These Are the 8 Best Ski Resorts in Vermont

Known for maple syrup, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and breweries galore, Vermont has a lot to offer tourists. Although it's a stunning 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 hit the slopes and experience the convivial energy that comes with fresh white snow and family-friendly activities. Here are some of our favorite ski resorts in Vermont to check out this season.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Test your ski skills on 121 trails, slopes, and glades at Okemo, a 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).

Tickets: This resort is available on the Epic Pass, but even if you don't have a membership you can buy the Epic one-day pass that starts at around $100 early in the season. Outside of that window, one-day lift tickets typically start at around $130 when purchased online, and can dip even lower in off-peak periods.

Where to stay: You can choose from accommodations at the resort, which include a few basic inns and vacation rentals, or stay at The Governor's Inn, a quaint bed-and-breakfast in nearby Ludlow.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Soak up the charm of Stowe Mountain Resort while enjoying 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 the nearby Trapp Family Lodge. You can ski from as high as 3,625 feet and choose from 116 different trails, so the view on the way down never has to be the same. Later, warm up at the WhistlePig Pavilion with a Vermont craft beer for the perfect après-ski evening.

Tickets: The best deal for a one-day lift ticket at Stowe starts at $113 if you book the Epic Pass before the deadline. Regular lift tickets typically cost between $140 and $200, but there is a discount if you buy ahead online.

Where to stay: A few minutes' drive from the mountain, the luxury Topnotch Resort is a boon for sporty types who want to supplement their ski trip on the four indoor tennis courts. One of the most popular places to stay in Stowe is the Trapp Family Lodge, where the Austrian-inspired architecture invokes an Alpine après-ski aesthetic.

Killington Resort

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

Tickets: One-day lift tickets typically cost between $80 and $175 depending on when in the season you go. The resort is available on the Ikon Pass, but you can also get a discount on certain days if you're a resident of Vermont or New Hampshire.

Where to stay: If you want to be as close to the resort as possible, you can get a room at the full-service Killington Grand Resort Hotel, which has an on-site farm-to-table restaurant and a cafe. For luxury amenities like a 20-capacity hot tub, the Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is only two miles from the slopes.

Sugarbush Resort

Sugarbush Resort spreads out over six mountains and more than 4,000 acres — meaning you won't run out of great trails to explore. Join a guided snowshoeing tour and 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.

Tickets: For one day, you can get an all-mountain lift ticket for as low as $119, but prices are subject to change as the season gets going. Between Monday and Friday, you could also save money by getting a ticket that only grants you access to Mt. Ellen for $89, or $49 if you go on a Thursday.

Where to stay: There are many options close to the resort, but The Lodge at Lincoln Peak, which was recently renovated, stands out for its affordable, contemporary accommodations. The one-bedroom suites feature full-size kitchens.

Stratton Mountain Resort

This southern Vermont ski resort opened in 1961 with only eight trails; today, Stratton 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, snowmobile tours, and fat bike rentals.

Tickets: Lift tickets at Stratton can be purchased for as low as $77 (even during peak days in December), but more typically start at $112.

Where to stay: The resort offers convenient on-site lodging, from basic but practical hotel rooms to private cabins and villas. Accommodations are available both in the village and on the mountainside, and the largest chalets have up to four bedrooms and cozy amenities like hot tubs and wood-burning fireplaces.

Smugglers' Notch Resort

One of the best options for families, this northern Vermont ski resort prides itself on offering exciting activities for children. While grown-ups are out taking advantage of Smugglers' Notch's 78 trails sprawled across over 750 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.

Tickets: Pricing is consistent throughout the season. A one-day weekday lift ticket costs $89 ($69 for just morning or afternoon) and a one-day weekend ticket is $95 ($72 for just morning or afternoon).

Where to stay: For mountainside accommodations, Smugglers' Notch Resort offers rentals in nearby condominium communities. If you prefer a more traditional hotel, you can get a room at the three-star Smuggler's Notch Inn, about five miles from the resort in the town of Jefferson.

Mount Snow

You'll find more than 600 skiable acres at Mount Snow, about a three-hour drive from Boston and approximately four hours from New York City. Beyond skiing, you can choose from eight separate terrain parks, from the beginner-friendly Grommet to the challenging Inferno, or spend an afternoon hurtling down the eight-lane tubing park.

Tickets: This resort's best one-day deal starts at around $100 if you book before the Epic Pass deadline, but it is non-refundable. The regular lift ticket starts at $169.

Where to stay: Eight miles from the resort, just outside Wilmington, The White House Inn is a converted 1915 mansion with 18 uniquely decorated rooms and suites and its own Italian restaurant. Some accommodations feature balconies so you can fully appreciate the sweeping mountain views from the hilltop location.

Jay Peak Resort

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

Tickets: One-day tickets start at $109 for Monday through Thursday, $125 for weekends, and $129 for holidays. Half-day tickets are also available starting at $92 for Monday through Thursday, $108 for weekends, and $111 for holidays.

Where to stay: About a five-minute drive from Jay Peak, The Woodshed Lodge is the closest non-resort accommodation option. The rustic bed-and-breakfast features few frills, but it does have a hot tub in the backyard. Stay snug by the wood stove in the dining room while you fuel up for the slopes with the locally sourced "Vermontinental" breakfast included in the rate.