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With a population of about 650,000 (as of 2022), Boston, Massachusetts, is a bustling metropolis that is not often known for the skiing around it. With that being said, there are a multitude of amazing skiing destinations, perfect for a weekend trip, within just a few hours of Boston. The purpose of this article is to show Bostonians, or just SnowBrains readers, the five best places around Boston to visit for a weekend ski trip.
Killington Mountain Resort, VT
Situated directly in the middle of Vermont, within the Green Mountains, is Killington Mountain Resort. With six peaks and 1,509 acres of terrain, Killington is not only the largest resort on this list but it is the largest ski resort in the northeastern United States. The resort offers 21 lifts and 155 trails across its six peaks, meaning that there are certainly enough trails for skiers and snowboarders of any ability level to enjoy. Killington’s incredible snowmaking system and abundant annual natural snowfall (250 inches/ 635 centimeters) allow for a season that typically lasts from late October/early November to late May/early June. Killington also offers many great options for lodging, such as the Grand Resort Hotel, which is a mountainside hotel located at the base of the resort. Killington is located about two and a half hours (150 miles) from Boston.
Okemo Mountain Resort, VT
Located in Ludlow, Vermont, Okemo Mountain is the largest resort in Southern Vermont, with 667 acres of skiable terrain. The mountain consists of 121 trails and 20 lifts. 98 percent snowmaking coverage combined with an average annual snowfall of 120 inches (305 centimeters) allows for a season that usually lasts from mid-November to mid-April. Okemo has two peaks, Okemo Mountain and Jackson Gore. Excellent lodging is located at the base of both of these peaks, such as the Jackson Gore Inn and the Mountain Lodge at Okemo. Okemo is located about two and three-quarters hours (140 miles) from Boston.
Loon Mountain Resort, NH
Loon Mountain in the White Mountain National Forest (or the town of Lincoln) is the second largest ski area in New Hampshire, smaller than only Bretton Woods. Loon offers 73 trails spread across 403 acres of terrain and three peaks. 13 lifts, including the flagship Kangcamangus 8, make up the mountain’s extensive lift network. Loon also has the largest vertical drop in New Hampshire, coming in at 2,190 feet (668 meters). The mountain has the snowmaking capacity to cover 63 trails in the winter, allowing for reliable early-season openings and late-season closings. There are many options for lodging in Lincoln, including the RiverWalk Resort and the Nordic Inn Resort, which both offer a shuttle service to the mountain. Loon is located about two hours (130 miles) from Boston.
Bretton Woods Ski Resort, NH
Bretton Woods, located in the town of Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, is a unique resort, with a very spread-out footprint. The mountain offers 464 acres of skiing on 63 trails and 35 glade runs, making it the largest resort in New Hampshire. The mountain often has one of the longest seasons in New Hampshire, from early November to mid-April, due to 92 percent snowmaking coverage and an annual snowfall average of 200+ inches (508 centimeters). Bretton Woods also has New Hampshire’s only eight-person gondola, the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola. There are many fantastic options for lodging around the resort, such as the Omni Bretton Arms Inn, and the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. Bretton Woods is located about two and a half hours (160 miles) from Boston.
Mount Snow Resort, VT
Mount Snow is nestled in the southern part of the Green Mountains of Vermont, in the town of Dover. It offers a unique experience for skiers and riders, with four distinct mountain faces, including Carinthia, Sunbrook, Main Face, and North Face. These four mountain faces all add up to 600 skiable acres and 85 trails. Carinthia is an extremely unique area of the resort, as it is 100 acres comprised only of terrain parks. It offers eight terrain parks, one of which, Inferno, hosted the 2000 X Games. Mount Snow’s snowmaking system covers 83 percent of its terrain, which, combined with its average annual snowfall of 150 inches (381 centimeters), allows for an almost guaranteed opening in November, and closing in April. There are a multitude of lodging options at Mount Snow, including the Grand Summit Resort Hotel. Mount Snow is located about two and three-quarters hours (140 miles) from Boston.
While Boston is not necessarily a ski town, there are still many great ski destinations in the area, as long as you are willing to drive a couple of hours. All of the ski areas on this list are definitely worth a visit if you live in or around Boston, or if you are just visiting the area in the future.
