❄️ ESCAPES: The Best Ski Resorts in Vermont (2025–2026)

Vermont isn’t just a state, it’s a state of mind. Frosted peaks, covered bridges, cozy fireside inns, and the promise of fresh powder call skiers from all over the East Coast (and beyond). But with so many mountains packed into such a small, snow-blanketed state, how do you choose the right one for your winter adventure?

Whether you're carving double black diamonds, chasing the best après-ski cocktail, or introducing your little ones to the bunny hill, this guide will help you find your perfect winter base. We've ranked and compared Vermont's top ski resorts for 2025–2026, based on real terrain, vibes, and insider knowledge, not just the brochures.

 Quickfire Summary of the Top Resorts

Let’s kick off with a snapshot of each mountain’s strengths and drawbacks:

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Mad River Glen

Mad River Glen is beloved for its steep, ungroomed terrain and fiercely independent ski co-op culture. It offers an old-school, throwback experience for advanced skiers seeking challenge and community. But it’s not for everyone, there’s no snowboarding allowed, little to no grooming, outdated lift infrastructure, and almost zero nightlife.

Sugarbush

Sugarbush delivers a well-rounded ski experience with its big vertical, diverse terrain, and classic Vermont charm. The resort shines with its sidecountry access, family programs, and modern lift system. However, it's located in a more remote part of the state, and snowfall can be less consistent than at Killington or Jay Peak.

Killington

Nicknamed "The Beast of the East," Killington is Vermont’s largest resort and boasts the longest season in the East. With huge terrain variety, fast lifts, and a lively nightlife scene, it’s ideal for social skiers and thrill-seekers. Its popularity, though, means it can get crowded, and the resort relies heavily on snowmaking. Aesthetically, it’s less cozy than Vermont’s smaller towns.

Jay Peak

Jay Peak is a mecca for powder lovers, receiving more natural snow than any resort in the East. It’s known for epic tree runs, extreme terrain like the Face Chutes, and a unique tram system. But it’s also the most remote major resort in Vermont, including a huge indoor water park and a small base village.

Smugglers’ Notch

Smuggs is a top choice for families, offering award-winning kids' programs and a friendly, laid-back vibe. It also hides some serious terrain, including triple black diamonds for advanced skiers. The downsides? The base village is small, the nightlife is quiet, and there’s less terrain variety compared to the big names.

Stowe

 

Stowe blends alpine elegance with classic New England charm. The resort features modern lifts, dual peaks (Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak), and a sophisticated town scene with upscale lodging and après-ski. While it’s on the Epic Pass and easily accessible, it can get crowded on weekends and has less overall terrain than Killington or Sugarbush.

Mount Snow

Mount Snow is best known for its impressive terrain parks and bubble chairlifts. Located in southern Vermont, it’s one of the easiest resorts to access from the NYC area. While snowmaking is excellent, the mountain receives less natural snowfall, and the terrain is more forgiving, ideal for intermediates but lacking challenge for experts.

Full Comparison Table: How They Stack Up

This matrix breaks down what each resort excels at (✅) and where they fall short (❌), along with helpful context to guide your decision: 

Criteria	Mad River Glen	Sugarbush	Killington	Jay Peak	Smugglers' Notch	Stowe	Mount Snow	Okemo
Best for Powder	❌  Least snowfall but very natural terrain.	✅ Decent snowfall + sidecountry options.	✅  Huge snowmaking, long season.	✅  Most snowfall in the East (~359” annually).	❌  Lower annual snowfall.	❌ – Snowfall not as strong as Jay/Killington.	❌ – Low snowfall; more southern location.	✅ – Reliable snowmaking, but lower natural snowfall.
Challenging Terrain	✅ Steep, technical, ungroomed terrain.	✅  Lots of steep trails and the Castlerock area.	✅ Big mountain, plenty of black/double blacks.	✅ Face Chutes and glades for experts.	✅  Extreme terrain + triple black runs.	✅ – Mix of cruisers and technical trails.	❌ – Easier terrain overall.	❌ – Mostly intermediate terrain, not very challenging.
Family-Friendly	❌  No snowboarding, not designed for kids.	✅  Programs for all ages, well-run ski school.	✅ Multiple learning zones for kids.	❌  Not optimized for kids or families.	✅  Award-winning kids programs.	✅ – Spruce Peak is family-focused.	✅ – Strong kids and group programs.	✅ – Great family resort with top-notch ski school.
Nightlife & Après	❌  Little to no après or nightlife.	✅  Limited but classy après options.	✅  Best nightlife scene in Vermont.	❌  Minimal après/nightlife options.	❌ Quiet at night, very little après.	✅ – Upscale après ski & lounges.	✅ – Some nightlife, modest scene.	✅ – Modest après-ski; a few local spots in Ludlow.
Lift Infrastructure	❌  Old-school single chairlift, minimal upgrades.	✅ Modern lifts and layout.	✅ High-speed lifts, multiple base areas.	✅ Aerial tram and solid lift layout.	✅ Decent but not cutting-edge.	✅ – Vail-owned, fast lifts.	✅ – Good lift system + bubble chairs.	✅ – High-speed lifts, well-maintained infrastructure.
Scenic Town	✅ Classic VT vibe, very local experience.	✅  Quintessential Vermont setting.	❌ Functional town, not very scenic.	❌  Isolated mountain base.	✅  Quaint, family-friendly village.	✅ – Gorgeous town & Trapp Family Lodge.	❌ – Less scenic than northern resorts.	✅ – Ludlow has charm + local flavor.
Snowmaking Coverage	❌ No snowmaking to speak of.	✅ Solid snowmaking, but less than Killington.	✅ Industry-leading snowmaking.	✅ Good snowmaking + natural snow.	✅  Good snowmaking for families.	✅ – Strong snowmaking network.	✅ – Excellent snowmaking for parks.	✅ – Covers almost entire mountain.
Crowd Levels	✅  Fewer crowds due to niche appeal.	✅  Generally manageable crowd levels.	❌ Very busy on weekends/holidays.	✅  Remote = fewer crowds.	✅ Less crowded than most.	❌ – Gets crowded on weekends.	✅ – Less crowded than Killington.	✅ – Less crowded than big names.
Ease of Access	❌  Remote, tough winter drive.	❌ More remote; longer drive.	✅ One of the easiest to reach.	❌ Longest drive of the group.	✅  Easy to reach from Burlington.	✅ – Reasonable drive from NY/MA.	✅ – Closest for NYC-area skiers.	✅ – Easy drive from NYC or Boston.
Beginner Terrain	❌  Mostly expert-level skiing.	✅ Good beginner areas on Lincoln Peak.	✅  Dedicated beginner zones like Snowshed.	✅  Beginner terrain on the lower mountain.	✅ Great beginner terrain & lessons.	✅ – Beginner terrain at Spruce Peak.	✅ – Solid beginner terrain.	✅ – Multiple green runs + magic carpets.
Ski-in/Ski-out	❌ No ski-in/ski-out lodging available.	✅ Clay Brook Hotel & Residences at Lincoln Peak.	✅ Killington Grand Resort Hotel + Sunrise condos.	✅ Jay Peak Hotel Jay & Tram Haus Lodge.	✅  Smugglers' Notch Village Condos.	✅ – The Lodge at Spruce Peak.	✅ – Grand Summit Resort Hotel at Mount Snow.	✅ – Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo Mountain Resort.
Pass Type	❌ Independent; no major pass.	✅ Ikon Pass.	✅ Ikon Pass.	✅ Indy Pass.	✅ Indy Pass.	✅ – Epic Pass.	✅ – Epic Pass.	✅ – Epic Pass.

 Which Resort is Right for You?

Choose Mad River Glen if you’re an advanced skier looking for a rugged, nostalgic, snowboard-free zone with uncrowded slopes.

Go with Sugarbush if you want a scenic mountain with expert terrain, charming town vibes, and a strong all-around experience.

Head to Killington if you’re chasing variety, vibrant après-ski, and a long season with snowmaking muscle.

Visit Jay Peak if powder is your top priority and you love tree skiing and exploring off-piste terrain.

Bring the family to Smugglers’ Notch for award-winning ski school programs, low crowds, and a wholesome experience.

Pick Stowe for classic New England luxury with Epic Pass access, fine dining, and beautiful scenery.

Try Mount Snow if you’re a terrain park junkie or want a fast trip from New York City with reliable snowmaking.

Book Okemo for smooth groomers, high-speed lifts, and a perfect setup for families or beginner/intermediate skiers.

Final Thoughts

Vermont has something for everyone, from the snow-loving purist to the après‑ski connoisseur. While each mountain carries its own flavor and philosophy, all are united by the charm and purity of the Green Mountains. Plan your next winter escape with confidence using this guide, and remember:

“You don't need the Rockies to find a peak experience, sometimes the best runs are right here in Vermont.”