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Best time to visit Vermont

Skiing and Snowboarding Season in Vermont 2024-2025

Skim along the slopes of New England's best skiing destinations

Best time: November–early May

Vermont is heaven for skiers and snowboarders that can be reached in 2.5 hours from Boston and in 4.5 hours from New York City. Due to its beautiful nature, rural charm, and abundance of snow, it's hard to imagine a better weekend getaway during the winter months.

Skiing Season in Vermont

The ski season typically begins in November and ends by May, with the best time to visit being between December and February when the snow is most optimal. That said, while snow conditions might not be as perfect, March and April boast longer sunshine hours and milder temperatures, making them excellent vacation months, too.

Most Popular Skiing Resorts in Vermont

The state boasts about 20 ski resorts, with Killington, Stowe, Okemo, and Jay Peak being the most famous. Stowe and Killington are both in Central Vermont, whereas Okemo is in South-central Vermont, and Jay Peak is in the northern part of the state near the US-Canadian border.

Killington Resort

Killington, known as "The Beast of the East," is one of the largest ski resorts in the eastern United States. Situated in central Vermont, it boasts 155 trails and 21 lifts and spans over 1,509 acres (6.1 km²) across six interconnected mountain peaks. Pico Mountain, acquired by Killington in 1996, operates as a separate resort but is accessible with the same lift tickets. With slopes for all skill levels, beginners can enjoy gentle terrain, while more advanced skiers can challenge themselves on "Double Diamond" trails and thrilling gladed runs, which are ungroomed paths weaving through sparse forests.

Tickets

Visitors to Killington & Pico can choose from a range of season passes, offering flexibility and tailored perks to suit different preferences. The Beast 365 Pass provides year-round access and exclusive benefits, with prices ranging from $144 to $1,999. For full winter access, the Unlimited Pass is available from $79 to $1,779, while the Midweek Pass, ideal for those avoiding weekends and holidays, ranges from $729 to $929. College students can enjoy the slopes with passes priced from $489 to $669, and Vermont K-12 students have their pass option starting at $549.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe Mountain Resort, located near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont, features two distinct mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. As Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield presents diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, including the challenging double-black diamond “Front Four” trails, along with some of the longest intermediate cruisers in the eastern United States. Additionally, the Toll House area offers a selection of enjoyable beginner trails. Spruce Peak caters primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, making it an ideal destination for those looking to develop their skills.

Stowe is deemed to be one of the most beautiful and pristine ski towns in New England. This town offers 116 amazing trails for skiing, snowboarding, and other adventures. The ski lifts can move 15,000 people per hour, and this historical village offers premium shopping and dining.

Tickets

Visitors can choose from a variety of passes and tickets, such as the Epic 1-Day Pass, starting at $107 for adults, offering flexibility across 32 resorts without selecting specific dates. The 1-Day Lift Ticket, priced at $215 for adults, is valid for fixed dates at selected resorts.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo Mountain, an award-winning resort in south-central Vermont, is renowned for its diverse and expansive terrain, offering something for every level of skier and snowboarder. With 121 trails, including a mix of slopes and glades, it caters to both professionals and families alike. Located in the town of Ludlow, the resort's impeccably groomed trails and terrain parks draw thousands of visitors each year. Covering 70 km of slopes and serviced by 20 lifts, the winter sports area spans elevations from 348 to 1,019 meters, providing an exceptional experience for all who visit.

Tickets

The Epic 1-Day Pass, starting at $107, offers up to 45% savings compared to peak window prices. This flexible pass can be used at up to 32 resorts without needing to choose specific dates. For those seeking fixed dates, the 1-Day Lift Ticket is available for $175. Whether you prefer flexibility or a set schedule, there's a pass to suit everyone's needs.

Jay Peak Resort

Nestled next to the U.S.-Canadian border, Jay Peak is renowned for receiving the most natural snowfall of any ski resort in the eastern United States. This four-season destination caters to everyone, featuring three parks equipped with features suitable for all skill levels. With 15 trails for beginners, 30 for intermediates, and 31 for experts, Jay Peak proudly offers the longest skiing season in the region. The resort is celebrated for its stunning terrain, including picturesque open glades, world-class tree skiing, and thrilling chutes, all covered in more snow than anywhere else on the East Coast. The dedicated Ski & Ride School ensures that both first-timers and seasoned veterans can maximize their time on the snow and have the best experience possible.

Tickets

Jay Peak offers a range of passes for the 2024-25 season with tiered pricing based on the purchase date. Adult passes start at $799 if bought by April 28, increasing to $959 between April 28 and September 2 and $1,149 from September 3 to October 14. After October 14, the price rises to $1,379.

Multi-day lift tickets are available for up to five consecutive days, with pricing based on the day of the week and holiday status. For adults aged 19 to 64, tickets are priced at $109 for Monday through Thursday non-holiday visits, $125 for Friday to Sunday, and $129 during holiday periods, which include December 26 to January 1, January 18-20, and February 15-23, 2025.

Practical info

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