Our peak performers: Find out who scored big in our first ‘Best of New England’ survey

Bretton Woods scored well in the snowmaking category. (Bretton Woods Resort)

Everybody has a specific need when it comes to skiing. That could be a dependable child care service or access to Wi-Fi. It also could be gnarly glades or hot soup in the cafeteria. 

By design or happenstance, all ski areas and resorts in New England have their own identities, reasons why they should be celebrated for what they offer to their guests.

We did just that with our first “Best of New England,” the result of a survey that we sent out to a team of ski industry insiders earlier this fall to gauge the best ski areas and resorts in a number of categories.

What follows is our panel’s collective picks for the best in terrain, nightlife, grooming, lifts and more at ski areas across New England.

Best for terrain variety 

1. Killington Mountain Resort 
2. Sunday River 
3. Sugarloaf Mountain Resort 
4. Stowe Mountain Resort 
5. Jay Peak

Others receiving high grades: Loon, Cannon, Burke, Wildcat and Saddleback. 

From the bumps on Bear Peak to the more genteel slopes at Snowshed, Killington is big enough for everybody. The self-proclaimed “Beast of the East” touts 155 diverse trails ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to steep double black diamonds for experts. Repeatedly lauded for its terrain parks (best in the East, according to Snowboarder Magazine), and steeps (the World Cup-worthy Superstar among them), Killington provides a variety over 3,000 acres that our panel voted best in the region. 

Best for family skiing 

1. Bretton Woods Resort
2. Smugglers’ Notch
3. Cranmore Mountain Resort 
4. Burke Mountain Resort
5. King Pine

Others receiving high grades: Waterville Valley, Bolton Valley, Wachusett, Gunstock, Ragged Mountain Resort

Bretton Woods gets high marks for a commitment to catering to families. With a wide range of terrain, Bretton Woods ensures that every family member can find slopes suited to their skill level. For guests staying at the Mount Washington Hotel across the street, the Omni Kids Club gives guests ages 5-12 a way to create lifelong memories through crafts and adventures and allows parents to enjoy a night out. 

Best for snowmaking 

1. Killington
2. Sunday River
3. Bretton Woods
4. Wachusett
5.  Loon

Others receiving high grades: Okemo, Pats Peak, Ragged, Stratton, Gunstock 

The power of Killington’s snowmaking was never on grander display than it was one year ago, when the resort turned a barren Superstar race course into one suitable for World Cup racing in a matter of days. Snowmaking didn’t even begin until Nov. 10, yet by Thanksgiving weekend, there were about 10 feet of base awaiting Mikaela Shiffrin and friends. Under ideal conditions, the system can deliver 10 million gallons of water per day to more than 250 snow guns, covering 60 acres with 12 inches of fresh snow every 24 hours. Snowmaking covers 600 skiable acres over 88 miles of piping and 1,700 snow guns at Killington.

Best for grooming 

1. Okemo
2. Bretton Woods
3. Sunday River
4. Waterville Valley
5. Killington

Others receiving high grades: Wachusett, Loon, Cranmore, Sunapee, Stowe 

Okemo annually ranks in the top 10 for grooming in preseason surveys and boasts snowmaking on a whopping 98 percent of its terrain. A fleet of state-of-the-art Prinoth grooming machines and a team of veteran operators work through the night to provide optimal surface conditions every day of the season. Extensive efforts are made to create velvety-smooth, corduroy-like surfaces on a vast network of trails, but what sets Okemo apart is its commitment to maintaining the slopes throughout the day. Groomers are often seen making midday passes so that the snow remains in excellent shape, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Best for a challenge 

1. Jay Peak 
2. Killington 
3. Wildcat
4. Bolton Valley 
5. Saddleback 

Others receiving high grades: Pico, Wildcat, Bolton Valley, Saddleback, Sugarloaf 

With an annual snowfall that consistently ranks among the highest in the East, Jay Peak offers a diverse range of trails and off-piste opportunities to suit advanced and expert skiers. The dense glades and steep chutes provide a backcountry-like experience within the safety of the resort boundaries, all thanks to the legendary “Jay Cloud.” The resort’s rugged and ungroomed terrain offers experts the chance to navigate rocky outcrops and challenging snow conditions. Favorite spots like “Andre’s Paradise” and “Face Chutes” feature knee-buckling moguls that demand precision and control.  

Best for lifts 

1. Killington
2. Sunday River
3. Wildcat
4. Loon
5. Stowe

Others receiving high grades: Okemo, Bretton Woods, Sugarbush, Wachusett, Cannon 

Twenty-one lifts are available at Killington to whisk guests to more than 1,500 acres of skiing. It is a system that includes three gondolas, 10 quads, two triples, one double and one six-pack. The centerpiece is the K-1 Express Gondola, which transports guests to the summit, providing access to a variety of challenging and scenic trails. For intermediate skiers, the Snowdon Quad and Skyeship Express Gondola open up a vast selection of well-groomed runs. Those seeking expert terrain can take the Superstar Express Quad to access mogul runs; beginners have dedicated learning areas and three magic carpets. 

Best for parking 

1. Berkshire East
2. Jay Peak
3. King Pine
4. Wildcat
5. Cannon

Others receiving top votes: Bolton Valley, Bretton Woods, Sunday River, Burke, Gunstock 

Berkshire East provides ample parking spaces for its guests, especially during busy weekends and holidays. Visitors seldom face the frustration of searching for a parking spot, thanks to the resort’s well-organized lots. But it’s the proximity of the parking areas to the base lodge that earns this Massachusetts ski area top honors. Skiers and riders can easily access the base area, where ticketing, rental services and the ski school are located, making the transition from parking lot to slopes quick and hassle-free.

Worst for parking 

1. Stowe
2. Waterville Valley
3. Stratton
4. Sugarloaf
5. Killington

Little surprise here that Stowe would wind up ranked for the worst parking, one season after it started charging guests $30 for parking on weekends and holidays. While the aim is to help curb traffic congestion on Mountain Road, the implementation of the system hasn’t gone over well with Stowe regulars, who were not offered seasonal parking permits this year. Stowe does remind us that nearly 40 percent of its parking will remain free at all times, every day of the year. “Paid parking will only be in place during peak periods, representing less than half of the ski season.” As for how the paid parking system helped with congestion, reviews are mixed. Luckily, Green Mountain Transit’s free Mountain Road shuttle, running seven days a week, can make paying for parking a moot point.  

Best for glades 

1. Jay Peak
2. Sugarloaf
3. Cannon
4. Burke
5. Bolton Valley 

Others receiving high grades: Stowe, Mad River Glen, Sugarbush, Wildcat, Sunday River 

From the steep and challenging “Timberline Glades” to the more approachable ones in “Beaver Pond,” there’s a glade run for everyone at Jay. The tree spacing is generous, allowing for exciting turns and creative lines, even for those new to tree skiing. The resort’s glade maintenance team ensures that these areas remain well-marked and free from hazards. Of course, the best tree skiing spots on the mountain are never on the map. Keep any eye for where the locals are headed.

Best for value 

1. Ragged 
2. Bolton Valley 
3. Pats Peak 
4. Burke 
5. Magic Mountain 

Others receiving high grades: Cannon, Jay Peak, Gunstock 

Visitors can enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank, at Ragged Mountain. The Mission Affordable season pass, which can be purchased for as little as $399 in the spring, also includes four days of complimentary skiing at Jay Peak with holiday blackout dates. Reciprocal members on the pass also include Ski Butternut, Whaleback, Pats Peak, McIntyre and Dartmouth Skiway. Season passes also come with the opportunity to purchase as many as six (in the spring) buddy tickets ($74) good at any PGRI Resort in North America. 

Best for lodging 

1. Killington
2. Cranmore
3. Stowe
4. Bretton Woods
5. Sugarloaf

Others receiving high grades: Sunday River, Loon, Sugarbush, Jay Peak, Stratton 

Killington has a range of ski-in/ski-out options, allowing guests to enjoy the ultimate convenience. Properties like the Killington Grand Resort Hotel offer easy access to the mountain and its amenities. For those seeking a more private and homey experience, vacation rentals are plentiful in the region. Rental agencies and platforms like Airbnb offer a wide selection of homes, cabins and condos up and down Killington Road that provide space and flexibility for families or groups. 

Best for on-resort dining 

1. Bretton Woods
2. Sunday River
3. Killington
4. Sugarloaf
5. Cranmore

Others receiving high grades: Stowe, Waterville Valley, Sugarbush, Wachusett, Loon 

When a resort claims such historic dining locales as the Bretton Arms Dining Room and Stickney’s, it takes a lot for something newer to become the crown jewel. Rosebrook Lodge does just that. Located at the top of the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola, the Rosebrook Lodge offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Washington, and the entire Presidential Range, along with a variety of dine-in or grab-and-go food options. You will very likely have to — patiently — wait for a table at Switchback Grille, offering “a selection of wholesome salads and soups, gourmet burgers and sandwiches or even one of our signature daily hearty meals.” Or stop for a quick snack at Peaks Cafe before heading back out to the slopes for the afternoon. 

Best in après

1. Killington
2. Cranmore
3. Stowe
4. Stratton
5. Sunday River

Others receiving high grades: Sugarloaf, Bolton Valley, Sugarbush, Loon, Bretton Woods 

No surprise here. Killington long has been the king of nightlife in the Northeast, with spots like the Pickle Barrel and Wobbly Barn steakhouse — both iconic names in après — dotting Killington Road en route to the mountain. Killington offers a diverse array of nightlife venues, from lively bars and clubs to cozy pubs and lounges. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant dance floor or a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a drink with friends, Killington has it. 

Best in overall satisfaction 

1. Saddleback
2. Sunday River
3. Cranmore
4. Cannon
5. Wachusett

Others receiving high grades: Bretton Woods, Jay Peak, Loon, Sugarbush, Sugarloaf 

It takes more than just the uniqueness of the glades in the Casablanca Steeps, or the majestic views of the Rangeley lakes. What Saddleback has done since being resurrected just three years ago is remarkable, creating a vibe made contagious by the staff working at the mountain. The Saddleback charm is on always on full, unprovoked display. It is as bona fide a skiing experience as you’re likely to have in all of New England, and that reflects in how our panel voted. 

Best for accessibility 

1. Cannon
2. Loon
3. Attitash
4. Pats Peak 
5. Bretton Woods 

Others receiving high grades: Stratton, King Pine, Burke, Killington 

The fact that it feels like you can touch the trails from the approaching distance of your vehicle driving along Interstate 93 speaks to just how accessible — and easy — Cannon Mountain is to get to. Boston is only 2 1/2-hours away, and the trip is pretty much all highway — no back roads or skirting through small towns. Once you arrive in Franconia Notch, it should be easy to find Cannon; it’s the ski area hovering over the road, beckoning you to come and enjoy the day. 

Best for scenery 

1. Wildcat
2. Saddleback
3. Cannon
4. Bretton Woods
5. Jay Peak

Others receiving high grades: Cranmore, Attitash, Sugarbush, Gunstock, Mount Sunapee 

Wildcat consistently earns accolades for having some of the most breathtaking scenery in the ski industry, smack dab in the face of Tuckerman Ravine, which is located just “across the street.” Whether you’re bombing down Upper Wildcat, or taking a leisurely time of it along Lynx, the majestic Mount Washington watches over it all, an imposing, beautiful presence that has one downside; you’re constantly pulling off your gloves to grab your phone in order to try to capture the beauty in a photo. You can’t do it justice. 

Best for off-hill activities 

1. Stowe
2. Killington
3. Cranmore
4. Jay Peak
5. Bretton Woods

Others receiving high grades: Stratton, Sugarbush, King Pine, Waterville Valley, Loon 

Some might choose a spa day at Topnotch or Spruce Peak in lieu of the slopes. Bring your skates and go ice skating, catch a show at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, or try snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Beer lovers will find the Alchemist, Idletyme and von Trapp Brewery to their likings. Go shopping in idyllic downtown Stowe, swing by the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, or bundle up and take a romantic sleigh ride. In other words, the mountain is the star, but the rest of Stowe has it all.