Epic Pass Road Trip: Ski The East Coast Classics

East Coast Ski Resorts on the Epic Pass

1. Hunter Mountain Resort
2. Mount Snow Resort
3. Okemo Mountain Resort
4. Stowe Mountain Resort
5. Wildcat Mountain Resort

TOTAL TRAVEL TIME: 8 HOURS

New England is the birthplace of the North American ski industry, and while its base villages may not soar as high or see the same snowfall totals as the Rockies, the East delivers a ski experience that’s as authentic as it gets. Here, history, charm and community come together on slopes that are just a short drive from major cities like Boston, Providence, Portland and New York City.

With an Epic Pass in hand, skiers and riders can explore eight epic East Coast resorts. For this road trip, we’re focusing on the heavy hitters across New York, Vermont and New Hampshire, kicking things off at Hunter Mountain, easily accessible from New York City. (For those based in Massachusetts, Maine or Rhode Island, we recommend flipping the route and doing it in reverse.) So, buckle up. The powder, peaks and après of New England are waiting.

Related: Discover How to Maximize Your Epic Pass Perks This Season

No matter where you start, our Mountain Travel Experts can help you book lodging, rentals and everything else you need to make your Epic New England road trip seamless. Some of the resorts and hotels on this itinerary may not be listed on Ski.com, but don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop to get you there. Click here to get a free quote.

1. Hunter Mountain, New York

New York City > Hunter Mountain - Total Travel Time: 2-3 hours

Stop to eat: Bleecker Street Pizza | New York, NY

Hunter Mountain is New York City’s backyard big mountain, just a few hours from Manhattan and one of the most expansive ski areas within easy reach of the city. An Empire State classic, Hunter has only gotten better in recent years, thanks to its 2019 terrain expansion that added even more variety to explore. On your way, be sure to fuel up with a slice of authentic New York-style pizza (Bleecker Street Pizza is our favorite, but there’s plenty to choose from) before checking into one of the area’s comfy lodges. 

Once on the slopes, midwinter mornings reward early risers with flawlessly groomed corduroy. Expect 1,600 feet of vertical, powerful snowmaking that keeps the trails covered and a world-class learning center that makes Hunter a favorite for skiers and riders of all levels. When the lifts stop spinning, the après scene turns electric, from lively bars to late-night clubs. Hunter knows how to keep the party going well into the early hours, so if you like to dance as hard as you ski, this is the place to be.

Best Known For: Nightlife, expanded terrain, snowmaking

Terrain Breakdown: Green – 25% | Blue – 30% | Black – 45%

Where to stay: The Mountain Brook, The Fairlawn Inn

2. Mount Snow, Vermont

Hunter Mountain > Mount Snow - Total Travel Time: 2.5 hours 

Stop to eat: Duncan's Dairy Bar | Troy, NY

Mount Snow is home to Carinthia Parks, the East Coast’s well-known freestyle playground. With ten terrain parks and a history that includes hosting the first-ever Extreme Games in 1995, it’s a true icon for park skiers and riders. Beyond the epic features, Mount Snow shines as a Northeast favorite thanks to its impeccable grooming, endless options for fun cruiser runs, industry-leading snowmaking that keeps conditions dialed all winter and easy access from major urban hubs. The Bluebird Express, a high-speed six-pack bubble chair, makes getting back to the top both quick and toasty (so you can ski all day long). Beyond the slopes, the nearby town of West Dover delivers a charming après scene full of lively bars, cozy spots like a tiny movie theater and classic arcade hangout, quirky thrift stores and both casual and upscale dining.

Best Known For: Terrain parks, snowmaking, family-friendly atmosphere

Terrain Breakdown: Green – 16% | Blue – 66% | Black – 18%

Where to stay:Mount Snow Condominiums, Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort

3. Okemo Resort, Vermont

Mount Snow > Okemo - Total Travel Time: 1 hour 

Stop to eat: Honeypie | Jamaica, VT

From Mount Snow, follow the scenic VT Highway 100 North for a quintessential Vermont drive until you reach Okemo. Along the way, make a pit stop at Honeypie in Jamaica, a roadside gem serving up mouthwatering burgers (they’ve got veggie options, too). What began as a humble community-run hill has grown into one of southern Vermont’s premier ski destinations. Family-owned and operated from the start, Okemo has held onto its authentic, welcoming vibe while evolving into a resort with serious credentials. With the largest vertical drop in southern Vermont (2,200 feet), 123 trails across 667 acres and nearly 100% snowmaking coverage, Okemo has a little bit of everything for every skier. The famous Mountain Road trail stretches 4.5 miles, serving up postcard-worthy views along the way, while impeccable grooming keeps the corduroy crisp day after day. Beyond skiing, Okemo offers just as much fun, from snowmobiling and dog sledding to spa treatments, boutique shopping and fine dining.

Best Known For: Groomed terrain, fast lifts, classic New England atmosphere

Terrain Breakdown: Green – 33% | Blue – 37% | Black – 30%

Where to stay: Jackson Gore Village, Mountain Lodge at Okemo

4. Stowe, Vermont

Okemo > Stowe - Total Travel Time: 2 hours 

Stop to eat: Pho Capital | Montpelier, VT

Positioned below the massive Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet, Stowe is an East Coast ski resort with West Coast stature. Thanks to its elevation and northern location, Stowe consistently pulls in more natural snowfall than its southern neighbors, setting the stage for legendary glade skiing that, in a good year, rivals anywhere in North America. Beyond its renowned off-piste terrain, Stowe balances the mountain with an abundance of intermediate cruisers and beginner-friendly runs, making it a true all-around destination. Off the hill, the resort’s storybook base village boasts homey après spots, farm-to-table dining and plenty of New England character. And for those cross-country skiers, the iconic Trapp Family Lodge offers a world-class Nordic trail network that’s bucket-list worthy.

Best Known For: Quintessential Vermont aesthetic, big mountain feel, world-class resort atmosphere

Terrain Breakdown: Green – 16% | Blue – 55% | Black – 29%

Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Trapp Family Lodge

5. Wildcat, New Hampshire

Stowe > Wildcat Mountain - Total Travel Time: 2.5 hours 

Stop to eat: Cold Mountain Cafe | Bethlehem, NH

From Stowe, head east along Highway 15 into New Hampshire’s rugged White Mountains. On the way, make sure to stop at Cold Mountain Café in Bethlehem, a local gem serving hearty American fare with a warm New England feel. Your destination is Wildcat Mountain, perched in the storied Pinkham Notch and often celebrated as the most scenic ski area in the East. From its summit, the views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range are nothing short of mesmerizing. On the slopes, Wildcat strikes a sweet balance, from the longest green run in New Hampshire (2.75 miles) to classic, ungroomed challenges like Upper Wildcat, Hairball and the Chute. History buffs will appreciate the Wildcat Trail, cut in 1933, one of the very first ski racing trails in the U.S. When it’s time for a break, the surrounding White Mountain National Forest offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hikes through some of New England’s most breathtaking winter landscapes.

Best Known For: Powder, off-piste terrain, dedicated locals

Terrain Breakdown: Green –20% | Blue – 47% | Black – 33%

Where to stay: Attitash Mountain Village, The Glen House

Epic Pass Perks

One of the best parts of planning an Epic Pass road trip is taking full advantage of the perks that come with your pass. Share the slopes (and the savings) with friends using Buddy Passes and Ski With a Friend Tickets, then stretch your dollar further with Epic Mountain Rewards, from 20% off lodging, rentals, ski school, and dining to free tune-ups and discounted ground transport. Add in the peace of mind of Epic Coverage, and you’ve got a pass that keeps the adventure going strong no matter what. It’s the best way to maximize your trip, make memories with your crew and explore more resorts for less.

Ready to hit the road for the ultimate East Coast Epic Pass adventure? Let Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts take the wheel and craft your perfect ski vacation. From Epic Passes and flights to rental cars, lodging and beyond, we’ll line up every detail. With our insider knowledge of each resort, we’ll point you to the hidden stashes, the can’t-miss runs and the après-ski spots that make your trip unforgettable. Get your free customized quote today and start planning the ski road trip of a lifetime.