8 Best Ski Resorts In New York

793 Peaceful Valley Rd, North Creek, NY

First on the list is the Gore Mountain Ski resort, located in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and offers plenty of fun for the whole family. Gore Mountain is the largest mountain in New York, closest to the Capital District (Albany) metro area, and is also one of the three ski areas owned by the State of New York. 

Gore mountains feature a vertical rise of 2537 ft. with a peak elevation of 3600 ft. and a base elevation of 998 ft. It has a skiing area of 428 acres and offers the most terrain in New York, with 110 trails of skiing fun spanning four peaks, including- Gore, Bear, Burnt Ridge, and Little Gore Mountains.

Steep terrains are perfect for the expert skier, while the freestyle areas are great for throwing down some tricks as you ride downhill. They also feature a learning area for those who want to learn the basics of skiing. Their snow-making system works around the clock and is supplied by the Hudson River. 

19 Resort Drive Windham, New York

Located in the northern section of the Catskill Mountains and just two and a half hours north of New York City, Windham Mountain is one of the best places to ski with the whole family. Because of its convenient location, visitors will be able to experience authentic skiing without going too far away from the city. 

The ski resort has a total vertical rise of 1,600 ft., a peak elevation of 3,100 ft., and a slope length of 300-12,500 ft. Featuring 54 trails on 285 skiable acres, skiers have a massive playground to explore.

To make it more convenient for everyone, the resort offers a total of 11 lifts that includes three high-speed detachable lifts. With snow-making coverage of 97% and nightly grooming, the resort can maintain and provide the best snow conditions to skiers daily.

5021 Route 86 Wilmington, NY

A little bit further away from New York City is Whiteface Mountain Ski resort which offers the largest vertical drop in the East and can rival those massive resorts out in the west. 

The ski resort features a summit elevation of 4,867 feet with a vertical drop of 3,430 feet and varied terrains that mostly cater to mid-level and expert skiers. Featuring 86 trails on its 314 acres of skiable area, with the longest runs stretching up to a whopping 11,088 feet. There are also 11 lifts ready to take skiers uphill for another round of fun play. 

Around 20% of the terrains are dedicated to beginners who have yet to learn the basics of skiing before taking it up a notch. Experienced instructors guide ski or snowboard lessons so newbies can learn the best way possible.

Aside from skiing, there are many things to do in the nearby village of Lake Placid, NY, which is the site of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter games.

64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY

About three hours northwest of New York City is the beautiful Hunter Mountain ski resort. The resort is situated in four separate mountains offering a wide variety of terrain that caters to beginners, mid-level and expert skiers. Hunter was the first ski destination in New York to install snow-making, the first in the world to feature a summit to base snowmaking, and impressively, the first to have 100-percent snow-making coverage of the mountain. 

The mountain has a summit elevation of 3200 ft. with a vertical drop of 1600 ft with 320 acres of skiable areas. Served by 13 lifts are 67 trails with 4 glazed areas and 4 freestyle areas with a variety of constructed and natural terrains for a more exciting run downhill. 

Safety protocols are implemented so make sure you check out their website before heading out to the ski resort. 

181 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount, NY

Belleayre Mountain ski center is located at Catskill Park in New York and is owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority or ORDA. Known for being the only ski resort in Catskill that features a gondola which is one of the many reasons that attracts visitors from NY city. They offer a wide variety of trails for Alpine skiing and Cross-country skiing with different trail ratings and elements that are perfect for any skier. 

Belleayre Mountain has a top elevation of 3,429 ft with a vertical drop of 1,404 ft. Here you’ll find 175 acres of skiable area with 50 runs, with the longest stretching up to 12,024 ft. It is serviced by 8 lifts, including a high-speed gondola and detachable quad.

Different types of lessons are offered in the mountains. You can choose from a variety of options, from private lessons or beginner/novice group lessons available for adults, teens, and kids.

6557 Holiday Valley Rd, Ellicottville, NY

This four-season ski resort in New York City is one of the best winter destinations for you and the entire family. Although its 750 ft vertical drop and 2,250 ft top elevation fall short compared to the other ski resorts we have on the list, skiers will still have an awesome time running around its vastly varied terrains. You’ll be pretty surprised that this fairly small resort has more snow than other larger resorts, thanks to its advanced snow-making system and its convenient location near the shores of Lake Erie, from which most of its natural snow comes from.

At Holiday Valley Ski resort, day & nighttime skiing is available, as well as skiing lessons for those who want to learn the basics. There are a total of 58 runs serviced by 13 lifts, including a brand-new addition which is the Yodler high-speed quad chairlift. For kids, you can sign them up in the Cubs and Mountain Adventures Children’s Ski & Snowboard Program, which are grouped by age and your kids’ ability.

5662 NY-64, Canandaigua, NY

Located in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, Bristol Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in New York that features a 1200’ vertical drop which is considered the highest vertical between the Adirondack/Laurentian Mountains of the east and the Rocky Mountains. 

There are a total of 138 acres of skiable terrains (including 3 km of Nordic trails) with 38 varied slopes and trails, which offer different kinds of experience for all types of skiers of all skill levels. 

They also feature 6 lifts, including 2 high-speed quad chairs. 97% of the trails are provided with lighting during nighttime operations. Bristol mountains also boast their state-of-the-art snowmaking system that can cover 100% of the terrain. 

78 Catamount Rd, Hillsdale, NY

A mid-sized ski resort in Berkshire situated right on the Massachusetts state line, Catamount Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in New York. It is one of the few family-owned resorts in New York and caters to all types of skiers. It has a vertical drop of 1000 ft and a summit elevation of 2000 ft. 

Catamount offers diverse and extensive trails that gear toward beginners and advanced skiers alike. Expert skiers will find the resort’s double black diamond-rated Catapult run to be quite a challenge as it is considered one of the steepest ski runs in the entire Northeast. In total, there are 42 trails and park areas that offer the perfect winter getaway for the entire family. 

They also offer various lessons for beginners looking to hone their skills. There are plenty of options, from private and group lessons to programs for kids in different age ranges and skills.