The 9 Most Scenic Resorts on the East Coast

One of the best parts of skiing is taking in the scenery around you. Ski resorts give you a unique perspective of the region around you, as your elevation allows you to see everything in the area all at once. The ski resort experience can be greatly enhanced by the view of the surrounding area, putting less emphasis on the snow quality and crowds and more emphasis on the experience of being outside, enjoying nature. Many resorts on the East Coast boast fantastic views that help take skiers’ minds off the often icy conditions the East is known for and focus on enjoying just being outside and out of the office. This list highlights the most scenic resorts in the East and what makes them unique and worth visiting.

#9 Jay Peak, Vermont

Jay Peak sits in the Green Mountains at the northern tip of Vermont, just five miles south of the Canadian border. The scenic aerial tram brings guests to the summit, which provides views of the surrounding peaks that stretch into Canada as well as the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. Due to the high snow totals in the region, the surrounding peaks are often covered in a white blanket, adding to the picturesque topography of the region. The mountain itself is also very picturesque as the summit sits atop the iconic Jay Peak saddle, which is home to some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in the East.

• Related: Jay Peak Resort, VT, Reopens Slopes for Summer Skiing and Music Festival

#8 Stowe, Vermont

Stowe sits on Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont, and provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and farmland. The mountain itself is also stunning as the rocky headwall of the summit looms over the rest of the resort and valley below. The striking cliffs and frozen waterfalls of nearby Smugglers Notch Pass also add to the beauty of the surrounding area.

• Related: The 10 Biggest Ski Resorts on the East Coast

#7 Cannon, New Hampshire

Cannon, located on the western wall of the White Mountains, is the highest elevation ski resort in New Hampshire with a summit elevation of 4,080 feet. Located in scenic Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon provides breathtaking views of the steep and narrow mountain pass that runs alongside the resort. Striking peaks like Mount Lafayette are also visible from the resort, adding to the rugged terrain of the region. The aerial tramway gives visitors a picturesque view of the notch as it travels up the mountain’s steep Northeastern face.

• Related: Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire, is Set to Retire Its Second-Generation Aerial Tram After 45 Years of Operation

#6 Owl’s Head, Quebec

While not the biggest resort on this list, Owl’s Head offers some of the best lake views you can find at a ski resort. Owl’s Head is located right on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, just four miles north of the United States border. With the entire resort facing north, nearly every run has a scenic view of the lake. On a clear day, nearby Jay Peak is visible across the border as well as fellow Quebec resorts Mont Orford and Mont Sutton.

#5 Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Bretton Woods offers breathtaking views of the Presidential Mountain Range, which is home to the highest peaks in the region. Mount Washington, the highest peak in this range and the highest in the northeastern United States, sits directly across the valley from Bretton Woods. The sheer size of Mount Washington is staggering, and the oldest cog railway in the country can also be seen scaling the western wall of the mountain.

• Related: 9 Resorts to Visit Before You Die, According to SnowBrains Readers

#4 Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec

Mont Sainte Anne sits on the eastern wall of the Laurentian Mountains and overlooks the St. Lawrence River. The Appalachian Mountains can be seen on the other side of the St. Lawrence, and on clear days Massif du Sud can be seen in the distance. The north side provides views of the rolling Laurentian mountains that extend as far as the eye can see. Mont Sainte Anne also offers great views of Quebec City in the distance, especially during night skiing operations when the city is illuminated.

#3 Wildcat, New Hampshire

Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Wildcat is surrounded by the biggest peaks in the region. Similar to Bretton Woods, Wildcat provides striking views of Mount Washington but from much closer. Wildcat is situated on the eastern side of Mount Washington and offers views of the legendary Tuckerman Ravine, located only three miles away.

• Related: The 7 Most Beautiful Ski Areas in North America

#2 Whiteface, New York

Whiteface is situated just outside Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. With the biggest vertical drop in the East, Whiteface towers over the surrounding area, giving visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. The famous slides at the summit, tower over the rest of the resort, giving the resort a true big mountain feel. Scenic Lake Placid is also visible from certain mountain areas.

#1 Le Massif Du Charlevoix, Quebec

Located right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Le Massif offers a truly unique view, as many runs feel like you are skiing right into the river. You can also see the nearby town of Baie-Saint-Paul to the North, surrounded by mountains that dive down and disappear into the St. Lawrence. In addition, big ocean freighters can often be seen making their way down the river, adding to the unique feel of the resort.

All these resorts should be on every East Coast skier’s bucket list, as you do not need perfect snow conditions to enjoy these mountains. This list is subjective, and beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, but I hope I inspired you to go out and explore a new resort and see for yourself which mountain is the most scenic.