As the winter approaches, busy New Yorkers should be lining up their calendars with snowbound activities. And what better way to enjoy the cold than on top of a mountain!? Here is a list of some of the best skiing near NYC.
More in winter sports: ice skating in Central Park
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Pocono Skiing at Camelback Mountain Resort
Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Located about two hours from New York City, Camelback Mountain Resort is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. Located in the ever popular Poconos, Camelback Mountain Resort features 34 trails of different skill levels and some of the best skiing in PA. The trails stay open until 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Lift tickets are available on weekdays for $53, weekends and holidays for $67.
Accommodations are affordable. The Days Inn Tannersville has rooms for about $80 a night and up. If you desire something a bit more plush, The Chateau Resort is located at the base of Camelback Mountain, with rooms priced at $134 a night and up.
The Poconos is also one of the best fall getaways near NYC!
Hunter Mountain
Hunter, New York
Some of the best skiing near NYC can be found in the Catskills. Complete with 56 trails, Hunter Mountain is a leisurely two hour drive from the Big Apple. Lift tickets sell for $70 on weekdays and $80 on weekends and holidays.
Accommodations are available at the highly affordable Mountain View Lodge. Rooms at the Mountain View Lodge begin at $50 a night. The Kaatskill Mountain Club is a highly popular lodging, for people who want to spend a bit more. The Kaatskill Mountain Club boosts everything from studios and suites, with complete kitchens to leave more time on the slopes. Rates at the Kaatskill Mountain Club run from $250–$800 per night.
Hunter Mountain is super popular and offers some of the best skiing near NYC. And the Catskills are beautiful throughout the year!
Windham Mountain
Windham, New York
Yet another ski resort located a couple of hours from New York City, Windham Mountain is located in the Catskills area and boosts 49 trails. One of the best and closest mountains to enjoy NY skiing, the resort offers nighttime skiing on about ten of its runs on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Lift tickets are $75 during the week, $85 on weekends. The resort offers equipment rental.
Affordable lodging is available at Cave Mountain Motel for between $70 and $90 per night. If you desire something a bit more upscale, the Winwood Inn offers standard hotel rooms as well as one and two bedroom condos, all for between $129 and $629 per night. If you are traveling with four people or more, reserving a condo at Winwood Inn actually can prove to be an economical option.
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Skiing in New Jersey at Thunder Ridge
Patterson, New York
Thunder Ridge bills itself as being truly a family friendly ski resort. It is located a two hour drive from New York City. Thunder Ridge features over 20 runs, at various skill levels. Lift tickets are available for between $40 and $50.
Lodging in the area include the Holiday Inn, located in nearby Danbury Connecticut, with rooms available beginning at $89 per night. The Hilton Garden Inn, also in neighboring Danbury, has rooms beginning at $120 per night.
Travel to the Resorts
Bus transport to each of these resorts is available from New York City. Typically, busses run back and forth between the resorts and NYC on a daily basis throughout the height of the ski season. Keep in mind that seats can fill quickly on these transports. Therefore, you are well served booking a seat as early as possible.
Reservations at Hotels and Motels
Because of their relatively close proximity to New York City, hotel and motel rooms tend to be in high demand throughout the ski season. Therefore, you are wise pinning down your travel plans as early as possible. Booking several months out is wise, and necessary if you plan on visiting one of these resorts during the wintertime holiday season.
Ski Lessons
To enjoy the best skiing near NYC, you’ll need work on your skills! Each of these resorts offer novice skiers lessons, taught by highly regarded pros. As is the case with so many things associated with these resorts in close proximity to New York City, spaces in classes do fill quickly. You have a better chance of finding class openings on shorter notice if scheduled during the week rather than on the weekend.
Equipment Rental
As has been noted, resorts do offer equipment rental. Reservations for equipment can be made in advance.
