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Aug 17, 2022

Skiing in New York

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Skiing in New York? Believe it or not, the Empire State offers some serious skiing.  With mountains that rival Colorado and Utah, New York provides excellent skiing for people of all skill levels. 

One of the top destinations for PLAY airlines is New York City, so pack your bags and head to the slopes if you're looking for a snowy getaway. Plenty of excellent resorts in this state will give you an enjoyable skiing experience. 

Below you'll find a list of some of New York City's most popular ski destinations. 

Gore Mountain

Alpine sports enthusiasts will be pleased to know that one of the best places to go skiing in New York is Gore MountainLink opens in a new tab. It's the biggest resort in New York, with four peaks and 100 trails. 

This mountain boasts an impressive 2,500 feet of vertical drop, making it one of the tallest mountains in the region, and comparing favorably to those out west, such as Grand Targhee, Northstar, and Arapahoe Basin. 

Gore Mountain has a wide variety of trails to suit all levels of skiing ability, from beginner and intermediate to expert.  

The mountain also offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, which are beautiful in winter. You can also see the peaks in Canada and Vermont's Green Mountains on a sunny day.  

Gore Mountain is far from major cities, which helps keep things peaceful and less crowded.

It has many different terrains, and it's not too expensive, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a challenging and enjoyable skiing experience on a budget.

Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain is one of the most popular resorts in the Empire State. Just under three hours away from New York City, it's worth checking out if you're looking for a ski resort that's easy to get to. 

It has an updated lift system, which makes getting around the hill convenient.  

Because of its après scene, it draws more of the hard-skiing and partying crowd. While there is no traditional base village, there are plenty of restaurants and even some slopeside accommodations. 

The resort is divided among four faces, ensuring that the beginners' slopes are separate from the rest.  

The majority of the runs, for the most part, are evenly split among beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The remaining 15% of the runs will take you down the steps or through the glades, which are for expert skiers. 

Sixty-seven trails service 13 lifts. Also, if you're looking for something other than skiing, snow tubing and guided ice-climbing expeditions to the top of the mountain are available. 

There are many different types of accommodation options for people visiting the area.  

You can choose to stay in a condo on the ski hill or in a hotel or inn close by in Tannersville or Windham. So, if you're looking for a great place to ski and enjoy the après party scene, Hunter Mountain is the place to be. 

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain in New York has the greatest vertical drop in the East at 3,166 feet and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. It's also a training site and is considered one of the best places to ski in the Northeast. 

It's the 5th tallest mountain in the state, and its slopes are covered in snow all season long, thanks to its high elevation and north-facing orientation.  

As a result, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy world-class conditions all winter long. The Whiteface MountainLink opens in a new tab ski resort may be found further from New York City, but it has something for everyone.  

While the mountain attracts intermediate and advanced skiers, beginner skiers have dedicated terrain. 

The ski resort's intermediate run is one of the longest in the Northeast, with a 2.1-mile-long leg burner known as the Wilmington Trail. The mountain offers a total of 87 runs, including nine chairlifts. 

If you want to explore the mountain town atmosphere, the nearby city Lake Placid has fantastic entertainment and dining options.  

Other significant upgrades for the season include the new Legacy Lodge at mid-station, which is now open. This beautiful new building houses restaurants and ski services with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. 

Whiteface Mountain offers a unique and exciting experience for ski enthusiasts, from beginners to experts. So if you're looking for a great place to ski in New York, Whiteface Mountain is a great option. 

Whiteface mountain

Windham Mountain

Windham Mountain's ski resort provides stunning views and a truly memorable skiing experience. It has a laid-back atmosphere and various features that appeal to skiers and snowboarders alike.  

And with plenty of children's activities, it's also a family-friendly resort in the Catskills. It's less crowded than other areas and an easy drive from New York City, only a few hours away. 

The mountain has thirty-six trails, eleven lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,900 feet. It's spread over two mountains and has 54 paths covering 754 acres, so you'll likely run out of energy before exhausting all the skiing runs.  

It's a fantastic destination for families due to its dedicated beginners' area.  

It also has some of the best intermediate skiing in the region and activities that are off-the-slope at Adventure Park, including kids' snowmobiles, ice skating, and tubing. 

Windham MountainLink opens in a new tab is also a popular spot for snowboarding, and there are six terrain parks with every type of ramp, hump, bump, jump, and crazy rail to try for those who like to freestyle.  

And if you're looking for a challenge, you can try your hand at the mountain's halfpipe. The resort can easily accommodate weekend visitors with 11 lifts transporting almost 23,000 people uphill each hour. 

Some amenities are limited because there isn't an authentic village, but there are also condos conveniently located near the slopes and various options within 5 miles of the resort.  

The dining area, base lodge, and surrounding areas have recently been renovated and updated. So if you're looking for a family-friendly option for skiing or snowboarding in New York, check out Windham Mountain. 

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Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

With its beautiful scenery and well-groomed trails, it's no wonder Belleayre is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City and an affordable option for day-trippers on a budget.  

And, with various terrain options, there's something for everyone at BelleayreLink opens in a new tab, from beginners to intermediates and beyond. 

Belleayre is one of the largest in the Catskill Mountains. This family-friendly ski resort provides excellent skiing terrain with a vertical drop of more than 1,400 feet and 50 named runs.  

So, whether you're looking for a challenging run or a leisurely slope, you’ll find it here. When you get to the resort, you'll notice its peaceful location with adequate snowfall and many varied terrains.  

The bottom half is mainly set aside for newcomers to learn in a quiet environment. In addition, there are three snowboard parks/courses and first-class ski instruction at the Snowsports school. 

One thing to note is that because the après scene is limited, you may feel like you've strayed into the middle of nowhere.  

If you want to spend a more extended period in town, however, you'll be able to discover restaurants and accommodations within 10-15 minutes of the mountain.  

There are picturesque little towns nearby, and hotels and bed and breakfasts are among the choices, as well as condominiums. Also, after a slew of upgrades, including a brand-new day lodge and significant investments in snowmaking, skiing at Belleayre has never been better.  

So, if you're planning a trip to New York to hit the slopes, be sure to add Belleayre Mountain Ski Center to your list. 

Bristol Mountain

Bristol Mountain is located in the western Finger Lakes region of New York, and it's known for its picturesque scenery. It has a long list of features and benefits that appeal to skiers and other alpine sports enthusiasts.  

With just over 1,200 feet of elevation, it claims to have the greatest vertical of all ski resorts in upstate New York. Bristol also claims to have the area's longest run, at two miles long. 

The mountain has 38 different runs ranging from beginner to expert.  

Morning Star is equipped with a Nastar Race system for speed nuts and racers. Upper Galaxy is perfect if you're searching for a long, open cruiser. On the other hand, thrill seekers will get their kicks at Highpoint Terrain Park.  

The mountain has a state-of-the-art lift system that makes getting around the mountain quick and easy, and the 100% snow-making coverage is ideal for the lack of natural snow. 

Bristol MountainLink opens in a new tab is also home to friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help out with any questions or needs you may have.  

It's the perfect destination for those looking to avoid the crowded vibe of big resorts. The town of Canandaigua and the surrounding area are relaxed, providing an authentic vibe. 

There are also great dining options in a large base area. While staying at the resort is a great choice, you could also go with one of the townhouses closer to the base for easy ski-in/ski-out access.  

 So if you're looking for an uncrowded and friendly place to go skiing in New York, check out Bristol Mountain. 

Plattekill Mountain

If you're looking for a family ski resort, Plattekill Mountain is worth checking out. It's in the northwest Catskills of New York State.  

It provides an authentic mountain experience and a unique atmosphere that makes the visit truly memorable. It's privately operated and owned by the Vajtay family, making it the last family-owned mountain in the region. 

The mountain has four lifts and 38 trails and terrain perfect for beginner and experienced skiers. The scenery is also beautiful, and there are often great views of the surrounding area from the top of the mountain.  

The mountain usually has a good amount of snow, so you can generally ski there well into the spring. 

Regarding lodging, you can stay at one of Plattekill's partner hotels and save on snowy entertainment.  

There are also several restaurants and eateries where you can try some fantastic cuisines. Overall, Plattekill Mountain is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great family-friendly resort to go skiing in New York.  

Holiday Valley Ski Resort

The small-town feel of Holiday Valley Ski Resort is accentuated by beautiful lifts and a lively after-hours scene.  

 It also gets more natural snow than most other ski resorts in New York. This is due to its proximity to Lake Erie and the lake effect snow that occurs throughout the winter. 

While the vertical at Holiday Valley isn't as impressive as others, it more than compensates with a great deal of snow and extensive terrain.  

The ski area has modern lifts spread over several hills, offering various options for skiers of all ability levels. The terrain you'll find varies depending on where you're at.  

For example, you might find long cruisers in one area of the resort and shorter, steeper black diamonds in another.  

You'll never be bored with three base lodges, an excellent ski school, and other activities such as tubing and the Mountain Coaster available. 

Holiday Valley also offers slopeside lodgings and a thriving après scene, providing a vibrant nightlife missing from some of the other mountains. There are also several restaurants, shops, and a lovely main street in the neighboring town of Ellicottville, making this ski resort an ideal site for a winter vacation. 

Top Resorts for Skiing in New York: In Summary

If you’re looking for a fantastic winter destination, New York, the Empire State has no shortage of places to go. Various ski resorts offer plenty of terrain for all levels of skiers, amazing views, and plenty of après-ski activities. 

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly getaway or a small-town vibe with beautiful scenery, several resorts provide an enjoyable skiing experience. 

And don’t forget to check out PLAY airlines for your flight to the Big Apple.  

 We'll make sure you get to your chosen resort quickly and easily. Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic time on the slopes. 

 

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