Vermont Once Again Dominates Ski Magazine's Top Resorts in the East List

Vermont alpine ski areas once again dominated Ski Magazine's Readers' Top-Ranked Ski Resorts in the East list, claiming three of the top five and 10 of the top 20 spots for 2020.

Smugglers' Notch Resort planted its flag at the No. 2 spot on the list, thanks to its well-earned reputation as the perfect destination for the entire family:

"Absolutely fabulous family-friendly resort, our kids love the friendliness and positivity of the staff, we love the glade skiing and the laid-back vibe of the place. It doesn't try to be super modern and it is developing a special Smuggs charm that makes it unique from any other resort we've been to." See More

Mount Snow Resort followed right on Smuggs' heels at No. 3. The mountain and its legendary snowmaking got props, but Ski's readers also lauded the surrounding area:

"Mount Snow has it all, Dover is a great town, great restaurants, scenery, nightlife, and friendly locals. The mountain is always in great shape. With the new North Lake snowmaking and extensive grooming it is always a great day." See More

Completing Vermont's tight Top-5 grouping was Killington Resort at No. 4. "The Beast's" role as a significant investor in Vermont's total of $51 million in offseason improvements helped earn its lofty spot on the list:

"Killington is putting its money where its mouth is by investing millions on new lifts, redesigning more intermediate trails, and will break ground on a new K-1 lodge in just a few weeks. The resort is in the middle of a major transformation going from dated to world-class. So far every investment has made skiing and riding here more enjoyable." See More

Sugarbush Resort checked in at No. 6 on the list, drawing raves for owner Win Smith's hands-on approach to so many aspects of operation:

"At Sugarbush, I've been in line next to the owner! Win Smith is actively involved with Sugarbush and it shows. He's innovative and responsive to the lowly weekend skier as well as the local powderhound. Independence is what makes Sugarbush fantastic!" See More

Mad River Glen rounded out Vermont's presence on the list at No. 8. The co-operatively owned mountain's notoriously challenging terrain and throwback feel continue to impress readers of Ski:

"If you are a hardcore skier, MRG is the best. No frills—only greatness. If you want to all the non-skiing frills, go elsewhere and leave the mountain to deserving skiers." See More

The No. 12 place on the list belongs to Jay Peak Resort. The bountiful powder provided by the famed "Jay Cloud" of course factored in to its inclusion on the list:

"The atmosphere here is so relaxed. The locals are extremely welcoming and I love their no-nonsense attitudes. Who needs grooming when you can slay mega pow in the woods? Fresh lines for days." See More

Stratton Mountain Resort clocked in at No. 13 on the list. The resort's character was cited by Ski readers as a major plus, as was its tree skiing:

"Stratton is the quintessential old-time Vermont ski resort. ... the resort's charm and ambiance makes it a great weekend destination. The glades on the resorts boundaries, right and left, are fun to explore after a fresh snowfall!" See More

Okemo Mountain Resort's well-known penchant for family fun and signature heated orange bubble chairlift helped land it at No. 15 on the list:

"A family-friendly resort with expert grooming, a trail layout that is fun for groups of mixed abilities, and a system of decent high-speed lifts." See More

A newcomer to the list at No. 17 was Magic Mountain. The ski area's trademark "Soul of Skiing" approach certainly resonated with Ski readers:

"Magic hits it out of the park. Good old-fashioned skiing. The trails are fun and varied. The staff is friendly and helpful. You can't help but feel like you've stumbled upon a secret that those crowds across the valley don't even know exists." See More

Rounding out the Vermont ski areas on the list was Stowe Mountain Resort at No. 18. Ski readers saw a perfect "total package" in the iconic Vermont resort:

"Stowe is beautiful and very much the all around "ski village" experience with the latest updates since Vail took over the resort. The actual town of Stowe is quintessential New England which should be visited by all‚ not just staying at the resort up the road." See More