The Top 10 Resorts in the East for Terrain Variety (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
What ski resorts in the East lack in vert and mileage, they make up for in terrain variety. Here, you won’t find cruisey groomer after cruisey groomer, you’re more likely to see rolling groomers, and you’ll also find gnarly glades, tight lines, and classic New England tree-lined trails. If you’re looking for a healthy mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs, these 10 resorts serve up the best terrain variety in the East.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 20 Resorts in the East for 2024
Don’t agree with these rankings? Take it up with our readers (ahem, you), who gave these Eastern resorts top marks in the terrain variety department of SKI’s annual Reader Resort Survey.
Top 10 Resorts in the East for Terrain Variety
No. 10: Bretton Woods, N.H.
Score: 8.12
Other Strengths: Snow, Grooming
Weaknesses: Challenge, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Such a variety of trails. The people there are amazing. Always helpful.”
“[Mountain is recommended for] families – lots of variety for a range of skiers skills.”
No. 9: Sugarbush Resort, Vt.
Score: 8.34
Other Strengths:Challenge, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Snow, Value
What Readers Say
“The variety of terrain when all open is great.”
“I feel a strong draw to ski here, and not just because of my history, but because of the variety of terrain and fun challenges, as well as the scenic beauty of the place.”
No. 8: Sunday River, Maine
Score: 8.44
Other Strengths: Snow, Lifts
Weaknesses: Guest Service, Apres
What Readers Say
“I like the variety of trails and I also like the many lodge options.”
“I recommend Sunday River to anyone who likes to challenge themselves in a wide variety of terrain.”
No. 7: Jay Peak, Vt.
Score: 8.69
Other Strengths: Value, Snow
Weaknesses: Grooming, Access
What Readers Say
“Variety of terrain was impressive.”
“Jay keeps it real, and the skiing challenge and terrain are fantastic.”
No. 6: Gore Mountain, N.Y.
Score: 8.74
Other Strengths: Lifts, Value
Weaknesses: Dining, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Gore is Great! Good variety of terrain. Great cruisers and challenging black diamond runs.”
“Gore is a great place for both The experienced skier and the beginner.”
No. 5: Killington Resort, Vt.
Score: 8.77
Other Strengths: Apres, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Value, Family Friendly
What Readers Say
“Killington offers a wide variety of terrain and it is easy to get around the mountain to find the fun and challenging trails.”
“Great terrain, lots of variety, good challenge, quality food options.”
No. 4: Cannon Mountain, N.H.
Score: 8.95
Other Strengths: Value, Parking
Weaknesses: Snow, Grooming
What Readers Say
“The natural terrain is great for a skier that wants challenge and variety.”
“When it snows, it’s one of the best mountains in the East. It was a wide variety of terrain and its history within the ski industry is awesome.”
No. 3: Sugarloaf Resort, Maine
Score: 9.03
Other Strengths: Challenge, Grooming
Weaknesses: Access, Family Friendly
What Readers Say
“Love the variety of terrain.”
“Sugarloaf is easily one of, or the top resort in the east due to its size, terrain variety, and the majority of its housing being ski-in/ski-out.”
No. 2: Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.
Score: 9.18
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Parking
Weaknesses: Lifts, Apres
What Readers Say
“It is old school with plenty of terrain variety and glades for every ability.”
“First Time skier or rider to expert, Smuggs has the best terrain variety out there.”
No. 1: Mad River Glen
Score: 9.71
Other Strengths: Value, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Grooming, Lodging
What Readers Say
“The terrain, people, and overall experience make this the best mountain in the East.”
“Unlike some larger resorts, you’re never bored at MRG, because there’s always something new to try whether it’s an epic bump run, powdery glades, or hucking off cliffs on Paradise.”
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