This list compares a select group of (54) northeastern United States alpine ski areas, based on a loose criteria of: a) areas nationwide over 1,000 vertical feet, b) most areas in VT, NH, ME and MA, since the object of my interest is comparing northern New England ski areas.  My original intent was to to compare lift ticket prices.  The work has transcended that original goal and and is now cutting the data several ways, to see where the resorts stack up numerically. 

This list is not intended to determine the "best" areas.  Beauty of course, is in the eye of the beholder.  I am only ranking resorts numerically.  In many cases, significant ticket price reductions can be had by shopping around, going on special days, bulk and group ticket sales, promotions, early, late season, etc.  Shop around.

Here are the data I chose to accumulate:

1. Name of Resort and State
2. Lift Ticket Prices - I chose the Adult, all-day, full-price walk-up window, Holiday/ season (generally Jan-Feb) or weekend rate whichever is higher.  Of course your mileage will vary, but this is a basis of comparison.     Source: Resort Web sites.
3. Vertical - Source: White Book
4. Lift Capacity Per Hour -Source: White Book
5. Ski-able Acres, Trails, Average Snow, Snowmaking - Sources: Ski Town, Newenglandski, White Book

Trends

• 2008-09 Midwest areas are no longer publishing day ticket rates on their web sites.  Thus, I've dropped the listing of these resorts unless I have a burning desire over the holiday to phone each one.  If you do, drop me a note and I'd be glad to publish them.
• 2008-09 - Trend towards discounting for web pre-purchases has increased.
• 2007-2008:  A trend to remove midweek price differentials has occurred for most "destination" resorts in Vermont and the larger resorts in New Hampshire.  The push for multi-day rates, or "hook" type programs which offer a discount in return for an up-front financial commitment (i.e., Sugarbush's "Sugarcard", Stratton's "X2 Card") are prevalent.

All information is taken from public sources.  I am responsible for any errors found herein.  If you would send me corrections and amplifications, I would be pleased to update this site. You can find my address hidden over here to avoid conspirators and spammers.

If you're interested in cheap tickets, deals and promotions, I collect them all winter long and make them available to the ACE Ski and Board Club newsletter/email list, which you are welcome to join.

Last Update 11/30/08

Bill Tarkulich, Lexington, Mass.

Copyright 2005-2008, Bill Tarkulich