Readers rate the top ski areas under the radar

Recently, we gave you our picks for the most underrated ski areas in the region, and you responded with dozens of other places you felt deserved the same honor. Here are the most popular responses.

Mount Sunapee, Newbury, N.H.

“Mt.Sunapee, in Newbury, NH is family friendly and closer for a day trip than other favorites in VT. From Haverhill, MA, it is about 1 hr 15 min. It is fairly priced, just about $10-$15 less than the big ME and VT names, but we don’t pay for overnight lodging and use less gas,and brown bag our lunches;the savings add up. Bigger than Butternut in MA, and usually gets as much natural snow as resorts much farther north. The view from the top encompasses Lake Sunapee and its surrounding terrain.” – Theresa, Haverhill

Pat’s Peak, Henniker, N.H.

“If you are skiing with novices or a first timer, Pat’s Peak should be your destination. They have a chair lift serviced green area that is very flat and builds confidence quickly. They also have a true double black diamond run for experts. It is close to Boston and reasonably priced. Great lesson and rental deals and a nice base lodge area. Not a huge vertical, but enough to satisfy for a day trip.” – Scott Barraclough. Gloucester

Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch State Park, N.H.

“Cannon Mountain. It’s two hours from Boston. It’s inexpensive. It has some gnarly terrain (think under the tram and Mittersill), and something for everyone else. If you don’t want to drive 3+ hours and want to avoid long lift lines, this is the place for you.” – Nick, Canton

Gore Mountain, North Creek, N.Y.

“Have to agree with Gore, may be best kept secret in the East. If you’re happy lah-dee-dah-ing-it in Southern Vermont probably not for you. My brother Dave who lives in New Jersey (mid-shore) finally took me up on skiing it 3-4 years ago and is hooked. A skier’s mountain, comparable terrain to Cannon and Wildcat in NH… easy to reach, far better grooming, snowmaking, and facilities.” – Jim Beneduci, N. Greenbush, N.Y.

Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch, N.H.

“Wildcat. It’s bigger, badder, and has better terrain than Black Mt., and it’s got incredible views of Mt Washington. I loved the (terrifying) gondola back in the ’80s, but today it’s been replaced with a high-speed quad that gets you to the top ludicrously fast…I think it’s six minutes for 2100 vertical feet. My cousin and I did 16 top-to-bottom runs in a half day and we were exhausted. The lines have been virtually non-existent every time I’ve gone in the past 10-12 years, and lift tix were under 60 bucks the last time I went, on a Saturday. Plus, they used to give half off on a Sunday ticket if purchased with a Saturday ticket…and they have the option to do so until mid-afternoon Saturday so you could check out conditions. It’s NH, so conditions can be…brisk…but post-storm it’s INCREDIBLE for value, view, and glades.” – Zach, Worcester

Black Mountain of Maine, Rumford, Maine

“Black Mountain of Maine, located just outside of the town of Rumford, Maine and just down the road from Mt Abram and Sunday River . BMOM has a similar trail network as Abram’s (approximately 35 trails and glades) and 1150 Vertical feet. Long known for it’s nordic national events, the downhill skiing is a relatively unknown secret that even dyed-in- the-wool Mainer’s are just now discovering or rediscovering after all of the infrastructure upgrades made by the Maine Winter Sports Center the past decade. The skiing is defined as classic new england style without the busyness associated with alot of the bigger and more prominent local resorts. BMOM has a laid back atmosphere that is complemented by a beautiful post and beam day lodge, excellent beginner area, and new long winding cruisers off the summit triple. Challenge can be found in the new glades (7 gladed areas) and sidecountry development in recent years. Black Mountain of Maine might just be THE best value in New England at only $15 per day tickets for skiing from 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday and from 9-4pm on Sundays. The word is getting out that this mountain represents alot of value for a family skiing on a budget.” – Jeff Marcoux, Wakefield, N.H.

Jiminy Peak, Hancock

“Don’t forget Jiminy Peak in Hancock, in the heart of the Berkshires. Great terrain, and a nice mountain feel. You’ll rub shoulders with Williams College kids and the New York set, and the craft beer choices apres’ ski are terrific!” – Pete Koynjewski

Pittsfield

Middlebury Snow Bowl, Hancock, Vt.

“I prefer the small areas, and among the best is Middlebury Snow Bowl. It’s tucked into an area that gets plenty of natural snow. Allen, the long black diamond run under the main lift, is a good thigh-burner with plenty of breaks to recover. It’s affordable ($30 adults weekdays, $50 weekends). It’s small (17 trails), but there’s something for everyone. And because it’s out of the way, it’s never burdened by crowds. For me, that’s the best selling point of all.” – Greg Fennell, West Lebanon, N.H.

Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, N.H.

“Gunstock- it’s a good, medium-sized mountain with around a 1400 foot drop, it’s only an hour and a half from Boston, it has a fantastic view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and it has a few challenging trails to go along with the blue cruisers.” – Gary Smiley, Cambridge

Berkshire East, Charlemont

“When the white trails of Berkshire East first break into view off the winding turns of Massachusetts Route #2, I feel a rush of excitement knowing that I am in for a few hours of winter fun.

Berkshire East is an informal, friendly resort, with a varied assortment of trails. I learned to get comfortable on a snowboard after numerous runs down the Big Chief trail after being coaxed on a snowboard by my teen aged son. It was on the Big Chief that snowboarding was transformed from aching calf muscles and a sore butt to a fun and exciting cruise down the hill. For this alone, I will always be very grateful to Big Chief and Berkshire East.

Although not massive in size, the terrain is varied with an ample assortment of intermediate trails, a few diamonds, and a long set of green cruisers that take you around the backside of the mountain.” Greg Morell, Wells, Maine

Catamount Mountain, Egremont

“Catamount in Egremont, Mass just outside Great Barrington. Great steeps and challenging runs. Rustic lodge, family appeal. Skis bigger than nearby Butternut.” – Western Mass Ski & Sports Club, Hampden

Tenney Mountain, Plymouth, N.H. (closed)

“I loved Tenney Mt. in Plymouth, NH. Great old narrow, winding trails – no super highways. Nice glades, too. After many reincarnations, sad to see that it looks like it is never coming back.” – Jim, Bristol, N.H.

Mad River Glen, Waitsfield, Vt.

“Mad River Glen! At a time when mountains are adding lifts and packing more people on the mountain, Mad River decided to recondition it’s single chair and put it in the historic registry so it can’t be changed. When you ski MRG you actually have room around you and don’t feel like your kids are going to be run over by an out of control snow boarder. It’s old school New England Skiing! It also has the best off piste skiing there is.” – Gregory Julian, Marshfield

Burke Mountain, East Burke, Vt.

“Burke. A quiet, unassuming mountain with plenty of challenge. Reasonably priced tickets, sort of on the Ragged-Mt. size. Features the Burke Mountain Academy down the road, who use the slopes for training. As BMA says, “50 Olympians can’t be wrong”. With only a couple of “boulevard” trails, it has the air of 40 years ago, with trails that follow the contours, a surprise around every corner. With Jay Peak having bought the area last year, changes will come, especially with on-slope lodging.

The people make the vibe. It’s casual and a lot more friendly than resorts that cater to the monied. ” – billski, Mass.

Pico Mountain, Killington, Vt.

“Pico Peak-in the 80’s was a rival to Killington, 4000 ft summit, 2000 ft vetical drop, 2 high speed quads to the summit with many other smaller areas. Killington aquired it in the 90’s and put it on the back burner but still operate it. You can go on a busy winter saturday with no crowds and really cheap prices.” – Collin, Pembroke

Camden Snow Bowl, Camden, Maine

“Camden Snow Bowl in Camden Maine. When you ski you can see the ocean. Amazing views and the cost is right.” – Sally, Rockport, Maine

Suicide Six, Woodstock, Vt.

“Suicide Six in Pomfret, VT is the best family friendly ski area in the Northeast. Their staff is second to none and the range of trails are perfect for beginners while challenging enough for the most advanced skiers. I highly recommend a ski trip to Suicide Six.” – Ryan, Boston

King Pine, Madison, N.H.

“King Pine! I learned to ski here as a kid and it was great. the kinda Mountain that 8 and 10 yo can ski alone without the parents worring too much. They also used to do “pay your age” days. Not sure if its the same, but I used to love it.” – Anonymous, Dorchester

Lost Valley, Auburn, Maine

“Lost valley in Auburn, ME. Just 30 minutes up the ME Turnpike from Portland. Used to head up after work for night skiing-can’t believe I used to stay out that late!” – Flossie, Portland, Maine