On April 8th, 2024, the skies over North America will unveil a spectacle of cosmic proportions - a total solar eclipse. This rare event, where the moon completely blocks the sun, casting a shadow over the Earth, will capture the imaginations of people worldwide. A total eclipse is rare enough, but viewing an eclipse while skiing is an opportunity that may present just once in a lifetime. The last time that a total eclipse occurred over the United States during ski season was February of 1979 and the next is not forecasted to occur for 50+ years according to Weather Underground.
Some skiers may remember Reuben Krabbe’s award-winning 2015 film, “Eclipse”, in which the renowned ski photographer and a team of professional skiers ventured to the ridiculously remote arctic island of Svalbard to capture a photo of a skier in front of an eclipse.
While we recommend watching the film, fortunately, we won’t have to go to great lengths to watch this year’s cosmic event. The 2024 eclipse is headed directly over some of Northern New England’s most popular ski resorts, and they have lined up some fantastic viewing parties to celebrate.
With last weekend's storm delivering 20+ inches of snow in some areas and more snow potentially on the way, the skiing should be top-notch well into April.
These six ski resorts lie directly in the path of totality, meaning they will experience a period of total darkness during the event. Resorts are listed in order of the duration of totality that they will experience. We've also provided details about special events resorts are hosting for the viewing.
6 Major Ski Resorts to View the Total Solar Eclipse
Sugarbush Resort, VT
Location: Warren, Vermont
Totality Start Time: ~3:26 pm
Totality Duration: ~1 minute, 28 seconds
At Sugarbush Resort, anticipation mounts as day morphs into night amidst the picturesque slopes. Join the festivities in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard, where The Grift will transport you to another realm with their rendition of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Savor Tequila Moonrises and delectable treats while donning commemorative Totality-viewing glasses, available at the Adventure Gear Shop. As the lifts pause and the music fills the air, embrace the surreal beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
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Saddleback Mountain, ME
Location: Rangeley, Maine
Totality Start Time: ~3:29 pm
Totality Duration: ~2 minutes, 10 seconds
Venture to Saddleback’s Lights Out Party for a celestial celebration like no other. With over two minutes of total darkness, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience amidst Maine's rugged wilderness. After a day of exhilarating skiing, immerse yourself in the jubilant atmosphere with the 12/OC Band, ensuring that the festivities continue long after the eclipse has passed.
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Sugarloaf, ME
Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Totality Start Time: Approximately 3:29 pm
Totality Duration: Approximately 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Just a stone's throw from Saddleback lies Sugarloaf, where the eclipse promises approximately two and a half minutes of awe-inspiring darkness. Get the party started on Sunday night with a special performance of Dark Side of the Moon by the Tom Faunce Floyd Experience at the Widowmaker. On eclipse day, join the vibrant energy on the base area "beach" with live music performances by Skosh, DJs Max & Dana, and more. Indulge in the festivities as you await the grand spectacle, and watch the big event from the beach or the peak of Maine’s second tallest mountain.
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Stowe Mountain Resort, VT
Location: Stowe, Vermont
Totality Start Time: ~3:26 pm
Totality Duration: ~3 minutes, 5 seconds
Ascend to Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, at Stowe for a front-row seat to the eclipse extravaganza. Stowe is the first resort that will experience over three minutes of total darkness. While the Cliff House Restaurant's ticketed party may be sold out, you can still secure your spot with a Gondola SkyRide ticket (gondola rides are included with valid lift tickets or passes) for viewing outside the Cliff House or Octagon Cafe. Join fellow eclipse enthusiasts to bask in the surreal glow of totality amidst the rugged beauty of Vermont's landscape.
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You can still book a stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. This is the perfect full resort experience to enjoy a long weekend with an eclipse viewing. Enjoy multiple restaurants, a spa, and family-friendly resort amenities, all at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort.
Our Perks Include:
$100 resort/hotel credit
Breakfast for two
Upgrade & extended check-in/out, based upon availability
Smugglers' Notch Resort, VT
Location: Jeffersonville, Vermont
Totality Start Time: Approximately 3:26 pm
Totality Duration: Approximately 3 minutes, 10 seconds
Just up the road from Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch offers a slightly quieter, more family-oriented environment to take in the eclipse. Join the jubilant festivities of the Eclipse Winter Carnival at the Village Green, complete with music, food, games, and a cozy bonfire. Experience the eclipse in the heart of Vermont's winter wonderland, at this often overlooked resort that has been rated number 1 in the country by Ski Magazine.
Jay Peak, VT
Location: Jay, Vermont
Totality Start Time: ~3:26 pm
Totality Duration: ~3 minutes, 30 seconds
Jay Peak beckons with the promise of an eclipse experience like no other. As the closest major ski resort in North America to the path of totality, it offers an unrivaled vantage point for witnessing nature's grand spectacle. Enjoy a day of Jay’s fantastic spring skiing (fueled by the East’s largest annual snowfall) before joining the festivities at the Whiteout at Tramside base, where Pink Talking Fish will serenade you with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. If you’re looking for the ultimate combo of total eclipse and good vibes, this is the place to be!
The convergence of skiing and celestial wonder awaits at these New England ski resorts on April 8th. Don't miss this opportunity to witness nature's grandeur from the slopes and create unforgettable memories under the shadow of the solar eclipse.
Book your trip with Avant Ski, and get ready to experience the magic of skiing under the eclipse while enjoying exclusive perks and the best lodging in New England.