MAIN Sports Skiing Vermont Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

Maple syrup, spectacular Vermont fall foliage and old fashioned New England hospitality are what attract Vermont visitors throughout the of the travel year.

But in November, the Green Mountain state really starts to jump with millions more following the snow up to world famous Vermont ski resorts for a full season of downhill, cross country and snowboarding adventures.

With an average of 225 inches of snow per year, Vermont is covered in superlatives throughout the season boasting 20 ski resorts encompassing more than 6,000 skiable acres and more than 1,000 trails that beckon winter sports enthusiasts from New York to Maine.

New England's "ski central" also offers state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment that sometimes runs 24/7, so even in a snow drought there's always lots of deep white powder to bolster the crowds that have come to expect nothing less than world class ski conditions. Little wonder then that U.S. Olympic gold winner in Nordic skiing, Bill Koch, and Winter Olympics medal holders Kelly Clark, Hannah Teter, and Lindsey Jacobellis proudly call Vermont home.

Vermont ski areas by region

• Lake Champlain Valley
  Burlington, Middlebury, Bolton Valley
• North Central Vermont
  Montpelier, Barre, Randolph, Waterbury, Stowe, Mad River Valley
• Northeast Kingdom
  St. Johnsbury, Newport, Barton, Lyndonville, Burke, Jay, Island Pond
• South Central Vermont
  Rutland, White River Junction, Woodstock, Quechee, Ludlow, Killington
• Southern Vermont
  Bennington, Brattleboro, Stratton, Manchester, Arlington, Newfane

Located in south central Vermont, Killington (which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008) is by far the largest of the state's world-reknowned ski resorts encompassing almost 90 miles of trails and terrain for every level of ability. Perhaps even more popular with snowboarders, Killington also features the longest terrain park on the East Coast.

High atop Mount Mansfield (the state's largest) in the north central part of the state, Stowe is also on the map of world class places to ski in Vermont with a total of 118 trails featuring Vermont's longest vertical drop - 2,360 feet.

In general, serious skiers need only apply to other challenging north central Vermont ski resorts, including Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, which are well known to advanced and intermediate skiiers for steep drops and rugged terrain.

For newbies and family outings, try Okemo Mountain, Bolton Valley, Burke Mountain, and Smuggler’s Notch which - along with dedicating most of their terrain to beginner and intermediate slopes - traditionaly put out the white carpet every year with group rates and family-friendly vacation packages.

For serious snowboarders, look no further than Stratton Mountain. In the early 80's it was the first to welcome snowboarding to the state and its wicked half pipe has since then become home to the annual U.S. Open Snowboard Championships in March. Along with top level snowboarding, southerly Stratton has also become a popular place for yuppies to gather for weekend getaways from New York City attracted to Stratton's 92 trails ranging from beginner to expert.

More about Vermont skiing & snowboarding around the Web:

Ski Vermont - The official Vermont Ski Association site offering tons of information on ski resorts and snowboarding areas around the state including a trip planner, event calendar, information on vacation packages, current weather and snow conditions, photos & feature stories.

Skiing in Vermont - The state's official travel site with an overview of major resorts and VT ski history, where to cross country ski or snowmobile, tips on skiing with kids, related photos vacation and travel resources.

Vermont Ski Resorts - Great overview including statistical comparison of major resorts' features, elevations, trails and lifts, current weather and snow reports, visitor reviews and photos.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots