Best Places to Ski in CT – 11 Ski Resorts to Try [2024 Update]

There’s no need to make a trip up to Vermont when there are plenty of great ski resorts right here in Connecticut. In fact, some of the ski resorts in CT may be better in some regards.

That’s why we put together this list of the best places to go skiing in and around Connecticut. Plus, we included a map of the nearby ski areas so you can easily find the one closest to you. So without further ado, these are the best places to ski in CT.

A ski area in CT.

Best Places to Ski in Connecticut

1. Ski Sundown – New Hartford, CT

Ski Sundown is a popular ski resort in Connecticut, found in New Hartford. They are open from early December to late March and have 16 different trails, 15 of which are open for nighttime skiing.

The resort has a lot of different types of terrain, including terrain parks and Connecticut’s only double black diamond trail. There’s a professional ski school here as well. This place is perfect for snowboarders and skiers alike.

  • Location: 126 Ratlum Rd, New Hartford, CT 

2. Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort – Middlefield, CT

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is found in Middlefield, right of I-91. This CT ski resort has over 20 trails, including terrain parks, black diamond trails, and night trails.

The runs at this ski area are mostly straight down, but it’s still plenty of fun if you live in the area. Powder Ridge is also one of the easiest ski areas to get to because it’s so close to the highway.

  • Location: 99 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT

3. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area – Cornwall, CT

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is a top Connecticut ski resort located in Cornwell. They have 26 trails and plenty of ski lifts, so you can go up and down the mountain pretty quickly.

The terrain at Mohawk Mountain is a bit flatter than Ski Sundown, so it’s more beginner-friendly. The snow is groomed daily, plus they have tubing as well (which is great for families with small kids).

  • Location: 46 Great Hollow Rd, Cornwall, CT

4. Mount Southington Ski Area – Southington, CT

Mount Southington Ski Area is another great place to ski in Connecticut. It’s a small ski resort with only 14 trails, but they have a solid terrain park.

Mount Southington also has alpine ski racing league events, along with lessons for kids. Plus, they have extended hours for night skiing. Overall, this is a solid ski area if you’re looking to learn how to ride or practice some new tricks.

  • Location: 396 Mt Vernon Rd, Plantsville, CT

5. Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center – Farmington, CT

As the name suggests, Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center is for cross-country skiing, not mountain skiing. So, this is a great place to take classes and learn the basics of skiing.

The trails in this ski area extend over 350 acres and are groomed daily. The entire trail system is marked with signs that state the degree of difficulty of each trail.

  • Location: 50 Winding Trails, Farmington, CT 

Places to Go Skiing Near Connecticut

6. Catamount Mountain Resort – Hillsdale, NY

Catamount Mountain Resort is a ski resort located near the tri-state border of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. They have nearly 40 trails, and the snow conditions are typically very good.

The slopes at Catamount are pretty easy, so it’s great for beginners. There are a few double black diamond trails and terrain parks as well, but nothing overly difficult.

  • Location: 78 Catamount Rd, Hillsdale, NY

7. Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center – Great Barrington, MA

Butternut Ski Area is an excellent place to go skiing, not too far from the Connecticut border. They have about 25 different trails for skiers and snowboarders at a variety of skill levels.

Season passes cost about $600 a person, but you can also pick up lift tickets for $35 during the week ($80 on the weekend). They are only open during the day.

  • Location: 380 State Rd, Great Barrington, MA

8. Berkshire East Mountain Resort – Charlemont, MA

Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a mid-sized ski resort found in northern Massachusetts. It’s the furthest ski resort from Connecticut on this list, but Berkshire East could provide some variety if you want to hit the powder on some new slopes.

There are nearly 40 trails at Berkshire East Mountain that represent classic New England ski lines. You find a good combination of winding trails and strait slopes with a good pitch.

  • Location: 66 Thunder Mountain Rd, Charlemont, MA

9. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort – Hancock, MA

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is another one of the resorts found in Massachusetts, about an hour from Connecticut. The mountain has a wide variety of intermediate-level trails and plenty of lifts.

Jiminy Peak also has a very good snow system, so they’re often one of the first ski resorts to open for the season in the area. The resort also offers ski lessons and has plenty of other attractions aside from skiing.

  • Location: 37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA

10. Thunder Ridge Ski Area – Patterson, NY

Thunder Ridge Ski Area can be found near the New York-Connecticut border. It’s only about a 25-minute drive from Danbury, so this may be the closest ski area if you live in southern Connecticut.

They have 22 trails, a solid lodge, and a terrain park. The runs are short but do incorporate some steep sections. Overall this is a fun mountain for both skiing and snowboarding.

  • Location: 137 Birch Hill Rd, Patterson, NY

11. Hunter Mountain Resort – Hunter, NY

Hunter Mountain Resort is one more ski area that isn’t too far from CT. They have 67 trails at a variety of difficulty levels, including a terrain park.

The resort also has 13 chairlifts, so you can get up and down the mountain fast. Although a bit far from Connecticut, it’s a great place to snowboard or ski as a family.

  • Location: 64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY

Where to Ski CT – Map

If you’re looking for a place to ski CT, check out the map below. All of the top mountains in and around Connecticut are on the map.

Ski Areas in CT – Final Thoughts

Those are the best places to go skiing in CT for the upcoming season. Most of the places on this list offer rentals and programs for beginners, so you can have fun regardless of your skill level.

If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, I highly recommend you check out our article about the best ski shops in CT.