9 Best Places to Ski in New York State
New York State is a winter wonderland for skiers, offering a variety of slopes to cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals. With its picturesque landscapes and snowy peaks, here are the nine best places to ski in New York:
1. Whiteface Mountain – Located in Wilmington, near Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop in the East. It was the site of the alpine skiing competitions during the 1980 Winter Olympics and continues to challenge even the most skilled skiers.
2. Hunter Mountain – Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, Hunter Mountain offers diverse terrain spread across four separate mountain faces. It’s known for reliable snow conditions thanks to extensive snowmaking operations.
3. Windham Mountain – Located in the Catskills, Windham is popular among families due to its wide range of beginner and intermediate trails. They also provide night skiing and have an active après-ski scene.
4. Gore Mountain – Offering the most skiable acreage in New York, Gore Mountain in North Creek provides an authentic Adirondack experience with four different peaks and 110 trails that ensure varied points of exploration for every level.
5. Belleayre Mountain – Belleayre boasts not only great trails but also breathtaking views of the Catskills. Skiers enjoy well-groomed slopes and shorter lift lines.
6. Holiday Valley – This resort in Ellicottville has a reputation for being fun and family-friendly. With 60 slopes spread over five mountain sections, Holiday Valley caters to various skill levels and is especially celebrated for its meticulous grooming.
7. Greek Peak – Central New York’s largest ski resort offers terrain parks, glades skiing, and a snowsports school for beginners. Nestled in the town of Virgil, it’s an excellent option for skiers in central NY.
8. Bristol Mountain – With a vertical rise of 1,200 feet, Bristol Mountain near Canandaigua presents stunning views and runs that will excite intermediate and expert skiers alike.
9. Titus Mountain – Located in Malone and known as one of the most family-oriented mountains on this list, Titus Mountain has a very personal feel with its three interconnected mountains providing ample terrain for all levels without feeling crowded.
These destinations ensure that whether you’re looking to carve down Olympic-grade slopes or learning how to pizza your way down a bunny hill, there’s a snowy spot in New York State perfect for your winter escapades on skis.