weekend plans

Top 5 Skiing Mountains in New England

Posted on Friday, February 27th, 2015 at 12:45 pm.

It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend to go skiing! New England is luckily enough to have some of the best ski resorts in the country. We choose our favorites based on a variety of different criteria including largest resort, to most family friendly. Here are our top 5 mountains within a 3 hours drive from Massachusetts!

Best Family Friendly Mountain
Loon Mountain in New Hampshire

Located in the scenic White Mountain National Forest, this mountain offers beautiful scenery and ample snowfall. Loon offers wide groomed trails, tree glades and steep moguls. At night take advantage of the variety of shops and restaurants. For those of you who need a break from skiing, the resort includes an ice castle, a winter zip-line, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, snow tubing and an adventure center.

Runs: 61

Most Terrain Parks
Okemo Mountain Resort in Southern Vermont

Okemo’s accommodates skiers of all levels. With an almost equal balance between beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, everyone is sure to find the perfect run. For boarders and freestylers, the park offers 8 terrains parks, including a Superpipe. Okemo’s trail network spans over five distinct alpine areas, and let’s not forget it has one of the highest vertical drops in southern Vermont of 2,200 feet.

Runs: 120

Biggest Mountain/ Resort
Killington Resort in Southern Vermont

The biggest resort on our list spanning 6 mountains providing 155 runs, with the longest run 6 miles. Killington’s terrain is extremely diverse, ranging from gentle groomers, learning areas to steep mogul runs and gladed trails, as well as some of the best terrain parks in the northeast. With 5 base lodges around the resort, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Killington’s fine dining options. By the end of the day, if you aren’t wiped out from the amazing skiing, take advantage of Killington’s awesome nightlife.

Runs: 155

Most Environmental Resort
Jiminy Peak in Western Massachusetts

Jiminy is the only one on our list in Massachusetts, and the only resort in America that generates their own energy by using alternative wind power from their Wind Turbine. A great mountain for beginners and for those who want relaxing runs with over half the runs on beginner trails. Don’t let that deter those of you advanced skiers. Jiminy peak offers advanced and expert runs on challenging terrain that you can easily get to from a ride on the six-passenger express ski lift to the summit. And if you can’t get enough skiing in during the day, stay for a night ski!

Runs: 45

Best Pricing Offers
Stratton Mountain Resort in Southern Vermont

Stratton is offering a great deal of 2 one-day lift tickets for discounted rates. Recently revamped, guests can now enjoy new snowmaking, grooming, new trails, and newly remodeled lodging and dining. With 100 acres of glades, and 95% snow making coverage, skiers and boarders are sure to be pleased. But, for some reason if you are not happy with the mountain, Stratton offers a “Great Snow Guarantee.” Ride the trails for an hour, and if you aren’t satisfied, Stratton will give you credit towards another day.

Runs: 97

Best Fall Foliage Drives In New England

Posted on Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 at 7:55 pm.

Written by Emma Brooks

The time for apple picking, pumpkin carving, cider drinking, and crisp fall breezes is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by taking a scenic drive through New England to admire all of the beautiful foliage? It may be a bit early right now, but the leaves are already beginning to change and it won’t be long before the trees are completely red, yellow, and orange. Get your weekend plans in order and organize a few day trips to some of these stops, the views are breathtaking and there are other fun attractions to check out along the way!

The Berkshires – This is THE place to be if you want to experience anything and everything related to fall. The Berkshire mountains span across western Massachusetts and offer one of the most scenic rides in New England. Take a ride to the top of Mount Greylock along New England’s first official scenic road, the views can’t be beat! It is Massachusetts’ tallest peak (3,491 ft) and also features foot trails for hikers. That’s not all that the Berkshires have to offer, there are many fall themed attractions including hiking, apple picking, pumpkin picking, or try some hard apple cider after a brisk walk outside. If you’re there from September 22-30 check out the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Festival in North Adams, MA. There are events taking place throughout the week including crafts, farmers markets, parades, and numerous other events. What better way to spend a fall day?

White Mountains, NH – The White Mountains are spread across New Hampshire and have many winding roads that will bring you on a beautiful ride. Drive up Route 16 to North Conway, a small town in the heart of the White Mountains which features small country stores, outlet shopping, and last but not least the Conway Scenic Railroad which offers roundtrip train rides where you will experience all of the beauty that the White Mountains has to offer. Nearby is the infamous Kancamagus Highway, a windy road with many scenic viewpoints along the way that will bring you to Lincoln, NH home to Clark’s Trading Post where they train native black bears to recycle, ride segways, play basketball, and entertain guests of all ages. Franconia Notch State Park is also nearby and is the perfect place to get in touch with nature and go for a hike. This ride is a little over 2 hours from Boston but has some of the most colorful and beautiful foliage in New England, we definitely suggest you take a drive up north this fall!

Green Mountains, VT – If you’re looking for a leisurely, rustic getaway this is your chance. The Green Mountains in Vermont are one of the most popular areas to view fall foliage in New England. The 400,000 acre Green Mountain National Forest follows Route 7 and brings you by major skiing areas such as Mt. Snow, Killington, and Sugarbush, all while taking you through some of the most scenic nooks and crannys that Vermont has to offer. Don’t have any particular sights in mind? Why not branch off down a road you have never been down before (only if you have GPS) and see where it takes you? There’s nothing more fun than getting lost in nature, you really appreciate your surroundings and if you have nowhere to be it’s a lot of fun! For those of you that are feeling really adventurous, the Ben and Jerry’s Factory is about a two hour drive from here and hosts tours daily.

These scenic drives all promise beautiful sights, fall foliage, and exciting activities and tourist stops to keep you entertained. So pack up the car and hit the road, peak foliage season is right around the corner!

Photo By: kimberlykv