Epic Ski Resorts in the Eastern US

The Ski Capital of the East - Stowe Mountain Resort
Heather Burke
Written by Heather Burke / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated July 31, 2023

Vail Resorts expanded its Epic Pass to the Eastern US when they acquired two of the top New England ski resorts, Stowe Mountain Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort, both in Vermont. These sister ski resorts have in common modern lifts, phenomenal scenery, a variety of terrain, and vibrant base villages. But like any good sibling relationship, they have their differences. 

Stowe has formidable terrain on a big mountain and a luxury reputation off-slopes. The resort has long been revered as the Ski Capital of the East, with skiing on Vermont’s highest peak 4,395 ft, and the legendary Front Four trails. Stowe is impressive, with classic steep terrain on Goat, Starr, Nosedive, and National served by a swift high-speed quad – laps here will make a real skier out of you. Stowe’s signature bright red gondola flanks Mt Mansfield too, with super-scenic groomers like Gondolier and Perry Merrill.

Gracing Stowe’s base is the posh Spruce Peak village –that looks more like Beaver Creek than Vermont. Après ski, the lap of luxury awaits at the Lodge at Spruce Peak – a grand timber hotel with ski valet, its own outdoor pools, hot tubs and spa, and a centerpiece ice rink. The Mountain Road to Stowe’s historic village is dotted with inns, lively restaurants, and pubs – like the Matterhorn for après ski, and unique Vermont shops and boutiques.

Skiing beneath the signature red gondola at Stowe
Skiing beneath the signature red gondola at Stowe

Okemo Mountain Resort is a favorite for families, for good reason. Okemo has lots of moderately pitched, pleasant ski trails, served by high speed, high-capacity lifts – two of which have bright orange bubble covers – perfect for Vermont winters. Kids will love Calvin the mascot catamount, the fun ski camps, Okemo’s terrain parks, and riding the Timber Ripper mountain coaster after skiing, before hitting the Spring House or Ice House for swimming or skating.

Parents will love the convenience of staying slopeside at Jackson Gore Inn, steps to the slopes, to snow sports lessons and rentals, and top-notch Vermont culinary in the grand lodge’s Tavern or the fireplace lobby bar. Okemo blows tons of snow and blows away typically ski area food blahs with great dining around the mountain. Cap this off with pastoral Vermont views, Okemo makes for a truly amusing family ski vacation.

Okemo Mountain Resort chairlift

Other Epic Resorts

In addition to Stowe and Okemo, you can also access these other Vail-owned resorts on the Epic Pass in the Eastern and Northeastern US:

If you've skied them all, check out these other resorts you can access with the Epic Pass: