Best Mountain Towns in New England to Explore on a Winter Escape

With a picturesque little white church, an iconic covered bridge, the highest mountain in the state, and a high probability of snow every other day, Stowe, Vermont is a quintessential New England town. In the winter, this wonderland turns into the ultimate playground for outdoorsy adventurers, offering not only alpine skiing and snowboarding but also ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, backcountry skiing, and more. This little town of 600 people has the landscape, means, and tools to make any of your wild winter dreams come to life. Of all the mountain towns in New England, Stowe tops the list.

Though this little town is charming in the summer, North Conway looks best when it’s covered in a crisp blanket of white. Located in the Mount Washington Valley, this town is known to have all of the best views—no matter where you are or what you’re doing. In the colder months, locals and visitors alike swarm to this area as Mount Washington Valley was named the top ski town in the United States by the readers of USA Today. The White Mountains have a little bit of everything, making it the perfect winter destination for friends, families, and everything in between.

A perfect balance of quaint and cosmopolitan, Burlington is known for its farm-to-table dining scene, craft breweries, and stunning mountainous landscape. Here, a winter getaway consists of not only hitting the slopes of the Green Mountains, but also strolling down Church Street Marketplace, where brick-lined sidewalks lead to boutique shops, cozy cafes, and lively street performances. Be warned: You’ll leave here in love with winter, regardless of your feelings about the season prior to your visit. Burlington is a fan favorite.

Bethel, ME is the adorable, unnamed town in every Christmas movie you’ve seen this winter. Romantic, charming, joyful, and friendly, this town has a picturesque main street filled with quaint eateries, relaxed bars, decorated storefronts, and inviting cafes. Beautiful no matter how much snow is on the ground, the little town of Bethel will fill your heart with the seasonal spirit of giving this winter. All you have to do is pay it a visit.

There are few moments when we’re gifted the opportunity to experience the true and untouched grandess of the world. It’s these times that remind us truly how wonderfully insignificant human beings are. Exploring Bridgton, ME is one of these moments. Friendly and cute, this little town sits at the base of Pleasant Mountain and nearby Shawnee Peak Ski area, a great place to experience the area on skis.

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 300 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location. 

So, what do you say—want to build a snowman? Now that you know all the best mountain towns in New England, you’re ready to get planning your winter holiday. And if you’re not sure where to start, we know just the place. Book your stay at New England Inns and Resorts.