The best part of skiing is that it brings you to new heights - literally. From the summit of New England’s ski areas, you can take in our incredible surroundings. Though not the Rockies, nor the Alps, the Northeast has its own wintry appeal. The proximity in our region to other “skiable” mountains makes it fun to venture from one mountain peak to the next, changing your venue as you go. The trails I have selected below represent a few of my personal favorites in New England for their fine vistas. Whether it is a view of our magnificent lakes, the vast forests or the mighty Mount Washington, (the pinnacle to all other New England summits), each of these trails are highly scenic.
1. Rim Run
at Sugarbush offers one of the best lookouts in the
beautiful state of Vermont. From here you have an impressive view of
Lake Champlain and across the water, New York’s Adirondack range of
5,000-foot peaks. Vermont’s northern mountains, Mt. Mansfield’s Stowe,
Smugglers’ Notch’s Madonna, and Camel’s Hump are perfectly framed from
this trail too.
2. Flintlock at
Gunstock, New Hampshire’s family mountain of
the Lakes Region, is best enjoyed on a clear day. The sensation of
skiing down, practically into Lake Winnipesaukee, is almost like being
in Lake Tahoe (I said “almost”). With a backdrop of the White
Mountains and Mount Washington - the Northeast’s crowning glory,
Gunstock is a choice location.
3. Range View at
Bretton Woods is one of many
meticulously groomed trails at this family-friendly New Hampshire area
with a perfectly framed view of “The Mount”. Of course, the Top O’Quad
restaurant is another perfect locale for a great lunch overlooking
Mount Washington and the grand 1902 Hotel, which has been restored
beautifully.
4.
Skiing Pole Cat at
Wildcat in Jackson, New Hampshire gives you
the sensation that you can reach out and touch Mount Washington’s
eastern flank. In fact the view into Tuckerman’s Ravine is unlike any
other. A sunny March day at Wildcat will bring out the shutterbug in
every skier.
5.
White Nitro of
Sugarloaf, Maine offers an eye-popping
panorama, from the 4,237-foot summit. From this northern vantage point
you can see forever. This trail is so darned steep that it will also
take your breath away. Tell your fellow skiers you are admiring the
view, when they ask why you have stopped skiing.
6. Drifter turns the skier and rider in every angle while
descending Madonna Mountain at Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont. From
Drifter, you can look across the Notch at Stowe’s Front Four and the
impressive 4,395-foot Mount Mansfield peak. Also within visible range
are Lake Champlain and the stately Adirondacks, home to the 1936 &
1980 Olympic Winter Games.
7. Vista Way is appropriately named at
Cannon Mountain
in New Hampshire. This is the highest lift serviced elevation in New
Hampshire at 4,180-feet. From this magnificent summit,
you look down
into Franconia Notch and Echo Lake. The view across the Notch of the
Presidential Range is definitely worth the price of admission. Claim a
window in the back of the Aerial Tram as you ride up for the best
panorama.
8. Willoughby at Burke Mountain overlooks the Northeast Kingdom
of Vermont. Lake Willoughby sits to the north, demarcated by the
dramatic slope of Mount Pisgah, playground to ice climbers from around
the world. The surrounding hills are dotted with farms, so “story book
Vermont”.
9. Lookout at
Camden Snow Bowl in Maine is where the mountains
meet the sea. Where else in the world can you view the Atlantic Ocean
from a ski trail? This great little ski hill in coastal Camden makes
the scenic list for that unique spectacle alone.
10. Walking Boss at Loon in
New Hampshire starts out gently with gigantic views of Mount
Washington off in the distance, Tecumseh, Tripyramid and Osceola as well.
Destinations l New England l Rockies l Canada l Sun n'Sea Travel
All Stories by Heather Burke
All Photography by Greg Burke
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