As we head into the depths of the ski season when the snow continues to fall and trails in the East continue to open up; the ski season is far from over. Whether you prefer a quick day trip or want to fly to a whole different country, here is Maroon’s 2025 skier’s guide.
Everybody loves a quick, easy trip while still getting solid snow. Stratton Mountain Resort, located in Stratton, VT, is just about three and a half hours from Scarsdale and provides lots of trails and fun. The mountain has many intermediate, long blues, and also has its small share of more expert terrain. There are multiple glades featured, and a lively village filled with quality restaurants completes the trip. “I love the variety of the trials there, and I always have a great experience,” Nathan Goldfarb ’28 said. It is perfect for a weekend.
If you’re still learning to ski, or just want an easy day trip, Thunder Ridge in Patterson, NY is the spot for you. There are not many mountains less than an hour away, but Thunder Ridge gets the job done. With 22 trails, 3 chairlifts, and 4 magic carpets, many Scarsdaliens have their earliest and fondest skiing memories at the Ridge. “I learned to ski there. I vividly remember the magic carpet, and I have many awesome memories there,” Spencer Posternak ’28 said. It is a very easy drive, and a perfect option to go with friends for the day.
If you’re willing to take a little bit of a trek for better skiing, Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley, ME has some of the best skiing in the East. At just under a seven-hour drive, Sugarloaf has some great expert terrain but also trails for everybody. “My favorite place to ski in the east is Sugarloaf … I have lots of great memories there,” Amanda Gorrin ’26 said. A highlight is the new West Mountain expansion that opened in 2024. There are 12 new beginner/intermediate trails, and an all-new high-speed quad; it’s known as New England’s largest expansion. Although The Loaf doesn’t have a real village at the base, many terrific Maine-style restaurants can be found along the access road. With the third-highest vertical drop in the East, Sugarloaf is a great option for a long weekend or break.
Unfortunately, the very best skiing isn’t local to Scarsdale, however, two great options for experts looking for exceptional terrain are Revelstoke Mountain and Whistler-Blackcomb Resort. “Revelstoke has the best terrain in North America. Besides how hard it is to get to, it’s my favorite,” Finn Pearson ’28 said. The two mountains, both in British Columbia, Canada, undoubtedly have some of the best terrain in the world. They sit one and two on the list of the highest ski mountains (vertical drop) in North America. However, they are a trek from Scarsdale, both being about an 8-10 hour travel time; this would work for a longer break, but not for a weekend. Revelstoke is known to be a little cheaper and less crowded, but both are fantastic mountains.
Another outstanding mountain out west is Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah. Snow is in its name, and not for nothing. Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Snowbird averages more than 500 inches of annual snowfall and boasts one of the longest seasons in the nation, spanning from November to July. Unlike Revelstoke and Whistler, Snowbird has the balance between skiing and big resort amenities. With many options for lodging and countless restaurants on site, Snowbird is a wonderful place to be even when you’re not up on the slopes.
Whichever of these mountains you go to, remember to stay safe and have fun! This February break is a great time to explore a new mountain. Find some powder, hit some bumps, and enjoy some hot cocoa!
