Last week, we threw out a question to our Facebook audience: “What is the best ski area in the Northeast?” Everyone wanted to discuss what they thought was the best ski resort in the Northeast. The responses poured in—over 200 comments strong—from die-hard locals, weekend warriors, and even a few trolls suggesting spots in Utah or Europe (nice try, folks).
The Northeast ski scene is a beast of its own: icy groomers one day, powder dumps the next, and everything from family-friendly hills to gnarly glades. No single mountain dominates, but patterns emerged. Jay Peak topped the mentions for its legendary snow (think 300+ inches annually), while Sugarloaf drew praise for its big-mountain feel. Stowe and Killington battled it out for all-around appeal, and hidden gems like Saddleback stole hearts for their uncrowded vibes. People were eager to find the best ski resort in the Northeast, sparking lively debates.
We tallied the votes (counting primary mentions and stripping out jokes like “your bedroom” or Western resorts). Here’s a quick breakdown in a chart showing the top contenders:
Jay Peak ran away with it at 38 mentions—about 18% of the ski-specific shoutouts. Vermont dominated overall (shocker?), claiming over half the top 10. Maine’s Sugarloaf and Saddleback represented the Pine Tree State strongly, while New York’s Whiteface snuck in for its Olympic legacy.
Why Jay Peak Reigns Supreme (According to You)
“Nothing touches Jay’s snow quality/quantity,” said Matthew Gischel. And he’s not alone. Jay got love for its glades, powder days, and that border-town charm. Austin Kraus declared, “Jay, and it’s not close.” Daniel Mahr echoed: “Jay Peak has best skiing by far!” Even Graham J Boisjolie kept it real: “It’s fucking Jay and everyone knows it.” For many, Jay Peak is arguably the best ski resort in the Northeast due to its exceptional snow quality.
Interesting fact: Jay Peak averages 349 inches of snow per year, thanks to its position in the “Jay Cloud”—a microclimate that dumps lake-effect snow from Lake Champlain. It’s also one of the few Northeast spots with legit backcountry access and a waterpark for non-ski days. But watch out: As Jacob Ahern joked, “Jay has bear attacks and sink holes don’t go there.”
Sugarloaf: The Western Imposter in the East
Maine’s Sugarloaf snagged second place with fans calling it “the closest thing to Western skiing” (Roger Mecca). Scott Whitney said, “Sugarloaf all day everyday 😁,” and David Orcutt added, “Nothing compares to.” With 1,240 acres and a 2,820-foot vertical drop—the second-highest in the East—it’s no wonder. Bob Frawley crowned it: “The Loaf hands down. I ski em all.” Many insist that Sugarloaf is the best ski resort in the Northeast because of its impressive features.
Fun fact: Sugarloaf is the only Northeast resort with lift-serviced skiing above treeline, giving it that alpine exposure reminiscent of Colorado. It also boasts the East’s only cat skiing operation for expert terrain.
Stowe, Killington, and the Vermont Vanguard
Vermont cleaned up, with Stowe praised for its “long, wide fast groomers” (Nelson Linhares) and iconic Front Four trails. Becca Martin shared: “Stowe has always been my favorite. I like the bumps more than Killington and the trees more than Jay.” Oliver English called it “the best all-around mountain in the east.” Among these, Stowe stands out for some as the best ski resort in the Northeast, offering an all-round experience.
Killington, known as “The Beast of the East,” received nods for its size (1,509 acres) and extended season, often remaining open until June. John Anderson highlighted its snowmaking prowess: “The numbers of gallons of water that they are pumping up hill is mind blowing.” Chris Veritas picks it for spring skiing.
Saddleback surged as a dark horse, with Robert Clarke III saying “Saddleback and it’s not even close.” Michael Axelsson raved about “Saddleback Casablanca Glades. Hands down.” After a 2015 closure, it reopened in 2020 under new ownership, preserving its old-school charm and adding modern lifts.
Hidden Gems and Old-School Vibes
Mad River Glen, skier-owned and coop-operated, bans snowboards and thrives on natural snow. Jay Syrotchen called it “Hard New England skiing born from ice.” Kristen Murphy Luzi: “Mad River Glen!!!” It mentions cooperatives like this are rare—only one of two in the U.S.
Other shoutouts: Cannon for “fabulous views of Mt Washington” (John Heger), Smugglers Notch for family vibes (Shane Kennedy), and Le Massif in Quebec for its 2,550-foot vertical and St. Lawrence River views (Claude Beaudoin). Even smaller spots like Burke Mountain (Sean McEvoy: “best snow quality in the northeast”) and Bolton Valley (Adam Bilbrey: “best kept secret”) got love for no lines.
Jeff Swett summed up the diversity: “What kind of skier are you? … There is no ‘one’ best hill.” Rob Nitsch nailed the sentiment: “The one your buddies are at…” Such varied opinions highlight the challenge of naming a single best ski resort in the Northeast.
The Bigger Picture: Northeast Ski Facts
- Snowfall Champs: Jay Peak leads East Coast averages, but the Northeast relies heavily on snowmaking—covering 87% of trails region-wide (per NSAA data).
- Vertical Drops: Le Massif (2,550 ft) edges Sugarloaf; Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington offers hike-to expert lines up to 900 ft vertical (R.j. Creteau’s pick: “Tucks Super cheap”).
- Economic Impact: Skiing pumps $1.5 billion into New England economies annually, supporting 20,000 jobs.
- Challenges: Climate change shortens seasons; many areas (like Temple Mountain, per Dave Kisiel) have closed due to competition.
No clear winner, but that’s the beauty of Northeast skiing—variety for every mood. What’s your pick? Drop it in the comments on our page. Shred on, and see you on the slopes! ⛷️❄️
(Data based on Facebook comments as of post time; “Others” includes 50+ areas with 1-5 mentions each.)
