury and a big-mountain feel. Also, located halfway between town and the resort, the family-owned Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa offers a free shuttle to the mountain, two restaurants, a world-class spa (awesome hot tubs), its own cross-country ski trails, fireside après-ski and comfortable accommodations from guestrooms to townhomes.
EATS » Piecasso. Period.
Jay Peak Resort
With the most average annual snow on the East Coast at 377 inches, all hail the Jay Cloud. It has one of the few trams in the East (only one in Vermont), which tops out on the infamous Face Chutes. This ridgeline zone has big hucks and wide open landing zones. The rest of the mountain is non-stop pow-stuffed glades. (More on Jay, here.)
SLEEPS » Tram Haus Lodge. The mothership of on-mountain lodging. It’s baller, plain and simple. For something more affordable, consider Sheady Acres—owned and hand built by a ski bum who used to live in a treehouse with his dog.
EATS » The Belfry. The best. It’s ten minutes from the mountain and serves up comfort food with a really solid selection of seafood and steaks.
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