Three New England ski towns named among 10 best

Mount Cranmore Resort looms over North Conway Village in New Hampshire. (WiseguyCreative.com)

Three New England ski towns were among the top 10 voted by USA Today readers in a recent poll, with Bethel, Maine and North Conway, N.H. finishing 1-2. 

A panel of four experts (KC Deane, Elena Hight, Lyndell Keating, and Kristen Lummis) partnered with USA Today’s 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees. The top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

On Bethel, the feature reads: “Visitors staying in Bethel enjoy easy access to Sunday River, home to some of the best snow conditions in the East. Head to the Foggy Goggle or Matterhorn for a lively après-ski scene, or try out one of the many restaurants dotting the streets of this cute New England village.” 

On North Conway: “Nestled within the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, North Conway sits within a half-hour drive of more than a dozen alpine and Nordic ski resorts. Visitors off the slopes can explore the town’s pastel-hued Victorian architecture oozing New England charm. The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center makes for an excellent rest-day diversion.” 

Stowe, Vermont finished seventh in the voting. “Steepled churches and clapboard houses make Stowe a quintessential New England ski town,” it reads, “complete with excellent options for both downhill and Nordic skiers. While there are plenty of fine dining establishments and luxury resorts catering to well-heeled travelers, there’s a lively apres scene as well, especially at The Matterhorn. Rest day activities can include a tasting at the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory just down the road in Waterbury.” 

Here’s the complete top 10: 

1. Bethel – Maine
2. North Conway – New Hampshire
3. Jasper – Alberta
4. Taos – New Mexico
5. Ogden – Utah
6. Steamboat Springs – Colorado
7. Stowe – Vermont
8. Truckee – California
9. Sandpoint – Idaho
10. Jackson Hole – Wyoming

[email protected]