5 Best Ski Resorts in Vermont for Beginners

They offer 14 trails that are classified as beginner, green trails. There is a variety of ski terrain as your skill level builds without needing to move to intermediate slopes.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

There are 9 lifts to transport you around the mountain. One of those lifts is a magic carpet lift.

Lessons are available for all skill levels in both skiing and snowboarding. They even offer adaptive lessons for guests with a disability. Packages can be purchased by the day or for an entire season. All reservations must be made via phone. Check their site for kids lessons and adult lessons pricing.

• Kids Rule Mountain Camps offer full-day ski school adventures for children ages 5 to 12. This includes skiing instruction, fun, lunch, and hot cocoa. In 2015, they were voted 3^rd best in the East by Ski Magazine for kid friendly activities.
• Get Skiing/Snowboarding is a 2-hour intro course to get you up and going. It teaches all the basics you need, designed for beginners ages 13 and up.  
• Private lessons are available for ages 3 and up. They are designed to meet your personal skill level and needs.
• Child care is available for ages 2.5 to 6 years. Their program not only includes a fully equipped center for entertaining, but they build in some fun in the snow as well. Each child receives a mini ski lesson designed just for them.

The ski shop is located at the base lodge and offers all the latest in ski and snowboard rentals. Rent for the day or for the entire season. Check out their site for the latest pricing.

Bromley does not offer snow tubing.

The resort is surrounded by other winter activities just a short ride away: ice skating, sleigh rides, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. For dining options, there are 3 quick service restaurants and 1 tavern with full-service dining onsite.        

Common Praises

Known for its great family skiing, guests rave about the uncrowded slopes. Another plus is their pricing is more affordable than you find at the larger resort areas. The staff is attentive and people love to return year after year.  

Of their 121 trials, 39 are classified as beginner, green trails. They span all 5 mountains offering plenty of scenic terrain, variety and room to explore.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

As beginner slopes are in various areas around the mountains, the resort offers 20 separate lifts to get you around. There are 2 magic carpet lifts. The best part is these are free allowing beginners of all ages to access them while they get their skis under their feet.

​Lessons are available for all skill levels in both skiing and snowboarding. Packages can be purchased per day or per season. It is recommended to book at least 7-days in advance. Book early for a 10% discount. Check their site for current rates.

• Children’s programs are designed to provide fun and learning for all skill levels ages 3 to 14. There are options for half day and full day.
• Women’s programs range from a Sunday Funday to a 5-day adventure package. Gain coaching from top female skiers and snowboarders while building confidence, new skills, and making friends.
• Group lessons are specially designed for beginners. Get coaching in a small group to learn the basics before you go it alone.
• Private lessons are available for all skill levels. Working 1-on-1 accelerates your ability to learn.
• Child care is available for ages 6 months to 4 years. Their Penguin Playground Day Care is fully equipped to engage your children and keep them safely entertained while you’re on the slopes.

They offer 2 rental shops on site for all your ski and snowboard needs. The certified technicians on site will help fit you to ensure you are safe to hit the slopes. Packages are available for multi day stays. You can also get alpine touring equipment for backcountry skiing. Check out their site for the latest pricing.

If you need a break from the skis, you have options. They offer a multi-lane snow tubing park as well as an ice skating rink. Take a ride to the top of the mountain on a Snowcat Excursion to see things from a different, warmer view. Or, zip down the mountain on the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. This 2-passenger, sled car coaster is a main attraction.

When you need a break from the snow, check out their indoor golf training center including a swing simulator. At the pool house, you will find an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and racquetball court. There is even a studio offering yoga and Zumba classes. For a little relaxation, book a massage at the spa. In between it all, you will have plenty of dining options ranging from grab and go (including Starbucks), cafeteria style, casual dining, and upscale restaurants.   

Common Praises

This resort is known for being a family style resort with well groomed trails. Generally, guests love the variety of trails stating they can ski for days without getting bored. There is something for everyone.

Not only do they offer 24 beginner trails, but they are the first ski resort in the East to offer guided backcountry skiing tailored for the entire family, at all skill levels.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

They offer 6 lifts to get you up to the slopes (1 of those is a magic carpet). Though, most of the beginner courses are concentrated toward the base of the mountain.

Bolton tries to center its lessons around the student and achieving specific skill-based outcomes. Not only do they offer traditional ski and snowboard lessons, but they have added glade, Nordic, and backcountry skiing as well. Check their site for current rates.

• Children’s programs are available as a half day or full day of instruction (ages 4 to 12 for skiing and 6 to 12 for snowboard). These lessons include lunch and breaks in the Explorer Clubhouse.
• Group lessons are arranged based on personal skill level of everyone participating (age 13 and up).
• Learn to Love It Program – Book a special 3-day beginner workshop and earn a card that provides you a 50% discount the rest of the season.
• Private lessons are available for all skill levels (age 4 and up). You will be matched to an instructor based on your skill level. Private lessons must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
• Child care is offered from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. For children 2-6 years of age, they can also include an age appropriate ski lesson.

Everything you need for skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing is available onsite. They also have discount options for full-season rentals. Check their site for current rates.

Bolton does not offer snow tubing.

The sports center offers a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, arcade, pool table, and workout room. Inside the field house you can play basketball, soccer, or kickball. Book a massage or take a yoga class at the Mountain Wellness Center. There are also 5 restaurants/lounges onsite, live music, and Sunday farmer’s markets.

Common Praises

A favorite, value packed ski destination boasting some of the lowest ski rates in Vermont. It’s close to everything, but far less crowded. Plus, the staff is friendly.

Despite its reputation, 41% of its slopes (38 trails) are geared toward the novice skier.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

They offer 11 lifts including a summit gondola you can ride to the top of the highest peak in Vermont for amazing views. One of their lifts is a magic carpet geared toward beginners.

Stratton has one of the more comprehensive training programs as it’s backed by 55 years of experience. There’s something for every skill level. Making reservations in advance is recommended. Check their site for current rates.

• Children’s programs are available starting at age 3 and are designed by age group. Instructors work to make the program fun as they move around the mountain exploring all it offers. Book in half or full-day increments. These groups tend to fill up fast.
• Group lessons involve exploring the mountain with a pro, grouped according to skill level (age 13 and up). The plan for the day is guided by group expectations and desires.
• Private lessons are available for all ages and levels. You can begin with an hour and go all the way up to a full-day (depending on age). You can even add up to 4 people to create your own group session.
• Child care is offered from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. It is located only steps away from the slopes making it easy to drop and go. Kids 3 and over have the option of adding a trial ski lesson to their day.

They offer all the latest ski and snowboard equipment. Schedule your rental ahead of time and they will have everything ready and waiting when you arrive. As a bonus, you can switch between skis and snowboards at no additional cost. Check their site for current rates.

The Coca Cola Tube Park includes 4 different runs. The park is supported by lift service and includes a warming hut with refreshments.

The fitness center is top notch including an indoor pool, saunas, massage, weight and cardio machines, indoor tennis courts, and classes (yoga, spin, and cardio). The Village is full of shopping, has its own grocery store, and offers more than a dozen dining options. For a night out, take a snowcat ride or check out the local music scene with live entertainment.

Common Praises

Stratton receives high praise when it comes to varied terrain, fast lifts, and entertainment options. It’s a great place for skiers of all levels and generally tops a guests list of favorite places to ski in the East.

Despite its size, the resort still offers 28 green trails for beginners. The Snowshed area is the best base for beginners to get their basics down.

Magic Carpet Lifts 

There are 20 lifts to get you around the property. Three of them are magic carpet lifts for the learning areas and bunny slopes. Mountain Ambassadors also are all over the trails to help guests find their way.

Killington warns not to assume the rating of each trail matches what you’d expect from a similar rating at another resort. They advise even advanced skiers to start slow. Lessons are promoted at all skill levels. Check their site for current rates.

• Children’s programs with structured lessons are available starting at age 4. Classes are capped at either 3 or 5 to keep groups small. Their goal is to build confidence and develop lifelong skiers.
• Group lessons are broken into 8 different programs geared towards teens (age 16+) and adults. They vary by skill to accommodate beginners up to competitive skiers.  
• Private lessons are available beginning at the age of 2. Each lesson is geared toward your ability and skill set. You can even book private family lessons.
• Child care is offered from 12 weeks to 12 years of age. It is available in half-day or full-day increments. For kids 2 to 3 years old, a trial lesson can be included to introduce them to skiing or snowboarding.

They offer the area’s largest selection of ski and snowboard rentals. When you pre-purchase a lift ticket, you can earn 20% off your rentals (including free overnight storage). Check their site for current rates.

Not only does Killington offer a multi-lane, lift serviced tubing park, but they have other options as well. The Beast Mountain Coaster is a 4,800-foot-long alpine coaster with 360-degree corkscrews. Maybe you prefer other activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ski biking, or scenic gondola rides. They really do have something for everyone.

When you’re done with the snow, there is still plenty to do. The spa includes facials, massage, and body treatments. There is also a fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Check out the Pico Sports Center for an indoor pool, a dance/yoga/aerobics studio, tanning, and classes (yoga, Zumba, and spinning). When you’re ready to hit the town, take your pick of over a dozen different venues. Each base camp offers a variety of food courts, restaurants, and full-service bars with live music.

Common Praises

The area offers something for everyone. Not only is the skiing great (miles and miles of skiing), but so is the night life. It’s everything one might expect from a ski destination.