Are you planning a snowboarding adventure on the east coast in 2023?
Lucky you! But where to go? Well, here is our list of the top five east coast US snowboard resorts that are sure to provide an unforgettable winter experience. From terrain parks to luxury accommodations, these resorts have it all and will make your next winter getaway one to remember. Let’s have some fun and count them down from 5 to 1. Here we goooo!
5. Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania:
Boasting top-notch trails and plenty of terrain to explore
Way down in Southern PA, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a great destination for snowboarding. It is one of the larger areas for the mid-Atlantic region — especially for how far south it is. They draw locals in from Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio. Here are some key features:
Getting There: Getting to Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania is actually pretty simple. Not too far from the Pittsburg metro area, it is located near several major transportation hubs. Here are some of the ways to get there:
By Car: Seven Springs is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, and is easily accessible from cities such as Columbus, Pittsburgh, or Morgantown. Visitors can reach the resort by car via several highways, including I-70, I-76, and I-68.
By Air: The nearest major airport to Seven Springs is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located about an hour and a half away. You can also fly into Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST), which is about an hour away.
Overall, visitors have several options for getting to Seven Springs, with several major transportation hubs located within a 1-2 hour drive of the resort.
Terrain Variety: Offers a mix of terrain, primarily green and blue runs. They boast extensive snowmaking on the main trails making for nice groomer runs. Their terrain parks have loads of features big and small. There are even some decent tree runs to be had there.
Skiable Acres: With nearly 300 skiable acres, Seven Springs offers a good amount of space to explore. A lot of it is lit up for night skiing.
Mountain Amenities: The resort offers a wide range of mountain amenities including ski rental shops, ski schools, dining options, and après-ski activities like arcades and a bowling alley.
Area Dining: Grab some mochas or chai tea lattes at Silver Horse Coffee. Lunch break at the lodge.
Rest a bit at dinnertime at Out of the Fire Café or maybe grab a brew at the Slopeside Pub & Grill. You deserve it!
Leisure & Entertainment: Relax at Trillium Spa. For entertainment check out the calendar of events for the area.
Lodging Options: Some lodging options in the area include the Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, or the cool-looking Log Cabin Lodge!
Other Special Features: Seven Springs is known for its large snowmaking and grooming operations, as well as its annual winter events, such as the Winter Beer Festival and the Snowfest celebration. They even have snow tubing and, for the summer months, an alpine slide.
Overall, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a great destination for snowboarding. It has a good mix of terrain difficulties and is pretty easy to access. With all that and so much stuff to do in the area, it’s worth a visit this season.
4. Jay Peak, Vermont:
Home to world-class terrain parks and cutting-edge technology that make this resort a must-visit for snowboarders
Where the riders love to ride. Jay Peak, Vermont is targeted for it’s steeper runs and big dumps of powder. Even though this mountain can get extremely cold and windy, it is a great destination for snowboarding. Here are some key features to consider:
Getting There: Getting to Jay Peak, Vermont is not too difficult, unless you fly into Burlington on a late flight and rent a car and have to drive for hours in the blowing snow on winding secondary roads (like we did). In normal conditions the drive takes a couple hours, so be sure to account for the possible wintery conditions. Otherwise, here are some different ways to get there:
By Car: Jay Peak is located in the (waaaay) northern part of Vermont, almost in Canada. It can be accessed from major cities such as Montreal, Boston, and New York City. Visitors can reach the resort by car via several highways, including I-89 and I-91, but once you get so far north, it turns to minor highways that are windy and icy in the winter. Driving in from Boston takes a good 4 – 5 hours.
By Air: The nearest major airport to Jay Peak is Burlington International Airport (BTV), located about 2 hours away (if the weather is good).
Overall, visitors have several options for getting to Jay Peak, with several major transportation hubs located within a 2-3 hour drive of the resort.
Terrain Variety: OK. now that you are finally at the mountain… WOW! This place has an impressive mix of natural terrain like challenging steeps and glades. Yep, GLADES and decent natural snow on the east coast! You will even find a fun terrain park here and there.
Skiable Acres: With over 380 skiable acres, Jay Peak offers plenty of space for visitors to enjoy. Much of the terrain is intermediate and advanced, but not really “expert only” stuff. Very fun.
Mountain Amenities: The resort offers a range of mountain amenities, including ski rental shops, ski schools, dining options, and après-ski activities.
Area Dining: Grab some breakfast in Troy at The Junction or at the Waffle Cabin right at the base of the mountain. Eat slope-side at The Foundry, or check out dining options near Jay Peak like Bernie’s or The Belfry.
Entertainment: For entertainment, visitors can check out local bars such as The Tram Haus Lodge and the Snow Shoe Lodge and Pub. For a really unique experience, look at the nearby Salt Cave Spa.
Lodging Options: Some lodging options are extremely close including the impressive Jay Peak Resort, the Hotel Jay, and the Stateside Hotel.
Other Special Features: Jay Peak is known for its snow quality, as such they have other fun winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. There is even an indoor water park!
Overall, Jay Peak is a great destination for snowboarding and other fun activities. Beware of people speaking Canadianese, which is some unrecognizable dialect that sounds really snooty. Regardless, it’s worth the trip way out to Jay.
3. Killington, Vermont:
The biggest mountain on the East Coast popular with snowboarders and skiers alike
Killington, Vermont is a very popular destination for snowboarding on the East Coast. Here are some key features to consider:
Getting there: Getting to Killington is relatively easy, as it is located near several major transportation hubs. Here are some of the ways to get there:
By Car: Killington is located in central Vermont, south of Burlington. Not too far, but the roads in are not very major, so that’s why it takes a while. Like other Vermont ski areas, it’s accessible from major cities such as Boston, New York City, and Montreal. Visitors can reach the resort by car via several highways, including I-89 and I-91.
By Air: The nearest major airport to Killington is Burlington International Airport (BTV), located about 2 hours away. Visitors can also fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) or Albany International Airport (ALB), which are both about 2.5 hours away.
Overall, visitors have several options for getting to Killington, with several major transportation hubs located within a 2-3 hour drive of the resort.
Terrain Variety: Offers a wide range of terrain, but no real steeps. There is pretty equal numbers of green, blue, and easy black runs including groomers, moguls, trees, and terrain parks.
Skiable Acres: Rivaling some of the giants out West, Killington offers over 1,500 skiable acres with over 150 runs, making it the largest ski resort in the eastern US! Very cool.
Mountain Amenities: Of course, a resort of this size offers a wide range of mountain amenities, including ski rental shops, ski schools, dining options, and après-ski activities. There is night skiing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tubing and more. Killington leaves little to be desired.
Area Dining: Some popular dining options near Killington include the Wobbly Barn Steakhouse or The Foundry at Summit Pond, In the mood for a cocktail in a fun atmosphere? Check out the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar, known for their scenic views and excellent bloody marys.
Entertainment: The nearby area offers various entertainment options, including bars such as the Pickle Barrel Nightclub. Feeling artsy? Check out the Art Garage and experience the creative art process first-hand.
Lodging Options: Some lodging options in the area include the Killington Grand Resort Hotel, the Mountain Green Ski & Golf Resort, and the Killington Mountain Lodge.
Other Special Features: Killington is known for its long ski season, often staying open into the spring months. The resort also offers a range of non-ski activities, such as snowshoeing, and snow tubing. Be sure to check out the half-pipe while there.
Overall, Killington is a top destination for snowboarding, cross-country skiing, whatever. Offering a wide range of terrain, ample skiable acres, and a variety of dining, entertainment, and lodging options, Killington has it all.
2. Sunday River, Maine:
A fun, family-friendly resort with something for everyone, from beginners to experts
Sunday River, Maine is a top destination for snowboarding. Here are the key features to consider:
Getting there: Getting to Sunday River is fairly easy, as it is located near several major transportation hubs. Here are some of the ways to get there:
By Car: Sunday River is located in western Maine, and is easily accessible from major cities such as Boston, Portland, and Montreal. Visitors can reach the resort by car via several highways, including I-95 and I-295.
By Air: The nearest major airport to Sunday River is Portland International Jetport (PWM), located about 2 hours away. Visitors can also fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), but be prepared for a drive of around four hours!
Overall, visitors have several options for getting to Sunday River, but due to it’s remote location, it is not the easiest to access.
Terrain Variety: Their 15 lifts service diverse terrain over multiple peaks to include wide-open groomers, terrain parks and even some challenging steeps.
Skiable Acres: With 870 skiable acres, Sunday River provides plenty of space for visitors to explore.
Mountain Amenities: The resort offers a range of mountain amenities, including board rental shops, ski schools, night skiing, ski bikes, ice skating, dining options, and daycare services.
Area Dining: Start the day off with a good breakfast at Crossroads Diner. Mid day you can grab a brew right next to the mountain at Definitive Brewing Company or slope-side at the iconic Foggy Goggle. Popular dinner options near Sunday River include Modern Barn or Matterhorn Ski Bar.
Entertainment: For entertainment, visitors can check out the local bars such as Sad’s Pub and Sunday River Brewing Company where you may find live music at the right times.
Lodging Options: Some lodging options in the area include the Grand Summit Hotel, Bethel Village Motel, and Bethel Inn Resort.
Other Special Features: Sunday River is known for its extensive snowmaking, grooming, night skiing, and ensuring excellent snow conditions throughout the winter. The resort also hosts several events and activities, including live music and torchlight parades.
Overall, Sunday River is a fantastic choice for snowboarding and an awesome place to take the family of you can get there. With a BIG variety of terrain, ample skiable acres, and a range of amenities, dining and lodging options, Sunday River rocks on any day of the week.
1. Mt. Snow, Vermont:
Offering some of the best slopes and terrain parks east of the Rockies in its 10 square-mile ski area
Mt. Snow, Vermont is MAJOR and is a great place to visit for snowboarding. Here are key features to consider:
Getting There: Getting to Mount Snow is relatively easy, as it is located near several major transportation hubs. Here are some of the ways to get there:
- By Car: Mount Snow is located in southern Vermont, and is easily accessible from major cities such as New York City, Boston, and Montreal. Visitors can reach the resort by car via several highways, including I-87 and I-91.
- By Air: The nearest major airport to Mount Snow is Bradley International Airport (BDL), located about 2 hours away in Hartford, Connecticut. Visitors can also fly into Albany International Airport (ALB) or Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which are both about 2.5 hours away.
Overall, visitors have several options for getting to Mount Snow, with several major transportation hubs, like Boston, located within a 2-3 hour drive of the resort.
Terrain Variety: 20 lifts service the majority intermediate terrain, but something can be found for all skill levels. Explore wide-open groomers, trees and many different terrain parks.
Skiable Acres: It has over 550 skiable acres to keep you busy exploring new runs all day.
Mountain Amenities: It offers a range of mountain amenities, including shopping, board rental shops, ski schools, daycare services, and dining options.
Area Dining and Entertainment: The surrounding area has a variety of dining and entertainment options, including local restaurants and bars. In the AM, stop by Sticky Fingers for a tasty cinnamon roll. For lunch there is something for everyone at Valley View Saloon. And when the riding is all done, grab the last chair at Last Chair Bar & Grill.
Lodging Options: There are several lodging options available, including ski-in/ski-out lodges like the Grand Summit, B & B’s where breakfast is included like the Deerhill Inn or Grey Ghost Inn vacation rentals, and nearby hotels like Snow Mountain Village.
Other Special Features: Mt. Snow also hosts several special events and activities throughout the winter, including torchlight parades, live music, and après-ski parties. Also consider their other winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and tubing runs.
Overall, Mt. Snow is a fantastic destination for snowboarding and more with a wide range of terrain and amenities to suit all skill levels and interests. Certainly a place to check out for some wonderful winter experiences!
Honorable mentions:
* Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl, New York
Featuring some nice steep slopes as well as beginner and intermediate terrain, Hunter is up in the northern Catskills and within a couple hours of New York City. They also have a long multi-lane snow tubing track so you can race all your friends.
* Attitash Mountain Resort, New Hampshire
We had to fit NH in here somewhere! Attitash is situated on two big mountains (Attitash Mountain and Bear Peak) that rise up 1,700 vertical feet servicing a load of blue cruisers. There are even some steeps and glades to be enjoyed here, especially on a day with fresh snow.
In Conclusion
Sure there are bigger mountains out West, but the cool thing about these East Coast resorts is there are so many that are so close-by. This list is our top 5 but there are dozens and dozens more scattered everywhere from North Carolina to Maine. How many East Coast areas have you been snowboarding at? Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment below.
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