Best East Coast Skiing in 2026: Top 20 East Coast Ski Destinations

Top 20 East Coast Ski Resorts for 2026

(Reader-ranked list, Best East Coast Skiing commentary)

Every fall, East Coasters get a little gift: SKI Magazine drops its new Resort Guide, and the arguments over “who really deserves to be #1” kick off immediately.

For 2026, there’s a brand-new top dog in the East and a few big movers up and down the list. And it's delighting to see a historic, family-friendly-with-a-trendy-vibe Pennsylvania resort round-out the list.

Below is SKI’s reader-ranked Top 20 Resorts in the East for 2026, along with our team's take on: Who each mountain is best for, What kind of trip it shines at, and How it fits into the bigger East Coast ski puzzle.

As always: icy hardpack, surprise pow days, wind holds, rain, and everything in between… if you can ski the East, you can ski anywhere.

No. 20 – Seven Springs, Pennsylvania

Best for: Pittsburgh-area day trippers, park kids, and weekend crews.

Seven Springs kicks off the list as western PA’s big-energy option: plenty of terrain for the region, lots of bars and on-mountain hangout spots, and a legit scene for night skiing and terrain-park laps. It’s not trying to be the steepest hill in the East; it’s about easy access, lots of laps with friends, and a fun base-area vibe that makes “just one more run” very dangerous for your legs.

No. 19 – Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

Best for: Families, cruisers, and bubble-chair lovers.

Okemo stays right where it was last year, and that tracks: it’s a groomer-lover’s dream. Think endless blue and mellow black cruisers, super efficient lifts (including bubbles for those brutal Vermont wind days), and slopeside lodging that makes family logistics easy. If you’re chasing double-black gnar, you’ll find better elsewhere—but if your crew wants comfort, consistency, and kid-friendly terrain, Okemo does that extremely well.

No. 18 – Loon Mountain, New Hampshire

Best for: Boston weekends, mixed-ability groups, après in a real town.

Loon is the “close enough to Boston that it hurts” mountain: big vertical for NH, fast lifts, and fun terrain spread over a good-sized footprint. You’re trading convenience for crowds on peak weekends, but you gain a classic New England ski town in Lincoln with plenty of bars, restaurants, and lodging options. Park early, manage expectations on busy Saturdays, and you’ll still score a ton of quality laps.

No. 17 – Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont

Best for: Weekend warriors from NYC/CT, families, and folks who love corduroy.

Stratton is a southern Vermont staple: easy to reach, big enough to keep you busy, and famous for its well-tuned groomers. The base village feels like a proper destination resort with everything you need in one place. Crowds are real on high-demand weekends, and snow quality can be hit or miss depending on weather, but for those chasing clean groomers, reliable lifts, and a family-friendly setup, Stratton delivers.

No. 16 – Mont Tremblant, Québec

Best for: Ski + Euro-vibes without crossing the Atlantic.

Tremblant isn’t just a ski trip; it’s a mini-vacation. Picture a colorful pedestrian village, great dining, spas, and winter-wonderland energy wrapped around a solid mid-sized mountain. The terrain won’t be the steepest you’ve ever skied, but between the long groomers and the off-slope experience, it’s a fantastic pick for couples’ trips or families who want as much hot chocolate and fondue as they do vertical feet.

No. 15 – Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

Best for: Young families, nostalgia, and low-stress ski days.

Waterville is the definition of “small but mighty”: a compact mountain with a tight-knit community and a charming village tucked into the White Mountains. It’s a perfect place for kids to learn and for parents to relax knowing everyone’s close by. Nightlife is minimal, and expert skiers will run out of new lines quickly—but for repeat family weekends, it’s a gem.

No. 14 – Sugarbush Resort, Vermont

Best for: Serious skiers, glade junkies, and those who love an old-school vibe.

Sugarbush is one of those mountains that doesn’t have to shout—its terrain speaks for itself. From the steeps off Castle Rock to long groomers and mellow lower-mountain runs, you can keep everyone in your group happy. Lifts and grooming get dinged by some, especially on busy weekends, but if you value character, variety, and a “ski first, frills second” culture, Sugarbush remains a must-hit.

No. 13 – Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire

Best for: Purists, experts, and people who secretly like getting punished by the weather.

Cannon is legendary for three things: steep, narrow trails; raw, natural terrain; and very committed locals. This is a state-owned, no-nonsense mountain with more “soul” than spa services. Lifts aren’t the newest, and conditions can be… “educational.” But if you want that classic, rugged New England experience with huge views and challenging lines, Cannon delivers in spades.

No. 12 – Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont

Best for: Icon chasers, mixed-ability groups, and foodies.

Stowe is as close as the East gets to a full-package Western-style destination: legit expert terrain on Mount Mansfield, plenty for beginners and intermediates, and the postcard-perfect town of Stowe just down the road. The trade-offs: parking pain, crowds, and prices that can sting. But if you want great skiing plus a town full of excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and après options, Stowe absolutely earns its spot.

No. 11 – Gore Mountain, New York

Best for: Value-hunters and skiers who prefer “no frills, just snow.”

Gore is the quiet workhorse of the Adirondacks: state-run, surprisingly big, and beloved for its terrain variety and affordability. There’s no slopeside mega-village here—just a solid mountain, a good lift network, and a vibe that feels more like “local’s hill” than mega-resort. If you want to stretch your ski budget without sacrificing interesting terrain, Gore is a sleeper pick.

No. 10 – Sunday River, Maine

Best for: Families, ski-week trips, and people who love exploring.

Sunday River is a true “terrain for days” destination: multiple peaks, plenty of groomers, fun tree shots, and a lift network that keeps improving. Lodging options are broad, the après scene (hello, Foggy Goggle) is legit, and family-friendliness scores high. It’s not the easiest place to get to—but that little bit of extra effort helps keep the vibe more “destination skiers” and less “day-trip chaos.”

No. 9 – Jay Peak, Vermont

Best for: Powder hounds and glade addicts.

Jay is still Jay: snow magnet, steep, wild, and proudly a little rough around the edges. The lift network is aging and crowds can stack up on key lifts, which likely explains its drop from #3 to #9. But if your dream day is ducking into tight trees, chasing storm cycles, and skiing some of the deepest snow in the East, Jay Peak remains pilgrimage-worthy.

No. 8 – Mad River Glen, Vermont

Best for: Die-hards, retro souls, and people who like slow lifts.

“Mad River Glen: Ski It If You Can” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a lifestyle. Co-op owned, natural snow, no snowboards, a single chair, minimal grooming—it’s pure, unapologetic East Coast skiing. You’re not coming here for luxury lodging or nightlife; you’re coming because you love challenging terrain, quirky culture, and the feeling that skiing still means something.

No. 7 – Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

Best for: Families who ski hard, plus experts who want legit terrain.

Smuggs is famous for being one of the best family ski resorts in the East—but that undersells how fun and challenging its terrain can be. The lifts are old and slow, but the trade-off is fewer crowds on the slopes and time to actually talk to your kids or friends on the ride up. If you want a place where kids can progress and advanced skiers still get their fix, Smuggs is a top-tier choice.

No. 6 – Killington Resort, Vermont

Best for: Big-mountain energy, long seasons, and nightlife.

“The Beast of the East” climbed back up the rankings this year, and it’s easy to see why: massive terrain, long seasons, multiple gondolas, and a nightlife scene on the Access Road that’s unmatched in the East. Yes, it’s pricey, and yes, it can be busy—but if you want maximum laps, varied terrain, and real after-ski action, Killington is tough to beat.

No. 5 – Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Best for: Scenic, polished, family-focused trips.

Bretton Woods sits under the shadow of Mount Washington with a view that practically is a postcard. The grooming is famously good, the snow surfaces are dialed, and the guest experience—from friendly staff to the Omni Mount Washington Hotel—leans refined and relaxed. If your crew leans beginner to strong intermediate and wants comfort and consistency, this is an excellent pick.

No. 4 – Holiday Valley, New York

Best for: Mid-Atlantic/Great Lakes families, weekenders, and après fans.

Holiday Valley is proof that vertical isn’t everything. The terrain is moderate, but the resort absolutely crushes it on snowmaking, grooming, lifts, guest service, and village life. The nearby town of Ellicottville gives you real small-town charm, fun bars, and great food. For many skiers in Western New York and beyond, this is their home base—and they absolutely love it.

No. 3 – Whiteface Mountain, New York

Best for: Advanced skiers, race fans, and anyone who loves Olympic history.

Whiteface is back in the Top 20 and straight onto the podium. Its calling card: big vertical (largest in the East), legit expert terrain (The Slides are famous for a reason), and the nearby town of Lake Placid with its Olympic legacy and cozy Main Street. Off-slope amenities are more town-based than slopeside, but if you love long runs and serious skiing, Whiteface punches well above its acreage.

No. 2 – Sugarloaf, Maine

Best for: Adventure-oriented skiers and destination weeks with friends.

Sugarloaf is the classic “worth the drive” mountain: remote, yes—but once you’re there, you get big-mountain terrain, a ton of variety, and a community that’s borderline obsessed with the place. From above-treeline feel on the summit to glades and steeps across the hill, it’s a skier’s mountain with enough lodging, après, and dining to sustain a full-week trip. It’s not fancy, but it absolutely has soul.

No. 1 – Saddleback, Maine

Best for: Skiers who care more about vibe, value, and terrain than hype.

Saddleback takes the crown as the #1 resort in the East for 2026, and it’s a fantastic story: an independent mountain that was shuttered for five years, reopened in 2020, and has quickly become a reader favorite. Skiers rave about its combination of strong snow, fun terrain, modern lifts, and fair pricing—plus a community-driven culture that makes visitors feel like locals. If you’re looking for a destination that still feels authentic while delivering the goods on-snow, Saddleback should be near the top of your East Coast bucket list.

How to Use This List

• Planning your 2026 trips: Use the rankings as a backbone, then factor in your home base, driving radius, and whether your crew leans more family-friendly, expert, nightlife-heavy, or budget-conscious.

• Trying something new: If you always ski Vermont, maybe it’s time to aim for Maine’s new #1 (Saddleback) or the Olympic vibes at Whiteface.

• Building a “Top 5 in 5 Years” bucket list: Pick one big trip each season and slowly tick off the East’s heavy hitters.

We’ll be diving into each of these mountains in more detail in future posts—think best runs, where to stay, family tips, and gear recs tailored to East Coast conditions—so stay tuned and keep those edges sharp.

We look forward to seeing you on the slopes!

Others Read: 

• The Ultimate Guide to Ski Lift Passes for the East Coast: New England, Eastern Canada, and the Mid-Atlantic

• Top 10 - Best East Coast Skiing for Families and Kids

• Amazon’s Best Downhill Skis: Expert Reviews of Atomic Vantage, Blizzard Elevate, and Freeline Shift

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