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8 Best Ski Resorts in New York, 2023/24

8 Best Ski Resorts in New York, 2023/24
Karl Sander
Written by Karl Sander / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 23, 2022

Even for people in the Northeast, New York doesn’t always come to mind when it comes to skiing, with many choosing to visit New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. But New York has more ski resorts than any other state! We checked with the locals, and here are the 8 best ski resorts in New York!

Gore Mountain New York ski trails
Gore Mountain deserves to be on this list

Why Ski Gore Mountain

The largest resort in New York, Gore Mountain offers a variety of terrain and 100 trails spanning four peaks. With over 762 m of vertical, Gore Mountain doesn’t just hold its own in the northeast, it compares favourably with the likes of Northstar, Grand Targhee, and Arapahoe Basin out west! Take in the 360-degree views of the Adirondacks – on a clear day, you can even see Vermont’s Green Mountains and peaks in Canada! True, it’s far from the big cities – but that makes for fewer crowds. Best of all, the relaxed atmosphere and variety of terrain at Gore Mountain come at a relatively low price, making an excellent value for your skiing dollar!

Known for

Largest ski resort in New York, modern infrastructure with an old-time ambiance

Highlights

  • Good value and rarely crowded
  • Modern and efficient lifts
  • Challenging terrain
  • Far drive from New York City

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Albany Intl. Airport - 129 km (1.5 hour drive)
Gore Mountain New York ski trails
Gore Mountain deserves to be on this list

Why Ski Gore Mountain

The largest resort in New York, Gore Mountain offers a variety of terrain and 100 trails spanning four peaks. With over 762 m of vertical, Gore Mountain doesn’t just hold its own in the northeast, it compares favourably with the likes of Northstar, Grand Targhee, and Arapahoe Basin out west! Take in the 360-degree views of the Adirondacks – on a clear day, you can even see Vermont’s Green Mountains and peaks in Canada! True, it’s far from the big cities – but that makes for fewer crowds. Best of all, the relaxed atmosphere and variety of terrain at Gore Mountain come at a relatively low price, making an excellent value for your skiing dollar!

Hunter Mountain chairlift ski slopes
Hunter Mountain is a popular ski resort thanks to its great skiing and easy access

Why Ski Hunter Mountain

Close to the big city, Hunter Mountain draws more of a hard-skiing and partying crowd (including weekend warriors). With almost half the trails rated for advanced and expert skiers, the mountain makes a convincing claim to the best challenging skiing in the area. The 97 ha are spread out across four faces, which keeps the beginners’ slopes separated from the faster traffic. Also worth mentioning are the award-winning ski school and impressive 100% snowmakin. Hunter Mountain doesn’t have a traditional base village, but you’ll find a nice selection of restaurants and even some slopeside lodging – not to mention an après scene worthy of a place so popular with a “city that never sleeps!”

Known for

One of the state’s most popular resorts, attracting party crowds

Highlights

  • Closest big mountain to New York City
  • Great après scene
  • Updated lift system
  • Weekend crowds

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 09 2023

Closest airports

Albany Intl. Airport - 105 km (1 hour drive)
Hunter Mountain chairlift ski slopes
Hunter Mountain is a popular ski resort thanks to its great skiing and easy access

Why Ski Hunter Mountain

Close to the big city, Hunter Mountain draws more of a hard-skiing and partying crowd (including weekend warriors). With almost half the trails rated for advanced and expert skiers, the mountain makes a convincing claim to the best challenging skiing in the area. The 97 ha are spread out across four faces, which keeps the beginners’ slopes separated from the faster traffic. Also worth mentioning are the award-winning ski school and impressive 100% snowmakin. Hunter Mountain doesn’t have a traditional base village, but you’ll find a nice selection of restaurants and even some slopeside lodging – not to mention an après scene worthy of a place so popular with a “city that never sleeps!”

Windham mountain ski resort
Family-friendly resort that's close to the big city

Why Ski Windham Mountain

Windham offers breathtaking views and an authentic ski experience conveniently close to New York City. With a dedicated beginners’ area, some of the region’s best intermediate skiing, and off-the-slope activities at the Adventure Park including tubing, kids snowmobiles, and ice skating, it’s a great place for families to visit. The lack of a real village limits some of the amenities, but there are condos conveniently near the slopes and a range of options within 8 km of the resort. Windham also offers a relatively pampered ski experience with everything from custom boot fitting to fancy dining but if your budget allows, Windham is an ideal choice in the Catskills!

Known for

One of the best ski experiences in the Catskills with plenty of kids activities

Highlights

  • Laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Easy to get to from New York City
  • Less crowded than Hunter Mountain
  • Relatively expensive and limited apres, dining and lodging

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 21 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Albany Intl. Airport - 97 km (1 hour drive)
Windham mountain ski resort
Family-friendly resort that's close to the big city

Why Ski Windham Mountain

Windham offers breathtaking views and an authentic ski experience conveniently close to New York City. With a dedicated beginners’ area, some of the region’s best intermediate skiing, and off-the-slope activities at the Adventure Park including tubing, kids snowmobiles, and ice skating, it’s a great place for families to visit. The lack of a real village limits some of the amenities, but there are condos conveniently near the slopes and a range of options within 8 km of the resort. Windham also offers a relatively pampered ski experience with everything from custom boot fitting to fancy dining but if your budget allows, Windham is an ideal choice in the Catskills!

Belleayre ski resort
Belleayre is just 2.5 hours drive New York City

Why Ski Belleayre

A state-owned ski area close to New York, Bellayre is a reasonably priced mountain, ideal for day-trippers from the big city. The mountain is one of the largest in the Catskill Mountains. Once you’re here, you’ll find a laid-back setting and usually decent snowfall and variety of terrain.The lower half is primarily set aside for beginners to have a relatively quiet place to learn. The après scene or on-site lodging is limited here and it can feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but within 10-15 minutes you can find places to eat and sleep if you want to enjoy a longer visit.

Known for

A great day trip from New York City and an excellent spot to learn

Highlights

  • Great for beginners and intermediates
  • Easy to get to from New York City
  • Reasonably priced
  • Lack of après ski

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 15 2023

Closest airports

Stewart Intl. Airport - 122 km (1.5 hour drive)
Albany Intl. Airport - 145 km (1.5 hour drive)
Belleayre ski resort
Belleayre is just 2.5 hours drive New York City

Why Ski Belleayre

A state-owned ski area close to New York, Bellayre is a reasonably priced mountain, ideal for day-trippers from the big city. The mountain is one of the largest in the Catskill Mountains. Once you’re here, you’ll find a laid-back setting and usually decent snowfall and variety of terrain.The lower half is primarily set aside for beginners to have a relatively quiet place to learn. The après scene or on-site lodging is limited here and it can feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but within 10-15 minutes you can find places to eat and sleep if you want to enjoy a longer visit.

Whiteface ski resort olympic heritage mountain
A resort with Olympic Heritage

Why Ski Whiteface

Whiteface may be located further away from New York City than other resorts on this list, but the resort offers something for everyone, from a dedicated beginner ski area to steep groomers, bumps, race runs, and trees for experts. While there are plenty of blues and blacks coming down each of the three peaks, the trail layout has not been designed with intermediates in mind. Whiteface has loads of charm and rich heritage but there's no accommodation at the base of Whiteface Mountain, so the town of Lake Placid, just 20 minutes away, is your best bet for accommodation and off-mountain dining.

Known for

Largest vertical drop in the East and hosted the Winter Olympics, twice!

Highlights

  • Nearby bobsled and ice skating at the Olympic sites
  • Nice selection of dining options in Lake Placid
  • Exquisite expert terrain available including in-bounds off-piste skiing
  • Trail layout has not been designed with intermediates in mind

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Burlington Intl. Airport - 106 km (2.5 hour drive)
Albany Intl. Airport - 209 km (2.5 hour drive)
Whiteface ski resort olympic heritage mountain
A resort with Olympic Heritage

Why Ski Whiteface

Whiteface may be located further away from New York City than other resorts on this list, but the resort offers something for everyone, from a dedicated beginner ski area to steep groomers, bumps, race runs, and trees for experts. While there are plenty of blues and blacks coming down each of the three peaks, the trail layout has not been designed with intermediates in mind. Whiteface has loads of charm and rich heritage but there's no accommodation at the base of Whiteface Mountain, so the town of Lake Placid, just 20 minutes away, is your best bet for accommodation and off-mountain dining.

Holiday Valley ski resort western New York
The largest ski area in Western New York

Why Ski Holiday Valley

At just 117 ha, Holiday Valley may be small but don’t let that fool you – the resort makes the most of what it’s got to deliver something that feels like a big-mountain experience with modern lifts, slopeside lodging, an vibrant après scene that other mountains envy and much more. Due south of Buffalo and 48 km from the shores of Lake Erie, Holiday Valley benefits from “lake effect” and gets more natural snow than most ski areas in New York. It’s location does draw crowds not just from Buffalo but the friendly staff helps to maintain a welcoming, small-town atmosphere in the comfy village. Night skiing is also available.

Known for

Its' small-town vibe with great lifts and vibrant après

Highlights

  • Lively après and numerous amenities
  • Receives more natural snow than most ski resorts in New York
  • Diverse terrain suitable for all levels
  • Crowds can be a problem

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 03 2023

Closest airports

Bradford Regional Airport - 68 km (1 hour drive)
Holiday Valley ski resort western New York
The largest ski area in Western New York

Why Ski Holiday Valley

At just 117 ha, Holiday Valley may be small but don’t let that fool you – the resort makes the most of what it’s got to deliver something that feels like a big-mountain experience with modern lifts, slopeside lodging, an vibrant après scene that other mountains envy and much more. Due south of Buffalo and 48 km from the shores of Lake Erie, Holiday Valley benefits from “lake effect” and gets more natural snow than most ski areas in New York. It’s location does draw crowds not just from Buffalo but the friendly staff helps to maintain a welcoming, small-town atmosphere in the comfy village. Night skiing is also available.

Bristol Mountain ski resort slope
Where to ski in Western in New York

Why Ski Bristol Mountain

In the western Finger Lakes region of New York, south of Rochester and east of Buffalo, Bristol Mountain boasts 1,200 ft of vertical descent. That’s the biggest between the Adirondacks (think Lake Placid) and the Rocky Mountains. Yes, those Rocky Mountains! It’s a nice option for those folks from Albany and Syracuse who are looking to get further from it all. The terrain is well suited for beginners and intermediates and the 100% snow-making make up for the lack of natural snowfall. The local area, including the town of Canandaigua, maintains a relaxed, authentic vibe. You can’t go wrong staying there, or you can choose townhouses at the base of the resort for ski-in/ski-out access.

Known for

A western New York local's mountain with the biggest vertical around

Highlights

  • Avoids the big resort vibe and no crowds
  • Top-notch snowmaking system, covering 100% of the terrain
  • Modern lift system
  • Relatively expensive

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 22 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Greater Rochester Intl. Airport - 64 km (1 hour drive)
Bristol Mountain ski resort slope
Where to ski in Western in New York

Why Ski Bristol Mountain

In the western Finger Lakes region of New York, south of Rochester and east of Buffalo, Bristol Mountain boasts 1,200 ft of vertical descent. That’s the biggest between the Adirondacks (think Lake Placid) and the Rocky Mountains. Yes, those Rocky Mountains! It’s a nice option for those folks from Albany and Syracuse who are looking to get further from it all. The terrain is well suited for beginners and intermediates and the 100% snow-making make up for the lack of natural snowfall. The local area, including the town of Canandaigua, maintains a relaxed, authentic vibe. You can’t go wrong staying there, or you can choose townhouses at the base of the resort for ski-in/ski-out access.

catamount ski area slope
Small family-friendly ski area

Why Ski Catamount

Set right on the Massachusetts state line and easily accessible from both New York City and Boston, Catamount offers a family-friendly experience nestled in a picturesque bowl in the Berkshires. In addition to its children’s programs, part of Catamount’s family-friendly cred comes from it’s beginner terrain which is off to a side where novices can practice in peace. For advanced and expert skiers, one of its two double blacks claims to be the steepest run in the Berkshires. Admittedly, it’s a small mountain that lacks vertical and doesn’t always have the best snow but Catamount makes up for it with a relaxed and friendly vibe, both on the slopes and in the nearby town of Hillsdale.

Known for

Having the best beginner terrain in the Berkshires

Highlights

  • Affordable
  • Family-friendly because of its beginner terrain
  • Good snowmaking
  • Small ski area and basic facilities at the base

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 15 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Pittsfield Municipal Airport - 48 km (40 minute drive)
catamount ski area slope
Small family-friendly ski area

Why Ski Catamount

Set right on the Massachusetts state line and easily accessible from both New York City and Boston, Catamount offers a family-friendly experience nestled in a picturesque bowl in the Berkshires. In addition to its children’s programs, part of Catamount’s family-friendly cred comes from it’s beginner terrain which is off to a side where novices can practice in peace. For advanced and expert skiers, one of its two double blacks claims to be the steepest run in the Berkshires. Admittedly, it’s a small mountain that lacks vertical and doesn’t always have the best snow but Catamount makes up for it with a relaxed and friendly vibe, both on the slopes and in the nearby town of Hillsdale.