Top 20 Resorts in the East (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
It's almost ski season, and it's time to get excited about sliding down mountains this winter. We can't think of a better way than by sharing the results of our 2024 SKI Reader Resort Survey. Thousands of skiers took the time to share their experiences in our annual survey last spring, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Related: The Top 3o in the West for 2024
The results inform the list you'll find below. There was a lot of movement on this year’s list--click here to find out why. Then use these reviews to help you make the best vacation decisions this winter.
SKI Reader Resort Survey: Top 20 Resorts in the East for 2024
No. 20: Seven Springs, Pa.
A mid-Atlantic resort with reliable snowmaking and a fun apres scene.
Last Year's Ranking: n/a
Strengths: Nightlife, Apres
Weaknesses: Challenge, Snow
Likelihood to Return out of 20: 15/20
Seven Springs just squeaked back in after falling off of the Top 20 in last year's rankings. The small, mid-Atlantic ski area that was bought by Vail Resorts in 2021 is known for its terrain parks and surprisingly hopping apres scene. Readers appreciate the easy access and acknowledge that the ski area is lacking in vertical, but also praise the mountain ops crew for doing the best they can with what Mother Nature provides. "Despite terrible mid-Atlantic weather, the resort stayed open and made an EPIC amount of snow," wrote one reader. While it's not a high-demand destination resort, comfortable lodging is on tap, and the small base village serves up enough amenities to satisfy most comers, especially those looking for a spirited scene at the beloved Foggy Goggle bar.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"They can’t control the climate, which is the biggest impediment. Their snowmaking and grooming are fantastic, but it's tough when it is raining and 58 degrees every other week. I'm looking forward to Vail bringing better lift line management practices to Seven Springs."
No. 19: Stratton Mountain Resort, Vt.
Easy access and top-notch amenities complement an efficient lift network that serves a variety of well-groomed terrain.
Last Year's Ranking: 18
Strengths: Nightlife, Lodging
Weaknesses: Value, Guest Service
Likelihood to Return: 16/20
When you're the most accessible decent-sized ski area on the Ikon Pass, people are going to want to use their pass there. It's a simple access equation. Accordingly, readers complained about weekend crowding, and it seems like midweek is the way to go. "I was surprised how quiet it was midweek," shared one survey participant. The biggest gripes in this year's survey were about the gondola not running as often as in past seasons, as well as closed terrain due to less-than-ideal conditions. Commented one reader: "Stratton closes trails with marginal conditions rather than offering signage and letting its customers choose to ski a less than perfect trail. Killington keeps trails open that have bare spots and lets us decide with signage and small openings." On the plus side, Stratton skiers appreciate the breadth of terrain and the effort put into grooming and snowmaking.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Stratton is a wonderful family mountain that is big enough for all while small enough to allow kids some real autonomy. But when the trees are closed there are often limited opportunities for hard-chargers to co-exist with crowds of groomer-seeking guests on weekends and holidays."
No. 18: Loon Mountain, N.H.
A Boston-area resort specializing in long groomers, and now home to a high-speed eight-person chair.
Last Year's Ranking: 14
Strengths: Grooming, Access
Weaknesses: Terrain, Value
Likelihood to Return: 17/20
Being the closest major ski area to Boston comes with its perks and downfalls. Survey respondents love Loon's classic Northeastern vibe ("great New England trails”, wrote one reader, "not too wide, plenty of turns and beautiful views"), but also acknowledge that so does everyone else. "Best to get there early or go on a weekday," advises another Loon skier. However, most comments praised the resort for installing the new eight-person Kancamagus 8 high-speed chair last season, noting that it indeed does make a difference in getting people out of the base faster. Loon faithfuls would like to see more glading and a couple more upgraded lifts to help disperse the crowds faster, but overall feel that it's a solid, family-friendly option within a reasonable drive for many avid skiers.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"If you like groomed trails, Loon is efficient and all over it. The resort is very professionally run. It's a good option for families, but not necessarily hard-chargers. The terrain isn’t particularly diverse and is best for intermediate skiers."
No. 17: Mt. Snow, Vt.
One of the most accessible Vermont ski areas boasts excellent terrain variety and some of the best snowmaking in the state.
Last Year's Ranking: n/a
Strengths: Snow, Grooming
Weaknesses: Guest Service, Parking
Likelihood to Return: 13/20
Making a return to the survey after a one-year hiatus, Mount Snow secures the same ranking it earned in the 2022 Resort Guide. How's that for consistency? The Vail Resorts-owned ski area in southern Vermont has accessibility on its side, and is well loved by many Tri-State area skiers. On the plus side, survey respondents appreciate the trail variety, including good steeps on the North Face, as well as the terrain parks on the Carinthia portion of the mountain. Snowmaking, lifts, and grooming rank particularly well at Mt. Snow, but there's always a flip side. "Good snowmaking and new lifts improve the experience, but parking is an issue."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"I love Mount Snow because I know it like the back of my hand, and can hide from crowds when need be. Its biggest advantage also bites it in the butt: its proximity to the mid-Atlantic states. It is amazing to be able to zip up to Mount Snow, but everyone else does the same so the crowds can get pretty bad."
No. 16: Mont Tremblant, Que.
This Quebec destination resort boasts a unique, international vibe, excellent dining and apres, and well-manicured slopes for all levels.
Last Year's Ranking: 5
Strengths: Grooming, Value
Weaknesses: Apres, Nightlife
Likelihood to Return: 20/20
For the first time in recent memory, Tremblant lands outside of the Top 10 in our resort survey. While the international vibe and quaint pedestrian village are most certainly still a draw, readers cited crowds, long lines, and a lift network in need of upgrades as the biggest detractors. It's also not quite the value that skiers used to find it. Tremblant does excel in the off-slope amenities, ranking high, as usual, for its quality of restaurants, vibrant apres and nightlife scene, and great shopping. It's still a top spot for families looking for a well-rounded winter vacation with a splash of European flair. "I think anyone can enjoy Tremblant, whether it’s families, beginners, or hard-chargers. That last group may find some of the terrain wanting, but the double-blacks are genuinely challenging."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"European flavor with friendly Canadians. Good-sized mountain with great snowmaking--the best in the East! The food is mostly good but it is expensive. Plenty of non-ski activities for families."
No. 15: Waterville Valley, N.H.
With close proximity to Boston yet with manageable crowds, family-friendly Waterville Valley has oodles of cruisey, intermediate terrain.
Last Year's Ranking: 8
Strengths: Access, Value
Weaknesses: Local Flavor, Dining
Likelihood to Return: 19/20
Waterville dropped a bit from its impressive showing last year, but that shouldn't take away from its overall family appeal thanks to its easy access and lower price point. Readers love the new-last-season high-speed six-person chair and call for more of the same to keep skiers dispersed across the slopes. "Need an additional lift that goes from top to bottom," wrote one skier. "Had to use mid-mountain lifts to get up and avoid the long lines at the one top-to-bottom lift." Interestingly, despite the proximity to Boston, survey participants said that crowds aren't out of control here, and the wide, well-groomed runs across a variety of pitches make for a satisfying ski experience.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"I love the variety of lines down the different trails. One can ski the same trail in many ways. There are classic as well as challenging cruisers. Weather is often good. The new six-pack is a terrific upgrade to the lift system. That said, far too many trails are half groomed and half ungroomed, especially popular ones. This is a common complaint of regulars."
No. 14: Okemo Mountain Resort, Vt.
This kid-friendly resort has all of the amenities--on slopes and off--to make for a well-rounded family vacation.
Last Year's Ranking: 20
Strengths: Family Friendly, Grooming
Weaknesses: Local Flavor, Terrain Variety
Likelihood to Return: 9/20
Okemo came back from its dead-last spot in last year's rankings to a respectable No. 14 this year. It did this despite a poor snow year back East, with reader comments praising the ski area for doing the best in the region with what it had to work with. Okemo skiers felt that the resort was better staffed last season, leading to more friendly customer service, more open terrain, and an overall smoother experience. "Great family resort, dependable conditions due to excellent snowmaking and grooming and a friendly staff," opined one reader. While there are ample skier amenities at the base, readers said that place doesn't ooze with character, and that it might not be the best fit for the hardest-chargers out there, but that the long blue cruisers and decent terrain variety make it a safe bet for most levels of skiers.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Okemo gives families the best of all worlds. It’s a great family resort with plenty to do on and off the mountain. It has great restaurants and bars to entertain everyone at night. Plus, Okemo does a better job than any Eastern mountain in making, managing, and grooming snow. Okemo has plenty of challenging terrain and, especially, great glades! Another summit lift from the clocktower base would be ideal and complete the lift network on the mountain. A gondola would be even better."
No. 13: Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt.
Home to the challenging Front Four, Stowe also boasts one of the most charming Vermont ski towns in the country.
Last Year's Ranking: 19
Strengths: Challenge, Lodging
Weaknesses: Access, Parking
Likelihood to Return: 18/20
Stowe is making moves in this year's survey, and we're happy to report that reader comments backed up all of the things we've always known about this northern Vermont destination resort. First up, when it comes to challenging terrain, you can't do much better than Mt. Mansfield and Stowe's Front Four. And if you don't crave the steep, there's plenty of other terrain to keep you on your edges. Survey respondents have the usual complaints about the priciness of the place, and continue to be displeased with the parking situation, though did report that it was slightly better than the 2021-'22 season. "Parking was controversial this year at Stowe because the resort started to charge for parking Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, purportedly to cut down on the very heavy traffic flow on Rt. 108," one reader explained. "This basically worked…no shortage of buses running people up the mountain that I could see." The resort is crowded during the holidays and on high-season weekends, but the efficient lifts do the job of getting people out of the base, especially the new high-speed six-pack that came online last season. The quaint town of Stowe, with its white clapboard storefront and local eateries, has never disappointed. "As an easterner, Stowe is easily the best resort that is reasonably accessible for me. The mountain has enough interesting terrain – steeps, bumps, woods – to hold my interest throughout the day."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Stowe continues to be the best ski experience in the East and is only getting better. Mountain traffic can be a challenge on the busiest of days for many people, but we always stay at the Lodge at Spruce Peak, so it’s a non-issue. Stowe is great for all types of skiers, it’s family-friendly but knows how to entertain adults. The ever-growing Spruce Peak plaza is more amazing than ever."
No. 12: Holiday Valley, N.Y.
Few small ski areas can claim the fast lift network and stellar guest service that you'll find at Holiday Valley.
Last Year's Ranking: 6
Strengths: Lifts, Dining
Weaknesses: Challenge, Terrain Variety
Likelihood to Return: 8/20
Holiday Valley does a helluva job with what they have. It's not a big mountain, there's not much vertical, and the snowfall can be pretty erratic, but this western N.Y. ski area continues to make itself a contender. People love the laid-back, family-friendly vibe of the place, where an incredibly fast lift network helps skiers make the most of their day on the slopes. According to the survey, neither terrain variety nor challenge is a reason to make the trip here, but ample cruisers, learning slopes, and snowmaking certainly help the cause. Off the slopes, the little town of Ellicottville continues to delight our readers with its shopping, dining, and general wintry ambiance. "No resort does more with limited vertical than Holiday Valley. Yes, the runs aren’t long but there’s a fair amount of variety out there. Lift lines are short and well managed and there’s even some challenge to be found if you look for it."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Holiday Valley is a great place for just about everyone except the experts who demand long challenging runs. Ski school is very good as well as the children’s ski programs. Even non-skiers will enjoy the quaint town of Ellicottville."
No. 11: Wachusett Mountain, Mass.
This family-owned ski area keeps its modest slopes pristine thanks to excellent snowmaking and grooming, all a snowball's throw from Boston.
Last Year's Ranking: 11
Strengths: Access, Grooming
Weaknesses: Challenge, Terrain Variety
Likelihood to Return: 4/20
This little family-run, Boston-area hill holds steady at No. 11 this year, with skiers sounding off in the comments about just how well the mountain ops team makes snow (especially in a challenging snow year like last season) and how meticulously they groom the slopes. What Wachusett lacks in vertical and knee-knocking terrain it makes up for in friendly service, a super-accessible location, a decent variety of terrain for such a small place, and a homegrown vibe. "It’s a small mountain but it’s so fun to ski there. How many ski areas can you say hi to the owners and tell them your thoughts about the ski area? I can."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"They have great snow-making and grooming so even in a marginal year the conditions will be good and the lift system is great. Though the mountain is small, they have a great location and put plenty of money into the resort to make visitors have a consistently good experience. They try to have something for everyone, but I think that their real market is beginners and locals that are looking for a satisfying day trip that doesn’t require a lot of driving."
No. 10: Sugarbush Mountain Resort, Vt.
Offering classic New England skiing with perfect glades and plenty of challenging terrain, this northern Vermont resort is steeped in ski history.
Last Year's Ranking: 16
Strengths: Challenge, Family Friendly
Weaknesses: Snow, Value
Likelihood to Return: 11/20
Sugarbush is back in the Top 10 this year, and judging by comments, that's where it belongs. Survey respondents praise this northern Vermont destination as a place that has a lot of things going for it. It's more remote than most of the other Vermont resorts, so crowds are rarely a consistent problem. There's some seriously difficult terrain to test your skills on, as well as plenty of blue cruisers and meandering greens, making Sugarbush ideal for groups of mixed abilities. And the mountain ops crew knows when to groom and when to let a good thing be. "They do just the right amount of grooming and leaving natural terrain alone," piped one reader. The place is not cheap, earning itself a low-value ranking, and it also took some shots for not making enough snow during last year's stingy winter. Partiers looking for a hopping after-dark scene might want to go elsewhere. Said one Sugarbush skier: "This is definitely a resort for those looking to stay AWAY from the noisy bar scene and the rowdy college crowds."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Sugarbush is a gem in the heart of Vermont. With two connected mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, there are a lot of trails. Lift lines move fast with longest waits on busiest days being under five minutes. A lot of varied terrain from double diamond steeps covered with moguls to wide groomed cruisers for honing in those carving skills. Some of the lifts could use upgrades. Many Western resorts have nice modern fast lift systems. Sugarbush has a few detachable quads, and the rest are '70s- and '80s-era old-fashioned lifts."
No. 9: Jay Peak Resort, Vt.
Remote Jay Peak is worth the trek thanks to some of the best natural snow in the East.
Last Year's Ranking: 7
Strengths: Snow, Value
Weaknesses: Grooming, Access
Likelihood to Return: 13/20
Jay Peak is in rebuilding mode after settling the EB-5 visa fraud case. It's now under the ownership of Pacific Resorts Group, which spent last winter focusing on solidifying staffing and keeping the wheels on the bus. A very small drop in the rankings tells us that the skier experience has remained unaffected, and remote Jay Peak, close to the Canadian border, is still a go-to for the best powder this side of the Mississippi at a cost that won't empty your bank account. Readers confirmed that you don't come for the grooming, a speedy lift network, or five-star dining, and god knows it's not easy to get here, but if you're looking for East Coast adventure in a compact yet rowdy and authentically Vermont package, Jay Peak is a good bet. "Great mountain, always has the most snow in the northeast, very friendly and caring staff who appreciate the local culture."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Jay is special. The snow and terrain are the best in the east for advanced skiers but the whole mountain is accessible to kids. Resort add-ons like the water park and climbing mean there are no bad days even when there’s a wind hold. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners, best for intermediate and up."
No. 8: Gore Mountain, N.Y.
An Adirondacks ski area where the skiing comes first, visit Gore for all the terrain, great views, and none of the drama or flash.
Last Year's Ranking: 17
Strengths: Lifts, Value
Weaknesses: Apres, Nightlife
Likelihood to Return: 7/20
Humble, state-owned Gore enjoyed an almost 10-spot jump up the rankings this year, and if the reader comments are any indication, it's largely because Gore is a place that knows its core customers and gives them just what they're looking for, no more, no less. The ski area located inside Adirondacks State Park doesn't have flashy amenities--the closest lodging is in North Creek, a couple of miles away. But it does boast an efficient lift network, several stashes of truly expert terrain, and enough cruisers and beginner slopes to keep families busy all winter. "Great value for the money," commented one Gore skier. "Gore is a mountain for those interested in skiing at all levels, not a place to go to party."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Gore is a hidden gem with as much terrain as a Vermont resort but without the crowds. Visitors should know that parking can be rough on the weekends and that there's no ski-in/ski-out lodging. I recommend Gore to families and those looking for an East Coast experience without the cost and crowds."
No. 7: Cannon Mountain, N.H.
Test your skills at this no-frills, state-owned White Mountains ski area steeped in history, character, and authenticity.
Last Year's Ranking: 12
Strengths: Value, Challenge
Weaknesses: Dining, Lodging
Likelihood to Return: 1/20
People who love Cannon Mountain, love Cannon Mountain. The place has a bit of a cult following. "This place is for people looking for classic, no-bones-about-it skiing," declared one Cannon skier. "Old-school East Coast skiing at its best," commented another. The state-run ski area with no frills at all--and we mean no lodging, meager dining, and absolutely no nightlife of any kind--is a place where grizzled old skiers come to lap the gnarly terrain off the aerial tram, but it also has some mellow slopes for families as well as blue cruisers challenging enough to prepare you for the black diamonds at other ski areas. Readers think management can do better when it comes to the upkeep of the day lodge and the limited skier services on offer, but they don't hold that against this storied old piece of ski history.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"When it snows, it’s one of the best mountains in the East. It has a wide variety of terrain and its history within the ski industry is awesome. The lodging infrastructure needs a major update.”
No. 6: Sunday River, Maine
Two new world-class lifts set the tone this season at Sunday River, where the adventurous is yours for the taking.
Last Year's Ranking: 13
Strengths: Snow, Grooming
Weaknesses: Access, Parking
Likelihood to Return: 12/20
Two big lift upgrades have made an impression on SKI readers, who bumped Sunday River up to No. 6 from last year's 13. The Jordan 8, a new-last-season high-speed eight-person bubble lift, had the desired effect of ferrying more skiers out of the base and up onto the slopes at a much faster pace than its predecessor. And this season, a high-speed six-person chair debuts, and will serve some of the upper mountain slopes. That's a lot of new lift capacity. Sunday River is longer than it is tall, so there's a whole lot of acreage for weekend crowds to spread out. There are also multiple base areas with lodging, dining, apres, and skier services, making Sunday River a one-stop destination.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Of the resorts in the East that I have spent a lot of time at, Sunday River is easily the top three for folks who aren’t interested in groomed cruisers. I love that Sunday River has so much natural terrain, both on and off-piste. Too many resorts groom everything, every day. Sunday River has so much acreage that they can leave a lot of it untouched. This is a mountain for strong, aggressive skiers. Folks who just want to cruise around on groomers can skip it. I recommend Sunday River to anyone who likes to challenge themselves in a wide variety of terrain."
No. 5: Killington Resort, Vt.
Come for the Access Road party scene, but stay for the excellent terrain variety, world-class snowmaking, and the longest season in the East.
Last Year's Ranking: 3
Strengths: Apres, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Value
Likelihood to Return: 5/20
The largest resort in the East is very well-liked and appreciated by SKI survey respondents. It may have a reputation as a party-hearty type of place that caters to those looking to get their groove on, and establishments such as the Wobbly Barn do deliver, but there's much more to this place. Killington ranks high in Terrain Variety, with enough different types of trails across its 1,500 acres to keep all skiers busy. Readers are happy with the snowmaking efforts at the resort and are particularly impressed with how early in the season the resort is able to open as well as how late they stay open in the spring. It's not a cheap place to vacation, but there are enough skier amenities at the different base villages to keep skiers fed and watered. And there's always the Access Road after the slopes close for those who enjoy Killington's special brand of apres and nightlife.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"I love the size and variation of the terrain, as well as the ability to park right at a lift. It's a big mountain with a local feel. I do wish they would limit day ticket sales to keep crowds down."
No. 4: Bretton Woods, N.H.
No resort in the East puts so much time and effort into ensuring the best snow surface for its guests, no matter whether Mother Nature plays nice or not.
Last Year's Ranking: 2
Strengths: Snow, Grooming
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Challenge
Likelihood to Return: 6/20
"Best grooming and snowmaking in the Northeast," or some version of that sentiment, was consistent throughout this year's reader comments. Bretton Woods continues to impress skiers with its dedication to a high-quality snow surface. So when Mother Nature refuses to cooperate, like most of last winter, you can count on Bretton Woods to not let that get in the way of a good time on the slopes. People also like the quaint base village, but warn that it's not packed with options when it comes to nightlife and apres. But for families looking for a relaxing and fun-packed ski vacation where they'll feel genuinely welcomed, this N.H. resort is a perfect pick. "Despite the lack of snow on the East Coast, Bretton Woods was able to pull off a fabulous season. The conditions were always better than expected, with tons of hard work from the groomers."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"The scenery is flat-out gorgeous. It’s so far north that the snow is better than at most Vermont mountains. The Mount Washington Hotel is fantastic. It’s a long trip but it’s worth it."
No. 3: Sugarloaf Resort, Maine
Spirited Sugarloaf serves up adventurous terrain with a side of down-home authenticity and genuine friendliness.
Last Year's Ranking: 10
Strengths: Challenge, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Access, Family Friendly
Likelihood to Return: 10/20
Sugarloaf's many strengths really resonated with readers in this year's survey. The comments were filled with praise about the Maine resort's terrain--both its diverse offerings and the plethora of expert areas. Readers are gushed about the mountain's adventurous spirit and how they never get bored searching out new areas to explore. "This is a great place for intermediate through expert skiers, and people who love that classic vibe of skiing with more amenities than your typical local mountain," commented one 'Loaf skier. The other thing evident from the comments is that Sugarloaf is a friendly and welcoming place: "Everyone’s looking out for each other and just enjoying their time on the trails," wrote one survey respondent. "People aren’t selfish and pushy like at other busier resorts." It's not easy to get to, and it's not a particularly fancy place, but if casual dining, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and friendly Down East service are on your agenda, you'll like what Sugarloaf has to offer.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Grooming is great even if the weather hasn’t been cooperative. There are condos close to the lifts and lift lines are quick. Great ski school for all levels. Trails for all abilities with cat skiing and trees if you want it. Have been coming as a group for many, many years. It's still a good value, but not as good as it once was. Could use more varied restaurants with more affordable pricing, although the present offerings are good. It would be nice if the shops stayed open at least one evening during the week a little later."
No. 2: Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vt.
This unique destination that caters to families also boasts some of the best expert terrain in the Northeast.
Last Year's Ranking: 1
Strengths: Family Friendly, Challenge
Weaknesses: Dining, Apres
Likelihood to Return: 3/20
Knocked off of the No. 1 perch that it's held onto for the last several years, Smugglers' Notch still comes in strong at No. 2 this year. The northern Vermont resort offers its own formula of family ski vacation meets hardcore skier vibes with its amenity-filled village at the base of some of the toughest slopes in the East. The lifts are still slow, the base is pretty quiet in the evenings, and its location is a haul from pretty much anywhere, but that also keeps crowds in check. So does the fact that this is one of the few major resorts that have yet to join a multipass such as Epic or Ikon, a detail that its devotees appreciate. Come for the steeps or the nightly family entertainment--or both. Smuggs has got you covered.
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Smuggs continues to focus on what it does best. Great family resort, an awesome ski school, great service, friendly people, a variety of terrain to please novices and experts alike, the best value, and nice, local flavor. Mother Nature is not always cooperative, but Smuggs' mountain operations do a great job making snow and working the trails."
No. 1: Mad River Glen, Vt.
The new No. 1 resort in the East is made for skiers, by skiers, and is home to the most exciting and extreme terrain in the country.
Last Year's Ranking: 4
Strengths: Challenge, Value
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lifts
Likelihood to Return: 2/20
With a new spot at the tip-top of the rankings, Mad River Glen proves that a ski area need only be true to itself to excel, even in today's be-everything-to-everyone culture. MRG is a skier's mountain in the literal sense--it's owned and operated by its skiers. The terrain is steep and untamed; come to test your skills and grab adventure by the horns, because aside from skiing, there's little else to do here. The skier services are pretty meager--you won't starve but don't expect much in the way of dining or apres. There's also no nightlife and no lodging at the mountain. And the long, slow lifts, including the iconic single chair, give you plenty of time to rest up before your next run. The hardcore MRG skiers wouldn't have it any other way. "There is something special about the single chair, with your thoughts all to yourself, contemplating your last run or your next, how lucky you are to be doing something you love."
Most Insightful Reader Comment
"Mad River Glen is owned and operated by skiers and as such, does everything possible to make the experience completely FOR the skiers. It only charges enough to maintain sustainability, occasionally limits ticket sales to avoid overcrowding, and has some of the best food of any ski area at very reasonable prices. (Where else can you get a great burger for $8.50?) Although its bumper sticker, “SKI IT IF YOU CAN,” sounds intimidating, it really means: If you can get here, by all means, ski it. There are plenty of beginner and intermediate groomed trails, and for the more extreme skiers, trails like Fall Line and Paradise along with hundreds of acres of maintained woods will challenge the best.”
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