New York
The Ski Resorts of New York
Ski Resorts in Upstate New York: New York State has more ski areas than any other state in America. Two Adirondack resorts, Whiteface and Gore, are amongst the largest in the East, while resorts in other parts of the state offer big mountain skiing close to major metropolitan areas.
New York State’s ski areas span several regions and mountain ranges. The largest resorts are found in the Adirondack Mountains in the northern part of the state. The ski resorts of the Catskill Mountains in the southeastern corner of New York provide a big mountain ski experience only 2.5 hours from New York City. Central and Western New York is home to numerous small to medium size resorts that receive copious amounts of lake effect snow.
Adirondack Ski Resorts
Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain is the largest ski resort in the state of New York by acreage. Tremendous glade skiing and the steepest trail in the East compliment a Just an hour and half north of Albany, it is the closest mountain to New York City offering more 2,000′ of vertical drop.
Whiteface (Lake Placid)
Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid has the highest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains. Over 200″ of snow blanket the mountain each winter, guaranteeing for consistent conditions and a long season. Off slopes activities in the Lake Placid region reflect the area’s Olympic heritage as host site of the 1932 and 1980 games.
Hickory Ski Center
Hickory is an all-natural snow ski resort in Warrensburg. Boasting some of East Coast’s best expert terrain, when Hickory is open it is a must-visit for any serious skier.
West Mountain
West Mountain is a mid-sized ski resort in Queensbury, NY. Just 50 minutes from Albany, West Mountain is the southernmost major ski resort in the Adirondacks and a popular choice for families because of its afforable pricing.
Catskill Ski Resorts
Belleayre Mountain
Belleayre Mountain is the closest major ski resort to New York City. With a vertical drop of 1432′ and 150″ of annual snowfall only 2 hours from Manhattan, it is a popular choice for day trips.
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain offers a 1600′ drop and claims to have the world’s most powerful snowmaking system. Hunter boasts steep trails and a modern lift system, but can be wildly crowded at peak times.
Plattekill
A truly hidden gem, Plattekill is located on the Western edge of the Catskills and is perfectly positioned to collect copious amounts of lake effect snowfall. Plattekill is truly a skier’s mountain with a no-frills approach to skiing, but tremendous terrain and light crowds.
Windham
Windham is favorite destination for families. It boasts an identical vertical drop to its neighbor, Hunter Mountain, but is generally less crowded due to its family-friendly atmosphere and because it is slightly farther from New York City.
Central New York Ski Resorts
Bristol Mountain
Bristol Mountain boasts the largest vertical drop between its location and the Rockies. Bristol’s modern lift system and first rate snowmaking system make it a favorite for Rochester skiers.
Greek Peak
Just outside the college town of Ithaca (home to Cornell University), Greek Peak has skiing spread across three distinct peaks. New ownership has been working to upgrade the resort’s antiquated lift system and infrastructure, but the resort’s terrain is surprisingly interesting given the mountain’s diminutive vertical drop (only 952′).
Western New York Ski Resorts
Holiday Valley
What this western New York resort lacks in vertical drop (only 750′) it makes up for with a huge trail system. A popular choice for Buffalo and Rochester skiers, Holiday Valley is Western New York’s largest ski resort.