Guide to the Best Ski Resorts

Mont Pelier Vermont has several great ski resorts. One of those is the Stowe Mountain Resort. The location also includes pizza joins, restaurants, beds and breakfasts as well as great shopping. Stowe is a quaint New England village and is located next to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest mountain.

Another great resort in Vermont is Killington. This resort is located near some intense slopes including Bear Mountain, Devil's Fiddle and Outer Limits.

There is also Catamount Trail, which is great for cross-country skiing. It's America's longest cross-country ski trail and stretches 300 miles between the Canadian border and the Massachusetts state line.

The trail also has some of the state's most breathtaking terrain.

Snowboarders can enjoy Stratton Mountain Resort where gold medalist Ross Powers was trained.

Also, Jake Burton who created the Burton Snowboards in the late 1970s came from the Stratton Mountain Resort.

Mad River Glen is said to be the best snowboard-free area to ski. It is an old fashioned resort with a base lodge and a single chairlift to the peak.

Sugarbush Resort's chairlift is said to be the best ride in this part of the country. It connects Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen. The view includes Stowe's Mount Mansfield and Killington peak.

Jay Peak is listed as the best woods and the best family skiing goes to Smugglers' Notch. Smuggler's has a variety of events and programs for little ones and teenagers.

Maine also has some great ski options.

The Camden Snow Bowl along the coast gives skiers a beautiful view of Maine's coast.

Saddleback is a resort with a new lodge and still has a family price range.

Black Mountain in Rumford also has well-groomed loops and night skiing.

Shawnee Peak in Bridgton has competitive pricing with a $12 lift ticket on Monday Nights.

Titcomb Mountain in Farmington is also a great place for beginners and families. There are also plenty of cross country trails on the site.

A challenging terrain in Maine is Sugarloaf USA in Carrabassett Valley.

Sunday River in Newry also has 128 trails with eight interconnected mountain peaks. There are also more than 1,750 snow guns.

Mount Abram in Greenwood also has reasonably priced day passes for $27. There is also a 1,325 foot tubing park.
The Midwest also offers some great ski destinations.

Chestnut Mountain Resort located in Galena Illinois is 2 hours NW of Chicago and has 5 chairlifts, 3 surfaces and a great conveyor lift for new learners. Galena is also a beautiful tourist destination with lots of bed & breakfasts. It serves as a splendid weekend getaway for Chicagoans and others in the Illinois area.

Ski Snowstar is also a great ski resort located in Taylor Ridge Illinois, just 10miles west of the Quad Cities. This resort has 4 chair lifts and a new Magic Carpet learning center as well as snow tubing.

Iowa also has a great ski area located near Crescent Iowa.

It includes 2 chairlifts and snowtubing. This resort is located near Omaha.

Iowa also has a Seven Oaks Recreation Area in Boone Iowa. Water skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing as well as canoe, kayak and tube floats as summer activities. Paintball, tenting, mountain bike trails and motocross races are all included in this location during the summer months, located 40 minutes north of Des Moines.

Southern Minnesota also has some great ski options.

Afton Alps Ski Area located in Hastings MN just 30 minutes southeast of the Twin Cities includes 18 chairlifts and three surfaces. There is also snow tubing with 4 base lodges.

The Hyland Ski & Snowboard area located in Bloomington Minnesota includes 3 chairlifts and 2 surface lifts as well as a golf driving range.

Mount Kato Ski Area is located 1 miles south of Mankato and includes 8 chairlifts and surface lifts.

Powder Ridge Winter recreation area is located in Kimball Minnesota, 16 miles south of St. Cloud.

This area includes 3 chairlifts and 3 surfaces. It also includes Snow Tubing and summer weddings and receptions.

Wild Mountain, located in Taylors Falls Minnesota is one hour north east of the Twin cities. This is a great family location with Terrain Park, Half Pipe, greens, blues & blacks for all ages. There is also Snow Tubing with a conveyor lift.

Try one of these great locations this ski season whether it is your first time or you are seasoned. There are lots of great skiing options available for a healthy and recreational weekend.