Hey East Coasters! Get stoked, because the 2025-2026 ski season is officially ready to launch. Now’s the time to start planning your first epic ski or snowboard trip, so check out the deets for the earliest dates you can shred the slopes at the top East Coast ski resorts. Gear up and let the countdown to powder paradise begin!
Since Mother Nature sometimes has plans of her own, we recommend always checking the resort link to confirm the slopes are open.
Table of Contents
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- North Carolina
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Cranmore Snow Resort Opening Day – 12/5
Though opening day on the slopes for Cranmore Mountain is December 5, 2025, you can celebrate the season early at their Winter Homecoming party on November 29, 2025, complete with drinks, live music, an auction, and more. Nestled in the pristine White Mountains, just a mile from Downtown North Conway, Cranmore is THE spot for some serious skiing and snowboarding action. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the epic vibes on their opening day.
Attitash Mountain Resort Opening Day – 12/6
The snowy festivities at Attitash Mountain Resort begin on December 6, 2025, and it’s sure to be an adventure-packed paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Attitash has a range of slopes for all levels. This place is a year-round hotspot, but let’s be real, winter steals the show! With a whopping 76 trails and eight lifts sprawled across two epic peaks, this New Hampshire ski resort is a must-visit for every snow lover.
Bretton Woods Opening Day – 11/15
Bretton Woods is gearing up to kick off the season on November 15, 2025! The breathtaking scenery is just the icing on the cake of New Hampshire’s largest ski area, featuring 63 trails and 10 lifts. In fact, SKI Magazine gave Bretton Woods the #1 spot on their list of Resorts in the East with the Best Grooming (2025). Plan a visit to the mountain and see it for yourself!
Vermont
Jay Peak Resort Opening Day – 11/28
Opening day at Jay Peak Resort, which comes on November 28, 2025, will be a fun-filled day packed with tons of activities, food, and refreshments. First, sign up to nab one of the 750 free lift tickets they are handing out (registration begins on November 11). Beyond that, enjoy après drink specials, live music, and even complimentary slices of pizza.
Killington Ski Resort Opening Day – 11/12
The 2025-26 ski season is almost in full swing at the legendary Killington Resort! Their opening day this year is November 12, 2025, and you can count on a thrill-seeking winter spent on the classic New England runs Killington has to offer. They even upgraded lifts and snowmaking machinery, as well as added a new on-mountain restaurant. Take note that the Ikon Pass gets you into Pico, Killington’s smaller sister mountain.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort Opening Day – 11/28
Vermont’s highest-rated ski resort, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, opens its lifts on November 28, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the slopes, Smugglers’ Notch has the perfect run waiting for you on their three mountains. Get ready for an adventure-packed season that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear!
Stowe Ski Resort Opening Day – 11/22
The Stowe Mountain Resort is kicking off their winter extravaganza on November 22, 2025! With more mile-long lifts than any resort in the East, you can fill your days with long runs down both mountains: Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. And there’s a gondola that connects the two! You’re sure to have plenty to explore.
North Carolina
Sugar Mountain Opening Day – 11/11
Sugar Mountain is open well before Thanksgiving, and there’s no better way to rev up for the holiday season than by hitting the slopes. Get excited for a winter spent on the mountain, which features 20 runs. Also, mark your calendars for SugarFest, which takes place December 12 to 14, and is a weekend filled with food, drinks, equipment demos, live music, and fireworks.
Cataloochee Opening Day – 11/28
If your go-to ski resort is Cataloochee in North Carolina, the wait is almost over! With their opening day on November 28, 2025, now’s the time to get excited and stock up on all the gear you need for skiing or snowboarding. Though they certainly have black diamond trails for all you pros, they have plenty of beginner and intermediate runs, making it a perfect stop for groups of all skill sets.
Maryland
Wisp Resort Opening Day – 12/5
Get ready for some winter excitement at Wisp Resort! They’re planning to open on December 5, 2025, but keep an eye on the weather, because you never know when the snow gods might decide to speed things up. Either way, the wait isn’t too long, so get set for a fresh season with their brand new snowmaking system.
Massachusetts
Wachusett Mountain Opening Day – 11/22
Get ready to shred at Wachusett Mountain starting November 22, 2025, because there’s no better way to end the week than hitting the slopes. Just about an hour’s drive from Boston, you can also catch a train or hop on a dedicated bus that drops you off right at the base lodge. Talk about convenience! With a killer 1,000-foot vertical drop and 27 trails total, it’s a winter playground for everyone.
Blue Hills Ski Area Opening Day – 12/13 (soft opening)
Bostonians, skiing and snowboarding fun at Blue Hills is just around the corner, with a soft opening day of December 13, 2025! Located in the city’s backyard, just a 30-minute drive southwest, it’s the ideal low-key getaway for when you’re just itching to hit the slopes. With 16 trails suitable for all ages, Blue Hills is a family-friendly destination, perfect for gaining more slope-shredding experience.
Congrats! You’ve made it; your first ski or snowboard run on the East Coast is in sight! At Sun & Ski Sports, we’re stoked for you to shred the slopes. In search of new gear or seasonal rentals for winter? We got you covered. Check out our daily rental options, as well as both the Adult and Junior Seasonal Lease programs, the latter of which features free size upgrades to accommodate growing kiddos. As always, for professional assistance, visit an Outdoor Expert at any of our store locations, or shop online at sunandski.com.
Looking for opening dates of West Coast ski resorts instead? Visit our list of Western U.S. Ski Resorts Opening Dates.
About the Author, Sydney Fogel
Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a writer and editor living in San Francisco. After attending college and kicking off my career in Boston, I made my way back to the Bay Area, where I grew up. When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying everything my beautiful area has to offer, from spending time at the beach (I live just a few blocks away!) to climbing those San Francisco hills to check out the latest restaurant. I’m also super into working out and have been dancing my entire life. Feel free to reach out at sfogel11@gmail.com