The East Coast may not have the towering mountains like those out West, yet it’s dotted with ski resorts that boast long runs and plenty of vertical. Its blend of unique terrain and scenic cruisers make it a great ski destination for those looking to bank some mileage and have some good aprés-ski stories to tell. No matter your skill level, finishing a long, winding ski run brights a lot of satisfaction, and especially as the last run of a fun ski day. So if you’re looking for some leg-burning long ski runs on the East Coast, look no further, as we give you the lowdown on some of the longest ski runs in New England and beyond.
The Longest Ski Runs in New England
Maine
Sugarloaf Mountain takes the prize for the longest run in New England. Tote Road winds down from Sugarloaf’s summit for 3.5 miles, bringing riders back to the base. Despite the resort’s 2,820 feet of vertical, which may sound steep, it provides a gentle slope on the Long Trail, accessed from the Timberline High-Speed Quad. Skiers and riders can take in the stunning views of the Carrabassett Valley on this beginner to intermediate line. There’s no better place to rack up mileage and vertical in New England.
Over at Saddleback, affectionately known as “Maine’s favorite mountain,” the Hudson Highway trail is 3.1 miles long. This easy-going green is broken up into a connected upper and lower section, running from the top of the Rangeley High-Speed Quad. It loops around the easternmost side of the mountain back down to the quad base, passing the Cupsuptic T-Bar on the way.
Further south, at Sunday River, Lollapalooza winds guests from the summit to the base. This windy cruiser is three miles long and goes from the top of the Jordan Bowl, past the Jordon Hotel, Sliders Restaurant, and The Outpost, right back to the base of this area. Here, guests can experience the recently updated Jordan 8 – a seriously fast eight-person chair with heated seats and weather-blocking bubbles.
Vermont
Over in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Killington Resort has New England’s second longest run, Great Eastern, clocking in at 3.46 miles long. It runs from Skye Peak down to the bottom of the mountain. Killington formerly held the “longest run” title with the Juggernaut Trail, which used to be 6 miles long before it split up due to mountain construction. It should come as no surprise that the “Beast of the East” is such a good destination for racking up mileage.
Up at Jay Peak, one of the snowiest mountains on the East Coast, Ullr’s Dream is a solid black diamond that’s 3 miles long. The difficult trail can be accessed from the Flyer Quad or Upper Northern off the tram at the summit. Towards the bottom, the trail eases up at Lower Ullr’s Dream to get skiers and riders back to the base. Ullr’s Dream also provides excellent opportunities to hop into Jay’s legendary glades.
New Hampshire
The Polecat Trail at Wildcat Mountain in Gorham is the longest ski run in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The 3-mile trail meanders down the slope from the summit for 2,100 feet of vertical. The Polecat has a few pitch changes, which make it exciting for intermediate to advanced riders, and provides stellar views of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in New England.
Cannon Mountain, located in the historic Franconia Notch State Park, offers a 2.3-mile run down its mountain for the most vertical of any ski area in the state—2,330 feet. Home to legendary skier Bode Miller, Cannon is unique for its state-owned operation and iconic red tram that brings guests to the summit to take in the stunning views of the White Mountains year-round.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the family-friendly mountain Jiminy Peak has a two-mile run known for its consistent pitch and wide-open space. It is perfect for those looking to get in the flow and appreciate the views of the Berkshires. Jiminy Peak is a great option for beginners and intermediates in Massachusetts looking for a place to learn that offers extra activities and night skiing for the whole family. In fact OnTheSnow readers and app users have rated it the best ski area for beginners two years running.
New York
Even as you head out of New England there are plenty of long trails to explore. The Wilmington Trail is 2.1 miles of intermediate bliss at Whiteface Mountain in New York. It’s a long cruiser with snowy trees and stunning Adirondack and Green Mountain views. Brag to all your friends afterward that you skied a trail at an Olympic resort, since Whiteface is known for hosting two Winter Olympics. Don’t miss Gore Mountain, a 453-acre resort located in North Creek, which is New York’s largest ski area. Gore Mountain’s longest trail is 4.1 miles, comprised of several runs that connect the High Peaks area to the base.
Check out more of the longest ski runs in our our round-up of the longest ski runs in North America.
©Hero image courtesy of Sunday River
February 04, 2025
