Ski run difficulty isn’t the easiest thing to measure. Once you get to a point where you’re comfortable skiing pretty much any run on the mountain, the conditions matter a whole lot more than the trail itself. To make a list of the hardest runs anywhere with 100% certainty is impossible and someone will always disagree.
But nonetheless, we’ve set out to list 5 of the most challenging ski runs in New England. To be included they have to be named on the trail map, so while you’re local secret spot might be much more difficult, it isn’t making this list. These are our picks for the 5 most difficult ski trails in New England.
DJ’s Tramline, Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
Cannon Mountain’s DJ’s Tramline, a black diamond (Cannon has no double blacks), runs underneath the mountain’s Ariel Tramway. It’s steep, has no snow making, and features plenty of rocks and boulders to get in your way. Due to its natural conditions, DJ’s Tramline doesn’t open frequently, but it pushes skiers and snowboarders to their upper limits when it does.
Goat, Stowe, Vermont
Stowe’s Goat is a double black diamond from the top to the bottom, staying steep, narrow, and ungroomed throughout. When the conditions are good, skiers can enjoy plenty of snowy and intense moguls. When the conditions are bad, skiers will likely encounter some serious ice and rocks. Goat is accessed by the Forerunner Quad.
Outer Limits, Killington, Vermont
If you’re looking to shred your thighs to pieces on what feels like and endless amount of moguls, Killington’s Outer Limits is the place for you. This trail might not be the most technically challenging on the mountain, but its half-mile expanse is guaranteed to exhaust you. Outer Limits features a sustained pitch of 29.2 degrees, with massive moguls filling up almost the entire trail. Plus, you’re skiing right under the lift, so you’ll have to go knowing there’s a crowd watching you.
White Nitro, Sugarloaf, Maine
Steep and wide open are two features that might sound ideal to the mind of a Rocky Mountain skier, but to the ears of an East Coaster they bring up just one thought: ice. Sugarloaf’s White Nitro is pretty darn steep, but it’s the ice that makes it so difficult. Getting a day with proper snow cover on this trail is rare, and the snow disappears fast when it is there. Getting on White Nitro is usually more like skating than it is like skiing, so make sure your skis are nice and sharp if you plan on hitting it.
Paradise, Mad River Glen, Vermont
Paradise at Mad River Glen is a perfect example of the area’s “Ski it If You Can” slogan. The steep run is usually full of moguls and tight trees, featuring a serious drop over a frozen waterfall. Many consider it among the hardest runs in the United States, and the lack of snowmaking and grooming means getting there when it’s actually open isn’t the easiest task in the world.