Slopeside Condos? After logging a run or two here, advance to more difficult trails via the same lift. Skiing safe is always important, but icy conditions and crowds make for somewhat sketchy ski conditions. Its a small mountain, spreading across 50 acres crisscrossed by 17 trails, with names like Pitch Pine, Knotty Pine and Pokey Pine. As a family ski mountain, the Peak offers some innovative super savers and family lift ticket deals for the day, night, and twilight. A New England winter may be bitterly cold, but at least the gray snowy days sometimes alternate with brilliant, crisp, sunny days when the air is cold, but the sun's warmth brings people . Although skiers originally from the West Coastlike mesometimes bemoan the lack of powdery conditions, skiing on the East Coast forces one to acclimate to skiing in ice and more difficult conditions. With six separate base lodges and a wide variety of terrain connecting each lodge, skiers of every level will find a section of the resort that speaks to them. from USD 450 View Deal 8. Youre truly taking a different road here, one less traveled by others, and for most folks in recent generations, never experienced before.. Sugarloaf is something of a cult phenomenon among passionate New England skiers; many of whom are either well-heeled second-home owners driving in from southern Maine or Massachusetts or live an hour or two from the resort. And when mother nature is unable to provide snow, Sunday River is exceptionally well equipped to create its own. All rights reserved. The 15-acre T72 Park is the largest of the terrain parks and has the the longest half pipe in the East. While the resort is family-friendly, it also commands the attention of the hippest hipsters with craft brew served on the deck, the Jordon Hotels hot tub or one of the on- or off-mountain cafes or restaurants. Book online or call 207.799.3134 to make a reservation. The resort also offers a number of programs for beginners and kids including a ski and snowboard program, with private and group lessons, along with the Otis Ridge Ski Camp. The downside of these features is that the resort attracts skiers from all over, which at times results in long lift lines. Snowmaking. The contrast between foreground and background text will increase. Its hard to recommend a particular destination in Stowe since there are so many options for the economical traveler and for the ultra-wealthy visitor. Here are five small but mighty New England ski resorts, where glitter and gloss are replaced with character and charm. Just on facts alone, the ski resort has 4,314 vertical feet of butt-puckering terrain. Beginners have their own Westside learning area, while intermediates take cruisers like Dudley Do Right and Bullwinkle. We are committed to providing an accessible user experience for all website visitors. You should also swing by the Waffle Cabin, where you can load up on some warm waffles. In between, youll find 5 other peaks and numerous trails for skiers or snowboarders of every level. Throughout the season, weekdays are generally less expensive and less crowded than weekends. Known as the birthplace of destination skiing, Sun Valley has more than 3,400 vertical feet and more than 2,000 acres of varied terrain. Now you know the best time to ski if you're headed to Colorado, Utah or Lake Tahoe this winter. This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. With 19 trails and four lifts open for evening skiers, it qualifies as the largest night-skiing operation in New England. The absolute easiest ski resort to get to in Colorado would have to be Copper Mountain Resort (even though Breckenridge isn't too far away). On the banks of the Androscoggin River, this family-friendly hill is old-fashioned right down to the affordable ticket prices. Its the right size for a walk from one side of town to the other and the density of quaint shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture creates an aesthetic that represents the best of New England. About 16% of these are easy runs and 55% are intermediate So youre not a fan of alpine skiing? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Black Mountain is a ski area the whole family can enjoy. For example, you likely won't see a medium-sized ski area in New England show up on other national top 10 lists, . #2 Snow Ridge, NY. Slopeside condos and a beautiful post and beam base lodge with lively apres ski made Saddleback a great destination. According to Geoff Hatheway, Magic Mountain president, what makes the ski area unique is its challenging terrain and the friendly people who come there to ski. Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and more. Although the size of the mountain keeps crowds to a minimum, Carr said, like almost all ski areas, peak times like Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents week can get busy. The lower mountain has a triple chair catering to intermediate and beginner skiers with gentle, wandering terrain. Vertical Drop: 2,153 feet Even though knee-deep power would normally draw a larger following in New England, Jay Peaks remote location is something of a reality check for those coming from Massachusetts and other locations south of Vermont. With each new ski lift you hop on, youll meet an interesting mix of visitors: loyal, long-time Sunday River retirees who have been punching their ticket for a few decades; weekend warrior season ticket holders from Maine and New Hampshire; college kids; second-home owners who come from as far south as New York; and everyone in between. Definitely a great option if you feel like hitting a ski area outside of your local haunts. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. December and January are probably the best months to ski here, and this is when youll have the best chance for fresh snow. It also boasts terrain suitable for all ability levels, so its a family-friendly option as well. And lift tickets and season passes are pretty affordable compared to the larger corporate resorts in New England. For the former, the Stowe Recreation Path is a perfect outdoor option and almost demands one stop at the Alchemist Brewery to pick up some of the nations best craft beer. You can also find a list of VRBO options for Carrabassett Valley here. And, it's part of the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective. Affiliate Disclaimer | Terms & Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Local Freshies. The glades allow you to bounce through the trees on fresh snow and really get a good taste of what New England skiing is all about. kids 12 and under, they can ski and snowboard for free at June Mountain every day of the season, including holidays. A ski playground with animated figurines keeps the kids entertained while they learn to turn. Enjoy! Keeping things lively, however, are activity-packed weekends with events planned throughout the season including a zany mattress race down the resorts main slope, fireworks and an annual Spring Fling weekend. Mars Hill Mountain has something for every ability level, including night skiing. Even though Killington is relatively large for a New England ski resort, its identity is largely defined by its beautiful lodges and proximity to world-class craft breweries, excellent apres-ski activities and great food options. The same spine of mountains carved by the glaciers wind majestically through Maine offering some of the finest terrain and the least crowded skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast. The most adrenaline-pumping excitement happens off the ski mountain on a rip-roaring ride down the famous Jack Williams Toboggan Chute, one of the last of its kind in the country. Located in southern Vermont in the quaint town of Londonderry, Magic Mountain is far from intimidated by big-name neighbors like Stratton, Okemo and Bromley. Often the first resort to open for skiing, Sunday River makes the best snow and grooms it to perfection on most of the 138 trails. Two chairs service 15 trails including the Beaver Snowboard Park. At the summit is a state-of-the-art Biathlon Center with world-class Nordic skiing and a training facility for the US Biathlon team. Mammoth is everything that its cracked up to be. We put a cap on things so the experience doesnt change.. The Bebe Woods ski program allows you to learn for FREE! As Mr. Spicolli from Fast Times At Ridgemont High once said, All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and Im fine. Thats what Lost Trail is about. |, The Ultimate Guide on When to Use Express Pass at Universal Orlando, The Very Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2023 and 2024, The Very Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando in 2023 and 2024. Its the third largest in Maine. The upscale ski-in/ski-out Jordan Hotel is a solid choice for couples or families looking for a measure of luxury and direct access to the lifts. This resort is easy to access, making it a good option for skiers who dont want to travel too far from the major cities in the region. It adds up to a one-stop family ski getaway that is as easy and relaxed as they come. Bretton Woods is the largest ski resort in New Hampshire and another great skiing destination to explore in New England. Its warmer, less crowded and youll find yourself navigating some of the better snow on the mountain. Its now maintained by the Powderhouse Ski Club and operates solely on natural snow. Best of all is that without any high-speed lifts to move people en masse, it keeps the pace chill and the mountain uncrowded. These are the categories our customers said were most important to them, and would be most helpful in their search for new ski and snowboard experiences. You can enjoy anything from live music to club events here while also finding great food when you need to refuel. The base lodge and surrounding area are gorgeous with a lot of money being poured into the facility over the last decade. Known for. In fact, parents and grandparents return each year to introduce their families to skiing and riding, where they once made their first turns. It might be the ski area of any skier and snowboarder's dreams, with 63 trails and 35+ glades. Based on availability. Since its owned by the same company, youll have access to this hidden gem. So close to Bangor, Hermon is convenient and affordable for Maine families. You can also pick up some coffee and phenom bagels at Cafedicocoa. Some of the resorts closest to major cities such as Breckenridge will see more crowds from local skiers on weekends, but generally, it's smooth sailing. Jeremey Davis, ski history author founder of the New England Lost Ski Areas Project offers a few additional suggestions on where to beat the crowds this season: Mt. Ski school is also offered on school vacation weeks. Twilight skiing is offered on South Ridge and North Peak on weekends and holidays. Skiing Facts, Snowboarding Inspiration, History, & Lore! For all of the great things that Sugarbush has going for it, it is somewhat tricky to get to. The stunning views from the summit (that you have to hike for now) of Moosehead Lake and Mount Katahdin in the distance are arguably the best in the Northeast! Three triple chairs take you to the top of the 850-foot summit, with views of Purity Lake and forests in the distance. passionate about in North America. Wolf Creek features 1600 feet of skiable acres, and 1604 feet vertical lift. Wolf Creek Ski Area Mountain Stats. Tim says: December 19, 2017 at 8:03 am. Youll find 1,460 feet of vertical at Spruce Peak with several well-designed top-to-bottom runs. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. Nestled among the White Mountains with stunning views of Mount Washington, its widely considered classic, old-school skiing, and for good reason: The resort has been around for nearly 84 years. Loon Mountain also has a decent vertical drop for an East Coast ski area. That being said, we frogs do love spring skiing with sunny days and warm temperatures (aka no gloves needed), even if the snow is a little wetter. Receive our monthly updates about New England destinations, deals and seasonal activities. This mountain has a great old school vibe and a great mountain community. This makes it a great family destination or an excellent weekend getaway for skiers of all kinds. Located in central Maine, Spruce is a quaint family ski hill, run primarily by volunteers since 1960. Jay Peak is really all about tree or glade skiing. #1. Jurassic World franchise TM & 2023 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. More than 80 years later, its still visible and often referred to as the mountain of love.. Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About Disney Genie and Genie Plus Services at Disney World, New Year's Eve - Dec. 23, 2022, - Jan. 3, 2023. The resort has a good transportation system, but it can take a minute to get from place to place. On most runs, youll have views of Mount Washington Valley and the Presidential Range, and perhaps the trail to yourself, as its rarely crowded. The results also proved how valuable our dataset is to our customers and our ski area partners. This central Maine ski hill is operated by volunteers so that local kids can ski, Bakers heart is bigger than the 460 vertical and five trails. Killingtons signature strength is its location and diversity of activities. Throughout the season, weekdays are generally less expensive and less crowded than weekends. Trails: 155 at Killington and 57 at Pico Mountain. Sugarloaf is also known as a destination for other activities if your legs are tired of skiing. Some Colorado ski resorts in higher elevations such as Breckenridge have stayed open as long as early June in the past, but generally, most resorts typically close mid-April. The same can be said for mid-to-late April. Surprisingly, there are lots of options in the area if youre looking for a break from skiing. Now owned and operated by the Farmington Ski Club, members and visitors alike enjoy non-existent lines at their two T-bars plus uncrowded trails and very reasonable lift tickets. While the gloss and logo-heavy signage can at times feel out of place in Vermont, every inch of Stowe combines historical authenticity with contemporary chic. If its still available, youll be lucky enough to stay in a ski in-out with modern amenities and plenty of space (1100 square feet). blackmt.com. But what really attracts those in the know is the lack of crowds. Although less than 20% of the resort is geared for beginners, Spruce Peak is a good fit for non-expert skiers and if you can make your way to this area after 1 p.m, youre likely to a lot of sun and softer snow since this part of the mountain faces south. If youre looking for the lowest-cost option that will work for singles or families, check out the Quality Inn and Suites in Gorham. You may have to REGISTER before you can post. These are must-see, must-ski places with spectacular scenery, excellent snow quality given their northern location, and fewer crowds too. Stop by Lostbo Pub for burgers and beer and live music on weekends. For those that need a bit more coaxing, heres 6 reasons to visit June Mountain. Breck is a fantastic resort to visit and normally boasts some great snowfall. Like a lot of things at Killington, the access road to the resort is still evolving. Its name says it all. Otherwise, crowds should be manageable on Thanksgiving, but be sure to double-check that trails are open since it's still early in the season. Magic Mountain was also one of the first resorts in the East to offer free uphill Alpine Touring rental equipment and lessons. If you are an advanced skier, you shouldnt be disappointed with your time here. Truth be told, the parking lots do fill up during the holidays or after a good snow, but the parks size helps diffuse peak crowds; especially in the northwestern edge of the resort. #1 Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, CA. This Spruce Creek VRBO rental can be rented as a 2-bedroom or 1-bedroom, but should be locked up early since its very popular. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Thankfully, you probably wont ever be slowed down by crowds since Sunday Rivers location places it just north of the southern New England and Mid Atlantic crowds. Cool Off With Summer Fun In The Mountains. 7 Places for Kids to Get Active Indoors . Then book your discount hotel and Epic Pass or Ikon Pass with us. Heres just a small taste of the least crowded ski resorts to visit this winter. One of seven in ALL of New England with a top-lift elevation that reaches above 4,000. Best of all, skiing in Maine is roomy, friendly, and fun in a setting that is unique the world over. Saddleback has the highest base elevation of any ski area in New England, a 4,120 summit, and their lift ticket pricing are among the lowest. You just can't predict mother nature! This particular strength of the resort is extremely helpful for those stretches of winter that drop ice all over New England and Sunday Rivers snow-making capability will only improve into the future as they continue to significantly improve their snow-making infrastructure. The good news is that with more than a 130 ski areas in New England, there are plenty of places to carve up the hill without battling the masses, starting with New Hampshires Black Mountain. And the best part? Keystone usually gets good early-season snow. As of early 2019, there were 111 rental listings at or near the resort. If youre an advanced skier, you check out the Anarchy double black diamond run. Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day. (73 miles). Stowe is quintessential New England cool, with a dash of five-star luxury. Neither of my favorite least crowded resorts are on here so they will remain least crowded. Overlooking Hermon Pond are great cruisers like Cloud Nine, Scenic, and Lakeview. One of our favorites is this beauty right near the lodge. This resort is a lot of fun to ski and has diverse terrain to keep you satisfied all season long. Nuh-uh. Goat is something to behold with its steep, rutted, winding narrow path cutting through bumpy terrain. While there is access to equipment rentals and dining here, the resort doesnt offer lodging. Best news: Camden is minutes away, with top-notch restaurants, shops, and accommodations that stay open all winter long. Below are our top 5 recommended ski resorts in New England. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Ive traveled all over the world to get on the snow, and Ive spent plenty of time in New England. It takes three rope tows to get to the top. Having been around for so long, Shawnee Peak ends up serving as a multigenerational ski resort with guests that learned to ski on the mountain returning years later to accompany their grandchildren, contributing to its family-friendly atmosphere. This quintessential Maine ski resort features 1,056 acres of extensive terrain and glades for all abilities and an award-winning slopeside village brimming with activities, apres ski, fabulous restaurants, shops and resort lodging from hotels to inns to condominiums. In addition to some solid terrain and good snow conditions, Killington also has a wide variety of dining and lodging options to explore. Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends TM & Ward Productions, Inc. Nintendo. The resort has a total of 9 lifts. This ski areas terrain is also particularly suited for beginner and intermediate skiers meaning its a great option for families with 1st timers. But a few mogul-infested, steep black runs will keep your Red Gerard wannabe teenager happy for the day, too. Enjoy this coastal ski resort, "Where the Mountain Meets the Sea.". Fortunately, you just need to seek a ski area thats a bit further away from an international airport and large cities or head to the lesser known ski area next to it. Even if theres a lift line, youre not going to be standing for 45 minutes., And while Otis Ridges size and options make it well-suited for families and new skiers, theres terrain for skiers of all abilities, including four intermediate and three expert trails. For steep and challenging terrain, head out to the Ho Chi Min trail. Bretton Woods is the largest ski area in New Hampshire- spread over 460 acres. In the past, Anaheim Town Square and Old Towne Orange. You can ski groomers, steeps, the terrain park, or the trees, and the resort is well known for offering some of the best intermediate terrains in the region. Our favorite restaurant is ChoSun, which offers authentic Korean food and a comfortable apres-ski bar. Okemo Mountain is located in southern Vermont, and it gets about 200 inches of snow every year which is pretty solid for the East Coast. Winners were determined based on the total number of skier and snowboarder visits annually, skiable acreage, lift capacity, and participant feedback on the least crowded ski area. Colorado's Monarch Mountain is a modest size 800 acres and a 1,100-foot vertical drop but it is counterbalanced by 350 inches of average annual snowfall. Least crowded resort in NH or VT | AlpineZone - Northeast Ski and Snowboard Forums Members Welcome to AlpineZone, the largest online community of skiers and snowboarders in the Northeast! Hands down, Sunday River is our favorite choice. The base area hosts many events during the ski season and stays open for the summer months. Remove the accessibilty icon while viewing the site. Just on facts alone, the ski resort has 4,314 vertical feet of butt-puckering terrain. Even though most of the action is on the Killington Resort slopes, dont forget to log some time at Pico Mountain, a detached, separate mountain. Average Snowfall: 200 inches What's Coming to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando in 2023 and Beyond TRON Lightcycle Run Opens April 4! They keep safety first and have incredible snow conditions. It was at one time littered with a few burger shops, but you can now find sushi, designer shopping and some upscale accommodations. Your email address will not be published. If you had visited Jay, Vermont a decade ago, you wouldnt have found very much to do or eat. Theres also night skiing ($10 Tuesday nights! Check out our in-depth guide: Ski Trip Planning Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever! 2023 MARVEL. Theres something deliberately defiant about Magic, a mountain that prides itself on being a counterpoint to megaresorts. @2018 - Explore New England, LLC. Any way you cut or carve it, Killington is a destination if youre looking for a memorable place to ski in Vermont. This is Maines southernmost ski area, which dates back to 1939 when an old pickup truck ran the rope tow. After 5 years of slumbering, a giant has re-awoken in the deep woods of Maine last season. This place is a blast from the past with $5 tickets cash only- and a rustic lodge with a woodstove and snack bar. I am surprised that there arent many big resorts in the list, why is this the case? Take the double chair to the summit to access the resorts 1,100 feet of vertical drop. And even though New England isnt graced with the kind of cloud-scraping mountains that one finds in Colorado, California or British Columbia, ski resorts are littered all over the states that make up Northern New England. otisridge.com. 20002023 Undercover Tourist. Average Snowfall: 167 inches We've already researched the details most important to families. Many have been around for decades, teaching generations of families how to ski and ride, and have fun in the snow. The summit double chair at Big Squaw is closed until further notice after a malfunction in 2004 that was never repaired without this chair this is a modest 800 vertical mountain. Spacious Mtn Top Contemporary - Spectacular Views - in Waterville Estates 143 reviews House 14 Guests 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms Accommodates: 14 Minimum Nights: 2 Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Operating for more than 70 years, the ski camp is one of the oldest in the country and provides bed, board, instruction, lift tickets and supervision for kids ages 8 to 15. Ski Terrain. January tends to be the coldest month. Its all relative, she said. Some of the least crowded ski resorts also happen to be the coolest. The toboggan run is located steps from the base lodge. East Coast skiing can sometimes be hit or miss, but all of the resorts described above give you the best opportunity for good snow and quality terrain.