The highest ski area in New England is Killington, reaching a height of 4,241 feet, but highest and tallest could be considered two different things. Killington is still the tallest ski area in New England, but it’s 3,050 feet from base to summit. So what are the other tallest ski resorts in New England? These are the top 4, considering the difference from base to summit.
Please note that Whiteface, NY, has the most vertical drop in the Northeast, but since it is in New York State, which is in the Mid-Atlantic region rather than New England, it has been omitted from this list.
4 Tallest Ski Resorts In New England By Vertical Drop
4. Sugarbush, VT – 2,600 feet
Spread across Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen (connected by the Slide Brook chair), Sugarbush combines 2,600 feet of honest vertical with two distinct personalities: polished Lincoln Peak village and the throwback steeps of Mount Ellen. Classic New England trails like Paradise and Organgrinder mix with Castlerock’s no-groom, bump-filled glory and the legendary trees of Ellen. With 4,000+ acres including adjacent Mad River Glen terrain via season pass, Sugarbush offers big-mountain variety, deep history (founded by Olympians), and the Mad River Valley’s authentic Vermont soul—less corporate, more character than most mega-resorts.
- Highest point 4,083 feet
- Lowest point 1,483 feet
3. Smugglers’ Notch, VT – 2,610 feet
“Smuggs” holds the title of steepest vertical in the East for its infamous Black Hole—the only triple-black-diamond trail east of the Rockies. Three interconnected mountains deliver 1,000+ acres of terrain, with 40% expert-only runs, legendary tree skiing (Madonna Lift Line glades are world-class), and a raw, unpolished charm. While families adore the kid-centric programs and guaranteed snow on the lower half, hardcore skiers come for the relentless pitch of the Notch: narrow chutes, tight trees, and bumps that never get groomed. It’s Vermont’s wild child—untamed, proud, and addictive.
- Highest point 3,640 feet
- Lowest point 1,030 feet
2. Sugarloaf, ME – 2,820 feet
Maine’s only lift-served skiing above treeline, Sugarloaf delivers the second-biggest continuous vertical in the East and a legitimate big-mountain feel rare this side of the Rockies. The iconic Snowfields offer wide-open bowl skiing, while glades and steeps like Bubblecuffer and Misery Whip keep experts grinning. With 1,240 acres, a laid-back vibe, and some of the most dependable snow preservation in New England (thanks to its northern latitude and massive snowmaking), Sugarloaf is a cult favorite for those who want serious vertical without Vermont crowds. Bonus: the narrow, winding Access Road still feels like old-school skiing.
- Highest point 4,237 feet
- Lowest point 1,417 feet
1. Killington Resort, VT – 3,050 feet
Nicknamed “The Beast of the East,” Killington boasts the largest vertical drop in the East and one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often running October to June thanks to aggressive snowmaking and high-elevation terrain. Spanning seven mountains, it offers 1,509 skiable acres with everything from the double-black-diamond Outer Limits bump run to the 6.4-mile-long Juggernaut cruise. Advanced and expert skiers worship the steeps off the Superstar and Bear Mountain pods, while intermediates love the wide-open Great Eastern trail. Reliable snow, vibrant après scene, and proximity to nightlife make it the ultimate Eastern big-mountain experience.
- Highest point 4,241 feet
- Lowest point 1,165 feet
