11 Epic Mountains for Skiing and Snowboarding in New England
Hit the slopes or lean into the aprés-ski vibes.
Boasting some of the top destinations for skiing and snowboarding in the country, New England is the place to be in the wintertime. Sure, we have to brave icy temperatures and hefty snowstorms, but that all collides for a slate of mountain towns like Stowe and spots in the Berkshires that are not to be missed. And good news for us: Many of the best ski mountains are within driving distance of Boston, making it easy to live out your wonderland dreams this year. So whether you’re waxing up your board as we speak or would rather just find a cozy spot to relax slopeside, we have you covered with this list of the 11 best places to go skiing and snowboarding near Boston.
Canton, Massachusetts
Less than half an hour from the city, Blue Hills is easy to get to and doesn’t require a lengthy road trip to get your shred (or wipe out) on. Since 1950, this ski area has welcomed local Boston families looking to venture out, featuring 60 acres, 16 trails, and four ski lifts. You can pick up your season pass now or purchase a daily lift ticket. For some no frills, Irish pub-type aesthetic during your trip, fuel up at the appropriately named Hillside Pub right in Canton.
Distance from Boston: 20 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Canton, Massachusetts
Princeton, Massachusetts
As one of New England’s most accessible ski resorts, Wachusett Mountain has everything you need for a successful day on the slopes. With a season pass or daily lift ticket, you have full access to the 23 trails and six lifts currently open. Once you’ve gotten your runs in for the day, there are plenty of food and drink options to choose from including Coppertop Lounge, O’Brien’s Deck Bar & Grill, and Bullock Lodge Cider House all located on the base or hilltop.
Distance from Boston: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Princeton, Massachusetts
Franconia, New Hampshire
Located in Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain holds the title of the highest ski area in New Hampshire. That means it’s the perfect spot for some serious skiing or snowboarding. You can grab daily lift tickets online and there’s still time to get your season passes to make the most of the slopes. While you’re there, for no cost, you can pop into the New England Ski Museum, located at the base of the aerial tramway (heads up, the tramway is only open during the summer). And for food and drink, you have your pick from onsite spots like Cannonball Pub, Lafayette Cafeteria, Powder Makers at the Notchview Lodge, Cafe 4080, and Tramway Country the Store.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Franconia, New Hampshire
Charlemont, Massachusetts
When it comes to making quintessential New England plans, look no further than the Berkshires. While the mountain range is breathtaking all year round, both the elements and sights set you up for a top-tier ski trip come wintertime. One of the area’s beloved ski resorts, Berkshire East, has the terrain you’re looking for and the Berkshire Summit Pass provides a perfect combination with access not only to Berkshire East but also to Catamount and Bousquet (both less than a two-and-a-half hour drive from the city). What more could you ask for? Oh, you want a snow tubing park? Well, they have that, too.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Charlemont, Massachusetts
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Featuring 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 63 trails and 35 glades, the award-winning Bretton Woods resort has plenty of space for skiers to enjoy this snowy paradise. Not to mention the new Rosebrook Lodge, which offers panoramic views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. You can purchase lift tickets or season passes online now, and to add to the outing, you can book an unforgettable ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
In the quaint town of Great Barrington, you’ll find Ski Butternut, a family-focused resort offering affordable rates and rentals. With season passes and lift tickets available online, you can also book a variety of lessons from group to private classes if you’re just starting out. And when you’re not on the slopes, make sure you check out this winter paradise of a New England town as you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Ludlow, Vermont
As one of the best ski resorts you can find on the East Coast, Okemo is certainly worth the drive. Not to mention they have new and improved chair lifts ready to deliver you to 121 trails for the 2022-23 season. As for the very important aprés ski component, take your pick from ramen bowls at the Sugar House Cafe or drafts and snacks at Base Side Biergarten. For those that have some adventure left in them, mosey over to the Timber Ripper Mountain coaster or Jackson Gore for snow tubing.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Ludlow, Vermont
Killington, Vermont
As the largest ski and snowboard resort in the east and spanning more than 3,000 acres, Killington is the real deal. The amenities include gondola rides, a day spa, snow tubing park, restaurants and bars, and much more. They also have a robust selection of top-notch rental gear so you can spend time on the slopes instead of ordering (and anxiously awaiting) new gear. To guarantee a spot for the 2022-23 season, head to their website to purchase lift tickets or season passes.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Killington, Vermont
Hancock, Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak, yet another favorite ski destination located in the Berkshires, is also the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England. Lift tickets and season passes are available online, and you can also make lodging reservations at the Country Inn and available vacation homes. For activities beyond skiing, you can also enjoy the area’s snowshoe trails, mountain coaster, and other events.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Great Hancock, Massachusetts
Stowe, Vermont
A picturesque winter wonderland, Stowe is known as one of the best ski towns in the US—and in the world for that matter. Surrounded by Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, and Spruce Peak, there’s no doubt you’ll fulfill your winter activity dreams by setting foot in Stowe. Since lift tickets are a hot commodity, you can purchase them online in advance if you’re not already a season pass holder. It’s also worth mentioning that Stowe is brimming with nationally recognized breweries including The Alchemist and von Trapp Brewery.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours and 20 mins
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Stowe, Vermont
Cornwall, Connecticut
Mohawk Mountain, which has been a longstanding family business for more than 70 years, is ready to welcome skiers for the 2022-23 season. With 12 skiable acres on 350 scenic acres of state forest, this mountain tucked away in Connecticut does not disappoint. Season passes are no longer available but you can purchase daily lift tickets online. While you’re at the resort, you can grab a bite at their Pine Lodge Restaurant or get new gear at MMS Outfitters.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours and 30 mins
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Cornwall, Connecticut