Skiing Adventures Await: Explore Connecticut's Best Slopes

The best way to enjoy the winter in Connecticut is with your skis strapped on and racing down one of Connecticut's underrated slopes. Alternatively, enjoy snow-covered trees and the quaint countryside while traversing cross-country trails. Spend this winter learning how to ski, practicing more advanced skills, or gliding across a snow-covered wonderland with the family.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall, CT

Mohawk Mountain is a great option for downhill skiing. It has a handful of downhill trails, several runs and ledges. The summit is 3,000 feet and ski lifts are available. Staff at Mohawk Mountain teach numerous lessons and classes and gear is available for rent or purchase from their onsite store.

Ski Sundown, New Hartford, CT

Ski Sundown has 16 trails, 15 of which are lit at night to allow skiing after sunset. Enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, group or private lessons, NASTAR racing, and multiweek programs for all ages. The trails are groomed twice daily to allow for reliable conditions, and all trails offer 100% snowmaking. In addition, you'll find two terrain parks with dynamic features throughout the season and trails that provide terrain for enthusiasts of all ability levels.

Mount Southington, Plantsville, CT

Get race ready at Mount Southington with their racing championship. If you are looking for something a bit more leisurely than racing down the slopes, try Mount Southington's beginner and easy slopes. In total, there are approximately 20 trails suitable for skiers from beginner to pro.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, Middlefield, CT

Powder Ridge is an excellent spot for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing alike. With 19 trails for all-level skiers and several terrain parks, you'll certainly find an option for your skill level. On their website, you can find an excellent guide for new skiers in case you are nervous about setting out on your first ski trip. Additionally, their well-trained staff offer lessons for adult beginners as well as children five and under.

Winding Trails, Farmington, CT

This top cross-country skiing area in Connecticut has 20 kilometers of trails across their 350-acre property. Trails are groomed daily and are wide enough for two skiers to ski side by side. Gear of all sizes can also be rented from their onsite center, and sleds are available for safely pulling along your infant or toddler. Other amenities include a warm ski lodge and ice skating.

White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield, CT

In addition to numerous special events, speakers, and their nature education center, White Memorial Foundation has ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are 40 trail options and a detailed map of the trails can be found online or purchased in store. New trails are also frequently added, so keep a lookout on their website for exciting new habitats to ski through.

Air Line State Park Trail, Multiple locations

This long trail built on a former railroad that connected New York to Boston has been converted into a hiking, biking, and skiing location that runs across Connecticut. Trails are not groomed, but can be reached easily from numerous locations including East Hampton, Colchester, Thompson, Putnam, and several other towns.

Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth, CT

Find numerous trails appropriate for cross country skiing in this beautiful state park. Combine the many shorter trails into longer loops to create a skiing outing suitable to your level. Trails can be combined into loops of one mile or less or to up to 10 miles.

Gay City State Park, Bolton, Hebron, Glastonbury, CT

This 1,569-acre park has numerous trails appropriate for cross country skiing. Trails are not groomed, which makes it great for outdoor explorations. At Gay City State Park, you'll also pass by ruins from a former mill town and foundations of old buildings, making this a culturally interesting stop for skiing. A detailed trail map can be found on the DEEP website and several loops of different lengths can be made by combining trails.

Key Insights at a Glance

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall: Offers downhill skiing with several trails, a 3,000-foot summit, ski lifts, and lessons; gear available for rent or purchase.

Ski Sundown, New Hartford: Features 16 trails (15 lit for night skiing), snowboarding, NASTAR racing, and two terrain parks; trails are groomed twice daily with 100% snowmaking.

Mount Southington, Plantsville: Offers 20 trails for all skill levels, including beginner slopes and a racing championship; ideal for both leisure and competitive skiing.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, Middlefield: Has 19 trails, terrain parks, and tubing; provides lessons for adults and young children, with beginner-friendly guides available online.

Winding Trails, Farmington: Premier cross-country skiing location with 20 kilometers of groomed trails; offers rentals, a warm ski lodge, and sleds for toddlers.

White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield: Features ungroomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails; 40+ trails with maps available; frequently adds new paths.

Air Line State Park Trail, Multiple Locations: A long, ungroomed trail converted from a railroad; accessible from towns like East Hampton and Colchester for cross-country skiing.

Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth: Offers numerous cross-country trails that can be combined into loops ranging from 1 to 10 miles.

Gay City State Park, Bolton/Hebron/Glastonbury: Features ungroomed cross-country trails across 1,569 acres; culturally rich with ruins of a mill town and old building foundations.