The Most Challenging Ski Runs on the East Coast According to Locals

Mostly known for extremely variable and icy conditions, the East Coast is not exactly famous for its challenging runs. Nevertheless, there are definitely some very steep and technical runs located at various ski areas throughout the region. We hope that this list will help out the select skiers and riders who seek out more of a challenge on the East Coast.

Rumble, Sugarbush, VT

Castlerock Peak at Sugarbush has no shortage of expert trails. In fact, the terrain pod on Castlerock consists of only advanced and expert terrain. Rumble is arguably the most challenging of these trails. Rumble is an extremely steep and narrow mogul run, which, combined with often icy or variable conditions due to nonexistent snowmaking, makes it sure to challenge even the best of skiers.

Paradise, Mad River Glen, VT

Mad River Glen, Vermont, is home to some of the most challenging terrain on the East Coast. This is due to the fact that the resort has very little snowmaking and very inconsistent grooming. The Paradise Run is the most famous run at Mad River Glen, and for good reason. Skiers will have to navigate their way down this steep mogul run while avoiding all kinds of natural obstacles, including a waterfall, rocks, and the occasional tree.

DJ’s Tramline, Cannon, NH

DJ’s Tramline at Cannon is arguably the most challenging trail in New Hampshire. Very rarely open due to an absence of snowmaking, DJ’s Tramline can have extremely variable conditions, making it very difficult to ski. The trail has multiple mandatory rock drops, making it only for the best of skiers. Additionally, Cannon Mountain’s wind exposure can make the trail very icy for prolonged periods of time, making the trail even more difficult and often forcing its closure by ski patrol outright.

Goat, Stowe, VT

Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont, is home to the famous Front Four trails, Goat, Starr, Lifeline, and National. Goat is the most difficult of the four because of its wicked fall line on the left side of the trail. Rocks, boulders, and ice patches just add to the difficulty of the run. Goat is, for sure, a run for only the best skiers and riders.

Face Chutes, Jay Peak, VT

Accessed by Vermont’s only aerial tram, Jay Peak Resort’s Face Chutes are some of the steepest marked trails on the East Coast. The Face Chutes come in at an average pitch of 30°, and a maximum pitch of 37°, meaning that even expert skiers and riders will be challenged by this run.

Tuckerman Ravine, NH

While Tuckerman Ravine is not your typical ski run, as it is a hike-to zone on Mount Washington, it still offers quite the challenge for skiers and riders. The base of the ravine is only accessed by a three-mile hike with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. From there, you will have to pick your line, and bootpack up the ravine. At the top, you will be faced with a ski run with about a 40-50° pitch, depending on which line you choose. Tuckerman’s Ravine makes a great ski destination in late April or early May when all of the other nearby ski resorts are closed.

Hopefully this has made you more aware of what the East Coast has to offer in terms of expert skiing. All of these ski runs are well worth checking out, as long as you are an expert skier or snowboarder looking for quite the challenge. Having said that, each ski area on this list is worth a visit, regardless of your ability.