A person in a green coat and an orange helmet skis down a hill between the pine trees
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You may not have considered New York as a go-to for slopes with downhill skiing. But, in fact, there are a number of mountain resorts close to New York City or further afield that will appeal to all levels if you find yourself on the East Coast.

And the good news is that they’re not as far north as the more well-known Eastern ski areas in Vermont. Some appeal to day-trippers more than others, like Hunter and Windham, while others could be tackled in a long day of skiing and driving but are actually more suitable and enjoyable as overnight trips like the Berkshires, the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes Regions of Upstate New York.

A person skiing at Whiteface Mountain in New York. Photo Courtesy of Whiteface Mountain
A person skiing at Whiteface Mountain in New York. Photo Courtesy of Whiteface Mountain

Skiing in New York

Planning a ski trip this year will require some extra thought. Masks need to be worn everywhere, not just on the slopes. Social distancing is mandatory. And lifts and gondolas are all subject to the capacity reductions imposed by the mountains.

It’s imperative that you think ahead if you plan to ski. Most reservations will need to be made ahead of time, and mainly online. Be sure to check out the specific social-distancing and safety rules for each mountain, especially regarding ski lifts and gondolas.

Make sure you are also well prepared for the snow and check out some of the most durable snow gear available here. From overalls to gloves to the signature beanies, Carhartt has everything to keep you warm and stylish.

 

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You should also book a place to stay before you travel if you plan to do more than a day trip. 

Ski at These Top 7 New York Resorts

Here are seven New York ski areas that will get you through the long, dark months ahead with suggestions for where to stay.

Dreaming of Fresh Powder: Top Ski Areas in New York
Dreaming of Fresh Powder: Top Ski Areas in New York

Skiing the Catskills in New York

Plattekill Mountain, Roxbury

The last of the family-owned ski mountains operating in the Catskills, with an “indie” small-mountain vibe, family-friendly Plattekill has four lifts, a terrain par

The new Platty Shack is a fun, socially conscious go-to for takeaway shopping and beverages. 

Where to Stay:

The Roxbury Motel adds a quirky twist to a country hotel with luxury amenities and individually themed accommodations. Each room and suite will inspire many Instagram moments, a well-deserved sensory reward for a hard day on the slopes.

A person skiing Belleayre.
A Person skiing Belleayre. Photo Courtesy of Belleayre.

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, Highmount

Belleayre is popular for both day-trippers and those wanting to enjoy the area’s inns and BnBs. The ski center has 50 trails with eight lifts and a gondola offering sweeping views of the Catskill Forest Preserve.

Sustainability and versatility are watchwords at Belleayre with trails appropriate for both beginners and advanced skiers. Lift tickets must be purchased in advance online, and capacity is limited with tickets not available on weekends or during blackout periods.

Where to Stay:

Emerson Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodations in the contemporary Inn or Adirondack-style Lodge. The resort also features a spa with nature-inspired treatments and the popular Woodnotes Grille by the river. 

Emerson Resort & Spa in New York. Photo courtesy of Emerson Resort & Spa
Emerson Resort & Spa in New York. Photo courtesy of Emerson Resort & Spa

Vail Resort’s Hunter Mountain in Hunter, New York

Just 2 ½ hours from NYC, Hunter is possibly the most crowded mountain for day-trippers with its 67 trails and 13 lifts. Owned by Vail Resorts, Hunter is now offering Epic Pass providing priority reservations at the mountain and at 34 affiliated Vail Resorts.

The mountain offers diverse activities including snow tubing and snowboarding with ski lessons and trails for all ages and skill levels. Adding to its popularity, the mountain is known for its snowmaking prowess.  

Where to Stay:

Built in 1966, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is a distinctive lodge property with contemporary rooms and an outdoor skating rink made of “Glice.” Skates are provided. 

On the left, a ski lift with red poles among a snowy landscape in front of a mountain under a blue sky with wispy white clouds.
Hunter Mountain in New York. Photo Courtesy of Feilen

Outdoor Adventures on Windham Mountain in Windham

Windham Mountain is hugely popular with 54 trails and six terrain parks. Families love Windham’s Mountain Adventure Park with its snowtubing, kid snowmobiles, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and lessons for all ages.  The new Umbrella Bar offers to-go cocktails between the lifts and the base lodge.

Check the daily report to see the number of trails and parks open and lifts running each day. The mountain has implemented a new “red day” and “green day” capacity calendar which will tell you whether you can purchase day-of tickets or not.

It is advisable to reserve in advance.

Where to Stay:

Whisper Creek Condominiums offer high-end ski-in/ski-out lodging right on the slopes within walking distance to the Alpine Spa and the Windham Mountain base lodge. 

 

 

Day and Night Skiing at The Berkshires Mountains

Catamount, Hillsdale

Catamount Mountain Resort in the Berkshires Mountains straddles the border of New York and Massachusetts, about two hours from NYC. Skiers here must adhere to travel regulations for both New York and Massachusetts and you’re advised to check daily as rules change frequently.

One of the smaller ski areas, Catamount has eight lifts and 36 trails ranging from gentle and intermediate (Green Circle and Blue Square) to expert (Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond) plus terrain parks for more freestyle maneuvers. The mountain also offers Night Skiing.

Where to Stay:

Just over the border from New York into Massachusetts, The Carriage House at The Egremont Village Inn is open throughout the winter.

A person downhill skiing through a snowy forest of trees
A person skiing at Whiteface Mountain in New York. Photo Courtesy of Whiteface Mountain.

Skiing, Bobsledding and Ice Skating Like an Olympian on The Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes

Whiteface Lake Placid, Wilmington

The site of the Winter Olympic Games in 1980, Whiteface might have you dreaming of a Gold Medal as you whoosh down the tallest vertical drop in the East.

One of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, Whiteface has 87 trails and 11 lifts and is equipped to teach anyone who wants to learn to ski, including disabled skiers.

The mountain resort also offers bobsledding down an Olympic track on the Cliffside Coaster, groomed Nordic skiing and an Olympic skating experience at the Lake Placid Olympic Center

 

 

Where to Stay:

High Peaks Resort offers a choice of stays ranging from traditional with The Resort, to modern at the Lake House, and suites in the Waterfront Collection on the shores of Mirror Lake.

The Whiteface Lodge is reminiscent of a historic Adirondack Great Camp with rustic timber design combined with luxury accommodations and spa. 

A ski instructor and a student look to the right in a snowy landscape.
A ski instructor and her student at Belleayre Mountain. Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

Skiing for All-Ages in the Finger Lakes Region

Bristol Mountain, Canandaigua

In the Finger Lakes Region, Bristol is especially attractive for first-time skiers and snowboarders with group lessons arranged just for them.

Additionally, The SnowSports School has programs for ages seven and older and includes a lift ticket. This year’s school features small-size bespoke “Pod Lessons” which can include skiers as young as three years old.

The mountain’s 38 slopes and trails will please all ages and levels as well.

Where to Stay:

Mountain Horse Farm is a B&B farm stay just 10 minutes from the mountain. In this peaceful setting, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the farm’s horses and cows.

Meryl Pearlstein

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