Vermont Ski Resorts RANKED - Worst to Best

[@PeakRankings]

Hey all! For whatever reason, chapters are not showing up in this video, despite being in the description. If you want to jump to certain resorts, here are the timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:51 13th in Vermont 2:01 12th in Vermont 3:31 11th in Vermont 4:41 10th in Vermont 6:24 9th in Vermont 7:52 8th in Vermont 9:19 7th in Vermont 11:07 6th in Vermont 13:01 5th in Vermont 14:36 4th in Vermont 16:09 3rd in Vermont 17:41 2nd in Vermont 18:59 1st in Vermont 20:31 Conclusion And if we missed something very obvious that's disabling chapters for this video, please let us know 😅 Also, CORRECTION: Sugarbush and Stratton are UNLIMITED on the Ikon full and Base passes, not 7/5-day access partners.

[@saturatedodin476]

Killington above Stowe is just crazy.

[@0xCUBE]

pico is criminally underrated, and that's by design. The longest I ever waited in line there was 3 minutes, and that was on a 17 inch powder day saturday after getting 40 inches that week.

[@bobl6139]

But only open on weekends which rules many out

[@zsreich]

@@bobl6139 Pico is actually only closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and will be open 7 days a week during peak periods. You can shred Monday, Thursday and Friday as well as weekend.

[@zsreich]

Pico used to be independent but is now part of killington. It was one of the first in the game, opening for commercial skiing in 1938 and I love it there as well, especially on days when killington is saturated with customers.

[@theGoonofDominion]

The other crazy thing about Pico is you can ski over to Killington (with a Killington tick/pass) and take the shuttle back at the end of the day not something id recommend for a new comer but cool for a local.

[@ttruong225]

Are Pico lift tickets cheaper than Killington’s or is it just the same? I feel like someone traveling to ski would just go to Killington and it’s mainly locals that go to Pico on weekends when Killington is crowded.

[@mikesweet5848]

I'm extremely fortunate to have skied all these mountains. Can't really comment on the rankings because we're all looking for something a bit different. However, I got a serious sense of nostalgia watching this and thinking about my experiences at each mountain.

[@gillir100]

Bolton night skiing is unmatched. May not be the best mountain but definitely has the best vibe.

[@tesserpooh]

One run is unmatched?

[@danthecraftman]

one *icy* run@@tesserpooh

[@NessieTheCatt]

I worked at bolton for 3 seasons when i lived in vt, i loved that place... i was one of the park pros though we just raked out kickers and pulled down all the fencing at night that access road was terrible

[@chris3356]

Yea but went last year and the night life at Bolton is garbage. Restaurant closes at 8 and no communal fire or anything. Good day mountain but not a good overnight mountain

[@jayclarke9611]

I go to Bolton when I’m w a lower level skier but I also want a challenge…fun woods runs run right along side green and blue trails. Excellent intermediate woods skiing at Bolton…and Imactually leave without an empty wallet

[@susieasado6675]

Great video! I am consistently impressed with Sam’s ability to remain composed while skiing the craziest expert terrain. I would love to see a similar video ranking Quebec ski areas.

[@sidski2021]

I am happy and thankful I learned to ski in Vermont. Once you learn how to ski there, you can ski everywhere.

[@chingscott00]

Correct

[@humanbeing2420]

But it's difficult to get good at skiing in crud and powder in Vermont, because there almost never is any of that.

[@ryeetbanana3505]

@@humanbeing2420 go to jay peak

[@johnsmeith3913]

Great list, and awesome video as always. However, I will say that Burke should have been included on this lift. I’m a Canadian from Quebec, and I often drive down to Burke due to its close proximity to Montreal to get away from the massive lines at Quebec resorts around montreal as an alternative to jay peak. It’s got a great fall line, and two high speed lifts, so I think it should have been included

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

Shhhhhh. :D

[@bobl6139]

Went to Burke last yr only 1 lift promised main 1 open at ticket window, didn't occur. Ski team onsite got to cut paying guests. Nice trees and vertical drop but it was a rip-off

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

I would have replaced Magic with Burke. Burke is a long standing commercial operation while Magic is not open all the time, and was closed for many years.

[@mtadams2009]

It’s just very remote and if you go that far Jay is far better. No hate and I love mountain biking there and the sling is good but it a far ride for most and Jay has much better terrain and bigger snow. If it’s windy at Jay Burke may be a good backup plan.

[@beng4647]

I grew up there. 20 years ago it was considered the best value resort.

[@robbieevans6536]

Used to ski pro , and my favorite East Coast ski resort is definitely Bolton Valley...Fun terrain, and they have "The Big Rock" where you can send it...I highly recommend this mountain....Good for families too!

[@itsmeforsure5475]

We stay in Stowe and go to BV. Its cheaper and the terrain/lift/lodge are good. I would like to see bubble lifts but you can't get too greedy. For novice skiers in the area, I would recommend BV over stowe.

[@marcusteblano6376]

I had an epic powder day at Bolton in the middle of December, (a few weeks ago)- untracked deep powder all day in the woods off of the Vista lift. Best early season skiing I've had. Unfortunately the rains came and took much of it away.

[@PaleCentaur]

@@marcusteblano6376 That December snowfall was so sad...everything up that point in the season was making it feel like it would be the best ski season in memory, and just as the season was starting everything had to reset...

[@stvbrsn]

I can’t believe you were ever a professional, I’m so much better than you! Lol

[@robbieevans6536]

@@stvbrsn So you are a crazy person are you?

[@jackattack9642]

Can you do a video on New York?

[@louiZiana-Gurl]

Getting ready to go to killington next week very excited

[@asaSpades1]

Mad River is in my top three fav mountains in VT, tied with Jay at number 1(given similar snow conditions between the two I would choose MRG pretty much every time), and then Smuggs after them. However, given the lack of grooming and snow making, Mad River is probably the worst option to plan your whole trip around if it's a short trip and you're coming from farther away. That being said, if ur intrigued by MRG but dont wanna risk ruining your vacation, Sugarbush is just down the road, so you could plan more around that and if the weather is good, you could take a day to check out Mad River. If you arent keen on the prices and commercial vibe of Sugarbush but want the reliability, consider getting passes limited to just the Mt Ellen peak (Sugarbush North) instead of full mountain passes. You will not be bored here and this section (which is completely separate from the rest of surgarbush) has a much humbler and local vibe than the main Sugarbush resort. ALSO, for experts interested in MRG's terrain, do not be turned off by the small "skiable" acreage because the mountain truly shines with its unmarked terrain (but still within bounds) which I dont think gets taken into account in the official number. If it looks remotely skiable, someone has probably done it and paved the way for you even if its not on the map. FINALLY, if you feel comfortable going out of the resort's bounds and ski patrol rounds, Smugglers Notch offers some incredible backcountry terrain conncted to the long trail, which is also fairly accessible and lapable as it leads you to the parking lots just below the lifts at the bottom of the resort.

[@mikesweet5848]

Ski it if you CAN

[@joelniemann9547]

I agree with your top 3 exactly. MRG is my go-to spontaneous road-trip getaway when they get dumped on, but nothing to plan a vacation around ahead of time. The single chair lift is something to experience at least once. Favorite slope: Paradise, of course. Jay is my all-time favorite, but selfishly I don't like all the improvements they made, like an indoor water park. It used to be very boring at the base, and I liked that. It was for the true skiers that were there for the first lift, and took the last lift up with limited breaks during the day. No need for nightlife, just refueling for the evening and getting lots of sleep. But so be it. The mountain is still great, and it gets some freak storms. Favorite slopes: Valhalla for the gliding turns in soft conditions through the trees, Staircase to get your heart beating fast from the mental and physical challenge, and UN for the moguls as big as WV Bugs. Smuggs is known as a family-friendly destination, but it has a few slopes that rival any other resort's expert terrain. Little chutes like Robin's Run have had me laughing out loud with pure joy.

[@williamharrisiv2486]

Wow those are my exact top 3! Learned to ski at MVG, I love Smuggs family atmosphere and always so relaxing being there. Jay doesn't even feel like it's a Vermont mountain, some of the best snow i've ever had!

[@jayclarke9611]

When there s sufficient snow, there s Mad River, then there s everyone else…there are massive sections that are off map that look like great on map wood runs…just the best Ski it IF you can. If I had to rank my favs assuming decent amount of natural snow and price is no object 1 Mad River 2 Stowe 3 Smugglers Notch 4 Jay Peak 5 Sugarbush 6 Killington 7 Pico s Peak 8 Mt Snow 9 Okemo 10 Burke

[@sunflowerlove60]

I work at mrg and get free pass it is such a beautiful and unique mountain! The trails flow so naturally! And it’s not as hard as they say, my bf learned to ski for the first time ever on that mountain just a few days ago and is already on the single chair!

[@Frogmanbb66]

Real Vermonters remember the chairlift jump over the rock at SMUGGS

[@maverick114e9]

I’m sad you guys didn’t include Burke, It actually has a hotel, A nice beginner pod (which might be better with 1 or 2 more trails) 2 High speed quads, and a lot of good glade terrain! It’s a mountain I would certainly like to visit.

[@rangerbuckley9174]

And burke is way better than Stowe

[@tiananman]

I skied at Bolton for years, so I won't badmouth it, but to include Bolton and not Burke is a little silly. Burke is much further from pretty much everywhere, but it's still a nice ski mountain - and almost twice as big as Bolton.

[@gigigray2010]

i’ve skied at Burke for years, and i am actually confused as to why you didn’t include it! as someone who loves glade terrain, there’s some amazing glades (caveman

[@timkirchoff3869]

Very strange. I guess it was just too far away from to bother with?

[@tiananman]

@@timkirchoff3869 it's no further than Jay...

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

Boston skier from the 1970's, it's cool to see this list, in my day the only way you'd know about them is word of mouth, I've skied most of these mtns, Vermont is a beautiful vacation or wknd getaway. Thank you.

[@macoct1406]

I always loved Burke Mountain the best. I went there a lot from 99-02. The place was always empty but it had a ton of awesome trails, glades, and a decent park.

[@jakeemery9920]

Shhhh ….

[@slongo9516]

Agree ski’d Pico last year while at Killington, the wait to get on the lifts were unbelievably short and the terrain is quite good!

[@tomweiss9600]

Great video, helped me plan my vacation!

[@noahbeach7776]

Smugglers notch true strengths lie in their back country which has some of the best woods skiing you can find, and the unmarked trails, if you plan a trip to smuggs I strongly recommend to find a local to show you the best trails

[@PaleCentaur]

I was so mad at myself the year I had a pass for Smuggs, and I spent the whole season only riding groomed trails and constantly being disappointed; then, in the last 2 weeks of the season, I finally tried the woods and realized why everyone I know speaks so highly of it.

[@revalantt]

@@PaleCentaur yes it’s the best part

[@sam_ac_smith]

I haven't been in the backcountry, but the Shakedown trees are my favorite in the state.

[@Treeskier21]

Thank you!! Pray for snow this season 🙏💯🌲⛷🤙

[@thechuckduck]

Would love to see a Burke video some time. One of the best resorts in the east coast and criminally underrated.

[@briant392]

Shhhh... Keep Burke local

[@easternyellowjacket276]

I loved Burke when I was skiing. Cheap, no BS. Pure eastern skiing. No fake snow advertising (looking at you Jay Peak).

[@johnplayz1689]

This was a great list. I’ve seen a lot of videos like this from other people but none like this. Also you might wanna consider best ski resort base villages. Might be cool.

[@emmettking4151]

Love the videos keep up the good work!!

[@asajayunknown6290]

Lived in Vermont years ago. In Waterbury. I recognized/remember the slopes of Sugarbush, Mad River, Jay, Bolton, and Stowe. I wonder if Jay still has their VT resident (drivers license) specials on Fridays? It was a 75% discount on a day ticket😊. So it was worth the drive of a little over an hour. I was spoiled. It took about 25 minutes to get to Sugarbush, only about 15 to get to Bolton.

[@adrianunser332]

That Vermonter rate is sadly long gone. I sure do miss those days!

[@Ty_Guy2K]

@@adrianunser332 not surprised. Mount snow used to have one for VT and NH residents for at least one day each week but as soon as they got bought out by Vail they took those deals out. Gotta scrap as much money out of us as possible lol

[@alwaysgosnowboarding]

As a vermonter, I agree with this list! Granted that its geared twoard folks looking for a vacation destination. I love bolton as a Burlington resident, the low traffic and slower lifts means you can still find untouched powder 2+ days after a storm. And thier summertime mountainbike trails in the woods get covered with snow and make for some EPIC tree runs with jumps!!! But - the access road can be a beast and possibly one of the gnarliest access roads for VT resorts. This list dosnt expand much on parks for folks looking for that - killington is the best imo, but sugarbush has a massive park set up on that ‘second’ mountain location which are only a 8 min drive apart if you dont take that long connecting lift. Just take off one ski boot for the drive ;) Stowe has amazing terrain and lifts and midweek is really good - its just so expensive… really kills the vibe there… Awesome list, maybe look for some locals to interview when making these lists for those good secrets if theyll share them! And also - the ultimate trip advice. Consider staying in burlington Vt and rent a car or drive up here, TONS to do in this awesome city. And jay peak, sugarbush, stowe all about an hour away. Killington 1.5 hrs.

[@fredhollister7810]

Nice rankings, nice priorities for the rankings, nice narrator voice. Glad Killington is #1-everyone should go there!

[@Ellievlog2023]

finally a killington comment ❤

[@bluedrago505]

The Stratton & Sugarbush pass affiliation is wrong in the video, both are unlimited with the Ikon pass!

[@bearclaw5115]

Take a guess, what state has the most ski resorts in the country? You'd think Colorado, Utah, or Vermont but no, it's New York baby! We've got 52 ski resorts compared to Vermont's 26, so time to get rankin' PeakRankings!

[@John572d4]

Lots of “upstate” in NY that’s why. The ones in the southern half though will start to get squeezed by climate change sooner than VT.

[@nickdambrosia2304]

with all due respect ranking Bromley, Snow and Okemo OVER MRG and Bolton simply because they're in southern Vermont and have good numbers on paper is INSANE! I prefer mountains with character

[@mikesweet5848]

Show love to Bromley. You can't beat the sun mountain. That said I'll obviously take MRG over all the mountains you listed.

[@VinCrudo]

Snow has arguably one of the best terrain parks in the country so

[@chingscott00]

Bromley is the Last place I'd ski at in Southern Vt. I call it the Blue Square mtn. In southern Vt, the ranking goes: Stratton, Magic, Okemo, Snow, Saskadena Six, backcountry hiking at Mt. Ascutney, backcountry at the closed resort Maple Valley, Whaleback.... then I guess Bromley

[@jayclarke5466]

MRG when there s snow…unmatched

[@alexioshjkl6170]

new hampshire resorts when?

[@Type1FunDay]

Great video! I think the judgment changes based on if you come with a family or expert skier friends, and also whether you come for just a day or two, or entire week. Would probably disagree on one comment about Mount Snow's trails being "too similar" across the mountain. I think that would definitelly be hallmark of Stratton (and for that reason I would move it down the list), and to an extent Okemo. At Snow, depending on conditions, SNOWDANCE fun for wide carving turns, ROLLERCOASTER full of berms and jumps while still on the main face, the area from Ego Alley all the way to the Ridge has different feel and you can come in and out of the woods, because of sun Sunbrook has different snow conditions, and is fun for a visit during the day, and Carinthias trails, even if you dont come for the features can keep you engaged, and then there is the north face with its blacks and glades.

[@a30dayfreetrial]

Totally agree--IMO the only downside to Mt. Snow is how busy it typically is. Even with that, I would probably put it above Okemo and Stratton (though I guess I can see that Stratton would be better for beginners and intermediates)

[@NathanOxenfeld]

I just moved to Bolton and cannot wait for this season! Tomorrow is opening day ❄

[@MichaelRubinton]

Great list! As someone who does a lot of skiing out west, I always tell people that if it’s a good snow season for vermont, killington is as good as most. Love killington (with good snow)!

[@jerseymetalmike5111]

I remember Mad River Glen, and the only working lift at the time was this smoke belching diesel powered chair lift. The only lodging we could find was this room above a bar, we had to squeeze through the crowded bar with our snowy skis to get to the room! The terrain on the mountain was challenging as advertised though, and it was a memorable weekend.

[@mattconway2249]

Failed to mention that mount snow has the biggest and best terrain park in the north east and has some serious terrain on north face

[@chadkuzontkoski]

yessir

[@anton.profe.candela]

I would love to see the same format for New Hampshire.

[@jackof1]

That would be a little easier; Loon, Cannon, Waterville, Bretton, Wildcat, Attitash, Gunstock, Sunapee, Cranmore…and Tucks just because

[@zsreich]

@@jackof1 I mean tucks is technically expert backcountry and this is a resort guide, but yes just because. 😉

[@jayjackson5705]

no! le them all go to Vermont. i don't think there are any ski areas in NH, anyway.

[@zsreich]

@@jayjackson5705 no no I've heard the best skiing is in maine and massachusetts, there is barely any skiing in VT.....

[@anton.profe.candela]

@@jackof1 what's your mountain aesthetic ranking for those?

[@robmatta2892]

Great job but surprised you didn't even mention the North Face at Mount Snow. Some leg burning Terrain there aside from the main mountain and a important part of Mount Snow. That's a big reason I would go there vs places like Okemo, Stratton and other less challenging resorts in southern VT

[@chingscott00]

7:52 Mt. Snow is on the list. I was surprised Saskadena Six wasn't on here. They've done a turn around recently like Magic. I'm glad Magic was in here as it's one of my destination vacations. Also I grew up skiing all over VT, and you're wrong about Snow being more challenging that Stratton and Okemo. Sorry just factually false. It may have some terrain parks, so go there for that. But Stratton is fast! Okemo's alright.

[@matthewgallant3622]

Jay Peak has incredible snow and terrain. I just visited for my first time last weekend and it was the best powder I’ve ever snowboarded at a resort. But yes it was very cold on the lifts and windy and some trails did have some bad ice in some exposed spots. Still, if you prepare yourself accordingly it may be rugged, it’s absolutely the best ski resort I’ve ever snowboarded and I’ve done Killington. But I do like rugged and I like backcountry type feel over comfort and groomed.

[@charlieolson2156]

I've skied Vermont for 20 years, this is spot on for every mountain.

[@stvbrsn]

I love the flat dome summit of Stratton! It feels like you can just skate around while you make up your mind where to descend.

[@jeredbogli4039]

Learned to ride at Magic, love the trees, the steeps, the slow chairs and everything else - MAGIC FOREVER.

[@Off-roading1]

i’m bolton when i grew up starting skiing but last 3 years at magic i love the mountain. Magic Forever!

[@Ellievlog2023]

As someone who skis Killington a lot- IT DESERVES THE WIN ❤ Can we have some appreciation? 🎉

[@brokewish6510]

Giving the smaller, non corporate owned mountains the lowest ratings is a sin.

[@beniii593]

Im pretty sad that you did not include Burke because it is bigger than bromly and majic mountain and Burke mountain academy the second best ski team in the world if you did not include Burke on this list will you make a independent video reviewing it?

[@PaleCentaur]

I'm alright with you putting Bolton Valley near the bottom. Means us locals get to continue enjoying it without a big dent to lift lines from your influence B)

[@champan250]

I lived in the northern suburbs of Boston for like 20 years, we only start driving up towards the ski area at the tail end of a major snowstorm

[@sallyandtoshrenwick8302]

This is one of the most accurate reviews of Vermont ski resorts I've seen. My wife and I have been skiing Vermont for over 20 years and have visited many of the resorts you reviewed here - well done ! Though, we would have put Jay as #1 because of the terrain but yes, it can be friggen cold !

[@rangerbuckley9174]

No Stowe is probably the worst in Vermont ever since Vail bought it jay is the best Killington is way to crowded to be number one

[@crowboggs]

I have frozen my tail off at all these mtns... luck of the draw.

[@lemonvfx3334]

you just gotta know when to go...@@rangerbuckley9174

[@bushmandre]

I agree, I've only done Jay(3-4x's), Mt snow (1) and Stowe(1), and Jay is hands down my favorite. It was the closest comparison to Colorado skiing I've done on the east coast in terms of terrain, snow fall and aesthetics.

[@goldtigre4979]

I had a ton of fun at Jay Peak on my visit! Super helpful lesser-known fact- the Airbnb’s in the towns close by are CRAZY cheap, and they’re all SUUUPER nice. I can’t recommend them enough! Hope you guys do a Maine review soon, it’s my fav east coast state to ski!

[@matthewgallant3622]

Mine is still New Hampshire. Vermont may have the best resorts, but the White Mountains are just unmatched I think in terms of size, beauty, majesty, shape, everything.

[@rivergewehr4817]

Would love to see a list like this or reviews for NH ski mountains

[@bobwiegers]

I learned to cross-country ski when I moved to New England 10 years ago. every time I'm tempted to try downhill I see the crowds, the lines, and the cost and I'm happy to stick to the skinny skis.

[@davidhartman7465]

Good video! I have a home at Stratton and I recognize its drawbacks but 3 things i would add: it’s unlimited on Ikon, the tree skiing (when open) is underrated and it’s where you can find much more of a challenge, and having a true “walking village” at the base is a nice thing to have, even if it feels a little Disney-ish. Like any ski resort, it’s great on weekdays!

[@marcusteblano6376]

I'd have to say my favorite VT mountain is Jay for affordability, depth of snow, terrain (woods and steeps), and overall vibe. Drawbacks are cold and wind. Magic is only an hour from where I live and has my favorite steep woods skiing after Jay. Yes, you have to wait for a good snowfall, but when they get it, and they do get sneaker storms that are off the radar, I've had some of my best powder days there. Not as cheap as it used to be (was dirt cheap not too many years ago). I've skied at Killington a fair amount over the years. I got less and less enthused about the vibe there in recent years. It doesn't consistently get the snow some of the northern areas get, it's gotten prohibitively expensive, and it tends to be pretty icy, windy, and cold. It does have some good powder skiing in the woods, but it generally gets tracked out pretty fast. I'll give honorable mention to Bolton Valley for snow totals in a good year and variety and challenge of woods terrain. The drawback is the steep sections are close to the top and fairly short with long run-outs back to the lift.

[@Der_S0ldat22]

This is very helpful, when is the Smugglers Notch video coming out?

[@zachmunch4807]

Mad river glen is insane when you get fresh powder. Was there a day after 2ft of powder and it was the best day of skiing I have ever had and will probally ever have

[@Frogmanbb66]

Ski bus days growing up in Vermont >>

[@freedomring3022]

I have been to just about all of the mountains available in Vermont. Your take on Magik mountain is pretty spot on. If not for it being inexpensive, no one would go there. I loved Bromley. Especially with a 7 and 9 year old. Easy to navigate, and easy to keep on eye them. Would an expert skier go here? no, but if you want decent skiing that is affordable and have young kids, you can't go wrong here. Mad River Glen is absolutely terrible. Mount Snow was fun but extremely crowded and very expensive ... you'll find the closer you get to NYC/BOSTON the more crowded it will get. I can't give an honest review of Okemo as the day we got there on a bus trip they had a huge ice storm. Stratton, is way over priced and is extremely crowded, but it is a good mountain with lots of excellent runs. I enjoyed Sugar Bush, but man did I wipe out hard on one of their black diamond runs. Stowe is incredible ... definitely tops on my list. I have been to Killington and Stowe enough to know I just seem to enjoy Stowe more. Killington is too commercial and the crowds on the weekends are insane.

[@bostonaviation2010]

Where is Burke???!!!!!! Best mountain in VT!! You guys should really go there.

[@jackanderegg8836]

Love the videos! I would love to see one of these videos for New York State!

[@mtadams2009]

I have skied every mountain on this list, all of them many times. That said I am a season pass holder at Killington and for a reason. It has great terrain and they have a very big commitment to your skiing experience. That means they run their snow making guns whenever possible and relentlessly. I love Sugerbush, Mad River, Stowe and Jay and if it’s a good snow year they are all great. If not you are much better off at Killington. During peak season and holidays Saturdays can be a bit much. The Canyon area which has some of the best terrain never has a lift line. The tree skiing is also very good. If you study the map a bit you will find it’s laid out very well and they have built tunnels to reduce issues. They have replaced almost all their slow lifts. The ones that are left are in areas that never have a line. For younger people or those of us who like to go out at night Killington has a great nightlife and lots of restaurants. Places like Jay or The Bush not so much. A few year ago 2019 my wife wanted to go to Stowe for a few days with family, the conditions were terrible and even though the temps were cold enough they never ran their guns. This was on a holiday week. Killington on the other had had their guns doing their job. It left a very bad taste, really expensive and rock hard with no commitment to making things better. If it sucks at Killington, say after a rain, freeze cycle it sucks every place else in Vermont. There is a reason the woman’s World Cup races here every November, They know and trust Killington to make snow. Killington has been open for well over a week already.

[@Machria23]

Yep! Killington is also un-real at recovery after some bad weather (warm temps, rain…., no snow…), I’ve seen them change 80% of the mountain conditions from a horrible rainy day, to almost a powder say the next day (without receiving any snow!). My only complaint with Killington is they don’t spin enough lifts during the week.

[@benjaminselfridge2001]

Yup I always own a Killy pass and because they make snow, size, length of season. It’s bang for the bucks. Plus, how far do you want to drive.

[@jayclarke5466]

Shorter runs not counting connecting trails

[@schuylermccormick6558]

Do NY next

[@noahmarquis9141]

buddy NY skiing is by far some of the worse skiing in New England. you guys have two ski areas ICE-face and gore.

[@Jetmech145]

Don't even get me started on Bolton Valley. Used to go there night riding on the week days when i was in highschool. Some of the most fun I ever had snowboarding.

[@Arw0809]

Great video, I am from NJ and was planning on hitting Vermont this year.

[@jayinscottsdale2001]

You wont be the first. We did every one of the above...from No NJ before we graduated HS.

[@pablobonilla973]

Excellent video. Helps me decide.

[@ejr5480]

I went to UVM Lived in VT for 6 years. Skied at everyplace in this video. I agree with everything in this video. Oh yea, now I ski at Mammoth Lakes. The hell with Vermont!!! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bobcobb7992]

Cool, so Mommy and Daddy not only paid your ridiculously overpriced out of state tuition for UVM, they also paid for you to do more skiing at more Vermont mountains than pretty much any real Vermonter can afford! Thanks for leaving VT. Please don't come back. Fortunately, it sounds like you have no intentions of doing so.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

Most of these folks have no idea aboutMammoth, Palisades, Sugarbowl, Kirkwood.......I always find it humorous that Jay claims to be in the same league of snowfall as these guys.....It's laughable.

[@wanderingnoble]

I’ve been skiing at smuggs since I was 2. Amazing variety and the lifts aren’t bad at all. Smuggs for life

[@PFTome]

If you know your way around Killington and prefer expert trails, you can easily avoid the crowds and lift lines by never going to a base lift. We also used to hang out at the peak after lifts closed and race the 4 miles down Great Eastern to the car at the end of the day.

[@Korol1989]

There are mistakes in the video at 14:36 and 16:00. Stratton and Sugarbush have unlimited number of days on full Ikon Pass.

[@brianjohansson7694]

Unlimited even on the Ikon Base Pass....

[@benjaminsfrantz]

20:46 you flipped Okemo and Mount snow in the overall ranking screenshot

[@maxwellalley6642]

My man, I was waiting for this video

[@CrefloMack]

love your videos and agree with this list!

[@xnewguyx2738]

Thanks for a great video.

[@wayoutwest3009]

Even though I’ve never been to Vermont, I still love the vids you put out. Do “California resorts ranked” next !

[@mxg75]

Cochran's Hill also offers night skiing.

[@robertshea5159]

Contrary to popular belief, MRG is accessible to beginners. I started last season. It’s also one of the only places I could find that offered Telemark lessons. Peace

[@kencoxdesign]

Feeeheel Fridays at MRG are where I learned to make respectable tele turns. My wife isn't an expert skier and we can ski plenty of MRG terrain together. What's really nice though is that the trail layout allows me to take a steeper section and meet her at different junctions all the way down. With a single base area, it's harder to lose people you're skiing with. The single chair also throttles traffic so that when you're coming down you feel like you have the mountain to yourself. Finally, you can get lunch in the lodge at very reasonable prices and there's Lawson's on tap. MRG would be my #1 and overly commercialized hills like Stowe would be much farther down my personal list.

[@delta9jms]

like Jimmy Buffett, MRG doesn't need any awards the fans know why

[@jayclarke5466]

Yeah IF…The chair at Birdland is open

[@CameronBoyd-b2w]

Great list, and awesome video as always. However, I will say that Burke should have been included on this lift. I’m a Canadian from Quebec, and I often drive down to Burke due to its close proximity to Montreal to get away from the massive lines at Quebec resorts around montreal as an alternative to jay peak. It’s got a great fall line, and two high speed lifts, so I think it should have been included

[@darlenekowalski2562]

Ranking Magic as last is a crime, magic does not want to have fast lifts like its competitors because it wants the trails to have an uncrowded feel. Their thin cover is classic New England skiing

[@NilezII]

Totally unbelievable lift ticket prices! I remember paying $23 at Mount Snow in 1978, and thinking it was high. These places seem to be disinterested in day skiers. I remember when Mt. Snow was the go-to for the closest big-mountain skiing to southern New England. Bubble chairs, clickety-clack converted conveyer belt lifts, Frozen Fountain, outdoor swimming pool, all the funky features, mostly no more.

[@marcusteblano6376]

Magic Mtn had throwback Thursdays for $25 or $29 as recently as 4 years ago. That was a deal.

[@tnasituning8173]

Thanks for putting this video together... PICO is definitely a great mountain to ski at during those holiday weekends... And your crazy for thinking that OKEMO is #9 on this list... OKEMO was originally known for having the BEST SNOWMAKING/GROOMED TRAILS in the NORTHEAST!!! being I've Ski'd at Both OKEMO and STRATTON, STRATTON is more versatile for those who also like fresh SOFT POWDER as STRATTON allows that by NOT GROOMING ALL THEIR TRAILS AFTER SNOW STORMS... So OKEMO is Definitely at the TOP still for GROOMED PACKED TRAILS in my book. But YES, STRATTON does a VERY good job with their SIGN MAKING, VERY WELL LABELED TRAILS... They always have good MUSIC an huge EVENTS like KILLINGTON has... If you're into the NIGHTLIFE these 2 are where it's at. OKEMO is probably just a close 3rd in the NIGHTLIFE SCENE on Thursday-Saturdays! I honestly will say however that the Police that patrol over near STRATTON an BROMLEY are corrupt! The State Police an Benningt0n Cty Police an Winhal Police. So I would honestly just ski OKEMO, PICO and KILLINGTON... The Winhal Police DON'T EVEN HAVE JURISDICTION at the south side of STRATTON going towards WEST WARDSBORO, nor PIKES FALLS, nor RAWSONVILLE, nor SOUTH LONDONDERRY, or JAMAICA, (that is all WINDHAM CTY SHERIFF'S JURISDICTION!) But yet Winhal will try to be sneaky an pull you over in RAWSONVILLE and PIKES FALLS 😂. They are out of control!!! Thinking they are State Troopers or Sheriff's 😂 Just saying, an something to be weary about 👉🏽. MT. SNOW you should've mentioned is known for its HALF PIPE PARK an SNOWBOARDING, EXCELLENT for that! An BROMLEY has improved their HALF PIPE PARK too... If you are up for a whole weekend an want to explore a bunch of options, I HIGHLY SUGGEST you start at the bottom of Route 100 at MOUNT SNOW then head on 100 North to then hit up STRATTON, then BROMLEY, then MAGIC, then OKEMO, then PICO and Finish with KILLINGTON... But shoot if your in that area and have 10 days to spare, your going to definitely wanna head over to Quechee, then over the Connecticut River into NEW HAMPSHIRE to Ski LAKE SUNAPEE, DARTMOUTH Ski area, and WHALEBACK MOUNTAIN... Thats what I'd do then plan another week trip to hit up the Northern Mountains of VERMONT an NH... Nice job otherwise. Didn't agree with everything in the video but this gives people from outside VT & NH a good sense of how to decide an plan their SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP 👉🏽👍🏽 🇺🇲

[@tnasituning8173]

I learned how to Ski at Stratton & Maple Valley in Dummerston, VT as a kid before it closed down in 2000... Others that closed down are Prospect Mt. In Woodford, Hogback Mountain between Wilmington and Marlboro...an Mt Ascutney near the Village of Brownsville in Windsor, VT is only open on weekends an don't recommend it unless it has just snowed that week.

[@troystark5961]

Great video! Would love to see a similar rundown for New Hampshire.

[@jakeyell]

I've been at the top of Jay in a wind chill of -70 degrees. It's no joke...

[@MauraMarcus]

We found Mt. Snow intermediate runs less difficult and on weekdays non-holiday less crowded than those at Okemo.

[@RobertJiang-q4i]

I would say one of the biggest advantages of Killington is the cost booking an airbnb. Compared to Stratton for example, my friends and I were able to find consistently better deals.

[@Gavinbelson]

Sugarbush baby! used to work there before covid, one of the best times of my life.

[@jayclarke5466]

Bring yr bank

[@ChristianRunsNY]

Just a note at least for Mount Snow, the Epic Local does have blackout dates. There is a 4th Full Epic pass for no blackout dates.

[@Patrick61804]

Wow, I would have never guessed Killington at number 1 😂

[@StephenCottrel]

After 45 years , I would personally still rate Stowe Vt. the top Ski Capital of the East,… beautiful trails with natural snow and a host of many close accommodations in Stowe itself making for a super vacationing week .

[@Larry77777]

Well done and helpful video

[@everz7754]

Montana next please! 😊 Love ur content!

[@jeffersons8750]

I'm from Southern VT and Magic Mt is an awesome mountain. Being fro. Southern VT I agree that Killington is the best Mt in VT and I worked at Stowe, Jay, and Burke. But our whole state has awesome skiing. God Bless VT!!

[@someotherdude]

A 1 day ticket at Whiteface Mountain N.Y. cost me $ 9.50 or so when I skied there in 1978.... I skied Bolton Mtn. 1970-1975, I remember when Killington opened the new 'Bear Mtn.' area (awesome) around....1980 (or so?)

[@davidyork8020]

growing up in ASPEN in the 70s i could ski and eat lunch for 10 dollars a day 3 dollar lift tickets for ASPEN school kids

[@marcusteblano6376]

I skied Killington and Jay back in the '60's. Killington had a double chair where the K1 is now. That was a cold ride. Jay's tram hadn't been built yet. They had a chair going up the west side of the peak, pretty much straight up and I never saw it run. It was always coated in ice and snow. There was a T-bar where the Jet Triple is now. As I recall, kid's 5 day ticket with lessons was $25.

[@streamtracker]

Descent list for beginners and intermediates. This list has a strong bias towards size and modern infrastructure and doesn't consider challenge or vibe. If you are more hardcore (you like narrow winding steeps, trees, cliff drops, natural trails), Magic, Mad River, and Sugarbush(Castlerock) would rise towards the top. Stratton, Bromley, Mt. Snow, and Okemo towards the bottom.

[@MBWiseman]

I haven’t skied anywhere but Smuggs in Vermont, but I’ve skied all over the west and several mountains in Europe. Smuggs is one of my favorite places I’ve ever skied. It is low-key, not pretentious, not overly fancy, not overly expensive. It’s not made for instagram. It’s made for life. It’s made for families. It’s not built according to some theme generated by a corporate consultant, designed and built like a theme park to look “like” something. Smuggs just IS. It’s a ski mountain made for skiers/boarders to have a good time and a good experience. I fell in love with the place and will be back. If you want a fancy place that makes you feel like a big shot or helps you get likes on Instagram, please go elsewhere.

[@jayclarke5466]

I’ll be there in 2 weeks

[@DrBustenHalter]

The US is a rip off for skiing. Was paying best part of $200 a day to ski places like Bretton Woods and Wildcat that are really just hills. Old infrastructure like from the 70's. Rude, impatient people. Also crusty, hard pack/ice and they hadn't even groomed. Felt totally robbed. Just back from a SMALL resort in France which was 1550m to 2620m (8694ft), 2000 acres of forests and high-altitude slopes with 26 pistes and fast 6 seater lifts. Full areas pass was $40 a day. No queues at all... zero wait time and practically empty runs. Also a ton of off-piste.

[@Brosef336]

It’s cause there is no competition between ski resorts in the US because all of the big ones are consolidated between IKON and EPIC. They drive the prices up because they can and there are no other alternatives.

[@samrobison6421]

Okemo over snow is crazy

[@TheProsnurfer]

i lived in vermont for 20 years of my life growing up. iv skied all the mtns , the most memorable and fun experiences some of the best in my whole life summer and winter were at bolton valley. its a place that time has no meaning. a place not in it for the money. a place dedicated to the outdoors and brings snow sports back to the roots of fun and outdoors.

[@wyattstackle5087]

As an east coast local I believe that this is a great list. Altho, do believe that due to their larger sizes and slightly better lifts, both Mount Snow and Okemo should probably be put above Pico and maybe evn Smuggs. Maybe it's for good reason due to the minimal crowds at both smuggs and pico, but let me know what you think about it. Also, in my opinion, due to the reasons you stated, mount snow might be above okemo.

[@bearclaw5115]

Smugg's can get crowded on the weekends with those low capacity lifts.

[@Treeskier21]

I liked Mount Snow a bit better than Okemo last year

[@benferris3252]

As someone who has only snowboarded on the east coast Pico and Killington are the 3rd and best resort that I've gotten to spend some time on. Can definitely relate to Pico having tons of open space with short lift lines as well as getting completely lost at Killington

[@Seektruth-59]

I stopped skiing in North America and now go to the best places in Europe where lift tickets are 70% less and the savings buys my airfare and ski rentals. Hotels and B&B are $100-150 a night, way more ambiance and food and beer much cheaper. A week at Zermatt cost about the same as a week at Stowe.

[@MountainMan9712]

You have to do this but for New Hampshire too...id love to hear your opinion on their resorts

[@PeakRankings]

We gotta hit a few more NH mountains before we make that list, but that’s definitely in the pipeline!

[@Mooreproductionsnflfootball]

Bolton is a top 8 Mountian at least 1. Killington 2. Stowe 3. Jay peak 4. Sugarbush 5. Okemo 6. Mount snow 7. Stratton 8. Bolton Valley 9. Pico 10. Smugglers Notch 11. Hermitage Club 12. Burke 13. Bromley 14. Mad River glen 15. Middlebury snowbowl 15. Magic 16. Ascutney 17. Saskedena

[@patriciarutt1637]

awesome video!