by Olivia Capriotti
Calling all skiers! If you’re up for hitting the slopes this winter season, but don’t want to travel far, these places provide some of the best trails in the region within a moderately close proximity. According to onthesnow.com, these are the top 5:
- Killington Resort
If you want to take a trip to Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Resort is the place to go. Being one of the best ski destinations, it is home to a large trail system that ranges from six mountains. The terrain is everything but ordinary- varying from gently groomed trails to steep mogul runs and gladed trails.
Abby Darling, a regular skier and student at Feehan High School in Franklin, expressed her excitement for the terrain. “Killington is really big and has a ton of fun trails,” Darling said. “It’s one of my favorite resorts.”
But despite the terrain’s diversity, beginners don’t have to worry. Trails ranging from beginner, to intermediate, to expert are provided at this resort. According to onthesnow.com, it features 140 trails and 22 lifts, and has a 4,241 peak elevation with over 250 inches of average snowfall.
- Jay Peak Resort
This resort, located on Jay Peak in the Green Mountains of Vermont as well, It provides amazing tree glides, nicely groomed trails, and a great abundance of natural snowfall. East-coast skiers can expect a mix of beginner to advanced trails with nine lifts total. The summit reaches 3,968 ft. 40 percent of the mountain is comprised of intermediate runs, another 40 percent being advanced, and the other 20 percent being beginner runs, according to onthesnow.com Running year-round, it also features an indoor water park, ice arena, and golf course.
3. Loon Mountain
Nestled in the White Mountain Forest of New Hampshire, this resort is a great destination for families, and is only a two hour drive from Boston.
“It’s a great location if you don’t want to travel far,” local skier Jack Puccio said.
Combining convenience with adventure, the terrain is comprised up of groomed trails, tree glades, and steep mogul runs. It is also home to seven terrain parks, which have been termed as the best by USA Today’s Top 10, according to usatoday.com.
4. Okemo Mountain
Geared toward families, this resort is family-operated and rises above the town of Ludlow, Vermont. As stated in onthesnow.com, the mountain provides 121 trails, they are made for accommodating skiers of all levels.. Also, if there are any freestyle skiers who are looking for a good resort to fit their needs, eight terrain parks are available for use at Okemo. Loc-
al mom Beth Nobrega loves that it is family-oriented and how the trails are made for different skiing types. “Whenever my family and I go skiing, we head up to Okemo,” she said. “I’m not a great skier, but my husband is and children are, so it’s perfect
5. Smuggler’s Notch Mountain
Reported by onthesnow.com, this resort has more than 1,000 acres of accessible terrain and the only triple black diamond trail in the East, and is known for being one of the top family destinations in the nation. It features seven lifts, and three terrain parks. But if you’re looking for a more challenging experience as a skier, the top three are a better choice.
The First Launch 