Best Skiing In Connecticut: Guide For Best Mountains and Dates for Prime Snow Conditions

Connecticut is a tiny state, so you can have your fill of skiing adventures without going too far from home! The ski experience in Connecticut is unlike other states as it has a close-knit, family environment. These friendly ski resorts welcome everyone and will do their best to ensure your ski experience is a great one. Although the skiable areas are not as extensive as in other states, and the snowfall can be unreliable, the local ski areas still work hard to provide an excellent ski experience that can satisfy your needs. Many also offer night skiing and other skiing alternatives, such as tubing. Lodging is also available for those wanting to extend their ski trip into a ski vacation. Perfectly groomed snow with multiple runs to choose from guarantees there is something for everyone.

Here are the 4 best ski resorts in Connecticut, as well as the average snowfall and what facilities you can expect in each resort.

Mohawk Mountain

Mohawk Mountain is a family-owned ski resort located in Cornwall, Litchfield County. This ski area was built on Mohawk Mountain on the northwest slope. It features 112 acres of skiable area and 26 runs. There are 8 total lift systems ensuring the lift lines are short and sweet. The vertical drop is 650 feet, while the longest run is 1.25 miles long. Despite the size of the skiing area, Mohawk Mountain is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders in the area. So, you are sure to enjoy your time here, no matter your skiing skills! 

This friendly ski resort has the best beginner terrain in Connecticut! If you are a beginner, Mohawk Mountain is for you. Not only does Mohawk Mountain provides in-depth skiing lessons, but it also provides rental equipment on-site, so you don’t have to worry about lugging equipment up the mountain. A fun fact about Mohawk Moutain is that snowmaking was invented here! You will be able to see how the ski resort’s snowmaking capabilities make up for the lack of snow in the state.

Although Mohawk Mountain does not offer accommodation for skiers, there are plenty of places to lodge nearby in Litchfield County. Litchfield County features local art, music, and shopping to keep you entertained. Mohawk Mountain also offers options for dining if you get hungry during your skiing adventures! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are available on the mountain daily – keeping you fueled and ready to ski!

Average Annual Snowfall

Due to the location of the ski resort means, the snowfall on Mohawk Mountain is not dependable. However, snowmaking can supplement 99% of the snow, so you won’t have to rely on the weather. The average annual snowfall is 29 inches. It is best to go between December and March when the snowfall is more significant. February will be the best month to visit as the snowfall peaks at 11 inches.

Ski Sundown

Featuring 70 acres of skiable terrain and 16 runs, Ski Sundown in New Hartford is a great place to hit the slopes in Connecticut. The resort has a top elevation of 1,075 feet, with 3 chairlifts and 2 conveyors to help get you there. It also features a vertical drop of 625 feet, so getting back down the hill is sure to be thrilling. For the more adventurous, there are two terrain parks to choose from, each requiring a different level of skill to attempt.

As the name implies, night skiing is available and is a must! Ski under the lights between 6 pm and 10 pm on freshly groomed trails, 7 nights a week. Ski Sundown claims to be the only ski area in the region that offers a second groom each day at 6 pm, giving you fresh ski conditions that make your time even more enjoyable.

The base of the resort hosts all sorts of services. Before you head out to the slopes, visit the rental shop to pick up your equipment, or if you’re bringing your own, they also offer professional repairs and tuning. While you’re out, the snowsport school can help you get up to speed with the pros, with over 200 staff members. These guys even provide national certification to other instructors or coaches, so you know you’re in good hands! After a long day on the slopes, head to the food courts and lounge to eat and wind down. Although Ski Sundown does not offer accommodation, there are plenty of places to stay near the area in New Hartford.

Average Annual Snowfall

Ski Sundown gets an average of 39 inches of snowfall per year, with the best monthly snowfall being in February at 19 inches on average. However, as snowfall in Connecticut is not the most reliable, the resort’s snowmaking makes up for it. Ski Sundown has 100% snowmaking capabilities, so even on the clearest of days, you will still get to play in the snow.

Mount Southington Ski Area

This small friendly ski area is located in Plantsville, Connecticut. It has only 51 skiable acres but still has 14 runs suitable for a range of different skiers. Although the top elevation is only 525 feet, the vertical drop is 425 feet. The longest run is also relatively short, at only 0.8 miles long. Although there are fewer runs or skiable acres than in other areas, the ski area features 7 chairlifts to ensure the lift lines are kept to a minimum.

Mount Southington Ski Area is suited for all skiing levels but is more catered towards beginner and intermediate skiers. Beginner and intermediate runs make up 86% of the total runs. One fun feature Mount Southington Ski Area has is night skiing. The whole ski area is open for night skiing, and you can even take skiing lessons during this time!

If you want to find lodging near Mount Southington Ski Area, you are in luck! Although the ski area itself does not have any accommodation available, there are a number of places to stay just a short drive away. Mount Southington Ski Area’s website has links to three amazing places where you can lodge to extend your skiing experience.

Average Annual Snowfall

Like the rest of Connecticut, the snowfall at this ski area is not dependable. Instead, the 100 percent snowmaking capabilities ensure the entire skiable area is snowy and groomed to perfection. The annual average snowfall in the area is around 44 inches. And the best month to visit is February, when the average monthly snowfall reaches its peak at 21 inches. But don’t be afraid to visit during the other winter months as well!

Powder Ridge Park

Located on Besek Mountain in Middlefield, Connecticut is Powder Ridge Park. This ski resort covers 255 acres, with 80 acres of skiable terrain. The mountain peaks at 720 feet and has a vertical drop of 550 feet. There are 22 trails to choose from, 4 terrain parks, and a tubing area. They even have a full-size half-pipe!

The skill level of this resort ranges from beginner to advanced. Unfortunately, none of the trails rated for expert skiers. So if you’re interested in a more challenging run, Powder Ridge Park may not be for you. However, if you have had your fill of skiing, Powder Ridge Park provides tubing and snow biking which are great fun alternatives.

Accommodation at Powder Ridge Park is convenient and is easily reserved online. Powder Ridge Park offers day rooms, overnight rooms, and a day-stay gazebo that can hold up to 6 people! Another feature of the ski area is that they offer fire pits. You can reserve a fire pit located off the restaurant deck – a great way to warm up after being on the slopes all day!

Average Annual Snowfall

The average annual snowfall Powder Ridge Park receives is only around 17 inches, so don’t expect amazing snow conditions. The best months to visit are January and February, when the average monthly snowfall is at its highest. In January, the snowfall reaches its peak at 7 inches. Even though the snowfall is not great, Powder Ridge Park ensures you still get a fantastic snowy experience through its snowmaking capabilities. In addition, the trails are well-groomed, ensuring enjoyment for your skiing adventures.

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