East Coast Ski Getaways: Five Mountains Worth Traveling For

Brian and the Boys at Holiday Valley in Ellicottvile, NY

When most people think “big ski trips,” their minds jump to Colorado or Utah.  While the skiing in the west is some of the best in the world, the east coast quietly delivers some fantastic winter playgrounds. From rowdy après-ski (literally After-Ski) scenes to cozy villages and family-friendly hills, you don’t have to cross the Rockies or the ocean to find great snow and good vibes.

Here’s a Harp Travel Co look at five standout eastern resorts: Killington, Gore Mountain, Stowe, Holiday Valley, and Snowshoe.  Let’s take a look at what the terrain is like, how steep they ski, and what you’ll find when the lifts stop spinning.

Killington, Vermont – “Beast of the East”

Nicknamed the “Beast of the East,” Killington is the largest ski area in the eastern U.S., with more than 1,500 acres, 155 trails, and a vertical drop of about 3,050 feet, the biggest in New England.

Seven interconnected mountain areas offer everything from mellow green cruisers to leg-burning steeps and classic New England bump runs. With nearly 40% of terrain rated advanced, strong skiers and riders have plenty to chew on, while beginners can stick to Snowshed and Ramshead for gentler slopes.

Lodging ranges from ski-in/ski-out condos to larger hotels and house rentals spread along Killington Road. Off the mountain, Killington Road is the nightlife with bars, live-music venues, casual restaurants, and late-night spots that make this one of the liveliest après scenes on the East Coast.

Best for: strong intermediates and experts, groups of friends, and anyone who wants big terrain plus a big party scene.

Stowe, Vermont – Classic New England Charm

Stowe Mountain Resort sits on Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, with around 485 acres, 116 trails, and a 2,360-foot vertical drop.

The terrain feels distinctly alpine: long, scenic blues, tight winding trails through the trees, and legitimately challenging blacks that make Stowe a favorite for more advanced skiers. About 55% of terrain is intermediate and 29% expert, so confident skiers will be in their element; true beginners are better off sticking close to the base areas or Spruce Peak.

Stowe’s lodging scene is polished and atmospheric. You’ll find upscale slopeside hotels at Spruce Peak, classic New England inns, and cozy lodges scattered around town. Après-ski leans sophisticated rather than rowdy—think craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, cocktails by the fire, and strolls through a postcard-perfect village dusted with snow.

Best for: couples, experienced skiers, and travelers who want serious skiing matched with refined New England charm.

Gore Mountain, New York – Big Vertical, Low-Key Vibe

Tucked in the Adirondacks near North Creek, Gore Mountain quietly offers some of the most interesting terrain in New York State. With four connected peaks, over 100 trails, and a 2,537-foot vertical drop, it’s the state’s largest ski area and a genuine “big-mountain” experience by East Coast standards.

Terrain here is wonderfully varied: wide groomers, glades, steeps off the summit, and long cruising runs off the gondola. There’s something for everyone, but intermediates and advanced skiers get the best value—they can roam the whole network and really feel like they’re traveling across the mountain.

You won’t find a purpose-built “village” at Gore, but nearby North Creek and other Adirondack towns offer rustic lodges, B&Bs, and rental homes. Après-ski is more about cozy taverns, local breweries, and laid-back restaurants than wild nightlife—perfect if your idea of a great evening is good food and an early start for first chair.

Best for: families and strong skiers who want big, uncrowded terrain and a relaxed, Adirondack atmosphere.

Holida

y Valley, New York – Small Vertical, Big Fun

Don’t let the numbers fool you—Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY, is proof that a resort doesn’t need huge stats to deliver a great trip. With a vertical drop of about 750 feet, roughly 60 trails, and extensive night skiing, it squeezes a lot of variety into a compact footprint.

Terrain here is incredibly approachable. About a third of the slopes are beginner-friendly, another chunk is intermediate, and there are enough steeper pitches and bump runs to keep advanced skiers smiling for a weekend. Holiday Valley is especially popular for families, newer skiers, and groups who want to cruise together without getting separated across multiple peaks.

On the lodging side, you’ll find on-mountain hotels like The Inn at Holiday Valley and the Tamarack Club, plus plenty of condo-style options and rentals nearby.

Après? That’s where Holiday Valley really shines. The village of Ellicottville has a lively, walkable downtown full of pubs, restaurants, live music, and shops.  Ellicottville is arguably one of the best small ski towns in the East. It’s more “friendly, everybody knows everybody” than flashy, making it ideal for social groups and families alike.  

Best for: families, beginners to solid intermediates, and anyone who loves a fun little ski town as much as the slopes.

Snowshoe, West Virginia – Southern Snow & Summit Village

High in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, Snowshoe delivers a surprisingly big-mountain feel for the Mid-Atlantic. The resort offers about 60 trails, 250 acres of terrain, and 1,500 feet of vertical drop, making it one of the most substantial ski areas in the region.

Snowshoe is spread across multiple basins and peaks including the main Snowshoe basin and Silver Creek, which offers night skiing. You’ll find everything from wide beginner slopes to tree runs and steeper groomers, so mixed-ability groups can split and reconvene easily.

What really sets Snowshoe apart is its summit-top village. Instead of staying at the base, you’re right up on the mountain, with hotels, condos, and vacation rentals clustered around a pedestrian plaza. Lodging ranges from full-service hotels and condo-hotels to townhomes and cabins.

Nightlife is lively, especially on weekends: bars, restaurants, live music, events, and family-friendly activities like the Big Top entertainment center give you plenty to do off the slopes. For D.C., Richmond, and mid-South travelers, it’s an easy “drive-to” resort that feels like a full-on mountain escape.

Best for: Mid-Atlantic skiers, groups of friends, and families who want a self-contained resort village with plenty of après and activities.

Which East Coast Resort Fits Your Style?

• Love big stats and big nightlife? Head to Killington or Snowshoe.

• Want classic New England scenery and challenging terrain? Stowe is your spot.

• Craving a quieter, more local feel with serious vertical? Try Gore Mountain.

• Looking for a fun, social, and family-friendly hill with a great little town? Holiday Valley is hard to beat.

  
  

When you’re ready, Harp Travel Co can help you match your ski style, budget, and preferred travel dates to the right resort—pairing flights, lodging, lift tickets, and even non-ski activities into one smooth winter escape.