Northeast Ski Destinations

The Northeast is notoriously known for its long winters, but seldom do travel enthusiasts consider taking a winter trip here compared to the West.

However, don’t overlook the Northeast ski destinations when taking your family on a wonderful winter excursion to some of the largest ski resorts in the country.

Skiing on the East Coast differs from the West Coast due to lower elevations and longer lengths of snow.

Most importantly, skiing in the northeast places a greater emphasis on family skiing, with incredible terrain for pro and beginner skiers of all ages.

Ellicottville, New York 

Ellicottville is one of the first places you should visit if you're thinking about taking a ski holiday in the Northeast.

Located in Chautauqua-Allegheny County, New York, it is not far from the Canadian border and is well-known among Canadian skiers as a luxury ski destination.

The ski resorts Holiday Valley and Holimont (America's largest private ski resort) are the main skiing destinations in Ellicottville.

Holiday Valley is a family-oriented ski resort with over 1400 total acres and 290 skiable acres. There are a variety of activities available, such as skiing and tubing (no experience required), snowboarding, or taking a few skiing lessons on-site.

At Holimont, you can compete in ski or snowboard racing or join the Phoenix Adaptive program, which is designed for adults and children with special needs.

Other items to add to your bucket list in Ellicottville include visiting the Oasis Spa, Ellicottville Brewing Company, axe throwing at The Ratchet Hatchet or check out Katy’s Café, the popular full-service coffee bar.

         Killington, Vermont

Fall in love with winter all over again at Vermont's perfect ski getaway in Killington. Boasting the largest ski resort in Vermont, you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the 200 slopes, 90 miles of terrain, and 31 ski lifts the resort has to offer. 

Did I mention that it is also the largest ski area in the eastern U.S?

In addition to skiing, there are a variety of other outdoor winter activities to enjoy while visiting Killington, such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and even ice skating! Pico Mountain Ski Resort is the ideal location for your skiing and snowboarding excursions.

Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, as well as families, can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on over fifty trails, including the Triple Slope Terrain Park, which is serviced by multiple ski lifts.

There are also a wide range of food and beverage options as well as cozy fireplace lodges at the base of Pico Mountain.

Finally, before you go, don't forget to take a breathtaking gondola ride to the top of Killington Mountain!

Sunday River, Maine

Sunday River Ski Resort is in Newry, Maine is one of largest and most popular ski resorts in the state.

During a stay at Sunday River, families can engage in a variety of activities. You can enjoy North Peak in the afternoon, and twilight skiing under the lights of South Ridge.

There is also night skiing; snowboarding; sno-go biking; ice skating at the Sunday River's Grand Summit Hotel or the public ice rink in Bethel Village; fireworks over South Ridge; and Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Dog sledding with Mahoosuc Guide Services and visiting the Sugaring House, where you can make traditional Maine-style maple syrup, are two fun activities for the kids to try (open during sugaring seasons from February - April).

Black Diamond Family Entertainment is a fun family entertainment venue in Sunday River, which hosts a variety of shows such as the captivating Fire Dance.

Overall, Sunday River is jam-packed with activities to keep you busy during your winter vacation in the Northeast!