The Best Ski Resorts for Advanced Skiers in Vermont
Updated September 2026
Looking for slopes that will push your limits and elevate your skiing? Our Advanced ranking showcases Vermont's best resorts for skiers who've mastered the basics and crave more challenging terrain. This unbiased league table reflects the authentic experiences of Snomad community members who've tackled these mountains firsthand. We only include resorts with sufficient feedback to ensure you're getting reliable insights from fellow advanced skiers and riders. Have you recently conquered some challenging Vermont runs? Share your experience and help others find their perfect mountain challenge.
Also check out our rankings for Tree Skiing, Mogul Fields, and Off-Piste opportunities in Vermont to further explore what these mountains have to offer.
Best Ski Resort for Advanced Skiers in Vermont: Smugglers' Notch Resort - Advanced Rating 4.63/5
Advanced skiers at Smugglers' Notch have plenty to rave about. The three peaks offer varied terrain that can rival any major East Coast resort, with Madonna Mountain's runs particularly standing out. One Snomad community member liked that despite the slow, vintage double-chair lifts, the challenging terrain makes up for it with excellent off-piste options and tree runs. Several users highlight the abundance of powder and mogul fields when conditions are right. The slopes are notably less crowded than nearby resorts, giving experienced skiers room to explore. As Cindy, an advanced skier, noted: "Many off piste options" make this a gem for those seeking challenge.
#2 Jay Peak - Advanced Rating 4.58/5
Jay Peak is an advanced skier's dream, especially for those who love tree skiing. Our users consistently rave about the exceptional glades, with Charles saying there's "more powder this season than Utah." The off-piste terrain is unrivaled in the East, with Terra highlighting the "tree runs and ungroomed terrain" as the best she's experienced. Advanced riders particularly enjoy the face chutes and powder stashes that are rare finds elsewhere in the Northeast. While some lifts might be a bit slow, and the tram occasionally goes on wind hold, one Snomad community member points out that most runs remain accessible from other lifts.
#3 Sugarbush - Advanced Rating 4.33/5
Advanced skiers at Sugarbush will find plenty to keep them entertained. Our reviewers mention that Castle Rock peak offers some of the most intense in-bounds terrain on the East Coast, while Burnt Mountain provides unique skiing options including cat skiing when available. The challenging tree skiing and mogul fields get high marks from the Snomad community. One user who's been skiing there for four years notes that there are "challenges for any skier". Though typical East Coast ice can be an issue, a community member suggests hitting eastern-facing trails in the morning that catch the sunlight for better conditions.
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