USA

Vermont Ski Resorts

Ideal snow conditions contributed to a record-breaking season for the Vermont ski industry last year with a whopping 4, 670,903 skier and rider visits.

Our family was among them, vacationing at these top resorts.

Jay Peak
A modern yet comfortable ambiance reflects the extensive renovations the resort has undergone in the past five years. Accommodation ranges from suites at the family-friendly Hotel Jay and upscale Tram Haus Lodge to more budget-conscious rooms at the new Stateside Hotel, as well as cottages and condos. A NHL-sized arena and massive indoor water park are among the resort’s shiny new amenities.
What we loved: The Pump House was a huge hit for the kids with its indoor surfing, rock-climbing wall, and water slides, including La Chute, a heart-stopping ride that reaches speeds of 45 kilometres an hour. Jay Peak accepts Canadian cash at par for ski lift tickets and water-park passes. www.jaypeakresort.com

Smuggler’s Notch
Voted #1 kid-friendly resort in the east by Ski Magazine, Smuggs, as it’s affectionately called, caters to families like no other. A jam-packed schedule of activities and entertainment provides plenty of opportunities for families to have fun together, and kids’ clubs specific to each age group offers the chance for quality time apart. The FunZone, an indoor recreation center, has inflatable structures, obstacle courses, climbing walls and games. Accommodation consists of family-style, condominium homes, each with fully equipped kitchens.
What we loved: Ski lessons at Smuggs are exception because of their specially designed trails, small groups, and instructors who know how to challenge learners while having fun. Our kids’ skiing improved after only one lesson.
www.smuggs.com

Killington
Nicknamed “the Beast of the East,” this resort boasts the highest skiing elevation in Vermont and the largest skiable terrain in the east, spread across six mountains. Lodging includes the Killington Resort Hotel and resort condominiums. The town has a hip, student vibe with plenty of casual dining options and nightlife.
What we loved: The skiing itself was what set this resort apart with over 200 runs to choose from, including lengthy trails for every level, even beginners. Skiing together down the Great Eastern, a winding, 5-kilometer scenic green trail, was one of the best memories of our Vermont ski trip. www.killington.com

www.skivermont.com