Skiing East of the Rockies

If you’ve ever looked up the best places to ski in North America you’ve probably seen a list including places in Wyoming, Colorado, California and British Columbia. These places all have one thing in common - they are located on the western half of the continent. This begs the question what may be out there for those living on the East coast. Luckily there are many fantastic places to explore through skiing and snowboarding to the east. Here are 15 to help you get inspired.

Top Skiing Spots East of the Rockies

1. Jay Peak – Jay, Vermont

With 78 trails and plenty of back-country, Jay Peak is one of the most popular ski resorts along the East coast.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-May

Find Your Rental in Jay!

2. Stowe Mountain, Vermont - Stowe, VT

116 trails on 485 skiable acres and the ability to get up to 3,625’ for skiing elevation, Stowe Mountain attracts skiers of all levels.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

Find Your Rental in Stowe!

3. Whiteface Mountain - Wilmington, NY

This mountain has boasting rights of being “The Olympic Mountain” after hosting the winter Olympics of 1980. Champions and beginners alike can share the trails on this mountain.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

4. Snowshoe Mountain - Snowshoe, WV

The village of Snowshoe Mountain is located at the peak of 4,848’ which means that as soon as you arrive, you can get your skiing started without standing in a lift line. Of course, you want to make sure you get your lift tickets before heading down to ensure that you have a way back to the village.

Approximate Opening Date: Late November

Approximate Closing Date: Early April

Snowshoe, WV

5. West Mountain - Queensbury, NY

This smaller mountain, this resort attracts families for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Approximate Opening Date: December

Approximate Closing Date: Early April

6. Mad River Glen - Snowshoe, WV

Skiing at Mad River Glen is unique as it is skier-owned rather than owned by a resort. People are able to purchase a share at MRG and contribute to its natural progress as a great mountain for people to visit for winter recreation.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-December

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

Snowshoe, WV

7. Mont Sainte Anne - Beaupre, Quebec, Canada

With predominantly advanced terrain over 71 runs, Mont Sainte Anne is a great location just for the views as well as cross country skiing and a variety of other winter sports.

Approximate Opening Date: Late November

Approximate Closing Date: Late April

Find Your Rental in Beaupre!

8. Smugglers’ Notch - Snowshoe, WV

Aside from its great name, Smugglers’ Notch Resort includes three different mountains full of runs. Because of its diverse offering, they offer great deals for families to take vacations that will have winter fun for everyone.

Approximate Opening Date: Late November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

Snowshoe, WV

9. Sugarloaf, Maine - Snowshoe, WV

With the only ski lift that goes above the treeline, the largest skiing acreage, and the longest continuous vertical in the East, Sugarloaf takes skiing in the New England states to several new levels.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Early May

Snowshoe, WV

10. Cannon Mountain - Franconia, NH

The summit elevation of 4,080’ makes Cannon Mountain the highest ski area in New Hampshire that comes with the longest vertical drop of 2,180’ in NH.

Approximate Opening Date: Late November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

11. Bretton Woods - Snowshoe, WV

Bretton Woods Resort has been ranked #1 for ski grooming in the northeast 3 years in a row and has boasting rights of the largest ski area in New Hampshire.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November
Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

Snowshoe, WV

12. Holiday Valley - Ellicottville, NY

The quaint village of Holiday Valley offers great shopping and dining for people at the end of a great day on the mountain and also makes this spot a winner for both those who want to hit the slopes and those who do not.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

13. Tremblant - Mont-Tremblant, Montreal, Canada

For a Canadian ski escape, Tremblant Resort has over 600 acres of terrain on 4 different slopes.

Approximate Opening Date: Late November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

14. Sugarbush - Warren, VT

Covering two mountains with three terrain parks and 484 trail acres, Sugarbush is one of the largest ski areas in the New England states.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Mid-April

15. Bristol Mountain - Canandaigua, NY

Bristol Mountain has offerings for both downhill and cross-country recreation and boasts use of snowmaking on 100% of the mountain.

Approximate Opening Date: Mid-November

Approximate Closing Date: Early April

Remember, since we cannot control the environment, be sure to check mountain and resort websites for the most up to date snow conditions to best prepare for your winter excursions!

This article was written by Kim Cowan.

January 21, 2016