New Englanders love our skiing and winter snow sports. We are also quick to defend our mountains against the powder and towering peaks of the west.
But getting away for a week-long ski vacation or a long weekend can be challenging, and slopes at the big resorts get crowded with people streaming up from NYC. Sometimes we need options for skiing near Boston that don’t require overnight stays or three-day weekends.
If you are looking for ski mountains close to Boston, I’ve broken them down based on driving distance from Boston You will find a mix of smaller local mountains as well as larger, more widely-known resorts. If you are staying overnight, be sure to use this ski trip packing list!
Do you have a favorite?
Skiing within one hour of Boston
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Blue Hills Ski Area
Driving Distance: 17.6 miles
Driving Time: 32 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Since Blue Hills is so close and it is a relatively small, local mountain for day skiers that most people won’t stay overnight. However, if you want to enjoy night skiing and stay nearby, the Courtyard by Marriott Boston / Dedham / Westwood is a good choice.
Blue Hills Ski Area is located on the Blue Hills Reservation, a Massachusetts state park. This old-school mountains offers eight trails, covering a vertical drop of 309 feet. Blue Hills is perfect for locals, offering learn-to-ski programs for all ages and levels, as well as private lessons.
It has recently doubled its snow-making capacity and they light a number of trails for night skiing. Blue Hills also offers a full rental shop and a cafeteria serving up basic burgers, sandwiches, pizza, soups, and salads. On busy days there are shuttles operating between four parking lots and the main lodge.
Blue Hills Ski Area is located at 4001 Washington St #1041, Canton, MA 02021
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Driving distance: 36.5 miles
Driving time: 48 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Residence Inn Boston Westford
Nashoba Valley is a full-service ski area offering lessons, rentals, skiing, and snowboarding. There are 17 trails, 20 percent of which are beginner, 50 percent intermediate, and 30 percent advanced terrain, with a total vertical drop of 240 feet.
Nashoba provides 100 percent snow making coverage with lit terrain on all trails. There are four lifts (three triple chairs and one double chair), as well as three conveyers and three rope tows.
It is also home to New England’s largest snowtubing facility, with four lifts, over 600 snow tubes and up to 16 lanes. Nashoba offers free parking, an on-site restaurant and lounge with fine dining and catering, as well as fun community events throughout the year.
Nashoba Valley Ski Area is located at 79 Powers Rd, Westford, MA 01886
Ski Bradford
Driving distance: 37.1 miles
Driving time: 48 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Hampton Inn Haverhill
Ski Bradford is a small ski mountain near Boston with 15 trails, all with lighting and snowmaking. The mountain offers eight lifts with three triple chairs, nine t-bars, three rope tows, and five Wonder Carpets.
They also offer a full rental shop, large base lodge, a snack bar, and free parking.
Ski Bradford is located at 60 S Cross Rd, Haverhill, MA 01835
McIntyre Ski Area
Driving distance: 53 miles
Driving time: 57 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown
McIntyre Ski Area is a small and kid-friendly ski area in Manchester, New Hampshire. It is the perfect place to learn to ski with easy slopes and a family atmosphere. There are 10 trails served by five lifts with two chairlifts, two conveyor belts, and eight to ten tubing lanes.
There is a full-service center with skis, snowboards, and snow tube rentals. Private, group, and weekly lessons are available. The base lodge also has a small cafeteria.
McIntyre Ski Area is located at 50 Chalet Way, Manchester NH 03104
Skiing within two hours of Boston
Wachusett Mountain
Driving distance: 54.5 miles
Driving time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Great Wolf Lodge New England
Wachusett Mountain is our family’s favorite ski resort for day trips — both for the skiing and the Bullock Lodge Cider House, whose heavenly scent of freshly made apple-cider donuts entices skiers across the mountain. Wachusett offers 25 trails with eight ski-lifts, including three high-speed chairlifts and three child-friendly magic-carpet lifts.
The mountain offers multiple dining options, from on-mountain treats to a lounge serving up local beer, as well as a coffee shop and wine bar. In fact, SKI Magazine readers consistently rank Wachusett among the Best in the East for On-Mountain Food.
Wachusett also offers a full-service rental shop and ski school, including private and group lessons. It is also home to a ski race team and two terrain parks.
Wachusett Mountain is located at 499 Mountain Rd, Princeton, MA 01541
Pats Peak Ski Area
Driving distance: 80.2 miles
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott Concord
Pats Peak is an independent alpine ski resort offering 28 trails and slopes, with a vertical drop of 770 feet. Perfect for beginners, Pats Peak offers 50 percent of beginner terrain, 21 percent intermediate, 12 percent advanced, and 17 percent expert. There are also nine gladed areas with one of the highest-capacity, computer-controlled snowmaking systems per acre in the Northeast with 100 percent snowmaking coverage.
There are 11 lifts, including four triple chairs, two double chairs, one J-bar tow, one beginner handle tow, one park handle tow, and two carpets. Pats Peak also offers night skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, racing, learn to ski programs, and private and group lessons.
Pats Peak is located at 686 Flanders Rd, Henniker, NH 03242
Mount Sunapee
Driving distance: 98.4 miles
Driving time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Mountain Edge Resort & Spa at Sunapee
Located on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, Mount Sunapee is part of Vail Resorts and accepted at the Epic Pass. Mount Sunapee receives an average annual snowfall of 130 inches and has 97 percent snowmaking coverage.
The mountain offers 66 trails and slopes covering 233 skiable acres with 18 miles of terrain. There are 17 easier trails, 32 more difficult trails, and 17 most difficult trails with a total vertical drop of 1,510 feet, the highest in Southern New Hampshire.
In addition, the resort offers four terrain parks, four mogul runs, and nine glades all serviced by nine lifts, including two high-speed lifts. They also offer rentals, a learn to ski program, and group and private lessons and there are dining options on site.
Mount Sunapee is located at 1398 New Hampshire Rte 103, Newbury, NH 03255
Gunstock Mountain
Driving distance: 102 miles
Driving time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Fireside Inn and Suites
Gunstock Mountain offers breathtaking views overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. This family-friendly resort offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, 25 kilometers of cross country trails, and a thrilling Mountain Coaster. With 48 trails over 227 acres of skiing and snowboarding, and New Hampshire’s largest tubing run, there are activities to keep everyone happy.
There is the most lit terrain for night skiing, five lifts, and a revamped Terrain Park for free styling. Gunstock is also a year-round resort with zip lining, mountain biking, an aerial adventure course, Segway tours, and other fun activities. The resort also offers multiple dining options, lessons, rentals, and ski racing.
Gunstock Mountain Resort is located at 719 Cherry Valley Rd, Gilford, NH 03249
Ragged Mountain Resort
Driving distance: 98.4 miles
Driving time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Inn at Pleasant Lake
Ragged Mountain Resort offers 57 trails and three terrain parks, with 30 percent novice, 30 percent intermediate, and 40 percent expert terrain. There are 250 skiable acres serviced by six lifts and a total vertical drop of 1,250.
Ragged Mountain offers multiple dining and lodging options right on the slopes. The mountain also provides lessons and competitive programs.
Ragged Mountain Resort is located at 620 Ragged Mountain Rd, Danbury, NH 03230
Skiing within three hours of Boston
Waterville Valley Resort
Driving distance: 128 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain
Waterville Valley Resort is a quaint pedestrian village nestled in a valley and surrounded by 4,000 foot peaks and covering 265 acres of alpine terrain. Town Square offers dining, shopping, and lodging, as well as live music and events throughout the year.
The resort offers 100 percent snowmaking across its 62 trails. With a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, Waterville Valley Resort offers 15 percent beginner trails, 59 percent intermediate, and 23 percent expert.
Waterville Valley also offers lessons, learn to ski programs, Adaptive programs, and even childcare and kids’ night out babysitting services. There are six on-mountain eateries and the village also offers an indoor ice rink, an Adventure & Nordic Center, and an Athletic Club.
Waterville Valley Resort is located at 1 Ski Area Rd, Waterville Valley, NH 03215
Cannon Mountain
Driving distance: 140 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Franconia Inn
Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains is the highest ski area summit in New Hampshire at 4,080 feet, with the longest vertical drop in NH at 2,180 feet. The resort offers 97 trails and glades covering 25 miles and 285 skiable acres with 192 acres of snowmaking. Cannon has 11 lifts, including a 70-passenger aerial tramway.
The resort also has a full-service rental shop and ski and snowboard lessons, with youth programs and childcare for kids under five.
Cannon Mountain is located in Franconia, NH 03580
Ski Butternut
Driving distance: 139 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Great Barrington
Ski Butternut in the Berkshire Mountains offers 100 acres of skiable terrain, with 20 percent beginner trails, 60 percent intermediate trails, and 20 percent advanced terrain. With 100 percent snow making capabilities over 24 trails, Ski Butternut is a great mountain for locals.
Ski Butternut also offers two terrain parks and snow tubing. Private, group and family lessons are available, as well as snow sports school. There is plenty of local dining and lodging available in nearby Great Barrington.
Ski Butternut is located at 380 State Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Bretton Woods
Driving distance: 156 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Omni Mount Washington Resort
Bretton Woods is an area in New Hampshire’s White Mountains covering recreational areas including ski, golf, and the historic Mount Washington Hotel. In addition to downhill sports, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center on the grounds of the historic Mount Washington Hotel and the White Mountain National Forest, is one of the largest cross country areas in the East. There are also canopy tours, sleigh rides, and snow tubing.
Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski area with 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 63 trails and 35 glades. Ten lifts, including the new Bretton Woods Skyway 8-Passenger Gondola and four high-speed quads, make the ride up fast and fun. There is snow-making on 92% of trails and night skiing and riding.
Bretton Woods is located at 99 Ski Area Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Cranmore Mountain Resort
Driving distance: 143 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 36 minutes
Where to stay nearby: North Conway Grand Hotel
Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire offers 56 trails over 170 acres. With a 1,200 foot vertical rise, Cranmore has 16 green trails, 25 blue intermediate trails, and 15 black diamond trails, serviced by nine lifts.
Cranmore offers lessons, racing, and the #2 rated family program in the East by Ski Magazine. There are also plenty off non-ski activities including the #1 tubing park in the state with 10 lanes of lift serviced sliding, mountain coaster rides, a giant swing, and a seated 700-foot zip line.
Cranmore Mountain Resort is located at 239 Skimobile Rd, North Conway, NH 03860
Jiminy Peak
Driving distance: 156 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 37 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Jiminy Peak offers 45 trails over 167 skiable acres, serviced by nine lifts including the six-passenger high-speed summit lift. This family-friendly resort also offers an outdoor fire pit and Funzone, snow shoeing, and the thrilling Mountain Coaster.
There is a ski shop, Country Store, and multiple on-site dining options. Jiminy Peak offers private and group lessons, multi-week programs, and an Adaptive Program.
Jiminy Peak is located at 37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA 01237
Mount Snow
Driving distance: 139 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Mt. Snow Grand Summit Resort
Mount Snow is a popular weekend getaway destination for both Bostonians and New Yorkers. This large resort covers 600 acres, 83 percent of which are covered by snowmaking operations. A total of 20 lifts offer a total vertical drop of 1,700 feet, with 16 percent beginner trails, 66 percent intermediate, and 18 percent expert trails.
Non-ski activities include child care, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, bowling, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, and even a movie theater. There are also plenty of dining, lodging, shopping, and spa options. Part of Vail Resorts, Mount Snow also accepts the Epic Pass.
Mount Snow is located at 39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover, VT 05356
Shawnee Peak
Driving distance: 144 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 47 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Noble House Inn
For 82 years, Shawnee Peak has welcomed families to its slopes in Bridgton, Maine. The mountain offers 249 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 1,300 feet and snowmaking on 98 percent of the terrain. Altogether there are 40 trails, seven glades, and three terrain parks of mostly beginner and intermediate trails.
There are several dining options on the mountain, including a Donut Shack serving up mini apple cider donuts. Shawnee is home to the most night skiing in New England and also offers group and private clinics and rentals.
Shawnee Peak is located at 119 Mountain Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009
Okemo
Driving distance: 137 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 44 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Okemo Mountain Resort
Located in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, Okemo is one of our favorite family ski resorts. Okemo is also part of Vail Resorts, now giving New Englanders plenty of options for using the Epic Pass.
Okemo offers a total of 121 trails, slopes, and glades, serviced by 20 lifts, including one high speed 6-pack chair lift with protective bubbles and heated seats! Snowmaking is offers on 98 percent of all terrain, the highest snowmaking efficiency in Vermont ski resorts.
There is plenty to do off-mountain too, with a mountain coaster, indoor ice skating rink, Nordic Center, and multiple lodging options. The ski school offers group and private lessons, seasonal programs, competitive racing, and women’s alpine adventures.
Okemo is located at 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149
Mohawk Mountain
Driving distance: 141 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 41 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Litchfield Inn
Mohawk Mountain is a small mountain in Western Connecticut popular with locals. Mohawk Mountain was the first to use snowmaking at a resort all the way back in 1948. Today the mountain offers 112 skiable acres on 350 scenic acres of state forest.
There are 26 trails , including 16 trails for night skiing, serviced by nine lifts with a total vertical drop of 650 feet. Lifts include five triple chairs and four Magic Carpets. Mohawk also offers snow tubing, racing, lessons, and rentals.
Mohawk Mountain is located at 46 Great Hollow Rd, Cornwall, CT 06753
Pico Mountain
Driving distance: 162 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 51 minutes
Where to stay near: Inn at Long Trail
Pico Mountain is Killington’s little sister, offering 19 miles of trails and 468 acres of skiable terrain. With a total of 58 trails, Pico is geared for intermediate to expert skiers, with only 18 percent of beginner trails, and a total vertical drop of 1,967 feet.
There are multiple on-mountain dining options, including a Waffle House and plenty of places to stay nearby. Pico also offers lessons, rentals, and childcare.
Pico Mountain is located at 73 Alpine Dr, Mendon, VT 05701
Attitash Mountain Resort
Driving distance: 150 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 42 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Attitash Mountain Resort offers 68 trails and 11 lifts across two connected mountains (Attitash & Bear Peak). Suited for all abilities, Attitash combines challenging terrain with modern, wide-open cruisers in the heart of the White Mountains.
Attitash offers 311 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 1,750 feet on Attitash and 1,450 feet on Bear Peak. There are 68 trails covering 23 total miles, 27 percent for novices, 44 percent intermediate, and 27 percent expert. Trails are serviced by 10 lifts and offers 98 percent snowmaking coverage. Attitash also offers freestyle terrain parks and a ski and snowboard school.
There are on-mountain dining options, multiple lodging selections, Adaptive programs, and a race team.
Attitash Mountain Resort is located at 775 US-302, Bartlett, NH 03812
Magic Mountain
Driving distance: 150 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Blue Gentian Lodge
Magic Mountain has a classic feel appealing to skiing purists looking for a mountain with soul. Its steep topography and 1,500 of vertical drop on narrow trails, with tree-skiing from boundary to boundary, is perfect for experienced skiers.
Magic Mountain offers 39 trails and 11 glades, with snowmaking on 50 percent of trails. They also offer two tubing lanes, lessons and rentals, and food and entertainment at Black Line Tavern.
Magic Mountain is located at 495 Magic Mountain Acc, Londonderry, VT 05148
Killington Ski Area
Driving distance: 159 miles
Driving time: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Where to stay nearby: Killington Grand Resort Hotel
Killington Ski Area, also known as the “Beast of the East”, is the largest ski area in the eastern U.S., and has the largest vertical drop in New England at 3,050 feet. Beloved by serious skiers, Killington offers seven mountain areas, including Killington Peak, and 155 trails.
As you might imagine, Killington is slanted toward experienced skiers, with only 17 percent beginner trails and 43 percent in the Most/Extremely Difficult category. Beyond skiing, Killington offers a mountain coaster, winter scenic gondola rides, Snowcat-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, snowshoe tours, and a tubing park.
You will also find dining, lodging, and a spa on the mountain.
Killington Ski Area is located at 3861 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751
Stratton Mountain
Driving distance: 155 miles
Driving time: 3 hours
Where to stay nearby: Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain in Southern Vermont also attracts plenty of skiers from NYC with 670 acres of skiable terrain and 99 trails. It is the highest peak in Southern Vermont with a vertical drop of 2,003 feet. However, the trails are geared towards beginner and intermediate skiers, making it a good choice for families.
Stratton also offers snow school, terrain parks, snow tubing, and complimentary mountain tours for new visitors. There is dining, lodging, and shopping in the village at the base of the mountain.
Stratton Mountain is located in Stratton, VT 05360
Bromley
Driving distance: 159 miles
Driving time: 3 hours
Where to stay nearby: Lodge at Bromley
We love to visit Bromley in the summer because of its alpine slide and other summer fun, but in the winter Bromley really shines. It is New England’s only south facing ski resort, which means longer days, softer snow and warmer temperatures.
Bromley offers 47 trails over 178 skiable acres, with a fairly even split between beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain. The mountain makes a point of being family-friendly. Kids love the new, progressive terrain park and parents have an easier time keeping track of the kids because all slopes funnel to a centralized base area.
There is plenty to do in nearby Manchester, Vermont in addition to on-mountain dining and slope side lodging.
Bromley is located in Peru, VT 05152
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I also love tubing at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. This is my facorite ski area. There is so many things you can do here and not just ski. Thispark also offers lessons. Both my kids learned to ski here so it will forever have a special place in my heart.