November 8, 2023

New England Ski JournalBEST OF NEW ENGLANDOur peak performers: Find out who scored big in our first ‘Best of New England’ survey By Eric Wibur

Everybody has a specific need when it comes to skiing. That could be a dependable child care service or access to Wi-Fi. It also could be gnarly glades or hot soup in the cafeteria.

By design or happenstance, all ski areas and resorts in New England have their own identities, reasons why they should be celebrated for what they offer to their guests.

We did just that with our first “Best of New England,” the result of a survey that we sent out to a team of ski industry insiders earlier this fall to gauge the best ski areas and resorts in a number of categories.

What follows is our panel’s collective picks for the best in terrain, nightlife, grooming, lifts and more at ski areas across New England.

Best for terrain variety

Killington Mountain Resort
Sunday River
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort
Jay Peak

Others receiving high grades: Loon, Cannon, Burke, Wildcat and Saddleback.

From the bumps on Bear Peak to the more genteel slopes at Snowshed, Killington is big enough for everybody. The self-proclaimed “Beast of the East” touts 155 diverse trails ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to steep double black diamonds for experts. Repeatedly lauded for its terrain parks (best in the East, according to Snowboarder Magazine), and steeps (the World Cup-worthy Superstar among them), Killington provides a variety over 3,000 acres that our panel voted best in the region.

Best for family skiing

Bretton Woods Resort
Smugglers’ Notch
Cranmore Mountain Resort
Burke Mountain Resort
King Pine

Others receiving high grades: Waterville Valley, Bolton Valley, Wachusett, Gunstock

Bretton Woods gets high marks for a commitment to catering to families. With a wide range of terrain, Bretton Woods ensures that every family member can find slopes suited to their skill level. For guests staying at the Mount Washington Hotel across the street, the Omni Kids Club gives guests ages 5-12 a way to create lifelong memories through crafts and adventures and allows parents to enjoy a night out.

Best for snowmaking

Killington
Sunday River
Bretton Woods
Wachusett
Loon

Others receiving high grades: Okemo, Pats Peak, Stratton, Gunstock

The power of Killington’s snowmaking was never on grander display than it was one year ago, when the resort turned a barren Superstar race course into one suitable for World Cup racing in a matter of days. Snowmaking didn’t even begin until Nov. 10, yet by Thanksgiving weekend, there were about 10 feet of base awaiting Mikaela Shiffrin and friends. Under ideal conditions, the system can deliver 10 million gallons of water per day to more than 250 snow guns, covering 60 acres with 12 inches of fresh snow every 24 hours. Snowmaking covers 600 skiable acres over 88 miles of piping and 1,700 snow guns at Killington.

Best for a challenge

Jay Peak
Killington
Wildcat
Bolton Valley
Saddleback

Others receiving high grades: Pico, Wildcat, Bolton Valley, Saddleback, Sugarloaf

With an annual snowfall that consistently ranks among the highest in the East, Jay Peak offers a diverse range of trails and off-piste opportunities to suit advanced and expert skiers. The dense glades and steep chutes provide a backcountry-like experience within the safety of the resort boundaries, all thanks to the legendary “Jay Cloud.” The resort’s rugged and ungroomed terrain offers experts the chance to navigate rocky outcrops and challenging snow conditions. Favorite spots like “Andre’s Paradise” and “Face Chutes” feature knee-buckling moguls that demand precision and control.

Best for parking

Berkshire East
Jay Peak
King Pine
Wildcat
Cannon
Jay Peak
Sugarloaf
Cannon
Burke
Bolton Valley
Pats Peak
Burke
Magic Mountain
Killington
Cranmore
Stowe
Bretton Woods
Sugarloaf
Saddleback
Sunday River
Cranmore
Cannon
Wachusett
Wildcat
Saddleback
Cannon
Bretton Woods
Jay Peak
Stowe
Killington
Cranmore
Jay Peak
Bretton Woods