As a New Yorker, you don’t have to travel far to find world-class skiing. With over 50 ski areas scattered throughout the state, New York offers a surprising array of top-notch resorts.
From the breathtaking peaks of the Adirondacks to the rolling hills of the Catskills, you’ll find slopes to suit all abilities.
In this blog post, I’ll share my picks for the top ski resorts in New York. As an avid skier and parent, I look for resorts with great snow, fun terrain, solid instruction programs, appealing lodging, and plenty of activities off the slopes.
The resorts below deliver on all fronts, making them the best Resorts in New York has to offer for an epic ski vacation.
Here is list of best Resorts in New York
Hunter Mountain Resort
Arguably, one of the most popular ski resorts in New York, Hunter Mountain offers the best of everything. Located in the northern Catskills just two hours from New York City, Hunter has terrain to suit all abilities.
Nearly half of the trails are rated expert, so advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the notoriously steep runs off the Cirque and Kennedy Peak. Yet beginners also have dedicated areas to learn including the six-acre Elk Run.
In addition to varied terrain, Hunter boasts the highest base elevation in the Catskills, ensuring more natural snow.
The resort supplements with a massive snowmaking system covering 97% of the terrain. Between natural snow and manmade, conditions at Hunter stay prime throughout the season.
Off the slopes, Hunter has an excellent ski school with programs for skiers ages 3 to 93! Inside the Base Lodge, you’ll find everything from cafeteria-style food to pub fare.
The lively après scene includes the Shanty Bar and various nightlife hot spots in nearby Hunter town.
For lodging, options range from no-frills motel rooms to luxury vacation rentals. I like staying slope-side in one of the condo units at Hunter Mountain Lodge.
Gore Mountain Ski Resort
For skiers who prefer a more remote setting, Gore Mountain can’t be beat. Deep in the Adirondacks, Gore boasts 2,500 vertical feet of terrain spread across four peaks.
Expert skiers flock to Gore for the challenging steeps and tree runs off Burnt Ridge Mountain and Rumor. Yet families also feel at home thanks to friendly staff and a separate learn-to-ski area.
Aside from incredible skiing, Gore’s lodging and dining options help make it a premier resort. At the base, you have your pick of condos, a Hilton hotel, and even slope-side townhomes.
For food, the Adirondack-themed Octagon Lodge serves local cuisine in a gorgeous mountain setting.
Thanks to the remote location, Gore never gets too crowded. Even on weekends, lift lines stay manageable. Between the short lift lines, varied terrain, and natural snow, Gore provides an exceptional Adirondack ski experience. Overall, this is one of the best ski resorts in New York.
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Whiteface Mountain
Home to the famed 1980 Olympics, Whiteface offers yet another stellar ski experience in the Adirondack region. As New York’s second-highest peak, Whiteface’s vertical drop clocks in at over 3,000 feet.
Expert skiers test their skills on the legendary slides of Wilmington Trail and the Face Chutes. Yet Whiteface also boasts beginner-friendly terrain perfect for novice skiers.
Aside from the skiing, Whiteface provides a quintessential Adirondack village atmosphere.
The charming base area contains restaurants, bars, and shops in a pedestrian-friendly street layout. For lodging, the resort village sits slope-side surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas.
Be sure to ride the scenic Cloudsplitter Gondola to the summit of Little Whiteface.
At 4,867 feet above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views of the High Peaks wilderness.
The gondola ride and summit experience make Whiteface a one-of-a-kind Adirondack adventure. Overall, if you’re looking for family resorts in New York, then Whiteface Mountain is the best place to go.
Windham Mountain
Nestled in the Northern Catskills two hours from Albany and New York City, Windham Mountain delivers pristine skiing along with a charming base village.
One of these best New York resorts has something for all abilities with beginner trails on the lower mountain and expert runs up top.
Yet the majority of terrain falls intermediate, making Windham ideal for families and groups with mixed abilities.
Windham exudes a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Lift tickets cost less than at Hunter or Belleayre, and crowds stay manageable even on weekends.
The charming base area contains everything from pubs to cafes to ice cream parlors.
For lodging, you have access to slopeside condos along with vacation rentals scattered throughout the village.
While Windham offers exceptional skiing, the resort truly shines for families and non-skiers. The skating pond, zipline tours, mountain coaster, and underground adventure zone provide fun off the slopes for all ages.
Add in spa services, shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues, and the whole family will stay entertained no matter their interests.
Belleayre Mountain
Owned by the state, Belleayre combines incredible Catskill skiing with affordable prices. Located under 10 miles from Hunter and Windham, Belleayre sees fewer crowds which keeps lift lines short.
Designed with beginners in mind, nearly half of Belleayre’s terrain falls novice while the rest is evenly split between intermediate and expert. Families appreciate the excellent instruction programs and separate learn-to-ski zones.
In addition to great skiing, Belleayre offers a mid-mountain lodge with cafeteria fare and fantastic views.
While lacking a true base village, the nearby towns of Pine Hill and Fleischmanns offer local eateries, bars, and shops. Belleayre makes an ideal day trip from New York City for its accessibility, affordable prices, and unintimidating terrain.
