The Best Ski Resorts for Off-Piste in Vermont

Venture beyond the groomed trails and discover Vermont's finest backcountry terrain. Our off-piste rankings reveal where you'll find the deepest powder stashes, challenging glades, and untamed wilderness that'll test your mettle. These rankings come straight from the Snomad community - passionate powder hounds who've tackled these slopes firsthand. No marketing fluff, just honest assessments from riders who live for those untracked lines. Found your own secret powder paradise? Share your experiences here.

Explore more Vermont rankings for Tree Skiing, Powder Zones, or check how resorts stack up for Expert Skiers. Planning a complete trip? Don't miss our Accommodation Options and Value for Money tables.

Best Ski Resort for Off-Piste in Vermont: Jay Peak - Off-Piste Rating 4.41

Jay Peak's off-piste terrain is legendary among East Coast riders. The glades are consistently praised as the best in the region, with one advanced snowboarder claiming they're "like no other." A Snomad user who's an expert skier raved about the "endless marked and unmarked tree terrain" that creates "paradise on earth after a storm." The famous "Jay Cloud" ensures more powder than neighbouring resorts, with several reviewers mentioning finding stashes even when not forecasted. The tree skiing is described as "unrivaled" with areas like Beaver Pond Glade and Andres Paradise standing out. Even after skiing in British Columbia, one expert still found Jay's terrain thrilling.

#2 Smugglers' Notch Resort - Off-Piste Rating 4.29

Smugglers' Notch offers some seriously impressive off-piste terrain that's winning over the SNOMAD community. One advanced skier described it as having "hands down the best off-piste skiing in the north east," while another long-time visitor raved about the "unbeatable woods skiing and out of bounds terrain." The glades are particularly celebrated, with three peaks providing plenty of variety for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. Madonna mountain seems to be the go-to for more challenging lines. A Snomad user who's been visiting for over 20 years noted the quality of terrain for every skill level, making it a complete package for powder hunters.

#3 Stowe Mountain - Off-Piste Rating 4.11

Stowe's off-piste terrain is a major highlight for adventurous skiers. Our reviewers consistently praise the quality of tree runs and backcountry options. One Snomad community member liked the "awesome amount of terrain to explore," while another described it as having "great steep runs and many options for woods." An advanced snowboarder mentioned that Stowe has "probably the best tree trails and back country" on the east coast. The area next to Smugglers Notch offers excellent side country access, and many users point to the variety of challenging terrain under the Fourunner Quad, featuring steep mogul fields that even expert skiers find testing.