Mount Snow is the heartbeat of southern Vermont skiing. Just a few hours from Boston or New York, it’s where city skiers trade deadlines for double blacks and après by the fire. Known for its perfectly groomed runs, world-class snowmaking, and legendary terrain parks, Mount Snow delivers big-mountain energy with small-town approachability. It’s easy to reach, hard to leave, and built for anyone who loves snow days done right.

Quick Stats

• Location: West Dover, Vermont
• Elevation: 1,900 ft base / 3,600 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 1,700 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 601 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~156 inches (plus 100% snowmaking coverage)
• Number of Runs: 86
• Lifts: 20 (including the high-speed Bluebird Express bubble lift)
• Vibe Check: Energetic, social, and full of East Coast heart

The Vibe

Mount Snow is as friendly as it is fun. It’s big enough to feel adventurous yet small enough that you’ll start recognizing faces by your second day. The mountain is split into zones: Main Face for groomers, North Face for steeps, and Carinthia for terrain park legends. Off the mountain, après comes alive in the base area—good food, live music, and that unmistakable Vermont warmth. Mount Snow is the place where generations learn to ski, laugh, and come back every year.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Long John – one of Vermont’s longest green runs, scenic and smooth from top to bottom.
• Ridge – beginner-friendly with mellow grades and great views of Somerset Reservoir.

🟦 Blues

• Cascade – long, perfectly groomed cruiser for carving turns at speed.
• Snowdance – classic run under the Bluebird Express, ideal for fast laps.
• Uncles – fun mid-mountain trail with rolling terrain and steady pitch.

♦︎ Blacks

• Ripcord – steep, narrow, and Mount Snow’s ultimate test piece.
• Olympic – black diamond with bumps and variable snow that keeps you honest.
• Jaws – technical glades that reward those who love tight, fast tree lines.

Après + Town Stays

Mount Snow après has something for everyone—energetic bars, laid-back breweries, and cozy inns where conversation flows as easily as the beer.

• Cuzzins Bar & Grill – the mountain’s go-to après hub with live music and hearty fare.
• 1900’ Burger – casual spot for burgers, fries, and local craft beer right in the base lodge.
• Snow Barn – classic après and late-night dance spot just off the access road.
• Dover Bar & Grill – unpretentious local hangout with friendly faces and strong drinks.
• Harriman’s Farm to Table – upscale dining at the Grand Summit Hotel.
• The Lodge at Mount Snow – family-friendly lodging just minutes from the lifts.
• Deerhill Inn – romantic B&B with mountain views and refined Vermont hospitality.

Travel Tips

Mount Snow is one of the most accessible major resorts in New England. It’s just 2.5 hours from Boston and 4 hours from New York City. The nearest airports are Albany International (ALB) and Hartford Bradley (BDL). Once you arrive, park at Carinthia for quick access to terrain parks or Main Base for dining and après. Snowmaking covers 100% of trails, so conditions are reliable even when Mother Nature takes a break. Peak season runs from late November through mid-April.

Fun Facts

• Mount Snow opened in 1954, one of the first modern ski resorts in the U.S.
• The Bluebird Express was the first high-speed six-passenger bubble chair in North America.
• Carinthia Parks is the largest terrain park complex in the East—100 acres of freestyle terrain.
• The resort uses one of the most energy-efficient snowmaking systems in the world.
• Mount Snow was named for its founder, Walt Schoenknecht, who envisioned skiing for everyone.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Mount Snow made the list because it’s everything East Coast skiing should be—accessible, exciting, and full of character. It’s a place that feels like home the moment you arrive. With big vertical, small-town charm, and an endless commitment to snow quality, Mount Snow keeps the stoke alive all winter long.