The beginning of the ski season combined with the upcoming holidays means thousands of New Englanders will soon hit the slopes on weekend getaways and vacations. Luckily for Boston residents, we have prime access to so many great ski resorts and towns around New England. To make your planning just a tad easier, we’ve picked six recommendations for you (below) – all of which range in price, difficulty level and overall vibe.
Sunday River, Maine
This western Maine resort features 133 trails and 16 lifts on 820 acres of mountain and brands itself as having “The Most Dependable Snow in New England.” The sheer size of this resort means you’ll have numerous options: from night skiing to zipline tours, there’s something for everyone. Their official website has a daily tracker of trails and miles opened, new snow and groomed trails. The resort is also hosting Winterfest from December 13 to the 15 as well as a series of musical concerts hosted by Bud Light. The resort also offers plenty of entertainment facilities such as a movie theatre, casino and a pretty chill apres-ski scene.
Average lift price: $87 for a full day; $29 for night skiing
Travel time: Approx. 3.5-hour drive
Killington Ski Resort, Vermont
This massive resort, spanning 3,000 acres of the Green Mountains in central Vermont, features seven mountain peaks, 22 lifts and 92 miles of terrain. Although it has an array of courses for beginners to intermediate riders, Killington is known as a great destination for advanced skiers, with a 3,050-foot vertical drop and an exciting choice of steep runs with names like Devil’s Fiddle, Space Walk and Wildfire.
Average lift price: $80 on weekdays, $89 on weekends and peak dates
Travel time: Approx. 3-hour drive
Saddleback, Maine
This family-friendly resort in Rangeley, Maine, features a 2000-foot vertical, which apparently has the best beginner-friendly trails in the area. Its highest lift elevation is at an impressive 4,000 feet. Unique resort features include the East Coast’s largest steep skiing and riding facility and ski-in/out access from all lodging. The season begins on December 21.
Average lift price: $49 Sunday through Friday and $59 on Saturdays and holidays.
Travel time: Approx. 4.5-hour drive
Pats Peak, New Hampshire
Just 1.5 hours away in Henniker, N.H., Pats Peak has 26 trails, 11 lifts and eight gladed areas. Pats Peak also features several terrain parks and snowshoeing. There are plenty of area accommodations featuring ski and stay packages, from inns to bed-and-breakfasts to more upscale lodges and resort-spas. The resort opens for the season on December 13.
Average lift price: $50 for a full day on weekdays; $62 on weekends
Travel time: Approx. 1.5-hour drive
Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
One of the biggest draws to this Princeton, Mass., resort is its proximity to Boston and its accessibility via MBTA. That’s right, you hop aboard the “ski train” commuter rail from North Station on Saturdays and Sundays that will drop you off at Fitchburg Station, where you can then take a shuttle right to the mountain. Wachusett offers night skiing on 18 trails until 10 p.m. every night for just $10 extra if you have an all-day or half-day pass.
Average lift price: $55 for a full day on weekdays, $60 on weekends
Travel time: 1-hour drive; 1.5-hour train ride
Gunstock Mountain Resort, New Hampshire
This all-encompassing resort has something for everyone – night skiing, Nordic skiing, racing, winter ziplining and tubing. There are also plenty of fun events coming up this season, including a rail jam on the December 13 and a ladies-only ski and board competition on January 18.
Average lift price: $55 on weekdays, $75 on weekends and holidays
Travel time: Approx. 2-hour drive
Image via Killington.com
