11 Best Ski Resorts near New York City: Must-See Attractions, Tips, & and What to Avoid
Are you ready to hit the slopes this winter? Many great ski resorts near New York City offer a perfect winter getaway. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, these resorts have something for everyone. You can enjoy a variety of experiences, from challenging terrain parks and night skiing to family-friendly runs and beautiful mountains.
In this list, you’ll find the 11 best ski resorts near New York City. We’ll highlight must-see attractions, share helpful tips, and point out things to avoid for the best skiing experience. Let’s discover the top spots for a fun winter adventure just a short trip away from the city!
1. Windham Mountain, Windham, New York
About the Place: Windham Mountain is located in the Catskills and is known for its variety of slopes and winter activities. It offers a vertical drop of 1,600 feet and is suitable for all skill levels. ⛷️❄️
Place Address: 19 Resort Drive, Windham, New York
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Variety of Terrain: Offers seven double-black diamond trails for experts and gentle runs for beginners.
- 🛝 Terrain Parks: Six separate parks with over 80 jumps, rails, and boxes to explore.
- 🎿 Tubing Park: Multi-lane tubing park open late on Fridays and Saturdays, perfect for families.
Tips:
- ⏰ First Tracks Program: Start your day early with a guide before the lifts open to the public for the best skiing experience.
- 🌙 Night Skiing: Enjoy skiing and boarding under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights.
What to Avoid: 🕒 Peak Times: The slopes can get busy on weekends. If you prefer quieter skiing, consider visiting on weekdays.
Top of Form
Read: 15 Best Beaches in Long Island in New York City
2. Hunter Mountain, New York
About the Place: Hunter Mountain is a popular ski destination in New York with three mountain faces, each offering a different skiing experience. The resort is known for its high-quality maintenance, grooming, and variety of terrain. With a 1,600-foot vertical drop and 67 trails catering to all skill levels, it is a favorite for skiers and snowboarders. The resort boasts state-of-the-art snowmaking that supplements natural snowfall for great skiing conditions throughout the season.
Place Address: 64 Klein Ave, Hunter, New York
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Three Mountain Faces: Offers a tremendous variety of terrain across the different areas.
- 🛝 Terrain Parks: Check out Park Avenue for jumps, transitions, rails, and other features.
- 🌲 Tubing Park: One of the largest in New York, with nearly 1,000 feet of length and a carpet lift.
- 🌄 Zipline Canopy Tour: Soar 600 feet above the resort for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Tips:
- ⏰ Arrive Early: Get a head start to avoid crowds and enjoy the freshest runs.
- 🏷️ Packages: Look for special lift and lesson packages to get the best deals.
- 🧳 Pack Smart: Dress in layers and bring extra gloves and socks to stay comfortable.
- 🌌 Night Skiing: Enjoy skiing after dark for a different and thrilling experience.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Peak Times: Avoid peak hours during weekends and holidays to steer clear of long lift lines.
- 🛑 Last-Minute Plans: Book in advance to secure accommodations and tickets.
- 💸 Overpaying: Check for discounts and packages to save money on tickets and rentals.
- 🥪 Food Options: Bringing your own snacks might be more convenient, as on-site dining can get crowded.
3. Mountain Creek, New Jersey
About the Place: Mountain Creek is a popular ski resort located just an hour’s drive from New York City. It offers the longest runs among resorts within two hours of the city, with a vertical drop of 1,040 feet. The resort spans across four mountain peaks and boasts 46 trails, making it perfect for all skill levels. Snowmaking covers 100% of the trails, ensuring great conditions throughout the season.
Place Address: 123 Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Varied Terrain: The resort has trails for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.
- 🛝 Terrain Park: Explore the 67-acre terrain park with over 80 freestyle features and a 50-foot jump airbag.
- 🌌 Night Skiing: All skiable acres are lighted, allowing for fun on the slopes after dark.
- 🎢 Zipline Tour: Take a thrilling zipline ride over the resort.
Tips:
- 💼 Go Skiing and Snowboarding Packages: Ideal for beginners, offering lift tickets, rentals, and self-guided lessons.
- 🛒 Rent Gear: If you don’t have your own winter gear, you can rent snow pants and jackets at the resort.
- 📆 Plan Ahead: Check the resort’s website for daily schedules and conditions.
- 🌧️ Check Weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to dress appropriately for the day’s conditions.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Weekend Crowds: The resort can get busy on weekends; visit during the week for fewer crowds.
- ⏰ Long Lines: Lift lines may be longer during peak times; arrive early to maximize your ski day.
- 💸 Full-Price Tickets: Look for discounts and packages to save money on lift tickets and rentals.
- 🚘 Parking: The parking lots can fill up quickly during busy times, so plan to arrive early.
Also, check– 15 Best Family-Friendly Activities in New York City
4. Thunder Ridge, New York
About the Place: Thunder Ridge is a family-friendly ski resort located near New York City, making it easy to reach by public transportation. It is a smaller resort with only 100 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 500 feet, making it perfect for beginners and families. The resort is known for its excellent learning programs and reasonable prices.
Place Address: 137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson, New York
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Varied Trails: The resort offers 22 trails, with an even split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- 🚂 Accessibility: The Metro-North Ski Train from Grand Central Station and free shuttle make it easy to reach the mountain.
- 🏫 Learning Program: Thunder Ridge boasts a high percentage of certified instructors, perfect for beginners.
- ⛷️ Terrain Park: Enjoy the terrain park with features for freestylers of all levels.
Tips:
- 💸 Affordable: Lift ticket prices are reasonable, with even better deals on weekdays.
- 🛒 Pack Snacks: Bring your own snacks to avoid waiting in line during busy periods.
- 🕒 Visit on Weekdays: Weekdays are less crowded, offering more relaxed skiing and snowboarding.
- 🥾 Family Private Lessons: Consider booking a family private lesson for a group learning experience.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Weekend Crowds: The resort can get busy on weekends due to its proximity to the city.
- 💰 Last-Minute Bookings: Plan your visit and book to avoid disappointment during peak times.
- 🚗 Parking: The parking lot can fill up quickly on busy days; arrive early to secure a spot.
- 📱 Check Weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the best skiing conditions.
5. Camelback Mountain, Pennsylvania
About the Place: Camelback Mountain is a family-friendly ski resort located in the Poconos, about two hours from New York City. The mountain offers a vertical drop of 800 feet and features a wide range of trails suitable for all skill levels. Known for its super-sized tubing park and new six-person chairlift, it’s a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Place Address: 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Must-See Attractions:
- 🎿 Wide Variety of Trails: The mountain offers 39 trails, 18 of which are beginner-friendly.
- 🛝 Large Tubing Park: Enjoy the 40-lane tubing park with a carpet lift for convenience.
- ⛷️ New Black Bear 6 Lift: Whisks skiers to the summit in under three minutes with bubble canopy protection.
- 🛁 Indoor Waterpark: Stay at Camelback Lodge and enjoy the indoor waterpark for off-slope fun.
Tips:
- 🌌 Night Skiing: All trails and parks are open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- 🕰️ Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving early in the day.
- 💸 Look for Deals: Check the website for lift ticket and rental packages to save money.
- 🚘 Plan Parking: Parking can fill up quickly during peak times, so plan accordingly.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Busy Times: The resort can be crowded during weekends and holidays; consider visiting during the week.
- 💰 High Prices: On-site dining and rentals can be expensive; bring snacks and rent gear ahead of time.
- 🚂 Traffic Delays: The drive can be lengthy due to traffic; plan your trip and leave extra travel time.
- 💼 No Last-Minute Plans: Book in advance to secure tickets, especially during peak times.
6. Plattekill Mountain, New York
About the Place: Plattekill Mountain is known as the powder capital of the Catskills, located in a small box canyon that enjoys its microclimate. The resort boasts a natural snowfall of 175 inches per year and offers challenging terrain for advanced and expert skiers, making it a top choice for powder enthusiasts.
Place Address: 469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury, New York
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Rugged Terrain: Almost half of the 38 trails are for advanced and expert skiers.
- ❄️ Natural Snow: Benefit from the resort’s high natural snowfall for great powder conditions.
- 🛷 Family-Friendly: Enjoy green runs from each summit, offering a full mountain experience.
- 🏠 Unique Atmosphere: Experience the mountain’s laid-back vibe and limited crowd size.
Tips:
- 🎿 Visit After Snowfalls: Open on weekdays only if there’s a minimum of 12 inches of fresh snow.
- 📅 Plan Ahead: Purchase lift tickets in advance due to limited availability.
- ⏰ Weekend Visit: Open only Friday through Sunday for best conditions.
- 🚂 Arrive Early: The mountain is popular and can get busy; plan ahead.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Limited Hours: Only open three days a week and on snowy weekdays, so plan accordingly.
- 🥾 Prepare for Challenges: Be ready for rugged terrain, especially if you prefer groomed runs.
- 🚗 Parking: Parking can be a challenge during busy times; arrive early.
- 🧳 Limited Facilities: Amenities and services may be more limited than larger resorts.
7. Belleayre Mountain, New York
About the Place: Belleayre Mountain is a family-friendly ski resort located in the Catskills, known for its mix of terrain and affordability. With 1,404 feet of vertical drop and 50 trails across 175 acres, the resort offers something for every skier. It is especially appealing to intermediates but also features double-black diamond trails for experts.
Place Address: 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, New York
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Varied Terrain: A mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails for all skill levels.
- ⛷️ Double-Black Diamond Trails: Nine trails rated as double-black diamond for advanced skiers.
- 🏞️ Long Runs: Enjoy the longest run of over two miles.
- 🛫 Free Cross-Country Trails: Over nine kilometers of ungroomed trails into the Catskill Forest Preserve.
Tips:
- 🚌 Trailways Ski Packages: Check out the bus line’s packages from Port Authority for a lift ticket and transportation deal.
- 💸 Frequent Skier Cards: Offers discounts on lift tickets at Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface Mountains.
- 📆 Plan Your Visit: Look for deals and schedule your visit for the best experience.
- 🚗 Arrive Early: Secure parking and lift access by arriving early.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Busy Weekends: Can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially on the lower mountain.
- 💰 On-Site Dining: Dining can be expensive and crowded; consider bringing your snacks.
- 🧥 Unpredictable Weather: Check conditions ahead of time and pack accordingly.
- 💸 Skip-Day: To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays.
8. Jiminy Peak, Massachusetts
About the Place: Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is located in the Berkshires and is known for being family-friendly, with almost half the trails rated for beginners. The resort is a leader in sustainability, as it is powered entirely by renewable sources, including its wind turbine. With a 1,150-foot vertical drop and 45 trails, it caters to all skill levels and offers additional activities like a mountain coaster.
Place Address: 37 Corey Road, Hancock, Massachusetts
Must-See Attractions:
- 🛣️ Beginner-Friendly: Great for families, with extensive beginner trails and a dedicated learning program.
- 🌱 Eco-Friendly: Jiminy Peak is powered by renewable energy, including its summit wind turbine.
- ⛷️ Night Skiing: A significant portion of the mountain is open for night skiing.
- 🚟 Mountain Coaster: Enjoy the fun of a mountain coaster ride during your visit.
Tips:
- 🎟️ Book in Advance: Purchase tickets ahead of time, especially for peak times.
- 🧥 Dress in Layers: Weather can change quickly in the mountains; bring layers to stay comfortable.
- 🥪 Pack Snacks: Avoid long lines and pricey on-site dining by bringing your own food.
- 📆 Plan Midweek Visits: The resort can be crowded on weekends, so aim for a weekday visit if possible.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Weekend Crowds: Expect long lift lines and crowded slopes during weekends and holidays.
- 💰 Higher Costs: Look for discounts and packages to save on lift tickets and rentals.
- ⛔ Busy Dining: On-site dining can get busy; packing food might be a better option.
- 🚗 Parking Issues: Parking can be limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
9. Catamount, New York
About the Place: Catamount Mountain Resort straddles the New York -Massachusetts state line, providing the unique experience of skiing in two states in a single day. The resort boasts a vertical drop of 1,000 feet and a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Place Address: 78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, New York
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ State Line Skiing: Ski between New York and Massachusetts on a single run.
- ⛷️ Long Cruiser: Enjoy the 2.5-mile trail, the longest in the Berkshires.
- 🏂 Varied Terrain: Features dedicated areas for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
- 🏞️ Zip Tour: Take on one of the longest ziplines in the country, stretching over 5,000 feet.
Tips:
- 🎿 Night Skiing: 15 trails and terrain parks are lighted for night skiing until 10 pm on weekends and holidays.
- 💸 Check for Deals: Look for lift ticket and rental packages to save money.
- 🛣️ Prepare for Terrain: Explore the resort’s trail map in advance to plan your day.
- 🚗 Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving early.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Busy Days: Weekends and holidays can be crowded; consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
- 💸 On-Site Dining: Prices for food and drinks can be higher; bringing snacks can save you money.
- 🛷 Wear Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right ski or snowboard gear, especially if you plan to hit the terrain parks.
- 🚗 Parking Issues: Parking can fill up fast on busy days; plan your arrival accordingly.
10. Mohawk Mountain, Connecticut
About the Place: Mohawk Mountain is known for its rich history as the birthplace of modern snowmaking technology. The resort features a vertical drop of 650 feet and 25 trails that cater to all skill levels, providing a great experience for families and skiers of all levels.
Place Address: 46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall, Connecticut
Must-See Attractions:
- 🎿 Variety of Trails: 25 trails offer a balanced mix of difficulty levels for all skiers.
- 🌙 Night Skiing: About one-third of the mountain is lighted for night skiing.
- 🥇 Ski History: Explore the resort where modern snowmaking technology was first developed.
- 🎒 Learning Area: A separate area for beginners makes learning easy and safe.
Tips:
- 💸 Check for Deals: Look for discounts on lift tickets and rentals, especially during the week.
- 🛣️ Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends.
- 🥾 Dress Warm: Weather can be unpredictable, so bring warm layers.
- 🚂 Explore History: Learn about the resort’s contributions to snowmaking history.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Peak Times: Weekends and holidays can get crowded; opt for a weekday visit if possible.
- 💰 Dining Costs: Food and drinks can be pricey on-site; bring snacks to save money.
- 📱 Check Weather: Keep an eye on weather conditions to plan your day accordingly.
- 🥾 Inadequate Gear: Make sure you have appropriate clothing and equipment to stay warm and safe.
11. Mount Snow, Vermont
About the Place: Mount Snow is the closest major ski resort in Vermont to New York City, located just a four-hour drive from the city. The resort boasts a 3,600-foot peak, with a vertical drop of 1,700 feet. It offers a wide range of trails, snowboarding parks, and other winter activities suitable for all skill levels.
Place Address: 39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover, Vermont
Must-See Attractions:
- 🏔️ Variety of Trails: With 80 trails spread across 588 acres, there’s something for everyone.
- 🛷 Snowboarding Parks: Enjoy the resort’s 10 terrain parks and a halfpipe.
- ⛷️ Vermont Charm: Experience classic Green Mountain winter beauty and hospitality.
- 🌌 Night Skiing: Explore the mountain by moonlight with trails open for night skiing.
Tips:
- 🕒 Plan Early: Book lift tickets and accommodations ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.
- 💸 Check for Discounts: Look for deals and packages to save money on your visit.
- 🧥 Dress in Layers: Prepare for cold weather by dressing in multiple layers.
- 🚗 Arrive Early: Ensure you arrive early to secure parking and avoid long lines.
What to Avoid:
- 🕒 Busy Weekends: Crowds can be heavy during weekends and holidays; consider visiting during the week.
- 💸 Expensive Dining: On-site dining can be costly; consider bringing your own snacks.
- ⛔ Limited Parking: Parking can be limited, so plan your arrival time accordingly.
- 🎿 Weather Changes: The weather can change quickly in the mountains; check forecasts and plan your day.
Conclusion.
As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic ski resorts near New York City that offer a variety of winter experiences for every level of skier. Whether you’re looking for thrilling expert runs, family-friendly slopes, or beautiful mountain scenery, you’ll find it all within a few hours’ drive from the city.
Keep in mind the tips and must-see attractions we’ve shared to make the most of your trip, and be aware of what to avoid for a smooth and enjoyable experience. So, grab your gear and get ready for a memorable winter adventure on the slopes!
How much did you like Our detailed 11 Best Ski Resorts near New York City: Must-See Attractions? Review Also, please share these Blogs with your friends on social media.
Recommended
- Travel Hacks
- 12-Ways to Keep Kids Entertained
- Travel Tips for Single Parents
- Top travel tips for seniors
- 10 Best Hiking Trails in Sedona
- Top 5 Best Way to travel to Washington DC
- Top 13 Campgrounds in Oregon for 2024
Meet David Hoper, a passionate travel Blog writer with 7+ years of experience in travel content. Through his exemplary storytelling and engaging narratives, he shares his experiences and brings destinations to life. With a keen eye for detail and a love for exploration, he has cultivated a diverse portfolio of travel blogs that inspire and inform readers worldwide.
