New York State has plenty of beautiful scenery, challenging peaks, and plenty of affordable skiing.
The state also has plenty of fun winter activities for everyone. There are basically over 50 ski areas in the state, and you can easily find one near you.
New York State has some of the best ski areas in the East, many of which are close to major metropolitan areas like New York City. So you can easily travel to a winter wonderland in just a couple of hours.
Several resorts in the state range from small family-friendly establishments to large mountain resorts that feature impressive vertical drops.
Night skiing is also available in many of these areas, which makes for a great experience. The article covers the best ski resorts in New York.
Where Is New York?
The state of New York is located in the northeast region of the United States.
It’s commonly referred to as New York State, the 27th-largest state in the country. The state has an area of 54,556 square miles.
As of 2021, New York State has a population of approximately 20.2 million. Many of its residents live in New York City.
Around 25% of the state’s residents live in Queens and Brooklyn. The state of New York is the fourth most popular state after California, Texas, and Florida.
New York is bordered by Pennsylvania, New Jersey to the south, Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts to the east.
It also has an international border with Canada’s provinces of Quebec to the north, Ontario to the northwest, and a maritime border with Rhode Island.
See Also: Best Ski Mountains in New Hampshire
Best Ski Resorts in New York
New York hardly comes to mind when it comes to skiing. However, the state has more ski resorts than several states in the United States.
These are the best ski resorts in New York;
1. Jiminy Peak Mountain
One of the largest resorts in New England is the Jiminy Peak Mountain resort, which features 45 trails and 9 lifts.
This facility is known for its super-sized vertical rise and has plenty of tree-lined trails.
However, a wind turbine near the summit is one of the resort’s most notable features.
This feature, which has blades over 120 feet long, generates almost half of the resort’s energy.
2. Hunter Mountain
One of the most popular ski areas in the state is the Hunter Mountain resort, which features 58 trails and 12 lifts.
This facility is located in the Northern Catskill Mountains and close to New York City.
This facility also features various activities and North America’s most extended zip-line canopy tour 600 feet above the ground.
This resort is located at 64 Klein Ave, Hunter, New York. One-day tickets cost approximately $17.
3. Mountain Creek
Technically, this ski resort is in New Jersey, but it’s also close to the Big Apple, so it makes our list of the best ski resorts in New York.
It is also the state’s giant snowboard and ski area. This facility features four mountain peaks and various terrain parks.
This is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys going for a moonlit ride at night.
Equipped with over a thousand snow guns, this facility can keep the terrain covered and ready for riders to shred from the first day of their stay.
It’s also the home of the largest US Ski and Snowboard Association racing venue. In addition, this facility’s lift tickets are priced at just $99.
4. Thunder Ridge
This family-friendly resort is located just a short drive from New York City and is the perfect choice for groups of all sizes.
This facility has 22 trails that are ideal for beginner and experienced skiers.
It also features a variety of activities and a terrain park that’s designed to provide riders with an opportunity to flex their skills.
The resort is open from 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 9 pm on Saturdays, and 9 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
Its lift tickets cost $45 for a full day, $59 for a day pass, and $70 for a weekend or holiday. Its equipment rental is also available for $52.
5. Camelback Mountain Resort
This area is easily accessible and has 34 trails, ideal for experienced and beginner skiers.
However, the advanced slopes are not suitable for everyone. This facility features a 20-acre terrain park designed to provide riders with an opportunity to improve their skills.
The resort is open from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am to 10 pm on weekends.
Its lift tickets cost $60 for a full day, $79 for a day pass, and $70 for a weekend or holiday. Its equipment rental is also available for $29.
6. Windham Mountain
It’s located in the Catskill Mountains and offers night skiing on select trails until 9 pm on weekends.
This allows riders to spend less time traveling to the area and more time on the slopes.
This facility has plenty of beginner-friendly trails, ideal for those who avoid getting face-planted.
In addition, half of its runs are rated intermediate, making it an excellent choice for those familiar with what they’re doing.
This resort is open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 4 pm on weekends. Daily lift tickets start at $71, and equipment rental starts at $65.
See Also: Best Ski Resorts in Denver, Colorado
7. Stratton, Vermont
One of the highest peaks in Southern Vermont can be found at Stratton, but it also has plenty of beginner-friendly trails that are ideal for those new to the sport.
Its four high-speed lifts are additionally beneficial, as they allow riders to spend less time waiting in line.
Like the mountain ski resort, this ski resort is not in New York, but it makes our list of best ski resorts in New York because of its proximity to the state.
8. Okemo Mountain Resort
Even seasoned snow-skiers cannot help but praise the quality of the resort’s snow.
Its high-powered snow guns can cover almost a hundred percent of its trails, and it has plenty of diverse terrain for everyone.
This facility also features a 500-foot-long superpipe and six terrain parks, ideal for riders skilled at tricks. This ski resort is open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm and on weekends from 8 am to 4 pm. Lift tickets cost $72 and can rise to $258 on holidays and weekends.
9. Mount Snow, West Dover, VT
The closest significant mountain in Vermont is Mount Snow. This facility has 80 trails that are located in the Green Mountain National Forest, and it also has plenty of tree skiers within its boundaries.
This area is known for its beautiful forests and diverse terrain. This facility is open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 4 pm on weekends.
If you’re still in the mood for action after the lifts have stopped working, try taking in some evening tubing at a 10-lane park.
The ten-lane parks are ideal for riders looking to have fun after the charges have stopped working.
10. Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall, CT
This ski resort is located in Connecticut but still makes our list of best ski resorts in New York due to its proximity.
Mohawk Mountain is an excellent choice for a short weekend getaway or daily trip, as it offers beginner-friendly trails and steep slopes that are ideal for those new to the sport.
This mountain also has plenty of places for riders to work on their shredding skills.
This facility is 3,000 feet above sea level, and riders can enjoy a variety of difficulties on its various trails.
11. Catamount
The Catamount offers 33 trails, 11 ideal for riders new to the sport. It also has a terrain park that’s ideal for intermediate riders.
One of the exciting things about this facility is that it straddles the Massachusetts-New York state line, which means that it can accommodate rides from one state to the other on a single slope.
This mountain also has 15 trails and a terrain park open until 10 pm on weekends.
The ski resort is open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays, and 8:30 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays. Lift tickets start from $35 and $72 on weekends.
12. Belleayre Mountain
This is one of the best ski resorts in New York. It is also the most secluded ski resort in the state.
Belleayre offers 47 trails that are ideal for riders of all skill levels. Beginners can find beginner-friendly slopes at the mountain’s bottom half and challenging runs at the top.
On the other hand, intermediate riders can expect to see 27 diverse trails in between.
13. Killington, VT
One of the largest ski resorts on the East Coast, Killington Mountain has over 70 miles of terrain.
It features six mountains and 140 trails, and it’s the perfect choice for riders who are looking for various activities.
One of the most popular features of this facility is its 500-foot-long superpipe, which is ideal for both freeskiers and those who are serious about the sport.
This ski resort is located in Vermont. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 4 pm on weekends. Lift tickets cost approximately $169.
14. Whiteface Mountain
One of the most popular and best ski resorts in New York is Whiteface Lake Placid, located in New York.
This facility features 87 trails ideal for riders of all skill levels. Its vertical drop of over 3,000 feet is also one of the most impressive in the Eastern United States.
This mountain has plenty of meadows, where skiers can enjoy off-piste skiing.
15. Gore Mountain
For over 80 years, Gore Mountain has been providing New York with some of the most challenging and diverse terrains.
This mountain, situated in the heart of the state’s Adirondack Mountains, features 110 trails and a vertical drop of over 2,500 feet.
It also has 14 lifts. It is the largest and one of the best ski resorts in New York.
16. Stowe Mountain Resorts
If you want a luxurious experience with a powder-filled day, head to Stowe Mountain.
This resort, located in Vermont, features over a hundred trails that can be accessed through its various lifts.
Mount Mansfield, known for its graceful slopes, is one of the most popular trails on this mountain.
17. Holiday Valley Ski Resort
Although the vertical at this resort may not be as large, it still features plenty of terrains and an abundance of snow.
This is one of the few New York ski resorts that can offer a knee-deep powder day. It is also close to Lake Erie, which can trigger a lake effect snow phenomenon.
Holiday Valley is also close to Ellicottville’s town, making it an ideal winter destination. This area has several shops, restaurants, and hotels.
18. Bristol Mountain
Bristol Mountain is located in the heart of New York’s wine country and claims to have the highest vertical in the region. It also has the longest run in the area.
This mountain has 38 runs that can be accessed through its various terrains. This means that you can find something for everyone at this resort.
One of the most popular areas at this mountain is the Morning Star, which features a Nastar Race system.
19. Peek’n Peak
This mountain has five terrain parks and can accommodate both boarders and skiers. This facility also features 26 named runs.
However, suppose you’re looking for a more challenging and fun way to spend your time, head over to the tubing park.
This area features a variety of slides and features music throughout the day.
20. Greek Peak Mountain Resort
One of the most family-friendly resorts in the state, Greek Peak Mountain, is located in the Upper New York State area.
With over 220 acres of terrain, this facility is considered the biggest ski resort in the region (Upper New York State area).
This includes 56 trails that are designed for beginners and action seekers. This mountain also has four different terrain parks that are ideal for those looking to improve their skills.
21. Titus Mountain Family Ski Center
Titus Mountain is also a great family-friendly resort located near the Canadian border.
This property features three mountains and 50 trails, allowing you and your group to enjoy various activities. This vertical drop of 1,200 feet is ideal for everyone.
See Also: Best Ski Resorts in Vail, Colorado
How Much Does it Cost to Visit New York?
The average cost of a 7-day trip to New York is around $2,157 for a solo traveler. However, it costs around $6,926 for a family of four and $3,700 for a couple.
Best Time to Visit New York
The best time to visit New York is during the fall and spring, as it’s usually the best season. The temperatures are also pleasant from April to June and September to November.
But if you’re coming to explore the ski resorts, then winter should be your best bet.