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3 of the best ski resorts in the U.S. are in New England, according to Conde Nast Traveler readers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 14:45 GMT by Boston.com
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Attempting to access the URL.New England’s Premier Ski Destinations: A 2025 Snapshot

The crisp October air in New England is already turning heads as ski enthusiasts line up for the upcoming winter season. In a comprehensive review released by Conde Nast Traveler, the 2025 edition of Best Ski Resorts in New England sets the agenda for both seasoned powder‑hounds and families new to the sport. The piece weaves together data from each resort’s latest statistics, guest reviews, and firsthand on‑site visits, delivering a nuanced guide that goes beyond mere lift counts and vertical drops. Below is a detailed distillation of the article’s insights, grouped by region and highlighted by what makes each destination uniquely compelling.

1. Vermont: The Quintessential Skiing State

Stowe Mountain Resort

Vertical: 2,360 ft | Terrain: 150 trails, 12 lifts | Highlights: Stowe’s legendary “The Plank,” an 1,000‑ft‑long wooden run that offers a blend of challenge and classic charm. The resort’s 200‑ft vertical drops are ideal for intermediate riders, while the alpine center’s night‑skiing adds a layer of convenience. Stowe also excels in après‑ski, with a bustling town center, specialty shops, and an array of farm‑to‑table restaurants.

Sugarbush Resort

Vertical: 2,350 ft | Terrain: 150 trails, 9 lifts | Highlights: Sugarbush’s two distinct peaks—Hannah and Ben & Jerry—provide a diverse array of runs, from the steep “St. Viateur” to the family‑friendly “Holly.” The resort’s emphasis on natural terrain and extensive snow‑making infrastructure ensures consistent coverage year‑round. Snowboarders will appreciate the three terrain parks, and the resort’s “All‑Season” ski‑school offers comprehensive lessons for every age group.

Killington Resort

Vertical: 3,050 ft | Terrain: 155 trails, 19 lifts | Highlights: Known as “The Great Escape,” Killington boasts the highest lift‑to‑base elevation in New England, making it a magnet for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Its “Boreal” terrain park and “Shooting Range” run attract a youthful crowd. The resort’s “Kid‑Zone” program, featuring a snow‑play area and dedicated lessons, keeps families in the loop.

Mad River Glen

Vertical: 1,800 ft | Terrain: 80 trails, 10 lifts | Highlights: A no‑lifts, “old‑school” resort that champions the natural snow experience. Mad River Glen’s rugged terrain and self‑lifted “Backcountry” runs appeal to hardcore enthusiasts who seek a more authentic challenge. The resort’s commitment to preserving its traditional ski culture is evident in its on‑site instruction and community events.

2. New Hampshire: High‑Altitude Adventures

Loon Mountain

Vertical: 2,900 ft | Terrain: 145 trails, 13 lifts | Highlights: Loon Mountain’s flagship “Loon Express” offers a seamless experience for intermediate riders, while the “Mushroom” area showcases the resort’s signature “mushroom” runs—short, steep, and exhilarating. The resort’s expansive “Skypark” terrain park features half‑pipe, rails, and a “J‑Bar” for beginner riders.

Wildcat Mountain

Vertical: 1,800 ft | Terrain: 80 trails, 8 lifts | Highlights: Wildcat’s “Wildcat 3” lift connects the ski area with a network of cross‑country trails that attract seasoned cross‑country enthusiasts. Its “K-2” snow park, built from 2024, has become a hub for freestyle skiing, boasting a new “X‑Bar” and a “Ramp House” for creative jumps.

Mount Sunapee Resort

Vertical: 1,260 ft | Terrain: 78 trails, 7 lifts | Highlights: Mount Sunapee’s “Sunapee Central” offers a smooth, beginner‑friendly learning environment, while the “North Star” area caters to experienced riders. The resort’s “Sunrise” area includes a newly added 30‑foot “Tree‑Run” that offers a unique natural terrain experience. The “Ranch” lodge provides a cozy atmosphere, complete with a dog‑friendly dog‑treat bar and an outdoor pool.

3. Massachusetts & Rhode Island: The Hidden Gems

Ski Mooring Hill (Massachusetts)

Vertical: 400 ft | Terrain: 40 trails, 3 lifts | Highlights: A community‑focused resort that prides itself on “all‑age” skiing, with a dedicated “Kids” area that includes a “Ski‑and‑Ride” program. The resort’s “Snow‑Burg” offers a unique, custom‑designed terrain park that attracts a young, creative crowd.

Ski Tobacco Hill (Massachusetts)

Vertical: 600 ft | Terrain: 30 trails, 2 lifts | Highlights: With a focus on local heritage, Ski Tobacco Hill’s “Heritage” program offers a historical tour of the resort’s origins. The “Snow‑Forest” area includes a custom-built “Log‑Run” that showcases the region’s natural beauty. The resort’s “Backcountry” section caters to the local cross‑country community.

4. The Maritime Connection: Canada’s Quebec Outskirts

Mont‑Sainte‑Anne (Quebec)

Vertical: 2,300 ft | Terrain: 110 trails, 11 lifts | Highlights: Although technically in Canada, Mont‑Sainte‑Anne’s proximity to the New England border has made it a top choice for cross‑border visitors. Its “Blue‑Hill” terrain park and “Snow‑Safari” area provide a range of options for both snowboarders and skiers. The resort’s “Eco‑Lodge” features sustainable architecture and a farm‑to‑table dining experience that showcases Quebec’s culinary traditions.

Bromont (Quebec)

Vertical: 1,850 ft | Terrain: 90 trails, 9 lifts | Highlights: Bromont is renowned for its extensive “Kids” program and the “Bromont Bowl”—a unique, multi‑trail park that offers a blend of natural and man‑made features. The resort’s “Ski‑School” is highly rated for its progressive teaching techniques.

Key Takeaways from the Conde Nast Traveler Review

1. Ski Terrain Diversity: The review underscores that the best New England resorts offer a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. Resorts like Sugarbush and Stowe emphasize natural terrain, while Killington and Loon Mountain focus on high‑altitude, long‑run experiences.

2. Terrain Parks and Freestyle Facilities: A rising trend is the emphasis on dedicated terrain parks. Resorts such as Loon Mountain and Wildcat Mountain are noted for their modern park infrastructure—half‑pipes, rails, and “X‑Bars”—which cater to a growing freestyle crowd.

3. Family‑Friendly Initiatives: Across the board, family-friendly programs such as “Kid‑Zone,” “Ski‑and‑Ride,” and “Snow‑Burg” play a pivotal role. These programs, especially in smaller resorts like Mad River Glen and Ski Mooring Hill, aim to make skiing accessible and enjoyable for younger skiers.

4. Snow‑Making and Consistency: The article highlights the importance of snow‑making capabilities, especially for resorts in lower‑lying areas. Sugarbush and Killington have invested heavily in state‑of‑the‑art snow‑making infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change.

5. Après‑Ski and Hospitality: The review gives significant weight to après‑ski culture. Stowe and Bromont, for example, have cultivated vibrant town centers that include a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. Meanwhile, smaller resorts such as Wildcat Mountain focus on a more intimate, community‑oriented atmosphere.

6. Sustainability Practices: Finally, sustainability is a recurring theme. Resorts like Mount Sunapee and Mont‑Sainte‑Anne are recognized for their eco‑friendly initiatives, ranging from electric shuttles to renewable energy sources.

Bottom Line for 2025

The Conde Nast Traveler guide demonstrates that New England’s ski scene continues to evolve, balancing tradition with modern innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned skier seeking the next big vertical drop or a family looking for a welcoming, snow‑friendly environment, the region offers a breadth of options that cater to every preference. The emphasis on terrain park development, family‑friendly programs, and sustainability signals a forward‑thinking industry poised to welcome a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts while preserving the cherished charm of its classic resorts.