If you live in the Northeast, you’ve probably heard about the Total Solar Eclipse that’s happening on Monday, April 8th. The event, which won’t happen again in the United States until 2044, sees the sun and moon cross paths, creating a surreal scene for observers. For ski bums, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Toal Solar Eclipse, as numerous ski resorts are on the totality path.
To help you experience the Total Solar Eclipse, we’ve compiled a list of ski resorts you can shred at that day and also experience the event. A few things to note before we get to the list. There’s no guarantee these ski resorts will be open on April 8, although the snowstorm this week will certainly help. Secondly, not all of these mountains are completely in the path of totality, as we’ve included mountains above the 98 percentile. With all that being said, here’s where you can see it.
Gore Mountain: The New York ski resort is 99% in the Total Solar Eclipse path, making Gore one of the best spots in the state to see the black hole sun. To celebrate the occasion, lift tickets will only be $40. The lifts will close for the day between 1:30 and 2 p.m. Festivities at the base area will include a Live DJ and the playing of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon during the Eclipse.
Whiteface Mountain: Up in Lake Placid, Whiteface will offer a variety of cool experiences for the Eclipse. The lifts will be spinning from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m, with tickets costing $40. For music, they’ll have Annie In The Water performing. Limited tickets will be available to see the Eclipse from the Legacy Lodge or from the top of Cloudsplitter Gondola. Unlike Gore, Whiteface will allow foot passengers on its gondola.
Titus Mountain: While Titus announced that they closed for the season on March 14th, it sounds like they’re going to reopen for the Eclipse. To go skiing, you must be a season passholder or purchase a lift ticket in advance. Live music from The Backwood Burners will be happening at the Upper Lodge.
Bolton Valley Resort: With the Vermont ski resort being directly in the totality path, it’ll be one of the best places to see the total eclipse of the heart. On Monday, they’ll have a lift service on the west from 10 am- 6 pm. Lift operations will pause at 3 p.m., and remain closed for 45-60 minutes afterwards. Lift ticket sales will not be available on the day of the Eclipse, but Indy and Season passholders will be able to show up that day and go on the lifts. Throughout the afternoon, they will have a concert from the Moon Ppl.
Burke Mountain Resort: In the Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain is also on the 100% totality path. For Burke’s closing day, they will be having a Solar Eclipse party. The Mid-Burke Express and Sherburne Express chairlifts will be spinning, with a brief closure from 3-3:40 p.m. for the eclipse. Lift tickets will cost $50. Parking will cost $5 for the day if you are not a season passholder. Burke will be hosting a party on the hotel patio, with live music from Nix Mix DJ happening from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Stowe Mountain Resort: Stowe will also see 100% coverage, with lift operations pausing from 3-3:45 p.m. for the Total Solar Eclipse. There will also be a party at the Cliff House Restaurant, but tickets are already sold out. The Octagon, Midway, or Mansfield Lodge will be other places to check out the Eclipse. The best news about this occasion: parking will be free!
Mad River Glen: With a huge snowstorm that just rolled through, Mad River Glen expects to be open. However, lift tickets must be purchased in advance, and there’s only a limited amount left. Lift operations will pause from 3pm to around 3:45pm. Over at the pub, there will be live music from Bigfoot County.
Sugarbush: Due to chairlift construction and Mt. Ellen being closed for the season, the Bush will have limited terrain and lifts open. However, they still plan on hosting a big party for 100% totality. The lifts will shut down at 3:10 p.m. for the Eclipse, then reopen afterward until 5 p.m. Festivities include live music from The Grift and a limited supply of complimentary glasses.
Jay Peak Resort: The Vermont ski resort was early to the party, as they announced in June 2023 their plans to host a Total Solar Eclipse event. Lift operations will be modified to prepare for the event. Every lift except the tram will open at 7:30 a.m. Upper mountain lifts will close at 12:30 p.m., while lower mountain lifts will close at 2:00 p.m. The 100% totality event will happen at Jay from 3:26-3:31 p.m. After the eclipse, the Metro and Taxi chairlifts will reopen at 4:00 p.m. so guests can get a few more turns in until 5:30 p.m. There will be live music on Monday from the Pink Talking Fish, performing Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon Album in full.
Wildcat Mountain: While Wildcat won’t see a Total Solar Eclipse, it’s pretty damn close. The New Hampshire ski resort is at the 99 percentile for totality, meaning there will be some fantastic views. Lift operations will stop at 3 p.m. The Wildcat Express will reopen after the Eclipse and then close for the day at 5 p.m. There will be a BBQ and a bar for people to soak in the views. Other festivities include a costume contest and eclipse-themed crafts.
Cannon Mountain: The Living Legend will be in the 99% for the Eclipse, with it reaching its peak at around 3:28 p.m. They’ll have Dub Apocalypse, a reggae act, for live music. The lifts at Cannon will close for skiing and riding at 2:30 p.m.
Waterville Valley Resort: With WV being in the 98 percentile, they’ll have a variety of places to check out the Eclipse. This includes the Schwendi Hutte, their famous lodge near the top of the mountain. The lift and trail lineup has yet to be announced. They’ll also have free solar eclipse glasses for guests.
Loon Mountain: Lincoln, New Hampshire is expected to see 99.3% coverage for the Eclipse, so Loon will be closing its lifts one hour later. Loon did offer scenic Gondola skyrides for the event, but those have sold out.
Sunday River: The Maine ski resort will see 100% totality and have a variety of cool things going on. Over at North Peak, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum will have a pop-up exhibit, as they’ll answer people’s questions about this unique event. The lifts will temporarily shut down at 3 p.m. for the Eclipse. After the Eclipse concludes, the lifts will then reopen until 5 p.m. For nonskiers and riders, tickets are available to ride the Chondola.
Saddleback: The Maine ski resort will see a 100% Total Eclipse, and they’ve got a lot going on that day. They’ll have a lot of great vantage points, including limited access to the Appalachian Trail. The lifts will spin from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, with a brief stoppage for the Eclipse. The one bummer about Saddleback’s Solar Eclipse plan is that parking is $50, and you’ll need to reserve a spot. So if you go, it’s probably best to carpool. After the Eclipse, the 12/OC Band will perform from 4-6 p.m.
Sugarloaf: The Loaf will also be in 100% totality territory. The lifts are scheduled to spin from 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., with the Superquad closing at 4:20 p.m. There will be multiple DJ parties, one at the Beach and the other at Bullwinkles. They will also be selling a limited-edition beer called Totality NEIPA.
Pleasant Mountain: On Monday, lift tickets will only cost $24 at Pleasant as they bid adieu to the 2023-24 season and the Summit Triple chairlift. To celebrate the 98% Partial Eclipse, there will be a BBQ and eclipse-viewing glasses. Lifts will spin from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Image/Video Credits: Waterville Valley Resort (Featured Image), NASA, Gore Mountain, Whiteface Mountain, Titus Mountain, Bolton Valley Resort, Burke Mountain Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Mad River Glen, Sugarbush, Jay Peak Resort, Wildcat Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley Resort, Loon, Sunday River, Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Pleasant Mountain
