Ski Area Madness Bracket Reveal

The play in round is in the books and that means that it is finally time to reveal the bracket for this year’s Ski Area Madness! This tournament re-seeds each round based on the remaining ski areas. First, let’s start with the Vermont Region!

Vermont Region

First Round Bye:

1.       Jay Peak

2.       Killington

3.       Stowe

4.       Mad River Glen

Jay Peak has been one of the top mountains in the entire region all year long and has amassed a season total of 354 inches of snow this season. Killington, known for having the longest seasons in New England, is one of the largest resorts in the region with 155 trails and saw the new Superstar lift debut this season. Stowe boasts tremendous views off Mount Mansfield and has offered some great skiing with over 250 inches of snowfall this season. Only available to skiers, Mad River Glen is home to the iconic single chair and some of the most challenging terrain in the state.

First Round Matchups:

5. Sugarbush vs 12. Pico

Sugarbush has seen just over 200 inches of snowfall this season and saw the Slide Brook Express open for the first time in a while. Pico defeated Bromley in the first round and has spent roughly 85% of the season being 100% open.

6. Smuggler’s Notch vs 11. Magic Mountain

Smuggler’s Notch is under new ownership and is home to some of the most challenging terrain in the state with a great family atmosphere. Magic Mountain is the most affordable option in Southern Vermont and is having one of their best seasons of all time.

7. Bolton Valley vs 10. Stratton

Bolton Valley boasts the highest base area in Vermont and takes advantage of it as they have seen 267 inches of snow this season. Stratton is one of the iconic resorts in the southern start of the state featuring nice long trails to cruise all day.

8. Okemo vs 9. Mount Snow

Okemo has some very enjoyable terrain with Jackson Gore and South Face areas having some of the better natural snow trails. Mount Snow has some long groomers, some challenge in the North Face, and is home to one of the best terrain parks in the state.

Maine Region

First Round Bye:

1.       Sugarloaf

2.       Sunday River

3.       Saddleback

4.       Pleasant Mountain

Even with SuperQuad being down for a majority of January, Sugarloaf is still one of the best ski areas in all of New England and even got the backside snowfields open for the first time since 2023. Sunday River is one of the biggest resorts in the region with a terrain for everyone across eight different peaks. After a slower start to the season, Saddleback has had a great past two months and has some of the best glades in Maine. Pleasant Mountain is the smallest of these four but always has great grooming and views of the lake and Mount Washington.

First Round Matchups:

5. Mount Abram vs 13. Titcomb Mountain

Mount Abram has had all of their terrain open for most of the season and is a great affordable option. Titcomb defeated Lonesome Pine in the play in and is a T Bar only mountain that saw the debut of T Bar 2 this season.

6. Big Rock vs 11. Hermon Mountain

Big Rock is fresh off a good rebrand and is one of the more remote ski areas in Maine up near Presque Isle. Hermon Mountain was about to be in its last season this year but now it looks like there may be buyers of the community mountain.

7. Black Mountain of Maine vs 10. Lost Valley

Black Mountain of Maine is affordable and a great place to go if you are looking for endless glades. Lost Valley is a great option in Southern Maine featuring over 30 trails and night skiing.

8. Big Moose vs 9. Camden Snowbowl

Big Moose is seeing one of the best revivals in New England right now as $2.6 million has been raised by The Friends of the Mountain to keep this place alive. Camden Snowbowl is located close to the Atlantic and hosts some pretty unique events like the U.S. National Toboggan Championships.

New Hampshire Region

First Round Byes:

1.       Bretton Woods

2.       Cannon

3.       Loon

4.       Waterville Valley

Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski resort and features stunning views of Mount Washington. Cannon is known for having some of the best snow in the state with some more challenging terrain in DJ’s Tramline and Kinsman Glade. Loon is coming off a big South Peak expansion and has some of the best terrain in the state for fast groomers. Waterville Valley is the home of the best freestyle skiing in New Hampshire and has some of the best moguls in the state.

First Round Matchups:

5. Gunstock vs 13. Tenney

Gunstock has had all their trails open for quite some time now and offers one of the best terrain parks in New Hampshire and night skiing. Tenney defeated Cranmore in the first round and is a family friendly resort in Plymouth.

6. Black Mountain vs 11. Pats Peak

Black Mountain had their earliest opening day this season and debuted new hike to terrain to expand the vertical. Pats Peak is one of the best options for night skiing in all of New England and has some of the best snowmaking in New Hampshire.

7. Wildcat vs 10. Ragged

Wildcat had a slow start to the season but offers tremendous views of Mount Washington while having some of the toughest terrain in the state. Ragged is very affordable and very underrated and has a ton of glades to explore.

8. Attitash vs 9. Sunapee

Attitash is in a very convenient location in North Conway and has some fun long groomers across two peaks. Sunapee is located near the Upper Valley area and offers great views of the lake.

Southern New England Region

First Round Byes:

1.       Jiminy Peak

2.       Berkshire East

3.       Wachusett

4.       Catamount

Jiminy Peak is one of the bigger mountains in Southern New England and has seen roughly 75 inches of snow this season. Berkshire East has some of the most underrated terrain and glades in Massachusetts. Wachusett debuted the new Polar Express Six Pack this season and is more eastward than the previous two. Catamount is one of four mountains nationwide to have trails in two different states.

First Round Matchups:

5. Yawgoo Valley vs 12. Nashoba Valley

Yawgoo is in the midst of their best season in a while and saw 32 inches of snow just over a week ago. Nashoba beat Southington in a close matchup and is a great local’s ski area.

6. Mohawk vs 11. Otis Ridge

Mohawk one of the best ski areas in Connecticut and consistently has good snow and terrain open. Otis Ridge is another locally run ski area featuring great beginner terrain.

7. Blue Hills vs 10. Bousquet

Blue Hills is just south of Boston and is a good option for people from the city looking to try the sport. Bousquet is out in Pittsfield, MA and is a great asset to the community that has multiple events each year.

8. Butternut vs 9. Ski Sundown

Butternut saw the debut of Jane’s Quad this season. Ski Sundown (Not to be confused with Sundown in Iowa) offers a great mixture of learning, terrain parks, and Connecticut moguls.