Winter has finally arrived and the ski areas are open for business. We often forget about these economic engines that do as much for our economy as any other industry in the state. In years gone by it was easy to dismiss ski areas as playgrounds for the rich and famous with the Hollywood stars of the day showing up at Stowe and the political stars going to Sugarbush. While our ski areas still attract the rich and sometimes infamous, they are much more geared to families and groups as anything else. Smuggler’s Notch has secured its position as the most family friendly resort in the east, Bolton Valley caters to the local audience with varied terrain for skiers and boarders alike, and Jay Peak boasts natural snow like none other combined with fantastic snow making. The two big resorts anchoring different ends of the “valley” Sugarbush and Stowe annually refine their world-class offerings of everything from all mountain experiences to fine dining, lodging and general ambience. In the south, Killington offers a diversity of terrains across its mountain peaks that can usually be found only in the West.

If you are thinking about a winter getaway, give Vermont’s ski areas a hard look. Each has its own personality; each has amenities that please singles, families and elders; each welcomes the visitor with Vermont’s own charm and hospitality and, for those in the East, each is just a drive away. It’s much easier and cheaper to drive to Vermont with than to lug all that clothing and gear through an airport on to a plane and back out to the rental car.

Vermont is truly the East’s winter playground.

Image courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort