In the eastern US I have been to a couple resorts: Sugar Mountain, NC and Snowshoe, WV.

Sugar Mountain, NC

First off, I'll say that Sugar Mountain is terrible. While its nice if you live nearby that there is even an option, the mountain is very tiny, crowded (at least the few times I've been) and very poor snow conditions. I guess this it to be expected by a North Carolina resort. I'd say if you have to drive more than 3 hours to get here, find other options or drive a little farther north up to Snowshoe!

Snowshoe, WV

This is the second resort in the east that I've visited. My initial impression of this resort was generally positive. I must say though that I visited Snowshoe before having gone out West so in retrospect, my impression is much poorer than my initial one. The village is located on the top of the mountain and has a small selection of restaurants / bars. Its nice because you can roll out of your lodge and ride the mountain without having to take a lift (since its at the top). While the elevation is nothing compared to say Colorado, the mountain is a good size. The snowmaking is pretty good as well and there is a nice little terrain park to mess around on (nothing too serious though). Another plus is that there is night skiing available on a nearby mountain accessible by bus ride from the Snowshoe village center.

So bottom line, if you must visit a resort in the east, check out Snowshoe or Vermont, but avoid Sugar Mountain!

Check out Vermont. They have some top notch resorts out there. Stowe Mountain Resort often makes various top 10 lists too.

SkiVermont.com