Vermont

Multiple North American Resorts Opening Tomorrow, November 20

Vail, Heavenly, Northstar, Park City, and Killington are set to open for the 2020-21 season tomorrow, November 20. We’ve detailed the opening-week access details for each of these mountains here.

Epic or Ikon: Which Should You Choose?

Today is the last day to buy an Epic Pass before prices go up for the third, and likely final, time tomorrow. In this piece, we’ll aim to shed light on the differences between Ikon and Epic—and whether either is worth getting during these uncertain times.

Squaw/Alpine Opens A Day Early, Several Other North American Resorts Open This Week

Multiple North American resorts open for the 2020-21 season this week. We’ve detailed the opening-week access details for each of these mountains here.

Many Holdout North American Destination Resorts to Open This Week, Parking Reservations at Copper and Snowbird Already Filling Up

By the end of this week, most of the resorts we’ve reviewed will be open for the 2020-21 season. With COVID-19 still a factor, we’ve detailed the access information for each of these mountains here.

California Bars Day-of Ticket Sales at Ski Resorts This Season

To limit mountain capacity and discourage last-minute traveling, California will no longer allow resorts to sell day-of lift tickets this season. Resorts are also asked to limit parking to ticket and pass holders only.

Sugarbush and Stratton Open for the Season Today, Homewood Opens Tomorrow

Vermont’s Sugarbush and Stratton opened today, December 10, after several delays amidst unfavorable weather. Tahoe’s Homewood opens tomorrow, December 11. At this point, the North American ski areas that haven’t opened yet are mainly local, regional hills.

Magic Mountain

This modestly-sized mountain doesn’t have the refinement to compete with the destinations, but it’s hard to beat for the challenge and value in southern Vermont.

Bolton Valley

This Vermont mountain is too small and undeveloped to compete with the state’s most popular destinations, but its combination of local, uncrowded slopes and strong natural snowfall may do the trick for some.

Bromley

While much smaller and less diverse than Vermont’s major destinations, this local-feeling hill will satisfy families thanks to easy navigation and low crowds.

Mount Snow

This popular resort delivers a lot for southern Vermont but struggles to handle crowds in some areas.

Okemo

This family-friendly mountain boasts modern lifts and a wide variety of groomers, but expert terrain is lacking. Crowding has gotten worse in recent seasons.

Smugglers' Notch

Ancient lifts and lackluster resiliency measures hold back a staple of the northern Vermont skiing scene.

Pico

This central Vermont mountain gets overshadowed by bigger competitors, but it offers decent terrain and an escape from the crowds.

Stratton

This southern Vermont mountain delivers an ideal family experience thanks to excellent grooming and easy navigation, but you’ll be giving up some snow and terrain quality for the location.

Sugarbush

This charming Vermont resort offers diverse, demanding terrain and a local feel. However, the best expert runs aren’t always o

Jay Peak

Vermont’s northernmost resort offers class-leading snow and expert terrain, but resiliency issues hurt it against more convenient competitors.

Stowe

Despite a few logistical flaws, this classic Vermont resort holds its own against the best on the East Coast.

Killington

Size, snow quality, and terrain diversity make this East Coast mountain incredibly appealing, but navigation could be easier.

Mad River Glen

With very limited snowmaking and a ban on snowboarders, this small Vermont mountain is about as raw as it gets for the Northeast.