10 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in NY – You should visit this year

Are you visiting New York City this winter and looking for some great places to spend quality time with your friends or family? Then check out this article as I have recommended the top 10 ski resorts in NY here. If you decide to visit these ski resorts, you will surely have an experience of a lifetime with skiing, snowboarding, and numerous fun-filled activities!

Ski resorts are generally established in remote snowy areas where the buzz of urban life fades away. As skiing and snowboarding need large slopes, these resorts are built in areas that are surrounded by mountains. Not an expert on these thrilling winter sports? There are slopes for beginners, as well as fun winter activities for the children and nonskiers. Good ski resorts in NY have room for all to enjoy the snow in several ways.

What is the Best Ski Resort in NY?

1. Gore Mountain
2. Hunter Mountain
3. Windham Mountain
4. Whiteface
5. Belleayre
6. Bristol Mountain
7. Holiday Valley
8. Catamount
9. Camelback Resort
10. Killington Mountain

Check out - Top rated skiing gears : Our Picks

1. Gore Mountain:

Gore Mountain is the largest and oldest ski resort in NYC with 110 trails and 14 lifts. It is a perfect place for passionate skiers to explore the large terrain with friends and family. When you have so many activities, events, and winter sports to choose from in a single place, then what’s not to love? After spending a busy day in the mountain, you can take a spa and relax with your group. 

 There are several options for lodging for visitors in the area. You can stay at luxury hotels or rent inns according to your budget and interest. Feeling hungry after skiing? You do not need to get down from the mountain in search of food. There are restaurants and bars in the mountain to spend time and eat whenever you want. This ski resort fulfills every requirement of spending a great vacation!

Accommodation: 

Fort William Henry, Alderbrook Lodge, Garnet Hill Lodge, Alpine Lodge, The Queensbury Hotel, Creekside Cabins, Gore Farmhouse, and more.

Where to Dine: 

Barvino, Black Mountain Lodge Restaurant, Tannery Restaurant at Gore Mountain, Paradox Brewery, Basil & Wicks, Waffle Cabin.

How to Commute: 

• Nearest airport- Albany International Airport.
• Rail service- Amtrak
• Bus service- Trailways

What We Like:

• 4-12 years old children can take lessons in snowboarding and skiing through several enjoyable activities at the Snow Sports School
• A huge variety of fun activities and events including- hiking, disc golf, mountain biking, and sky rides going on throughout the year
• Safe parking lot and locker renting system
• Dining options in the mountain
• Retail and repair shops are available in the mountain

What We Don’t Like:

• Customer service needs to be improved and more friendly

Official site: https://goremountain.com/

2. Hunter Mountain:

This is one of the largest ski resorts in NY  that is surrounded by four mountains with large terrains. The lodgings of the Hunter Mountain will give a much-needed relaxing weekend to your family. These cozy hotels and condominiums have old-school infrastructure that soothes the mind of the visitors.

Here you can find shops for buying sports gear and winter clothes. You can visit the resort’s restaurants for different delicacies that will warm your soul. Commuting is easy as several options are available to visit this ski resort. Uber service is also available here.

Accommodation:

The Kaatskill Mountain Club & Spa, Liftside Village Condos, and The Pinnacle Condominiums

Where to Dine:

Waffles & Ice cream, Van Winkle’s Restaurant, and The CopperTree Restaurant

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airports- Albany International Airport, Stewart, JFK International, LaGuardia, and Newark
• Train Service: Amtrak, Hudson Line on Metro-North
• Bus Service: Sourced Adventures, Urban Sherpa Travel, NYC Snow Bus, OvrRide East Coast, and Ku Wan NY

What We Like:

• A Relaxing ski resort with cozy lodging options
• A great ski resort for the beginners and children
• Various skiing and snowboarding programs are designed according to the experience level
• Different passes and lift tickets to fit in your budget

What We Don’t Like:

• The resort is often overcrowded
• The management team needs to improve

Official Website: https://www.huntermtn.com/

3. Windham Mountain:

Though skiing is a winter sport, what if you crave for spending a weekend in a ski resort in summer? This luxury ski resort is perfect for visiting during the summer season to relax a bit after hectic weekdays. You can unwind your stress by joining the yoga lessons here or yoga snowboarding. 

The facility of swimming in the pool and taking a spa in its exquisite spa center will boost your mental energy. Not a ski lover? You have several activities like trekking, skydiving, tubing, and biking to enjoy. Thus you will enjoy coming here in the summer more even if it is a ski resort. 

Accommodation:

Whisper Creek Condominiums, Windham Ridge Club, The Quads Condominiums, The Winwood Inn & Condominiums, Windham Mountain Village

Where to Dine:

Tavern 23, Sushi Bar, Mountain Express Cafeteria, Mulligan’s Pub, Umbrella Bar

How to Commute:

• Bus Service- Adirondack Trailways
• Train Service- Amtrak

What We Like:

• A wide range of fun activities including- yoga classes, walking yoga, biking, and trekking
• A well-equipped gym and  a cozy pool to swim around
• Snow tubing for the children 
• A luxurious spa center to provide you with an exquisite spa experience

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit more expensive and commercial than some other ski resorts 

Official Website: https://www.windhammountain.com/

4. Whiteface :

Whiteface is best known for its breathtaking and clear scenic view while hiking or skydiving from the top. You will be in awe of the view of the sunrise, lake placid, and mountains and will come back again to experience the view. This ski resort has various combinations of easy slopes and high trails to provide a comfort zone for visitors of every age group and proficiency level. 

It is one of the best luxury ski resorts in upstate New York that will give you a memorable vacation if you visit here. Want to pamper your family members with a posh vacation? Then bring them to Whiteface as the exquisite lodging, fine restaurants, and every facility of this ski resort will treat them with nothing less.

Accommodation:

Adirondack Vacation, Saranac Waterfront Lodge, Hotel Saranac, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, High Peaks Resort, Mirror Lake Inn and Spa.

Where to Dine:

Legends, Waffle Cabin, Cloudspin Bar and Grill, Taste NY Café, Growler’s Grill, 4610’ Grill

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Albany International Airport
• Train Service- Amtrak
• Available Bus- Adirondack Trailways

What We Like:

• Experiencing the clear and exquisite view of nature from the mountain
• Several terrain options for both beginners and expert skiers.
• Suitable skiing lessons for every age group
• An expensive ski resort but the facilities make it worth your money
• A great place for hiking lovers

What We Don’t Like:

• Some may find the expenses a bit too much

Official Website: https://whiteface.com/

5. Belleayre

This ski resort in New York State is well known for the variety of terrain and slopes that allow visitors of every proficiency level to enjoy skiing to the fullest. Not an expert in this popular winter sport? The helpful instructors will help you learn skiing and snowboarding in such an enjoyable way that would make you at ease.

There are several lodging options to choose from. If you want to stay close to nature, you can book cozy cabins at Phoenicia lodge or Cold Spring Lodge.  If you want to experience the luxury, you may book The Roxbury experience. The locality has some great shops where you can buy handcrafted organic skincare products. So don’t forget to take a look there!

Accommodation:

Cold Spring Lodge and Cabins, Phoenicia Lodge, The Roxbury Experience, Full Moon Resort, Hannah Mountain Resort, Margaretville Lodging, Catskill Seasons Inn

Where to Dine:

The Andes Hotel, The Ark Bowl & BBQ

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport-  Albany International Airport, Stewart International Airport
• Train Service- Amtrak

What We Like:

• Professional management service
• Different terrain and slope options for the beginners as well as the experienced skiers
• Beginner-friendly ski resort with cordial trainers and staff members
• The mountain and snow are well-preserved and well-groomed
• Smooth and fast gondola ride

What We Don’t Like:

• The early closing time may bother people who prefer to spend the whole day in the mountain
• A bit overcrowded ski resort

Official Website: https://www.belleayre.com/

6. Bristol Mountain :

Bristol Mountain is a perfect place to spend the weekend if you have toddlers or small children in your family. This ski resort has a licensed child care center that is provided by the state. So, your kids will be in good hands if you want to go skiing or snow lifting without them. 

What is better than a nice and relaxing ski resort with some great lodgings and cafes as well as restaurants to spend a weekend in? It is also a great place for a destination wedding or friend gatherings as the place is less crowded than other ski resorts.

Accommodation:

The Lake House Canandaigua, 1795 Acorn Inn, Finger Lakes Premier Properties, Chalet of Canandaigua B&B

Where to Dine:

Northern Bites, Sunset Noodle Bar, Sunset Café, Morning Star Café, The Cannery, Carver’s Kitchen

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- JFK International, La Guardia
• Train Service- New York Penn Station 

What We Like:

• The Staffs are well behaved and helpful
• Well-groomed trails
• The lodgings are cozy and great to stay at
• Has a licensed child care center for 18-month-old toddlers to pre-school goers
• Arranges adventure camp for the children during summer

What We Don’t Like:

• The management team needs to be more professional while handling visitor queries

Official Website: https://www.bristolmountain.com/

7. Holiday Valley

Holiday Valley is entertaining visitors since the winter season of 1957-1958. It started with only one T-Bar and 4 slopes and comes a long way from there. Now this very well-known resort on the East coast of New York has 60 slopes and ski trails to match the proficiency level of the visitors. For non-skiers, the resort has opened a golf course, aerial park, swimming pool, snow tubes, and many more fun activities.

The local café and restaurants are loved by the visitors for warm and delicious cuisines as well as fresh baked foods. The children’s daycare center is a great place for providing your small children with easy ski lessons and trail exploring activities. This is one of the engaging and well-reviewed ski resorts in New York for spending vacations with families.

Accommodation:

Inn at Holiday Valley, Tamarack Club, Edelweiss Lodge, Ellicottvillas, Timberline Lodge, Saisons Inn, Wingate Inn

Where to Dine:

The Marketplace Café, Katy’s Café, McCarty Café, John Harvard’s Brew House, Dina’s and The Loft at Dina’s, Sliver Fox, Slopeside Bar, and BBQ.

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Buffalo Airport
• Taxi Service- Buffalo Airport Shuttle, Buffalo Limousine

What We Like:

• A wide range of mountain trails for people of different proficiency levels in skiing
• Several cafes, restaurants, and bars to grab fresh and baked foods
• Has swimming pool facilities
• The instructors and staff are cordial and helpful 
• Has several lifts that operate smoothly
• Provide amenities to cook by yourself in the rooms
• Provide ski lessons and engaging fun activities to the children

What We Don’t Like:

• Needs improvement in the parking area
• Customer service needs to be more professional

Official Website: https://www.holidayvalley.com/

8. Catamount:

Catamount is one of the best small ski resorts in New York that runs throughout the year with separate activities suitable for summer and winter. In 2018  it is upgraded into a modern ski resort that has great places to munch in whenever you feel hungry, a relaxing lodging place with scenic views, and several amenities for giving you a fun experience. 

The ski resort also has the longest zip line in New York and some suitable terrain for beginner and intermediate-level skiers. Your kids will love the place as they can explore one of the largest Aerial Adventure parks in NY and get to experience engaging camping activities.

Accommodation:

Catamount Mountain Resort, 

Where to Dine:

CampFire, Fat Cat, Slopeside Snacks, Stateline Grill

How to Commute:

• Train Service- Amtrak
• Bus Service- Peter Pan Bus Line

What We Like:

• The modern resort lodging is well equipped with a television, coffee maker, and small refrigerator.
• The instructors and staffs are informative, cordial, as well as helpful
• Summer activities include exploring the resort area with zips, camping, and enjoying the Aerial adventure park
• Snowtubing, ski lessons, and racing events in the winter

What We Don’t Like:

• Gets overcrowded on the weekends
• Customer service needs to be more professional

Official Website: https://catamountski.com/

9. Camelback Resort:

Want to throw a destination party or arrange to get-togethers with your friends? Then you must check out the Camelback Resort as it is well-known for arranging fun parties in its water parks. The indoor and outdoor water parks are the main attraction of this ski resort. 

Aquatopia is an indoor rooftop water park that features a splash zone and pool for children. Camelbeach outdoor water park is popular for partying and various water rides to enjoy. This ski resort is also great for beginners and children to ski in the winter as the slopes are large with easy trails.

Accommodation:

Camelback Lodge with 453 rooms 

Where to Dine:

Trails End Pub and Grills, Berrelli’s  Italian Chophouse, Massinos, Hemisphere, Big Pocono Family Eatery, Eatside Pitstop

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Lehigh Valley International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport
• Bus Service- Martz Trailways
• Taxi Service- Mountain Taxi

What We Like:

• They have indoor and outdoor water parks with water sports and slide facilities, perfect for hosting summer parties.
• Enjoyable activities like- riding zipline and mountain coaster, bungee jumping, exploring the greenery with tree top walking for the non-skier people.
• A great ski resort for children to begin skiing with facilities like- bunny slopes and kid-friendly ski trails
• Cordial and well-behaved staff
• Top-notch bars and delicious foods for every age group

What We Don’t Like:

• The foods are a bit expensive
• Need to recruit more staff

Official Website: https://www.camelbackresort.com/

10. Killington Mountain:

If you are a passionate skier who is looking for exciting and hard slopes to win over, Killington Mountain is the best ski resort for you then. The mountain is in great shape with proper grooming. The snow-making machine produces a large of number snow so you will experience a smooth ski session even if the trails are tough. During summer, you can enjoy playing golfs and taking gondola rides with your family.

After a long day of skiing and exploring the area, you can take a relaxing massage and bath in the Killington Grand Spa to remove all the stress. You can also work out in the Pico Fitness Centre to check their well-equipped gear. Moreover, you can enjoy camping with your family if you do not feel like skiing.

Accommodation:

You can lodge in the Killington Grand Resort Hotel from where you can experience the exquisite view of the mountain.

Where to Dine:

Clubhouse Grill, Preston’s, Peak Lodge, Beastro Food Truck, Snowshed Umbrella Bar, Mahogany Ridge Bar

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Rutland Regional Airport, Lebanon Municipal Airport
• Train Service- Amtrak
• Bus Service- The Bus

What We Like:

• Features several slopes of different proficiency levels from beginners to expert
• The lift service is smooth and fast
• The instructors are helpful with the ski lessons
• The mountain is well-groomed and makes enough snow
• Perfect place for passionate skiers to ski on the large terrain of this ski resort
• Has a child care center for taking care of your small children

What We Don’t Like:

• The security system needs to be improved
• The management needs to be more professional

Official Website: https://www.killington.com/

Tips for Selecting Best Ski Resort in New York

Price:

Pricing is one of the important factors when choosing a great ski resort for a vacation with your family. My advice is to start saving money to avail the best experience in the ski resorts in NY. You may also check once in a while on the websites of these resorts. If you are lucky enough, you may get some discount tickets that they offer on special occasions. 

You may also select ski resorts that give free tickets or tickets at half price for the children. Just keep an open eye before going on the trips. Grab the offers or discounts to visit the ski areas without any worry about a tight budget.

Suitable Terrain for You:

Choosing a ski resort that suits your interest is a must. Why is that? If you are a beginner, you may find ski areas with large slopes very difficult to ski or snowboard. So, the best ski resorts for beginners are that have several blue and green tracks. 

My advice is to look for ski resorts that have different options and tracks for beginners as well as experts. If you go with a group of friends or family, these resorts will meet the interest of everyone.

Lodging

Ski resorts in New York with lodging are a blessing for visitors who reside in other cities or countries. If you are a foreigner or new to the area, you should select ski resorts that mention lodging facilities on their website. 

If you do not want to take the hassle of going far from the resort area for staying overnight, ski resorts with lodging will spare you the extra journey after a long day. You will feel much more relaxed staying overnight with family and friends if the resort provides you with this facility.

Ski School

Want to ski with your spouse or family members without being worried about the children? Then you should look for ski resorts that offer ski school or child care. Your children will be safe and secure in child care by engaging in fun activities or ski lessons by the experts. Meanwhile, you can spend some quality time skiing or snowboarding to your heart’s content. 

Most of the ski schools give ski lessons to children from 3 years old. Some school offers both half-day and full-day lessons too. Soo your children will be in the safe hand and will enjoy their time in the ski school.

Fun Winter Activities

Are you a non-skier person who does not enjoy this popular winter sport much? You can enjoy the majestic snowy areas too without skiing or snowboarding. Select the ski resorts that offer a play zone with bowling, ice-skating, various indoor games, and fun activities like tubing or sledding for kids. Most ski resorts also offer snow vehicles such as gondolas to give visitors a tour of the entire ski area.

Some ski resorts offer activities like fireworks, bbq nights, and musicals at night to provide no room for boredom to their visitors. If you are looking for ski resorts that provide equal activities for both day and night, check the event calendar on their website to not miss any fun.

Relaxation

Look at the websites of your destination ski resort and see if they have spas or shops in the ski areas. If you are tired and don’t feel like skiing, just visit the spa and take a relaxing massage and hot bath. You can also dine in the restaurants of the resorts and taste the local delicacies as well as an international buffet. 

If the ski resort you visiting is near a village, you can stroll around and get to know the place. Don’t forget to visit the local shops and buy souvenirs to treasure the memory of your vacation. Wherever you visit shopping is the best way to relax after a long day of activities, right?

FAQs

There are several ski resorts in New York City to spend a day or two with your friends or families. If you are looking for good ski resorts in New York to make your vacation more enjoyable and memorable, make sure to go through their official websites. Keep an eye on discounts and free passes to visit your preferred ski resorts at cheaper prices.

Moreover, select a ski resort that has various options of fun activities suitable for every member of your group to not feel left out.