Skiing near Boston 2025
Take advantage of the snowy New England winter
Best time: December–March (best in February)
New England is famous for its high-class ski resorts, and being in Boston, you can choose between the Green Mountains in Vermont and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, both offering premium-quality trails, excellent service, and luxurious accommodations. However, when planning just a short weekend trip, you might want to look at locations closer to the city. The ski season in New England usually runs from December through March, while some resorts at high altitudes open in late November and stay open till mid-April. The best time for skiing in terms of snow and weather is usually February.
Ski resorts in New Hampshire: Sunapee, Gunstock
White Mountains of New Hampshire are among the best ski destinations of the Northeast. In about a 1.5 hour drive north (100 mi or 160 km) you can reach Mount Sunapee. It's known for its perfect snow conditions, excellent grooming, and breathtaking views of Lake Sunapee. With ten lifts and 66 trails, Sunapee offers something for everyone. One day won't be enough to explore its 233 skiable ac (94 ha). If you drive a bit further north and then east of Boston, you can reach Gunstock Mountain, located near Gilford, NH. It's usually a bit less crowded than Sunapee, though a bit smaller as well. Gunstock features six lifts and 25 mi (40 km) of skiable slopes. Additionally, snow tubing and night skiing are available to riders. Top New Hampshire resorts, like Bretton Woods and Loon, are not that far from Boston. You can get there in about 2.5 hours by car.
Ski resorts in Massachusetts: Wachusett, Blue Hills
Massachusetts resorts are generally smaller than those of Vermont or New Hampshire. However, they are also closer to the city. Wachusett Mountain in Princeton is a decent-sized ski resort that is located just over a one-hour drive from Boston. The mountain is known for its well-lit trails for night-time skiing and snowboarding. With a vertical drop of 1,000 ft (304 m), it offers 26 trails and 110 ac (45 ha) of slopes. While Wachusett is a good option for a one-day ski trip, Blue Hills Ski Area is even closer! It is located just a 40-minute drive from Boston. This small resort in Canton, Massachusetts, has eight trails and a vertical drop of 309 ft (94 m). The area suits beginners and families with children.