These Are the 8 Best Ski Resorts in Vermont

Known for maple syrup, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and breweries galore, Vermont has a lot to offer tourists. Even though it's a great destination to visit throughout the year, the state really shines during the winter months, when visitors flock to its snow-covered mountains.

Don your best puffy jacket and head to one of these Vermont ski resorts, where you can burn some calories on the slopes (to make room for all that maple syrup, of course) and take in the festive energy that comes along with fresh white snow and family-friendly activities.

These resorts are home to some of the best skiing in Vermont, but they also offer a ton of exciting activities off the slopes. For a thrill, go tubing at Smugglers' Notch Resort, or make time to relax and sip a local craft beer during après-ski at Stowe. See the mountain in a unique light with a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride for a leisurely day exploring Killington Resort.

Visit one of these eight best Vermont ski resorts to make all your winter wonderland dreams come true.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Test your ski skills on 121 trails, slopes, and glades at this Vermont resort boasting 2,200 feet of elevation. Head there from early November to mid-April for beautiful winter downhill skiing. You can even celebrate New Year's Eve on the slopes—the resort's annual NYE party has included fireworks and DJ dance parties (occurring early enough in the evening to strap back into your skis bright and early on New Year's Day).

Find it: Okemo, 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT

Stowe Mountain Resort

Soak up the charm of this mountain resort by enjoying some of its family-friendly activities on and off the slopes. Lace up your skates and hit the complimentary ice skating rink in the wintry village, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride at nearby Trapp Family Lodge. Head up the mountain — you can ski from as high as 3,625 feet — and take one of the 116 different trails down, making the most of this East Coast ski paradise. Later, warm up with a Vermont craft beer at the WhistlePig Pavilion for the perfect après-ski evening.

Find it: Stowe, 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT

Killington Resort

Ski bums will have plenty of choice with this mountain's 155 trails and 3,050-foot vertical drop. But not to worry if skiing or snowboarding downhill isn't your thing — Killington offers plenty of other things to do. Get your blood pumping at the tubing park, hop on a snowmobile for a guide-led tour, or take a scenic gondola ride to breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy incredible views.

Find it: Killington Resort, 3861 Killington Rd, Killington, VT

Sugarbush Resort

This resort spreads out over six mountains and more than 4,000 acres — meaning you won't run out of great trails to explore. Try out snowshoeing with a guided tour where you can look for signs of black bears, moose, deer, coyotes, and bobcats, or go for a ride in a groomer for a unique perspective on the snowy terrain.

Find it: Sugarbush Resort, 102 Forest Drive, Warren, VT

Stratton Mountain Resort

This southern Vermont ski resort first opened in 1961 with only eight trails. Today, the resort boasts some of the best skiing in Vermont, with 99 trails, 11 lifts, and more than 670 acres of skiable terrain. Other activities include the Coca-Cola Tube Park, ice skating on Mill House pond, snowcat rides and snowmobile tours, kids nights, and fat bike rentals.

Find it: Stratton Mountain Resort, 5 Village Lodge Road, Stratton Mountain, VT

Smugglers' Notch Resort

This northern Vermont ski resort prides itself on being family-friendly and offering a number of exciting activities for children. While grown-ups are out taking advantage of the resort's 78 trails sprawled across 1,000 acres, kids can take ski lessons, enjoy free hot chocolate at the daily bonfire, slide down a hill in a snow tube, or eat pizza and play laser tag at the FunZone 2.0.

Find it: Smugglers' Notch Resort, 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT

Mount Snow

There are 600 skiable acres at this resort, located three hours from Boston and four hours from New York City. If downhill skiing isn't your thing, try cross-country skiing through the peaceful woods, or spend an afternoon hurtling down the eight-lane tubing park for a fun and festive evening covered in snow.

Find it: Mount Snow, 39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover, VT

Jay Peak Resort

Skiing and swimming in the same day? Jay Peak offers the best of both worlds with 50 miles of trails, plus an indoor water park (complete with thrilling slides and a wave pool) that is perfect for warming up after a long day on the slopes. If that's not enough excitement for you, how about ice skating in the NHL-sized Ice Haus arena?