Killington is the largest ski area in the East, sprawling across 7 mountain areas with diverse terrain that caters to all levels.

• Opening Date: 14 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 23 May 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Rutland Regional Airport (RUT) - 22 miles (30 minutes)

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) - 94 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)

Rising to 4,241 feet with a massive 1,977 acres of skiable terrain, Killington more than earns its nickname, “Beast of the East.” Its 213 trails span 6 mountain peaks — 7 if you count Pico Mountain, accessible via shuttle — and 5 base areas, offering an impressive variety of terrain. Just be sure to check the trail map before venturing too far, as navigating between ski areas can get tricky.

Beyond the slopes, Killington delivers one of the best après-ski scenes in Vermont, with countless bars, restaurants, and live music venues lining the bustling access road. Off-mountain fun includes tubing, snowmobiling, and scenic gondola rides — perfect for rest days or non-skiers in your group.

Resort shuttles operate on a loop between all open base lodges and parking areas, from 30 minutes before the lifts open until 5 PM. Some properties along Killington Road also offer their guests a shuttle service to the slopes. To travel between Rutland and the Killington Ski Area, a paid service is available called The Rutland Killington Commuter, which is operated by The Bus.

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Stowe is renowned for its classic New England charm, tough terrain, and luxury ski experience.

• Opening Date: 3 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 20 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (MVL) - 12 miles (30 minutes)

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) - 38 miles (1 hour)

Stowe delivers the perfect blend of luxury and legendary skiing, spread across 2 mountains with 485 acres and 116 trails. More than half the terrain caters to intermediates, while Mt. Mansfield — Vermont’s highest peak (4,395 ft) — serves up epic blue and black runs. Over at Spruce Peak, beginners and families will find mellow terrain and a more relaxed vibe.

Thanks to its northern Vermont location and top-tier snowmaking, Stowe boasts some of the best snow quality in the East. Add in indulgent accommodations, high-end dining, and a posh base village, and it’s easily the most upscale ski resort on the East Coast — though that also means premium prices and busy weekends.

Lodging in downtown Stowe is a 10 to 15 minute drive from the slopes, but there are plenty of places to dine and drink. Mountain Road which connects the resort and the town is lined with lodging options too. The town has a vibrant local brewery scene and an old-world New England charm.

The Spruce Peak base area is easy to walk around and is connected to the Mt Mansfield base area via a gondola. To head downtown, the Mountain Road Shuttle is a free service that runs every 20-30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Okemo is hands down Vermont’s most family-friendly ski resort, both on and off the slopes.

• Opening Date: 1 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 15 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT) - 18 miles (30 minutes)

Albany International Airport (ALB) - 90 miles (2 hours)

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) - 90 miles (2 hours)

Okemo is the ideal Vermont ski resort for families, offering a fun, seamless experience with convenient on-mountain lodging and top-notch kids’ ski school programs. With 123 trails spread across 667 acres, Okemo caters primarily to beginners (33%) and intermediates (37%), making it an excellent choice for riders looking to progress. While experts might find the terrain a bit limited, there’s still plenty of action in the 5 terrain parks — from the beginner-friendly Boulder Park to the Superpipe (the longest in the East). Okemo’s easy accessibility from major cities and airports means it's a quick getaway — but also draws crowds, especially on powder days.

The resort is complemented by the charming Ludlow village down the road, with casual local dining and shopping. The base areas are a 3 to 5 minute drive away from Ludlow.

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Jay Peak is known as the snowiest spot in the East, with a liberal in-bounds policy that invites you to explore its epic glades and off-piste terrain with ease.

• Opening Date: 23 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 11 May 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)

Northeast Kingdom Intl. Airport (EFK) - 22 miles (30 minutes)

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) - 66 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Tucked away in northern Vermont, just a few miles from the Canadian border, Jay Peak is the snowiest ski resort in the East — and it lives up to the hype. Spanning 385 acres with 81 trails, its terrain is split between the Stateside and Tramside base areas, offering everything from mellow glades for intermediates to steep, tree-packed runs that challenge even the most seasoned skiers. Locals rave about its unique exposed face, a rare sight in Vermont that gives the mountain a more rugged, big-mountain feel unlike anything else in the region.

Beyond the slopes, Jay Peak is a family favorite, packed with off-mountain fun like ice skating, a climbing gym, and The Pump House —an exciting indoor waterpark with slides, hot tubs, and a FlowRider surf machine. While it’s a bit of a trek from major Northeast cities, that distance keeps the crowds smaller than at other Vermont resorts. The only thing missing? A buzzing nightlife scene — but after a deep powder day, you might not even miss it.

It’s best to have a car as the resort is far from major towns.

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Sugarbush is known for its classic New England skiing experience, diverse terrain, and laid-back but adventurous vibe.

• Opening Date: 4 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 4 May 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT) - 58 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) - 44 miles (1 hour)

Sugarbush doesn’t chase the glitz — it sticks to what it does best: pure, authentic East Coast skiing. Spanning 2 mountains and 6 peaks, it boasts 484 acres of skiable terrain, plus 2,000 acres of backcountry access for those craving adventure beyond the lifts. With a max vertical drop of 2,600 feet, Sugarbush serves up everything from steep, adrenaline-pumping descents to cruisy greens and some of the best tree skiing in the East. It’s often compared to Killington or Stowe, but with fewer crowds, a more relaxed vibe, and a budget-friendly price tag — all without skimping on luxury or amenities.

To travel between the two mountains, you can ride the Slide Brook Express Quad, which is the longest and fastest detachable quad lift in the US. Alternatively, the Green Mountain Transit - Mad River Valley (GMT-MRV) bus offers free transportation between the Lincoln Peak and Mt Ellen base areas. It comes approximately every 20-30 minutes and travels to nearby areas including Waitsfield where you’ll find dining and shopping options.

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Mount Snow is popular for pristine groomers and some of the best terrain parks in the East.

• Opening Date: 3 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 18 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Albany Intl. Airport (ALB) - 68 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT) - 55 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Mount Snow is the closest big-mountain resort to Boston and New York City, making it a go-to destination for weekend warriors looking for quick, easy access to Vermont skiing. With 601 acres of terrain spread across 4 distinct areas, there truly is something for everyone. The Main Face is home to wide-open cruisers and beginner-friendly runs, while North Face delivers steeps, glades, and a summit elevation of 3,600 feet for those craving a challenge. Sunbrook offers scenic, sun-drenched trails with fewer crowds, and Carinthia is an entire zone dedicated to freestyle riders, featuring 8 terrain parks and a superpipe, making it one of the best park setups in the East.

Mount Snow is a favorite for intermediates, with 66% of the trails catering to blue-level skiers and riders. When the lifts stop spinning, the après scene kicks into gear with plenty of dining and bar options across the Main Base, Sundance, and Carinthia lodges, though the Main Base Lodge has the most variety.

The MOOver Shuttle offers a free service that travels around the Mount Snow Base Area and nearby West Dover and Wilmington.

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Smugglers' Notch is well-known as a family-friendly resort with stunning mountain views.

• Opening Date: 13 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 13 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)

Burlington Intl. Airport (BTV) - 33 miles (1 hour)

Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (MVL) - 23 miles (30 minutes)

Smugglers’ Notch, or “Smuggs” as the locals call it, is the ultimate family-friendly mountain with iconic glades and classic Vermont charm. As a family-owned and operated resort, it has built a well-earned reputation for welcoming visitors of all ages both on and off the mountain.

With 78 trails spread across 3 interconnected mountains, Smuggs serves up diverse terrain and stunning mountain views. Morse Mountain is the go-to for beginners, packed with mellow greens perfect for kids just learning to ski. Madonna and Sterling Mountains, on the other hand, bring the heat with steeper blue and black runs, all set over a 2,610-foot vertical drop. For those looking to push their limits, The Black Hole — the only triple black diamond in the East — delivers heart-pounding steeps, while 750 acres of glades offer everything from beginner-friendly tree skiing to expert-level, deep-woods terrain.

Off the slopes, Smuggs goes all-in on family fun, offering everything from laser tag in the FunZone to ice skating, a waterpark, glow tubing, and nightly events. The resort also boasts one of the best ski schools in the region. However, unlike Okemo (another Vermont family favorite), Smuggs is a bit harder to reach from major cities – but for those willing to make the trip, it’s well worth the extra effort.

The resort offers an on-call shuttle service within the Village area. It runs between 8 AM and 10:45 p.m. every day. There is also an Upper Mountain Shuttle to transport guests from the Village to the Upper Mountains.