The 12 Best Ski Resorts Near NYC

With ski season officially in full swing, the thought of strapping a pair of sleds to your feet and hurtling down a mountain suddenly starts to make sense—well, that is, for some of us. But we can all get behind escaping the city and curling up next to a fireplace with friends or family, a good book and an even better glass of wine. Each of these wintertime spots is less than six hours from New York and following CDC guidelines for safe skiing during the continuing pandemic (thanks, Omicron). While the slopes are a major draw, those who are more in it for the après part will find plenty to love, too. Here, the best ski resorts near NYC—whether you’re a black diamond expert or just in it for the après ski.

If your dream ski weekend involves a cozy log cabin, family-style dinners in a large group, a fire pit or hot tub and a relatively short drive, we’ve found the place for you. At Windham, there are plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes and relax afterwards thanks to its close proximity to the city. Just over 100 miles from the city, the easy 2.5 hour drive takes you to the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County which is nicknamed “the gem of the Catskills”. The mountain has 285 skiable acres, 54 distinct trails, six terrain parks and runs for every type of skier. The town of the same name that surrounds the mountain caters to New Yorkers with high-expectations, featuring charming restaurants, bars and places to grab a cup of Joe. In the morning, we like to pick up a coffee and delicious breakfast at the adorable cafe Windham Local; in the evening, it’s time to get down with a libation from Eastwind’s cozy, communal bar.

Where to stay:

• Charming mountain retreat (6 guests): $317/night
• Eastwind Hotel & Bar (2 guests): $292/night
• Whisper Creek Condominiums (10 guests): $893/night

Not only is this scenic mountain beautiful, it’s as affordable as it is accessible. Big Bear at Masthope Mountain offers up 18 trails and seven lifts, which includes their three magic carpet lifts for kids and beginners (or those who just enjoy the more gentle slopes!). They also have lots of snow machines that keep the trails looking as good as possible throughout the ski season. Thanks to its proximity to NYC and the many lodging options in the surrounding town, Big Bear is an ideal place to plan a last-minute trip. The mountain is especially popular with families, although it definitely offers options for more advanced skiers and snowboarders as well.

Where to stay:

• Hotel Darby (2 guests): $259/night
• The Settlers Inn (2 guests): $316/night
• Enchanted Cottage with Hot Tub (7 guests): $195/night

The town of Canandaigua is a lovely little year-round place in the Finger Lakes. It’s wild to think you can spend summers on the lake in a pontoon boat and winters on the slopes of Bristol Mountain with views over the very same (albeit cold) lake. Just a short ride to downtown Canandaigua, one of the best reasons to visit—besides 1,200-feet of vertical fun and trails for all ages and abilities, plus nordic trails—are the excellent restaurants and shopping in the charming town.

Where to stay:

• Lake House on Canandaigua (2 guests): $238/night
• Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast (2 guests): $185/night
• The Chalet of Canandaigua (2 or more guests): $290/night

The Poconos are full of winter wilderness vibes that will make even the most hardened New Yorker feel like a giddy kid on a snow day. Located about 90 minutes from Manhattan, the region is known for Camelback and also neighboring Shawnee mountain, which is close enough that you could hit both on the same day. Camelback boasts 39 ski trails on 166 acres while Shawnee features 23 trails on 125 acres of skiing terrain. If you don’t ski, the Poconos offer snow tubing, dogsledding and ice-skating—plus plenty of options for less active types too. After a busy morning, you deserve a hearty meal, like the disco fries and s’mores at Trails End Pub & Grille (which also offers outdoor dining).

Where to stay:

• Stroudsmoor Country Inn (2 guests): $139/night
• Modern Poconos Home with a view (8 guests): $220/night
• Camelback Lodge (2 guests): $369/night

In Ulster County, where the Catskills meet the Hudson River, you’ll find wooded country roads that wind past barns, farm stands, antique shops and wineries into sleepy hamlets full of Victorian architecture and small-town charm. Skiers here can enjoy 50 trails on Belleayre Mountain—one of New York State’s best family-friendly mountains, which boasts eight lifts (including a high-speed gondola, more of a rarity in the Northeast), 174 skiable acres, 50 trails, and four fun lodges. Non-skiers will love spending a day in nearby Woodstock, the artsy town that’s mandated to retain the hippyish roots it’s famous for. Nowadays, you’ll find everything from a mezcal bar to home-decor stores and even a toy shop stocked with creative gifts (like a selfie kit for your pets). At night, the place to be is Silvia (Snatch a res on Resy), offering seasonally-focused foods and tasty libations for both indoor and outdoor seating, plus pick-up.

Where to stay:

• Catskills Season Inn (2 guests): $122/night
• Belleayre GrandHouse (15 guests): $568.10/night
• Breezy Hill Inn (2 guests): $185/night

We love escaping to upstate New York whenever we need a break from the city and the winter months are no exception. Whiteface Mountain Resort in Wilmington hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics so you’d better believe that the trails here are top-notch. In fact, Whiteface boasts the tallest vertical drop on the eastern seaboard (at 3,430 feet), plus 90 trails and 11 lifts. Did we mention it’s also “the mountain” for winter visitors to Lake Placid, the storybook-like destination town just 30 minutes away?

Where to stay:

• Secluded Log Home (8 guests): $175/night
• Whiteface Lodge (2 guests): $695/night
• Mirror Lake Inn (2 guests): $279/night

Nearby to Whiteface in North Creek is Gore Mountain, a place where you’ll find mesmerizing views of the Adirondacks, the family-friendly Pete’s Paradise trail, snowshoeing through the “largest marble-cave entrance in the East” and the option to ski by twilight. In recent seasons, new high-speed quads have replaced two double chair lifts, providing access to all four of its peaks and Straight Brook Valley.

Where to stay:

• Gore Mountain Lodge (2 guests): $199/night
• The Alpine Lodge (2 guests): $152/night
• Goose Pond Inn (2 guests): $199/night