Did you know that Boston is within easy reach of over 60 New England ski areas including Massachusetts slopes less than an hour from the city?

Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon visit to a nearby family friendly slope less than an hour from the city or a big ski weekend at a top resort in Vermont or New Hampshire, you'll find a huge assortment of winter sports:  Alpine skiing, Nordic cross-country skiing, snowboarding and freestyling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. 

Some of New England's biggest ski resorts even offer heated pools, ziplines, dog sledding, and sleigh rides.

Our guide includes details about 60+ New England ski areas in the Northeast offer, as well as New England ski resort vacation packages and deals, find out about amenities such as heated pools, night skiing, and ziplines. 

We also provide drive time and distance from Boston.

The largest New England ski resorts offer slope-side lodging and vacation packages and deals

Compare those with rates and ski packages at nearby hotels and condos to find the best ski deals, plus amenities such as outdoor heated pools, night skiing, and even zip lines.

Our New England Ski Guide includes: 

Mileage estimates use Boston Common as the starting point.

Drive time estimates are based on Google maps, rounded up to include a bathroom stop or two.

Top photo: Mount Snow ski area - Photo credit: Jessica Shi; all photos by Jessica Shi in this article are copyright (c) Jessica Shi, and used by permission

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Massachusetts Ski Areas

Ski Areas Closest to Boston

These areas are an easy drive from the city.  Go for the afternoon or the day - or stay overnight.  You'll find mostly low key, relaxing family friendly places with skiing and snowboarding, terrain parks, snow tubing, cross country trails, and snow shoeing.  Some have snow making capabilities and even night skiing, but many do not.

Ski Bradford, Haverhill, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston:  50 minutes, 35 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  248 foot vertical drop, 12 trails, 48 skiable acres, 8 lifts, uphill capacity of 9,600 skiers per hour; 100% snowmaking; terrain park

Trail difficulty:  17% novice, 33% intermediate, 50% advanced 

More to love:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, full-service snack bar, family-friendly vibe

Fun fact:  Even though Ski Bradford is less than an hour north of Boston, it has a different micro climate - so when the weather in Boston is rainy and 38°, Ski Bradford may have perfect ski conditions with snow and 28°.

What's special:  Affordable prices, close to Boston, fun terrain park

Where to stay:   Hotels near Ski Bradford

More Information: 1-978-373-0071; www.skibradford.com


Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Westford, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston:  45 minutes, 25 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing

What you'll find:  240 foot vertical drop, 17 trails, 53 skiable acres, 9 lifts, 2 terrain parks, 100% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  18% novice, 41% intermediate, 41% advanced 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, racing, popular school vacation programs, live music in the lodge several nights each week, friendly staff

What's special:  Close to Boston, low key, excellent instructors

Where to stay:  Hotels near Nashoba Valley

More Information: 1-978-692-3033; Nashoba Valley website


Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston:  Depends on where in Boston you're coming from, and of course, traffic conditions; from Downtown Boston on Rt 93S to Rt 128W, it's about 12 miles and 15-30 minutes driving time.

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  309 foot vertical drop, 12 trails, 60 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 90% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  13% novice, 25% intermediate, 62% advanced 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Closest skiing area in the Boston metro area; affordably priced; year-round recreational area for hikers and nature lovers

Where to stay:  Although mostly Boston locals ski here, affordable hotels in nearby Dedham make a great base for family vacations if you want to spend a couple of days on the slope, pop into the city for a couple of occasions, and perhaps catch up with Boston-area family and friends.

More Information: 1-781-828-5070; Blue Hills website


Central Massachusetts Ski Areas

Just a little farther from Boston . . . and generally a little colder, with more snow.  Both areas make easy day trips from Boston, or stay overnight for a weekend getaway.

Ski Ward Hill, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston: 50 minutes, 45 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing

What you'll find:  220 foot vertical drop, 9 trails, 4 lifts, 45 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, 100% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  30% novice, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, 50% Active Duty Military discount, racing teams for all ages 

What's special:  The TubaSlide!

Where to stay:  Hotels near Ski Ward Hill

More Information: 1-508-845-1797; Ski Ward Hill website; photo courtesy of Ski Ward Hill


Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Princeton, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston: 1 1/4 hour, 64 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, NASTAR

What you'll find:  1,000 foot vertical drop, 25 trails, 110 skiable acres, 8 lifts (capacity of 9,200 skiers per hour), 100% snowmaking, longest trail 1 1/2 miles, highest mountain in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River

Trail difficulty:  30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, restaurant, cafeteria, coffee shop, and lounge in the base lodge

What's special:  Weekend "Ski Train" service from Boston (From early December through March, take the 8:35am FItchburg Commuter Rail from North Station to Fitchburg, and Wachusett Mountain will pick you up at the station and take you to the mountain, plus bring you back to the station in late afternoon). 

Something else special about Wachusett: you can see the Boston skyline from the summit.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-978-464-2300; Wachusett website; photo courtesy of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area

More photos of Wachusett Mountain


Western Massachusetts Ski Areas

Best for weekend trips - but you can reach these areas and resorts and then head back to Boston in a day.

Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Charlemont, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston:  2 1/2 hours, 138 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, racing

What you'll find:  1,180 foot vertical drop, 47 trails, 400 skiable acres, 6 lifts (capacity of 6,200 skiers per hour), 100% snowmaking, 2 1/2 mile longest run

Trail difficulty:  30% novice, 35% intermediate, 35% advanced

More:  Racing, 3 terrain parks, childcare program, zipline canopy tours and hiking in summer - New England's largest zip destination

What's special:  Green skiing:  this family-run ski resort's huge wind turbine produces 100% of its power, making it the only ski resort in the world to meet all of its electricity needs with onsite renewables

Where to stay:  Hotels in North Adams, near the Berkshire East Ski Area

More Information: 1-413-339-6617; Berkshire East website; photo courtesy of Berkshire East Ski Area


Blandford Ski Area, Blandford Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 107 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  465 foot vertical drop, 22 trails, 130 Skiable acres, 4 lifts, 80% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  40% novice, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Blandford Ski Area has recently been purchased by Ski Butternut, and extensive improvements and upgrades are underway.

Where to stay:  Hotels near the Blandford Ski Area

More Information: 1-413-848-2860; Blandford website; photo courtesy of Blandford Ski Area


Ski Butternut, Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Skier at Ski Butternut near Boston
Blueboard Snowboarder at Ski Butternut in Great Barrington - photo courtesy of Ski Butternut

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 136 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing

What you'll find:  1,000 foot vertical drop, 22 trails, 110 Skiable acres, 10 lifts, 100% snowmaking, terrain park

Trail difficulty:  20% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Special rates for police, firefighters, EMS, military, college students, scout troops - plus 5th graders ski free!

Where to stay:  Hotels near Ski Butternut

More Information: 1-413-528-2000; Ski Butternut website; photo courtesy of Ski Butternut, photographer Matt Sawyer


Bousquet Ski Area, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 136 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing

What you'll find:  750 foot vertical drop, 23 trails, 200 skiable acres, 5 lifts, 3 terrain parks, 85% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  34% novice, 33% intermediate, 33% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Snowsports School, affordable rates

Where to stay:  Hotels near Bousquet Ski Area

More Information: 1-413-442-8316; Bousquet website

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock, Massachusetts

Time and distance from Boston:  2 3/4 hours, 152 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  1,150 foot vertical drop, 45 trails, 170 skiable acres, 9 lifts, 96% snowmaking, longest run 2 miles

Trail difficulty:  22% novice, 45% intermediate, 25% advanced, 8% expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, 3 terrain parks

What's special:  Southern New England's largest full-service ski resort, the only Mountain Coaster in the Northeast (3,600 feet of twisting fun through the woods!), lots of lodging and dining options; school winter vacation week ski camp

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-413-738-5500; Jiminy Peak website


Find even more Massachusetts ski areas near Boston, including small local slopes and tracks


New Hampshire Ski Areas

Southern New Hampshire

Good for day or weekend trips.

Crotched Mountain Ski Area, Bennington, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston:  2 hours, 77 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, NASTAR

What you'll find:  875 foot vertical drop, 23 trails, 75 skiable acres, 7 lifts, 100% snowmaking.

Trail difficulty:  28% novice, 50% intermediate, 22% advanced 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, equipment rentals, college student discounts 

What's special:  "Midnight Madness" night skiing until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights during January and February, with slopeside bonfires and concerts - 100% lighted slopes and terrain parks, and discounts for college students

Where to stay:  Hotels near Crotched Mountain Ski Area

More Information: 1-603-588-3668; Crotched Mountain website


Pats Peak Ski Area, Henniker, New Hampshire

Popular New England ski areas include Pat's Peak near Boston

Time and distance from Boston: 1 1/2 hours, 82 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing (weekends and holidays), snowbiking (rentals available), snowshoeing along a marked "discovery" trail

What you'll find:  710 foot vertical drop, 22 trails and slopes, 7 gladed areas, 72 skiable acres, 10 lifts, 3 terrain parks, 100% snowmaking, 1.5 miles longest run

Trail difficulty:  50% novice, 18% intermediate, 14% advanced, 18% expert 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, equipment rentals, free WiFi in lodges, 3 separate beginner areas with their own lifts, some of the longest and steepest pitches in Southern New Hampshire.  Well-regarded by many Bostonians as a family-oriented place with plenty of skiable spots for beginners, and by more expert skiers who like black-diamond trails and steep pitch. 

What's special:  "POP" (Pay One Price) program on Saturday nights gets you skiing, rental, lesson tips, tubing, and entertainment for a flat fee

Where to stay:  Hotels near Pats Peak

More Information: 1-888-728-7732; Pats Peak website


Gateway Hills Snow Park

Time and distance from Boston: 1 hour, 47 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  40 foot vertical drop, 2 slopes, 1 Magic Carpet lift, night lighting, affordable rates, 100% snow-making coverage

Terrain difficulty:  100% novice

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages, equipment rentals.  Relaxed environment; good place to learn.  Located next to the Nashua Technology Park.

What's special:  Gateway Hills is believed to be the first new ski area to open to the public in 40+ years; it is still developing, so look for more amenities in the future; it's also an affordable option for novices and anyone who enjoys gentle vs more challenging slopes and terrain.  It's focus is on making snow sports fun and easy to learn.

Where to stay:  Nashua Hotels

More information: 1-603-821-9168; Gateway Hills website 


Tenney Mountain Ski & Snowboard Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 111 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing

What you'll find:  1,300 foot vertical drop, 2 lifts, 6 trails and slopes, night skiing on Wednesdays, night tubing Thurs-Saturday, affordable rates

Trail difficulty:  Approx. 32% novice, 34% intermediate, 34% advanced, plus a 6-acre novice/intermediate slope

More:  Ski school, equipment rentals; year-round bar and grill

What's special:  Tenney Mountain Resort recently reopened after being closed for more than a decade - you'll see something new going on every time you visit!

Where to stay:  Plymouth, NH hotels near Tenney Mountain

More information:   603-536-2241; Tenney Mountain Resort website


Mount Sunapee, Newbury, New HampshireTime and distance from Boston:  2 hours, 98 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, NASTAR racing

What you'll find:  1,510 foot vertical drop, 66 trails, 230 skiable acres, 11 lifts, 97% snowmaking.

Trail difficulty: 26% novice, 49% intermediate, 25% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, attractive discounts for college students and a variety of weekday savings deals and discounts for everyone.

What's special:  Even though Mt Sunapee isn't in the White Mountains, you'll still find impressive slopes only 2 hours from Boston.  If you're looking for the biggest slopes closest to the city, Mount Sunapee is where you'll find them - perfect for a day trip from Boston.

Where to stay:  Mount Sunapee hotels and deals 

More Information: 1-603-763-2356; Mount Sunapee website; photo courtesy of Mount Sunapee

Return to Top - New England Ski Areas


Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 99 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, racing, cross country, snowshoeing, ziplines

What you'll find:  1,400 foot vertical drop, 55 trails, 227 skiable acres, 3 parks, 8 lifts, longest run 1.5 miles, 90% snowmaking

Trail difficulty: 12% novice, 61% intermediate, 27% expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults; 12 acre terrain park with jumps, rails, kickers, gaps, and tables; horse-drawn sleigh rides, lots of lodging and dining choices

What's special:  New Hampshire's longest tubing run, largest terrain park close to Boston

Where to stay:  Hotels near Gunstock Ski Area

More Information: 1-603-293-4341; Gunstock website; photo courtesy of Gunstock Ski Area


Ragged Mountain Resort, Danbury, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/4 hours, 101 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, racing, tubing

What you'll find:  1,250 foot vertical drop, 55 runs (including glades), 3 terrain parks plus a Learn to Slide beginner park, 244 skiable acres (trails and glades), 2,100 acres total, 7 lifts, 84% snowmaking.

Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, ski teams, affordable food choices, children's and teens ski camps, mid-week lift ticket specials and deals, 10-lane tubing park with carpet lift and 100% snowmaking.

What's special:  Sweeps the Flamingo . . . yes, a "real" plastic pink flamingo on Ragged Mountain!  Every day the Ski Patrollers hide him somewhere on this mid-sized mountain . . . find Sweeps, bring him to Guest Services, and you'll get a free day of skiing at Ragged.  Lots of family-oriented fun here, with challenging slopes for intermediate and even advanced skiers as well.

Where to stay:  Hotels near Ragged Mountain Ski Resort

More Information: 1-603-768-3600; Ragged Mountain website; photo courtesy of Ragged Mountain Ski Resort


Whaleback Ski Area, Enfield, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston:  2 hours and twenty minutes, 124 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, racing

What you'll find:  700 foot vertical drop, 30 trails, 2 terrain parks, 60 skiable acres, 2 lifts, 85% snowmaking.

Trail difficulty: 28% novice, 39% intermediate, 33% advanced

More:  Wide variety of lessons and programs at this small, family-friendly ski area in central New Hampshire

What's special:  Whaleback is owned and operated by the community-supported Upper Valley Snow Sports Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to keeping Whaleback affordable while offering a variety of programs.

Where to stay:  Hotels near Whaleback Ski Area

More Information: 1-603-448-1489; Whaleback website


Middle New Hampshire Ski Areas

Great snow at these resorts - but farther from the city . . . perfect for weekend getaways.

King Pine, East Madison, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 122 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, night skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides,

What you'll find:  350 foot vertical drop, 17 trails, 45 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 100% snowmaking;

Trail difficulty:  44% novice, 31% intermediate, 25% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, guided snowshoe tours

What's special:  Part of the Purity Spring Resort located on a private lake, with a ski village with shops, restaurants, entertainment; sleigh rides, fireworks, ice-skating, and lots of kids activities

Where to stay:  Hotels near King Pine and Purity Spring Resort

More Information: 1-603-367-8896; King Pine website


Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston:  2 1/2 hours, 129 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing

What you'll find:  2,020 foot vertical drop, 54 trails, 255 skiable acres, 10 lifts, 100% snowmaking, 40+ miles of groomed trails

Trail difficulty:  30% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults; ski village with nice shops, restaurants, and a spa; 4 terrain parks

What's special:  Large ski resort with lots of amenities; bus ride/lift ticket combo from Boston (see website); entertainment at the Lodge

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-800-468-2553; Waterville website; photo courtesy of Waterville Valley Resort


Loon Mountain, Lincoln, New Hampshire

Loon Mountain, popular NH ski resort
Skiers on Loon Mountain - iStock.com/coleong

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 130 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, day and night snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, NASTAR racing

What you'll find:  2,100 foot vertical drop, 61 trails, 370 skiable acres, 7 tree skiing areas, 12 lifts, 99% snowmaking, 6 terrain parks for every level of ability, 425 foot long superpipe, 27 miles of trails, longest trail 2.5 miles, uphill lift capacity of 15,157 skiers/hour

Trail difficulty:  20% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding school for kids and adults, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, zipline across the Pemigewasset River, lots of events and entertainment, "Frequent Skier Card"

What's special:  Many activities and entertainment options at this big resort close to Boston, and a terrific snow-makiing system, making this one of the most popular New England ski areas with Bostonians - on a busy weekend, you'll see plenty of people you know here.

Where to stay:  Loon Mountain hotels and deals 

More Information: 1-603-745-8111; Loon website; photo courtesy Loon Mountain


Dartmouth Skiway, Lyme Center, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 2  3/4 hours, 147 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  968 foot vertical drop, 30 trails, 104 skiable acres across 2 mountains, 3 lifts, 70% snowmaking.

Trail difficulty: 25% novice, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced

More:  Snow Sports School provides skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Family-oriented center that's home to nearly 100 Dartmouth All-Americans and more than 30 national champions - you'll see many of them here with their families, along with Dartmouth College students hitting the slopes as a break from studying; the Skiway belongs to Dartmouth College, 15 minutes away. 

Where to stay:   Hotels in Hanover near Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Skiway

More Information: 1-603-795-2143; Dartmouth website; photo courtesy of Dartmouth Skiway


Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 3 hours, 138 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing park, mountain coaster

What you'll find:  1,200 foot vertical drop, 54 trails, 200+ skiable acres, 10 lifts, 100% snowmaking, longest run 1 mile, 3 terrain parks

Trail difficulty:  24% novice, 46% intermediate, 29% advanced (8 trails and 8 glades)

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, night skiing, fireworks

What's special:  Resort offers lots of attractions and amenities such as mountain coaster, family fitness center, indoor tennis courts, indoor climbing wall, lots of dining options, kids programs, and supervised playroom for young children.  Non-skiers in your group will love the excellent North Conway discount shopping.

Where to stay:  Hotels near the Cranmore Mountain Resort

More Information: 1-603-356-5543; Cranmore Mountain website


Cannon, Franconia, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston:  2.5 hours, 143 miles by I-93 (tolls required); 3.5 hours, 192 miles by I-93 and I-89

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, - spanning 2 mountains

What you'll find:  2,180 foot vertical drop (the longest in NH!), 97 trails and glades, 285 skiable acres, 11 lifts with 11,000 skiers/hour capacity, 65% snowmaking, terrain parks

Trail difficulty:  15% novice, 52% intermediate, 33% expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages and skill levels, adaptive sports

What's special:  Cannon actually spans two mountains: Cannon Mountain and Mittersal Mountain, and offers childcare as well as lots of family-friendly activities

Where to stay:  

More Information: 1-603-823-8800; Cannon Mountain website


Bretton Woods @ Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Bretton Woods - Mount Washington Resort - Top New England Ski Areas
Skiing at Bretton Woods - Photo credit: Jessica Shi

Time and distance from Boston:  3 hours, 159 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country, tubing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ziplining, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, alpine eco tours, alpine racing

What you'll find:  1,500 foot vertical drop, 102 trails and glades, 464 skiable acres, 9 lifts with 14,000 skiers/hour capacity, 92% snowmaking, terrain parks

Trail difficulty:  35% novice, 40% intermediate, 25% expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons and schools for kids and adults, welcoming firepit next to the base lodge, full service spa, night skiing

What's special:  With the historic hotel at its center, the enormous 4-season Bretton Woods/Omni Mount Washington Resort offers a huge variety of activities, amenities, and attractions, including one of the longest canopy tours in the U.S.  You'll also love the breath-taking scenery and views.

A bit of history:  If "Bretton Woods" sounds familiar for some reason other than just skiing, it's because this was the site of the United Nations International Monetary Conference in 1944 where delegates from 44 Allied nations met and established the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the U.S. dollar as the standard for international monetary exchange.  The conference actually took place at the enormous Mount Washington Hotel, even then a famous resort.

Where to stay:  

More Information: 1-800-314-1752 or 1-603-278-3320; Bretton Woods website


Attitash, Bartlett, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/4 hours, 176 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, race teams

What you'll find:  2 peaks, 1,750 foot vertical drop on Attitash Mountain, 1,450 foot vertical drop on Bear Peak, 68 trails and glades, 311 skiable acres, 10 lifts, uphill lift capacity of 14,385 people per hour, 23 miles of trails, 98% snowmaking coverage

Trail difficulty:  33% novice, 47% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults; mountain coaster covering almost a mile in length; lots of events and entertainment

What's special:  Attitash's Thad's Choice terrain park, with over 1,700 feet of ramps, table tops, huge air hits, jibs, and rails, is rated the best in the Mount Washington Valley; interchangeable season passes and left tickets with Wildcat Mountain

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-603-374-2368; Attitash website


Black Mountain, Jackson, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/4 hours, 159 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  1,100 foot vertical drop, 44 trails and glades, 143 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 98% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  34% novice, 32% intermediate, 34% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, race programs, on-site pub with entertainment, military and college student discounts, lots of attractive mid-week deals and specials.  

What's special:  This family-owned 4-season White Mountains resort offers a family-oriented experience, terrific views, a southern exposure, a nice balance of easy/intermediate/difficult trails, and smaller crowds than some of its other White Mountain rivals.  Black Mountain is all about skiing and riding, but in the nearby village of Jackson, you'll find some great music, entertainment, and shopping.

Where to stay:  Hotels near Black Mountain

More Information: 1-603-383-4490; Black Mountain website


Wildcat Mountain, Jackson, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 159 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  2,112 foot vertical drop, 47 trails, 225 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 90% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  25% novice, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults; excellent spring skiing; 1/2 mile long zip rider

What's special:  Offering close-up views of Mount Washington, Mount Adams, and Mount Madison, Wildcat Mountain is rumored to have the best views of any ski area in New England; also has the longest top-to-bottom runs, at 2.75 miles, in New England, as well as New England's most powerful quad chairlift (2,112' vertical in 6 minutes); interchangeable season passes and lift tickets with Attitash

Where to stay:   

More Information: 1-603-466-3326; Wildcat Mountain website


Northern New Hampshire Ski Areas

Why would you drive so far from Boston when other resorts are closer? 

That's easy - superb views, excellent powder, steep terrain, and a season that lasts well into spring.

The Balsams Resort, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 4 1/2 hours, 217 miles

What you can do:  Skiing (downhill and cross country), snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating

What you'll find:  1,000 foot vertical drop, including some of the steepest terrain in New England, 16 trails, 87 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 5 gladed areas, terrain park, 80% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  28% novice, 22% intermediate, 33% advanced, 17% expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, sleigh rides, entertainment, occasional hockey and broomball games, wine tastings, billiards tournaments, speakers, movies, salon and spa

What's special:  This 4-season family-oriented grand resort provides a wide range of winter (and summer) sports and activities, including complimentary skiing for registered guests - something for everyone to enjoy!

Where to stay:  The Balsams Grand Resort

More Information: 1-603-255-3400 or 1-800-255-0600; The Balsams website; photo courtesy of The Balsams Resort


Vermont Ski Areas

Skiing on Stratton Mountain - Photo credit: iStockPhotos.com/Roman Tiraspolsky
Skiing on Stratton Mountain - Photo credit: iStockPhotos.com/Roman Tiraspolsky

Central Vermont

Due to a quirk in geography, Central Vermont ski slopes are closer to Boston than those in Southern Vermont - so we present Central Vermont slopes first.

Saskadena Six, Woodstock, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 141 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  650 foot vertical drop, 24 trails and slopes, 100 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 50% snowmaking, 2 terrain parks; longest run is 1 mile (5,280 feet)

Trail difficulty:  30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, on-site restaurant, close to renowned The Woodstock Inn and Resort

What's special:  Discounts for college students, military, and Woodstock Inn guests; focus on family-oriented fun

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-802-457-1622; Saskadena Six website


Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston: 3 hours, 165 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, NASTAR, alpine racing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing

What you'll find:  2,200 foot vertical drop, 119 trails, slopes, and glades, 632 Skiable acres, 19 lifts with uphill capacity of 33,450 riders/hour, 96% snowmaking, longest trail 4.5 miles, 5 mountain areas (2 peaks, 2 faces, 1 ridge), 6 terrain parks and 1 superpipe

Trail difficulty:  32% novice, 36% intermediate, 32% advanced/expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, season discount passes for college students, some weekday special deals

What's special:  The 4-season Okemo Mountain Resort features a ski and snowboarding school with 400+ teaching professionals.   Family-oriented.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-802-228-4041; Okemo Mountain website


Killington Resort, Killington, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/4 hours, 160 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling

Hours of operation:  Until 4pm

What you'll find:  6 mountains, 3,050 foot vertical drop, 140 trails, 752 skiable acres, 22 lifts with uphill capacity of 38,315 people/hour, 70% snowmaking, 7 terrain parks, 500 foot long superpipe, 71 miles of trails, 250" (635cm) of annual average natural snowfall

Trail difficulty:  28% novice, 33% intermediate, 39% advanced / expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, shopping, spas, great dining, renowned nightlife at Wobbly Barn, discount card, college student and military discounts; mountain biking and golf in the summer

What's special:  Stretching across 6 mountains, Killington offers diverse terrain, the steepest and longest mogul slope in the Northeast, the world's most extensive snow making system covering 600 acres, and a spring skiing season that extends through early May (conditions permitting). 

Killington is one of the largest ski resorts in the Northeast, and a popular destination from Boston.  Smoke-free environment at Ramshead Mountain.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-802-422-3261; Killington website


Southern Vermont

Mount Snow, West Dover, Vermont

Mount Snow, New England ski area in West Dover, VT
Photo courtesy of Jessica Shi

Time and distance from Boston:  2.75 hours, 150 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, dog sledding, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing

What you'll find:  1,700 foot vertical drop, 80 trails, 588 skiable acres across all 4 faces of Mount Snow, 20 lifts, including one with 6-person bubble chairs (30,370 people per hour total capacity), 80% snowmaking, 37 miles of trails, 10 terrain parks across 100 acres, 1 superpipe

Hours of operation:  Until 4pm (3:30pm early season)

Trail difficulty:  16% novice, 66% intermediate, 18% advanced 

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, equipment rentals, passes and discounts for college students.  Nearby:  guided snowmobile tours during the Green Mountain National Forest

What's special:  Top East Coast terrain park with 80 features and nearly 5 miles of trails spread over 12 parks; home to the Dew Tour in February

Where to stay:   Hotels near Mount Snow 

More Information: 1-800-245-7669; Mount Snow website


Stratton Mountain Resort, Bondville, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/4 hours, 157 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, NASTAR racing, ice skating on Stratton Village Pond, tubing, snowshoeing tours.

What you'll find:  Highest peak in Southern VT, 2,003 foot vertical drop, 92 trails, 600 skiable acres, 39 skiable miles, 16 lifts (29,550 capacity), terrain parks.  Trail difficulty:  42% novice, 31% intermediate, 27% advanced.  90% snowmaking.

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, free parking and free shuttle between resort areas and hotels, equipment rentals, plenty of dining options, indoor swimming pool and tennis, fitness center, shopping in Stratton Village, discount designer shopping 20 minutes away in Manchester, VT.

What's special:  Snowboarding - known for having the best parks and pipes in New England.  US Open is held here.  Every rider must take a short safety workshop.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-800-787-2886; Stratton websiteResort


Magic Mountain, Londonderry, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/4 hours, 164 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snow tubing

What you'll find:  1,700 foot vertical drop, 40 trails, 135 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 70% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  33% novice, 30% intermediate, 37% advanced and expert

More:  Skiing lessons for kids and adults, cross country skiing and showshoeing nearby at Viking Nordic Centre, designer discount shopping in Manchester, VT

What's special:  A steep 45 degree slope at the top of Magic Mountain; look for novice and intermediate terrain and classic Vermont cruising trails on the East Side; on the West Side, you'll find plenty of intermediate, advance, and expert terrain to challenge you

Where to stay:  Hotels and lodging near Magic Mountain

More Information: 1-802-824-5645; Magic Mountain website


Bromley Mountain, Peru, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 169 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, zip riding

What you'll find:  1,334 foot vertical drop, 43 trails, 300 skiable acres, 10 lifts, 80% snowmaking, 4 terrain parks spanning the mountain

Trail difficulty:  35% novice, 34% intermediate, 31% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults; nearby: ice skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing; close to Manchester designer outlets

What's special:  All the fun family-oriented activities in the area; spectacular scenery; great amusement park to check out for a return visit during the summer

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-802-824-5522; Bromley Mountain website


Northern Vermont

Sugarbush Resort, Warren, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 184 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, NASTAR racing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, mountain and outback tours

What you'll find:  2,600 foot vertical drop, 111 trails totaling 53 miles, 508 skiable acres, 16 lifts, 70% snowmaking, 2,000 acre wilderness area, 3 terrain parks, 269" average annual snowfall

Trail difficulty:  20% novice, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, indoor pool, indoor tennis and racketball, rock-climbing gym

What's special:  Located in Mad River Valley, Sugarbush Resort includes 2 mountains, 6 peaks, a terrain park, 11 wooded areas, and lots of varied terrain

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-802-583-6300; Sugarbush website


Burke Mountain Ski Area, East Burke, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 189 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, showshoeing

What you'll find:  2,011 foot vertical drop, 50 trails and glades, 178 skiable acres, 4 lifts with 4,780 person/hour capacity, 70% snowmaking, 3 terrain parks, average annual snowfall of 217 inches

Trail difficulty:  25% novice, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Burke Mountain ski area, located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, is home to the Burke Mountain Academy, producer of 45 Olympians.

Where to stay:  Northeast Kingdom hotels and vacation rentals near Burke Mountain

More Information: 1-413-528-2000; Burke Mountain website


Mad River Glen, Waitsfield, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 196 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, racing

What you'll find:  2,037 foot vertical drop, 45 trails, 115 skiable acres plus 800 acres of boundary-to-boundary tree skiing, 4 lifts, 15% snowmaking, annual average snowfall of 250 inches

Trail difficulty:  30% novice, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced

More:  Ski school for kids and adults; note: equipment rental not available

What's special:  Mad River Glen is a member-owned co-op, committed to making continual improvements and preserving this special ski area.  Mad River Glen owns the last single chairlift in the U.S.

Where to stay:  Hotels near Mad River Glen

More Information: 1-802-496-3551; Mad River Glen website


Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 200 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, racing, dog sled tours

What you'll find:  2,360 foot vertical drop, 116 trails, 485 skiable acres, 13 lifts with 15,000 person/hour capacity, 80% snowmaking, 2 freestyle terrain parks, halfpipe, longest run 3.7 miles, average annual snowfall of 333 inches

Trail difficulty:  15% novice, 59% intermediate, 25% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, spa

What's special:  Two mountains divided into 6 areas for skiers and snowboarders

Where to stay: 

More Information:  802-253-3000;  Stowe Mountain Resort website


Cochran's Ski Area, Richmond, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 207 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  500 foot vertical drop, 5 trails, 30 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 20% snowmaking, affordable prices

Trail difficulty:  22% novice, 22% intermediate, 56% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  The Cochran family started this ski area in their back yard, so to speak, in 1961 with a couple of backyard trails and a short rope tow. 

As the family's 4 children became members of the U.S. Ski Team and Olympic (Gold Medal) and World Cup success, the family ski areas expanded and developed, offering a wide array of educational and recreational programs. 

In 1998, the family transformed the area into the first New England non-profit ski area- in fact, the first in the U.S. - in order to continue the mission of providing top-notch local skiing and training at very affordable prices.  

Now the next generation of Cochrans are winning national and international titles.

Where to stay:  Hotels near Cochran's Ski Area

More Information: 1-802-434-2479; Cochran Ski Area website; photo courtesy of Cochran's Ski Area


Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton Valley, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 208 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, telemark, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, night skiing, snowshoeing, racing

What you'll find:  1,704 foot vertical drop, 71 trails, 300 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 60% snowmaking, 3 terrain parks, 312 inches average annual snowfall

Trail difficulty:  36% novice, 37% intermediate, 27% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, indoor pool

What's special:  The large indoor sports center for winter season features an indoor pool, spa, basketball, jacuzzi, sauna, aerobics, fitness equipment, and sports bar; excellent lift ticket prices for college students and night skiing

Where to stay:  Hotels near Bolton Valley Resort

More Information:  Bolton Valley website; photo courtesy of Bolton Valley Resort


Middlebury College Snow Bowl, Middlebury, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  3 3/4 hours, 195 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  1,050 foot vertical drop, 17 trails, 110 skiable acres, boundary-to-boundary access to 500+ acres wooded terrain, 3 lifts, 35% snowmaking

Trail difficulty:  29% novice, 21% intermediate, 50% advanced

More:  Historic lodge with original fieldstone fireplace, cafeteria; lessons available from professionals at the "Snow School"

What's special:  Owned by Middlebury College, the Snowbowl is located in Middlebury Gap and is popular with college students and local families - and a great choice for anyone wanting to escape the crowds at the bigger resorts.

Where to stay:  Middlebury Hotels

More Information: Middlebury College website   (Search on "snow bowl"); photo courtesy of Middlebury College Snow Bowl


Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  4 hours, 213 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, showshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobile touring, ice skating, zipline canopy tour

What you'll find:  3 interconnected mountains with Vermont's biggest drop: 2,610 foot vertical, 78 trails, 1,000 skiable acres (largest in VT), 8 lifts, 62% snowmaking, 5 terrain parks, average annual snowfall of 322 inches (yes, that's almost 30 feet!)

Trail difficulty:  19% novice, 50% intermediate, 31% advanced - including 5 black diamond trails, and The Black Hole - the only Triple Black Diamond in the East

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, indoor pool,ice skating rink, arts and crafts workshop, year-round canopy tours with 9 zip lines, suspension bridge, and 2 rappels

What's special:  Three big mountains with all kinds of terrain connected by lifts and trails at this top full-service family-oriented resort complete with slopeside village with restaurants, eateries, entertainment; open through mid-April; 360 degree views of Canada, Lake Champlain, and the White Mountains of NH from the base-to-summit Madonna 1 lift

Where to stay:  Smugglers' Notch Resort and other nearby hotels

More Information: 1-802-644-8851; Smuggler's Notch website; photo courtesy of Smuggler's Notch Resort


Jay Peak Resort, Jay, Vermont

Time and distance from Boston:  4 hours, 227 miles

What you can do:  Downhill, cross country, snowshoe tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, indoor waterpark

What you'll find:  2 peaks, 50+ miles of skiable terrain, 385+ skiable acres, 100+ acres off-piste skiing, and 76 trails, glades, and chutes.  Trails:  20% novice, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced.  Longest trail is 3 miles.  

What's special:  HUGE indoor waterpark, a new hotel, a new lodge, a new ice rink, and a new clubhouse on the golf course . . . plus snowmaking upgrades and more.  This year-round resort less than 3 miles from the Canadian border continues to expand and upgrade.  Magnificent vistas from what feels like the top of the world.

Where to stay:  Hotels and vacation rentals near Jay's Peak

More Information:  Jay Peak website; photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort


Rhode Island's Only Ski Area

Although Rhode Island once boasted 6 ski areas, now only Yawgoo Valley remains open.  If you're driving from south of Boston, you can reach Yawgoo in an hour or less.

Yawgoo Valley Ski Area, Exeter, Rhode Island

Time and distance from Boston:  1 1/2 hours, 70 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing

What you'll find:  245 foot vertical drop, 12 trails, 38 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 100% snowmaking, terrain park

Trail difficulty:  50% novice, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  What do you do if you own a ski slope in a state has hills rather than mountains, and have to compete with big ski resorts on real mountains just a couple of hours away?  Well, if you're Yawgoo Valley Ski Area, you provide an experience that's fun!  Generations of Rhode Islanders have learned to ski here, and continue to enjoy the slopes, terrain park, and snow tubing area - if you're visiting south of Boston, Yawgoo is close, so check it out!

Where to stay:  Hotels near Yawgoo Valley Ski Area

More Information: 1-401-294-3802; Yawgoo website; photo courtesy of Yawgoo Valley Ski Area


Connecticut Ski Areas

Connecticut ski slopes cluster in the Berkshires in the western part of the state. 

These ski areas are virtually unknown to most skiers from Boston, who normally head north to the steeper slopes in New Hampshire and Vermont, or even west to the Massachusetts Berkshires. 

Most skiers at the Connecticut ski areas hail from local areas, or come from New York or Rhode Island.  

However, you can reach Connecticut ski areas in just 2 1/4 - 3 hours from Boston - and because their family-oriented focus means they're about having fun, you can relax and enjoy.  

You won't find slope-side lodging, but with plenty of small hotels and New England inns in lovely nearby villages and towns, these Connecticut ski slopes can be fun for a low-key weekend getaway - and for some of the first skiing each October.

Mount Southington, Plantsville, Connecticut

Time and distance from Boston:  2 1/4 hours, 120 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, night skiing

What you'll find:  425 foot vertical drop, 14 trails, 51 skiable acres, 7 lifts (including 2 for children only), 100% snowmaking, 2 terrain parks

Trail difficulty:  33% novice, 42% intermediate, 25% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Family-oriented fun!

Where to stay:  Hotels in Plantsville

More Information: 1-860-628-0954; Mount Southington website; photo courtesy of Mount Southington


Ski Sundown, New Hartford, Connecticut

Time and distance from Boston:  2 1/2 hours, 120 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  625 foot vertical drop, 15 trails, 65 skiable acres, 5 lifts, 100% snowmaking, 2 terrain parks, night skiing, longest trail 1 mile, lift capacity of 8,040 skiers per hour

Trail difficulty:  50% novice, 25% intermediate, 25% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Lots of lesson options and programs

Where to stay:  Hotels near Ski Sundown

More Information: 1-860-379-7669; Ski Sundown website; photo courtesy of Ski Sundown


Woodbury Ski Area, Woodbury, Connecticut

Time and distance from Boston:  2 3/4 hours, 144 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing, skateboarding, sledding, snowbiking

What you'll find:  2 mountains, 300 foot vertical drop, 15 trails, 100 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 100% snowmaking, terrain park, longest run 1/2 mile

Trail difficulty:  25% novice, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced/expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Closest big tubing park to NYC, and almost always the first ski area in the state to be open in the fall - often as early as October

Where to stay:  Hotels near Woodbury Ski Area

More Information: 1-203-263-2203; Woodbury Ski Area website; photo courtesy of Woodbury Ski Area


Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall, Connecticut

Time and distance from Boston:  3 hours, 139 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  650 foot vertical drop, 25 trails, 107 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 98% snowmaking, terrain park

Trail difficulty:  20% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Lots of varied terrain in this ski area in the Berkshire Mountains of Northwest Connecticut

Where to stay:  Hotels near Mohawk Mountain Ski Area

More Information: 1-860-672-6100; Mohawk Mountain website; photo courtesy of Mohawk Mountain Ski Area


Maine Ski Areas

Central Maine

Although Central Maine ski areas are as close as 2 1/2 - 3 hours from Boston, more northern slopes take longer to reach.

So why drive all the way to Maine to ski from Boston, when other areas are closer? 

Maine's mountains are higher and farther north - on the top of the world, for New England - so the snow stays drier, lasts longer, and is less icy than farther south.  

Relatively few people travel to many of the Maine ski areas because of the distance from Boston and other cities, so most slopes are uncrowded. 

Central Vermont ski slopes are closer to Boston than those in Southern Vermont - so we present Central Vermont slopes first.

Lost Valley, Auburn, Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 137 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  240 foot vertical drop, 15 trails, 45 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 100% snowmaking, terrain park, night skiing

Trail difficulty:  40% novice, 27% intermediate, 33% advanced

More:  Ski school for kids and adults

What's special:  Hourly rates - great if you can hit the slopes for only a couple of hours; family-friendly programs

Where to stay:  Hotels near Lost Valley

More Information: 1-207-784-1561; Lost Valley website; photo courtsy of Lost Valley and Bill Bailie


Shawnee Peak, Bridgton, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  3 hours, 150 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  1,300 foot vertical drop, 38 trails and glades, 245 skiable acres, 5 lifts with uphill lift capacity of 7,200 skiers per hour, 98% snowmaking, 2 terrain parks - 1 freestyle and 1 for beginners, night skiing, average annual snowfall of 90-110 inches, open from mid-December through late March, night skiing 6 or 7 nights/week

Trail difficulty:  25% novice, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding school for kids and adults, lots of weekday (and night) lift ticket deals, 2 lodges with cafeteria dining, full table service dining and entertainment in Blizzard's Pub, only 20 minutes from North Conway discount shopping

What's special:   Fun and close to Boston, with lots of trails for intermediate skiers.

Where to stay:   Hotels near Shawnee Peak

More Information: 1-207-647-8444; Shawnee Peak website; photo courtesy of Shawnee Peak


Mount Abram Family Resort, Greenwood, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/4 hours, 158 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing park

What you'll find:  1,150 foot vertical drop, 44 trails, 650 skiable acres of trails and glades plus 400 more forested acres for experienced skiers, 5 lifts, 75% snowmaking, 4 freestyle terrain parks

Trail difficulty:  24% novice, 47% intermediate, 29% advanced and expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Small ski area near Sunday River, and a great alternative if you want something lower-key

Where to stay:  Hotels near Mount Abram Family Resort

More Information: 1-207-875-5000; Mount Abram website; photo courtesy of Mount Abram Family Resort


Black Mountain of Maine, Rumford, Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 179 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, racing

What you'll find:  1,150 foot vertical drop, 25 trails, 3 lifts, terrain park, top-to-bottom lighting for night skiing

Trail difficulty:  14% novice, 43% intermediate, 43% advanced and expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Fun ski and snowboard area.  Affordable rates - free for kids enrolled in grades K, 1, and 2 in any Maine school

Where to stay:  Hotels near Black Mountain

More Information: 1-207-364-8977; Ski Black Mountain website; photo courtesy of Black Mountain of Maine


Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  3 1/2 hours, 170 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snow tubing, ziplining

What you'll find:  8 mountain peaks, 1,630 foot vertical drop on White Cap, with a total vertical descent across all 8 mountains of 2,340 feet, 132 trails, 671 skiable acres plus 1,000+ more acres for boundary-to-boundary skiing/riding, 16 lifts with a capacity of 40,000 skiers/hour, 92% snowmaking, 4 terrain parks, 1 superpipe, 1 mini pipe, average season is November - late April, average annual snowfall of 167 inches

Trail difficulty:  33% novice, 36% intermediate, 31% advanced and expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, huge snowmaking system, night skiing, music, entertainment, fireworks

What's special:  This huge family-friendly ski resort stretches for 3 miles over 8 mountain peaks so there's plenty of space here for everyone.  With a huge array of winter sports available, everyone will find something to enjoy here.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-207-824-3000; Sunday River website; photo courtesy of Sunday River Ski Resort and taken by Nick Lambert


Eaton Mountain Ski Area, Skowegan, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  3 3/4 hours, 200 miles

What you can do:  Snow tubing; skiing (when snow conditions permit)

What you'll find:  525 foot vertical drop, 12 trails from easy to expert - and two new ski tows, ski rentals, and lessons

More:  Lodge with healthy food; alcohol-free environment

What's special:  Small local snow tubing area with family-friendly rates; new owners who are committed to restoring skiing on this mountain, and are making great progress!

Where to stay:  Waterville hotels near Eaton Mountain

More Information: 1-207-474-2666; Eaton Mou ntain website; photo courtesy of Eaton Mountain

Return to Top - New England Ski Areas


Titcomb, West Farmington, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  3 3/4 hours, 180 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing

What you'll find:  340 foot vertical drop, 16 trails, 45 skiable acres, 2 lifts, 70% snowmaking, terrain park, night skiing twice a week

Trail difficulty:  23% novice, 29% intermediate, 48% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, lodge with a big stone fireplace and home-cooked food

What's special:  Excellent family-oriented place with a special focus on teaching beginners, affordable rates; owned and operated by Farmington Ski Club with special rates and privileges for members

Where to stay:  Hotels near Titcomb

More Information: 1-207-778-9031; Titcomb website; photo courtesy of Titcomb


Camden Snow Bowl, Camden, Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 3 3/4 hours, 188 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, toboggan chute, snow tubing, ice skating, showshoeing, winter hiking, racing

What you'll find:  943 foot vertical drop, 9 trails, 80 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 45% snowmaking, terrain park

Trail difficulty:  22% novice, 67% intermediate, 11% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults.  Host of the U.S. National Toboggan Championship in February.

What's special:  Camden Snow Bowl's location just outside of the cultural center of coastal Camden, Maine.  Wide selection of winter sports.  Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.   

Location near the coast means outdoor temps are not as frigid, although the snow will be softer than other higher, colder, drier Maine slopes. Community owned.  Friday night coffee house with open mic and live music by local singer/songwriters and musicians

Where to stay:  Hotels in Camden

More Information: 1-207-236-3438; Camden Snow Bowl website; photo courtesy of Camden Snow Bowl


New Hermon Mountain, Hermon, Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 4 hours, 229 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing

What you'll find:  350 foot vertical drop, 18 trails, 70 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 100% snowmaking, terrain park, annual average snowfall of 110 inches, night skiing

Trail difficulty:  40% novice, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, full service snack bar in the new lodge, very affordable rates

What's special:  Small family-owned ski area close to Bangor that's perfect for beginning skiers, plus excellent tubing runs designed to be fun for all ages (over 3 years)

Where to stay:  Bangor hotels near New Hermon Mountain

More Information: 1-207-848-5192; New Hermon website; photo courtesy of New Hermon Mountain


Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett, Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 4 1/2 hours, 230 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ziplining

What you'll find:  2 mountains, 2,820 foot vertical drop, 153 trails and glades, 1,056 skiable acres, 15 lifts with capacity of 21,810 skiers/hour, 53% snowmaking, 3 terrain parks, superpipe, longest trail 3.5 miles, average annual snowfall 200 inches

Trail difficulty:  22% novice, 33% intermediate, 45% advanced and expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, average length of season is mid-November through the end of April.  Concerts, nightlife.  Overnight ski check service.

What's special:  Largest ski area east of the Rockies; econd highest mountain in Maine (only Katahdin, which is not a ski area, is higher), with cold dry, snow and smaller crowds than Sunday River.  Only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East.  The greatest continuous vertical drop in New England.   

Where to stay:   Hotels near Sugarloaf

More Information: 1-207-237-2000; Sugarloaf website; photo courtesy of Sugarloaf Mountain


Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  4 1/2 hours, 221 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, racing

What you'll find:  2,000 foot vertical drop, 66 trails and glades, 152 skiable acres, 5 lifts, 85% snowmaking, terrain park, longest run 3.1 miles, average annual snowfall of 200 inches

Trail difficulty:  33% novice, 32% intermediate, 45% advanced and expert

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:  Not far from Sugarloaf, with stunningly gorgeous scenery and short or non-existent lift lines. 

The self-contained Kennegabo Steeps area offers a 4,000 foot elevation at the top, advanced skiing with 12 steep trails, and its own quad chairlift and food service.

Less pricey than other big Maine resorts, plus mid-week specials.  Locally owned.  Affordable season passes for military and college students.  Inexpensive season passes for Maine K-12 students on the Honor Roll!

Where to stay:  Hotels near Saddleback

More Information: 1-207-918-3380; Saddleback website; photo courtesy of Saddleback Mountain


Northern Maine

Mount Jefferson Ski Area, Lee, Maine

Time and distance from Boston:  5 1/4 hours, 296 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding

What you'll find:  432 foot vertical drop, 12 trails, 3 lifts (1 rope tow and 2 T-bars), no snowmaking (but no need due to dry snow and cold temps), terrain park, half pipe, skiable area of 12 acres

Trail difficulty:  33% novice, 33% intermediate, 34% advanced

More:  Skiing lessons for kids and adults

What's special:   This small family-owned ski area northeast of Orono is perfect for beginning skiers and family fun.  Would you drive all the way from Boston to ski here?  Probably not - but if you're in the Orono/Bangor area anyway, stop by, as it's close to Route 95 and picturesque Lee Village.  Rates are some of the lowest I've seen.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-207-738-2377  |  www.skimtjefferson.com  |  Photo courtesy Mount Jefferson Ski Area


Bigrock Ski Area, Mars Hill, Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 6 1/2 hours, 380 miles

What you can do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing park, cross country skiing, snowshoe trails, night skiing, racing

What you'll find:  980 foot vertical drop (highest in Northern Maine or Canadian Maritimes), 35 trails, 50 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 60% snowmaking, terrain park

Trail difficulty:  20% novice, 50% intermediate, 30% advanced

More:  Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults

What's special:   This small ski area in the far northeastern corner of Maine is only about 4 miles from the border with New Brunswick, Canada.  Owned by the Maine Winter Sports Center, and dedicated to providing an affordable place for individuals and families to learn how to ski, and to enjoy winter sports.   Great place to stop by for some skiing if you're driving up to New Brunswick from Boston.

Where to stay: 

More Information: 1-207-425-2000; Bigrock Ski Area website; photo courtesy of Bigrock Ski Area


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