Are you looking for a tranquil way to experience fall foliage? For those looking to check out the changing leaves, it’s hard to beat going to a ski area in the Northeast. For this list, we’ve compiled a list of five ski areas with scenic lift rides during foliage season. These picks include ski resorts in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Berkshire East: If you want a foliage ride on a comfy new chairlift, you should head to Massachusetts. Located in Western Massachusetts, Berkshire East added its first detachable high-speed chairlift last winter. The T-Bar Express opened last December, offering a speedy trip to the top. Lift tickets are only $5 when purchased online. In addition, they’ll be hosting a BrewFest on October 13th.
Camden Snow Bowl: If you’re looking for views of mountains and the ocean, the Camden Snow Bowl is the spot to go. During the fall, the Maine ski area opens its summit chairlift to sightseers. The festivities include a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. and wood-fired pizza from ski patrol from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for kids.
Mad River Glen: If you ever do a scenic chairlift ride in the Northeast, it should probably be at Vermont’s Mad River Glen. The reasoning is due to the historical significance of its single chair, which only opens to the public for a couple of weekends in the fall. I’ve been there to experience it a few times because it allows you to ride a historic chairlift and scope out the terrain when you can ski it. Lift tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for juniors and seniors. It’s free for season passholders and shareholders. You can even check out Paradise. Just make sure to watch your step.
Tenney Mountain: This year, the revived Tenney Mountain Resort is new to the scenic chairlift game.
Over the next couple of weekends, Tenney Mountain will open its Eclipse (Hornet potentially for future weekends) chairlift for scenic rides. The experience will include complimentary cider and fall-themed treats. The Backcountry Bar & Grill (located at their base lodge) will also have extended hours, operating during lunchtime and on Sundays.
Whiteface Mountain: The New York ski resort has two ways to enjoy the scenery. The first is a scenic gondola ride. The Cloudsplitter Gondola takes guests to the top of Little Whiteface, which features an observation deck with panoramic views of Lake Placid and the Adirondacks. You can hike or take the Veteran’s Memorial Scenic Highway to the summit. Once you reach the summit, there’s a variety of neat attractions, including a castle, a tunnel that leads to an elevator to the summit, a restaurant, a gift shop, and 360-degree views.
Image Credits: Ian Wood, Appalachian Mountain Club, Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Camden Snow Bowl, Tenney Mountain, Whiteface Mountain
