Backcountry skiing destinations in the Northeastern US regions
Ready to hit the slopes without the resort crowd? Look no further than these top spots for backcountry skiing in the Northeast. Buckle up for some awesome skiing adventures!
Being a skier means ditching the expensive, crowded resorts and embracing the quiet, more affordable wilderness. But remember, you gotta earn those turns by hiking or skinning up the mountain yourself. It's tough, but the journey's thrill and peaceful, snowy woods make it worth it.
Here are some of the best off-piste runs we've got our eyes on, drawn from Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast. Be sure to check out AMC's Winter Recreation Map and Guide for a portable resource and keep an eye on weather forecasts at AMC locations on our Weather & Trail conditions page.
Sargent Mountain, Acadia National Park | Mount Desert, Maine
Get ready for a scenic route touring Sargent Mountain across the Atlantic Ocean-stunning views are in store! From Parkman Mountain parking lot (accessed from ME 198), turn right and in 100 feet, you'll hit an intersection with a carriage road. For a short, direct route, turn right onto Around Mountain Carriage Road and left at Junctions 13 and 12. For a longer route, take a left and use the Around Mountain Lower Loop. On this route, you'll ski for 3.2 miles, reach Junction 11, turn right and ascend 200 feet, take a sharp right at Junction 10 toward the Around Mountain Lower Loop, and ski up the face of Sargent Mountain. You'll find the Sargent Northwest Trail on the left after 1.7 miles, then it's just a gentle 0.7-mile climb along the north face of Sargent Mountain to the summit. Ski south along Maple Spring Trail until you hit Maple Spring, then ski a snowfield on your left. Find the Upper Hadlock Carriage Road Loop, turn right and return to intersection 12, turn left again, and then right at intersection 13. Parkman Mountain parking lot awaits you on the left!
Distance: 5.6 miles from Parkman Mountain parking lot to Sargent Mountain SummitDifficulty: ModerateInfo: Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast
Zealand Falls Hut Tours, White Mountain National Forest | Jefferson, NH
Start your journey at AMC's Zealand Falls Hut, located in the breathtaking Pemigewasset Wilderness, home to ice cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain ponds. Drive east on NH 302 from NH 3, look for parking after signs for the Zealand Campground. Ski the Zealand Campground road for 3.2 miles to reach the hut, then choose from various backcountry tours in the area. Fair warning: you'll have to take off your skis for a short, steep climb to the hut.
Distance: 6.9 miles round tripDifficulty: ModerateInformation: Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast
Feeling adventurous and ready for a challenge? Discover more backcountry destinations and don't shy away from that set of skis! Just remember, start as a beginner with a guide to stay safe and enjoy the ride. Stay tuned for more of our top picks! 🏔️🏋️♀️ proves that sometimes it's the journey, not the destination, that matters most. 🐽👍 woof-woof!
Embrace a lifestyle that combines outdoor-living and sports by discovering the best backcountry skiing in the Northeast. After skiing along the scenic routes of Sargent Mountain, Acadia National Park or embarking on Zealand Falls Hut Tours in White Mountain National Forest, immerse yourself in home-and-garden experiences by camping in the woods, enjoying the tranquility and the beauty of nature.
