Top East Coast ski destinations

Sara Meade and Cailyn Murphy

Ski season is finally upon us, but locating the most ideal resort based on skill level, location, and conditions can be a struggle. So, The Lasso has composed a list of the best ski resorts in each state along the East Coast to help. 

 

New York – Smugglers Notch Resort

Even though this ski resort is a long haul away from Falls Church, located in New York, the journey is worth it. Smugglers Notch is rated number one on the east coast according to Ski Vermont, and has a wide variety of terrain with 3 mountains. Smugglers Notch is a great choice for large groups with different skill levels, and customers rave about the exceptional staff, service, and skiing at the resort. 

Sugarbush Mountain Resort at night during ski season. (Photo via Sites at Penn State)

Vermont – Sugarbush

Sugarbush is located in the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont. The resort has four thousand acres total, 484 trails, 53 miles of trails, and 16 ski lifts. Sugarbush is the perfect place to take your family for a quick ski getaway. It not only offers great skiing, but a great ski school, and a great town with many activities. 

 

Connecticut – Mohawk Mountain

Mohawk Mountain, located in Cornwall, Connecticut, has 25 trails and a vertical of 650 feet. Even though the drive may be lengthy, Mohawk mountain is one of the best mountains Connecticut has to offer. The resort receives an average of 29 inches of snowfall each winter and has an elevation of 1,600 feet. If your family has beginners, this resort is perfect because the terrain is aimed toward new skiers.

 

A snowboarder goes down through trees at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. (Photo via Youtube)

West Virginia – Snowshoe

Snowshoe is a great choice for groups searching for a weekend getaway. Located in the Allegheny Mountains, Snowshoe has 244 acres of terrain that covers 11 thousand acres overall. Snowshoe is an ideal resort to expand farther than Virginia skiing without requiring a lengthy trip. Snowshoe specializes in scenic glades. If you prefer skiing in conditions that are tight, quick, and fast, Snowshoe should be your ski vacation choice.

 

Virginia – Massanutten

Massanutten, a popular all-season resort found just minutes from the Shenandoah Valley, is our top choice for Virginia skiing. With over six thousand acres of mountain terrain, this resort is the perfect spot for beginner to advanced-level skiers. The resort has 14 well-cared-for runs with a vertical drop of 1,110 feet. This is the perfect resort for families that offers not only great skiing but also prime dining, beautiful rooms, and a waterpark.

The view of Seven Springs lifts and resort on front face. (Photo via Wikimedia)

Pennsylvania – Seven Springs

Located about three and a half hours outside of D.C., Sevens Springs is a favorite of ours for skiing in Pennsylvania. With a cozy lodge, top-tier snow tubing, many restaurants and shops, as well as great slopes, this is a terrific option for east coast skiers. Sevens Springs features about 40 well-kept runs, as well as seven terrain parks and ten lifts. 

 

Maryland – Wisp

The Wisp area is popular among Marylanders year-round for the beautiful Deep Creek Lake and scenic views, but Wisp is also a great ski resort. This resort is an excellent choice if you are looking for a quick trip, located only three hours out of D.C. Wisp does not only offer skiing but also tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and beautiful landscapes.

 

Maine – Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf is a hidden gem in Maine that East Coast skiers will be sure to love. With 130 well-maintained runs and 13 lifts, this resort is perfect for skiers looking for a challenge. Located right outside the mountain town of Wilton, Sugarloaf has plenty of family-friendly shopping and scenic mountains to explore.