Stowe Mountain Resort in Northern Vermont is a skiers dream if you live on the East Coast. With 2 mountains serving one pass, everyone from Never Ever to Expert snowrider can have tons of fun. Mt. Mansfield has the expert and intermediate terrain, and the world class Front Four (Starr, Goat, National and Liftline) offers some of the most knee knocking challenges in US skiing. You can also find cliffs, ice waterfalls, and other natural terrain features all in one spot. The next run over could be a blue run, but be careful: some of Stowe’s Blues could be blacks at other resorts.

For intermediate fun, the whole mountain is a joyride. Take the gondola up the face and enjoy some prime sliding down Perry Merrill, Gondolier, or Switchback. There are gentle runs on the Mansfield side, and Toll Road, a green trail through the woods, is a ‘stand and glide’ treat with a chapel at midpoint. My husband and I were married there, and it’s a serene spot on a bustling mountain and you really remember why you love skiing when you stop there and listen to the wind in the trees. With lots of flat spots, I wouldn’t recommend this to snowboarders. Spruce Mountain can be accessed by a short shuttle bus ride. Spruce offers learning terrain and is in itself a great place for anyone to play and learn snowriding. The lodge is big and seating plentiful. Stowe Mountain Resort is a must ski if you’re into East Coast skiing! - Bonni