Featured image via Mount Southington Ski Area, CT
Connecticut might not be at the heart of New England ski country, but it’s not that far off. A drive of two hours in nearly any northerly direction will yield plenty of options for hitting the slopes, from beginner trails to more advanced terrain. Three hours will get you to some of southern Vermont’s prime ski peaks.
If you’re looking for the best places to ski near Fairfield County, we’ve rounded up your best bets both in state and out.
Ski Areas in Connecticut
Connecticut ski areas are a great option for families, since much of the terrain you’ll find is beginner-friendly. They’re also perfect for those looking to hit the slopes after work or in the evenings, since nearly all Connecticut ski areas offer night skiing.
Ski Sundown, New Hartford, CT
Ski Sundown in New Hartford offers 70 skiable acres, three chairlifts, and a 625-foot vertical drop. Just over half of the trails are beginner-rated, but it also features terrain areas and four advanced trails.
Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, Middlefield, CT
With over 20 trails, including night trails and terrain parks, plus a snow tubing area and snowbiking/snowskating, Powder Ridge offers something for anyone seeking out a winter thrill.
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall, CT
Mohawk is the largest ski area in Connecticut, with more than 100 skiable acres and a 1600-foot vertical drop. Still, it’s a beginner-friendly resort with daily groomed snow and tubing options.
Mount Southington Ski Area, Southington, CT
Mount Southington is ideal for kids, with a terrain-based learning program, active ski school, and racing program for more advanced youth skiiers. For adults, there’s a solid terrain park, extended night skiing hours, and après-ski music Friday and Saturday evenings.
Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center, Farmington, CT
Downhill isn’t the only option for skiing near Fairfield county. For those looking for cross-country skiing, Winding Trails offers well-marked trails that cover over 350 acres.
Ski Areas in New York
Catamount Mountain Resort, Hillsdale, NY
Situated just about two hours north of central Fairfield County, Catamount Ski Area makes a great day trip. It has nearly 40 trails suitable for beginners through advanced-level skiers, as well as a regular rotation of resort activities like weekly live music, rail jams, a slopeside après ski and a vertical challenge.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area, Patterson, NY
Close to Danbury, Thunder Ridge is an easy drive from anywhere in Connecticut, and features 22 trails, three chairlifts, four magic carpers, and a fun terrain park.
Hunter Mountain Resort, Hunter, NY
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s still close by, Hunter Mountain is ideal. This larger resort has an on-site hotel and restaurants, along with 67 trails at a variety of difficulty levels, snow tubing, and more.
Ski Areas in Massachusetts
Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Charlemont, MA
Just over two hours from Fairfield County sits Berkshire East, a family-owned resort that offers classic New England ski lines with six lifts and 33 trails. Little skiers and riders will also love the L.L. Bean S’mores shack.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock, MA
Jiminy Peak is a popular ski spot for southern New England, known for its intermediate-level trails and extensive lesson offerings and kids programs.
Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center, Great Barrington, MA
Butternut provides a diverse range of trails for various skill levels, with the added bonus of being nestled in picturesque Berkshires town of Great Barrington. In other words, it’s a perfect getaway if some of you group doesn’t ski.
Ski Areas in Vermont
Mount Snow, Dover, VT
Mount Snow is just under 3 hours from most of Fairfield County, and one of the closest big ski mountains to the area, which will be evident by the number of CT and NY license plates in the parking lot. Mount Snow offers something for just about any snow sport enthusiast, from beginner skiers, to snow-bike enthusiasts, and recreational sledders to expert-level riders.
Stratton Mountain, Stratton, VT
Just north of Mount Snow is Stratton, which offers a picturesque ski village along with its 670 skiable acres and 11 lifts. It’s one of the best spots in Vermont to visit if you want to get out of the car at the start of your stay, and not get back in until you leave.