The Best Skiing in the Northeast, From Maine to Vermont

The inland terrains of Sugarloaf are loved by many. It’s remote (three-and-a-half hours north of Boston), it’s old school, and it’s about as traditional Maine as you can get—and it’s also one of the New England ski resorts with a concrete plan to become carbon neutral by 2030. Located in Maine’s secluded Carrabasett Valley, Sugarloaf is the second largest ski resort in the East by skiable area (after Killington), offering 1,360 skiable acres and 2,820 feet of vertical drop (which, all things considered, rivals many of the smaller western ski resorts and comes within spitting distance of California favorite Mammoth). On a clear day, the summit offers 360-degrees views reaching all the way to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. And if you’re lucky you might spot a wild moose or two. More good news: Sugarloaf is also a member of the Mountain Collective Pass, where no reservations are required and the first two days of ski are included with direct-to-lift access.

Getting there: Sugarloaf is a little over two hours away from Portland, Maine, three-and-a-half hours from Boston, and just under seven hours by car from New York City.

Where to stay: For easy access to the slopes, skiers can book a room at the cozy Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. Hotel guests are also offered free ski shuttle access to slopes farther away from the property.