This New England ski and snowboard guide will help you plan your next trip
Here's what's new at five popular mountains.
The 2023-24 ski and snowboard season is underway, and New England is full of opportunities to hit the slopes.
Ahead, discover what’s new at five of the top regional mountains, how long it takes to get there, how much a lift ticket costs, and more.
Killington Ski Resort in Killington, Vermont
Date opened: Nov. 3
Distance from Boston: About three hours by car
Size of mountain: Six peaks, 1,509 skiable acres, and 155 trails. Here’s a map.
Ticket cost: Ticket price varies depending on the day and week. A ticket to Killington also includes access to Pico Mountain. Buy tickets online in advance for the best pricing for Killington Resort and Pico Mountain.
Largest vertical drop: 3,050 feet
Number of lifts: 22
What’s new this season: Killington has made major investments to its snowmaking system and added a hybrid groomer and its first all-electric snowmobile. The resort opened its new state-of-the-art, 58,200-square-foot K-1 Lodge last season and has added a heated walkway on the East side of the lodge and will add a waffle bar this winter. More guests can order from the table using QR codes in eating spots on the mountain. Keep up to date with the resort’s app, which provides wait times, trail maps, and more.
Sunday River in Newry, Maine
Date opened: Nov. 14
Distance from Boston: About three hours by car
Size of mountain: Eight peaks, 884 skiable acres, and 139 trails. Here’s a map.
Ticket cost: Ticket prices vary daily and begin at $67, according to the resort’s website. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Largest vertical drop: 2,340 feet
Number of lifts: 19
What’s new this season: The new Barker 6, a six-place Doppelmayr D-Line chairlift, billed as one of the fastest six-person chairlifts in North America. The resort also installed nearly two miles of snowmaking pipe, linking the newly completed North Peak Booster Pump House to the summit of the Jordan Bowl, which will triple its snowmaking abilities in the Jordan Bowl area. Keep up to date with the resort’s app or its Mountain Report.
Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Date opened: Nov. 17
Distance from Boston: About five hours by car
Size of mountain: 1,360 skiable acres. 176 trails and glades. Here’s a map.
Ticket cost: Adult tickets start at $41. Buying tickets in advance online will save visitors money, according to the website.
Largest vertical drop: 2,820 feet
Number of lifts: 15
What’s new this season: Sugarloaf has a new high-speed quad called “Bucksaw Express.” In the largest expansion at the resort in more than 40 years, Sugarloaf added 12 new beginner and intermediate trails on West Mountain. The resort added 120 skiable acres and increased the mountain’s total terrain by 10 percent. The new lift and trails will open mid- to late-January 2024. Keep up to date with the resort’s app.
Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe, Vermont
Date opened: Nov. 17
Distance from Boston: About three hours by car
Size of mountain: The highest peak in Vermont with 485 skiable acres, 116 trails, and 12 lifts. Here’s a map.
Ticket cost: An Epic 1-Day Pass, which allows unrestricted access, costs $98 for guests age 13 and up. A 1-Day Lift Ticket at peak window price costs $219. Learn more about pass products and Epic Day Pass here.
Largest vertical drop: 2,360 feet
Number of lifts: 12
What’s new this season: This season marks the 90th anniversary of the Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol, America’s oldest ski patrol. Guests can skip the lift lines with new mobile pass and lift ticket technology through the new MyEpic.app. Pass holders this year can also attend a variety of exclusive events such as private parties, concerts, on-mountain champagne toasts, and more. Keep up to date with the MyEpic.app.
Mad River Glen in Fayston, Vermont
Date opened: Dec. 9
Distance from Boston: About three-and-a-half hours by car
Size of mountain: 115 acres of trails, plus 800 acres of tree skiing/riding access. Here’s a map.
Ticket cost: $110 for adults and $89 for children and seniors at the window. In order to create a better Mad River Glen ski experience, the resort says it will limit ticket sales during the 2023-24 season, mostly on weekends and holidays. The resort recommends buying online tickets for a better price, or a season pass or a Stark Mountain Card.
Largest vertical drop: 2,037 feet
Number of lifts: 5
What’s new this season: The resort is celebrating its 75th anniversary this season with a ribbon cutting on opening day, a gala on Jan. 6, 2024, and a documentary movie premiere with a release date to be determined. Keep up to date with the resort’s app.
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