Plan Your Ski Outings Now: The Best Ski Resorts to Visit in the Northeast this Winter!
It’s never too early to feel the excitement when thinking about hitting the slopes this winter. For us skiers in the Northeast US, we are lucky to have so many great ski mountains at our disposal. Our ski team crafted up this list by judging their own experiences, including important aspects like terrain, prices, atmosphere, and overall quality. Whether you’re chasing steep glades, long cruisers, or just good vibes, here are six top-tier ski resorts to add to your 2025-26 hit list.
Jay Peak, Vermont
If you’re the skier who lives for powder days, Jay Peak needs to be on your radar. It’s basically the snow capital of the East, consistently pulling in some of the biggest natural snowfall totals thanks to its prime location near the Canadian border. Jay has that rugged, untamed vibe with a ton of off-piste terrain and tree runs that’ll keep even expert riders on their toes. This resort is totally worth the drive, as the untouched feel and deep snow make it one of the top mountains in the Northeast!
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Looking to test your legs on some of the steepest terrain in the East? Whiteface is the spot to do it! Located just outside of Lake Placid, this Olympic legacy mountain boasts the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies. The views from this legendary summit are breathtaking, and the long top-to-bottom runs are perfect for carving at high speed. A plus for some rugged skiers that like a little extra adventure in your day, because this mountain has an old-school, no-frills vibe that hardcore skiers love.
Killington, Vermont
We don’t call it The Beast of the East for nothing. Killington is massive with over 1,500 skiable acres and one of the longest seasons around. You can start skiing here in early November and ride through May if the snow holds. With six peaks and a ton of varied terrain, this is the place to go if you want a little bit of everything, from mellow groomers to terrain parks to gnarly steeps. Plus, the après scene is super lively with tons of options for food and drinks right off the hill.
Sugarloaf, Maine
Sugarloaf might be a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of what makes it so special. Tucked deep in the Maine woods, it has a laid-back, local feel and some seriously legit terrain. The Snowfields at the summit are the only lift-serviced above-treeline runs in the East, and the glades are top notch for powder days. It’s a great spot for a weekend getaway when you want to fully immerse yourself in mountain life without the crowds.
Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
Cannon is all about no-nonsense skiing. It’s got that classic New England grit and delivers some of the best fall-line skiing in the region. With its steep pitches, old-school vibe, and killer views of Franconia Notch, this is a favorite for locals and diehards who want to skip the fluff and get straight to the goods. It’s also one of the most affordable big-mountain experiences you’ll find in the Northeast, which makes it a great bang-for-your-buck option.
Gore Mountain, New York
One our personal favorites, tucked into the southern Adirondacks, Gore Mountain flies under the radar a bit. With 100-plus trails spread across four peaks, it offers a huge variety of terrain for every skill level, along with some great views up top.
Gore has a chill, family-friendly feel, but also enough advanced terrain and glades to keep things interesting for more experienced riders. The lift lines are usually short, the views are incredible, and it’s a solid choice for both weekend warriors and locals looking to rack up some laps. Our Alpin Haus team is always hitting these trails, finding them to be thrilling for any experience level!
Whether you’re planning a full-on ski road trip or just looking for a few weekend getaways, the Northeast has something for everyone this winter. Stop by any of our ski shops, located in Amsterdam, Clifton Park, and Latham, to get fully prepped for this ski season. We will make sure you have your best season yet!