Some of the best skiing near NYC at Mount Snow in Southern Vermont
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15 Best & Closest Skiing to NYC (Plus Car-Free Options)

ByMegan I Hours
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Looking for the closest skiing near NYC for a wintery getaway? Whether you’re looking for a day trip from the city, and yes it is possible to visit a few of these slopes near NYC without a car too or looking for a weekend getaway. I got you.

In this guide, I will break down the best ski resorts in Upstate New York as well as options that are within a 5-hour drive from New York City including ski resorts in Southern Vermont, Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, the Pennsylvania Poconos, and New Jersey.

And if you’re coming from the city like us, chances are you don’t have a car. If you have no desire to rent a car, don’t worry. There are NYC ski bus options as well as skiing near NYC that has public transportation options and shuttle services so you can plan an easy day trip to the slopes and be back in the city by night.

When is the ski season in New York?

This varies year to year, but the ski season in New York is typically from end of November through March. It’s best to check with each ski resort though, especially if you’re planning a ski trip near the beginning or end of the season. And honestly, some winters, like the 2022 winter were terrible for those who wanted to hit the slopes as there was barely any snowfall in the Northeast.

If you find yourself looking at the Southern Vermont ski resorts near NYC, you’ll have a slightly longer window to enjoy skiing for the season as their ski season can start as early as the beginning of November and last through May. Again, this depends on the season.

All of these skiing options near NYC offer gear rentals. We advise you rent your gear in advance if you need to so it’s ready to pick up when you arrive. Also, if you want or need to book lessons, many of these places offer ski and snowboarding lessons too which you should book in advance too to secure a spot.

Renting Snowboard & Ski Clothes

All of the resorts mentioned have a form of ski and snowboarding gear rental. We recommend booking in advance if you need to rent boots, snowboards, skis, and helmets.

This does not include snowboard or ski clothing rentals. If you do not have your own, you have options to rent snowboard and ski clothing from services like Kit Lender. This is great for short-term rentals, you simply book your kit and they ship it to you. The only drawback is that they have a 3 days rental minimum, so if you’re only doing a day trip this might not be the most cost-effective way.

Another option if you aren’t ready to fully invest in the expensive kit for a full snowboard or skiing outfit is to take advantage of REI’s second-hand ski shop where you can buy gently used discounted gear.

And another great alternative for those living in New York City is to take advantage of the free Buy Nothing movement. They have groups by neighborhood, typically on Facebook where neighbors request items they need or post items that they are hoping to give away to a neighbor who may need and or use it. It’s a very cool hyperlocal mutual aid/anti-consumerism community. If people aren’t willing to give up their items, they often loan them to neighbors too!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

Best Skiing in Upstate New York

Hunter Mountain (Catskills)

Hunter Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskills in winter in Upstate New York

There are so many great weekend getaways in the Catskills all seasons, but especially in the winter, one of the mountains that offers the closest skiing to NYC is Hunter Mountain.

Hunter Mountain Resort has been a popular ski resort near NYC since the 1950s and is currently operated by Vail Resorts, a reputable mountain resort company based out of Colorado.

Better yet, if you’re car-less you can use the several shuttle services that come to Hunter Mountain from the city with options on different days of the week like NYC Snow Bus (Manhattan & Brooklyn), Sourced Adventures (Manhattan), Urban Sherpa Travel (Manhattan), and OvrRide East Coast (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Hoboken).

This ski resort near NYC covers four different mountain faces with 67 trails with something for all ski levels and 13 lifts. Hunter Mountain also has 3,200 feet of diverse terrain with wide trails, there are also two different terrain parks with rails, jumps, and more. Oh, and there’s snow tubing and liftside restaurants too.

Because of the number of lifts Hunter Mountain offers, helps reduce waiting times to get up the mountain, especially on the weekends when it’s busiest, there are also separate lifts for the bunny slopes.

If you’re looking to make an overnight trip or getaway out of this, you can stay on the mountain at Hunter Mountain Resort which has ski-in and ski-out accommodations for those wanting to stay close to it all. Or check out Scribner’s Catskill Lodge which is just down the road (less than 3 minute’s drive to Hunter Mountain) which is a stylish, mountain resort with an ice rink in the winter and plenty of fireplaces to cozy up to on a chilly day.

Windham Mountain (Catskills)

Windham Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskills New York in winter closest skiing to NYC
  • Location: Windham, New York in the Catskills
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 2.5 – 3 hours
  • Car-Free Option: Urban Sherpa Travel, OvRride, Adirondack Trailways Bus, NYC Snow Bus
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and group lessons available

Many options for the best and closest skiing to NYC can be found in the Catskills including Windham Mountain. Hunter Mountain is probably the most popular (and crowded) in the area, so you can expect the other Catskills resorts to be less full. Not to mention, this is a great option for skiing near NYC for all levels of skiers and has family-friendly activities like ice skating, a tubing park, and a spa for those who want to melt away their aches and pains after a day on the slopes.

If you’re coming without a car, don’t sweat it. This is another one of the best ski resorts near NYC to offer multiple shuttles and NYC ski bus options including tour operators like Urban Sherpa Travel (Manhattan) and OvRride. Also, from Port Authority you can hop on the Adirondack Trailways Bus to Windham.

Windham Mountain has 54 trails with 11 lifts, you’ll find great options for beginners to intermediate levels. There are also Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond trail options too as well as six terrain parks.

There are also restaurant options near the lifts and for some Apres-ski relaxation book a treatment at the Alpine Spa.

If you’re wanting to make a trip out of it with a group of friends, Whisper Creek Condos have rentals available with ski-in ski-out access that can sleep 8-10. Or pick an option nearby the mountain with a shuttle like Hotel Vienna, which also has an indoor spa to soak in after a day on the slopes and is pet-friendly.

Plattekill Mountain (Catskills)

Plattekill-Mountain-ski-resort-in-Roxbury-New-York-during-the-winter-in-the-catskills

One of the most charming ski resorts near NYC is Plattekill Mountain located in Roxbury, on the eastern edge of Delaware County in the Catskill Mountains. This is a more intimate, rugged mountain but still offers 38 trails, many of which go through the forest.

We actually got to experience how this is some of the closest skiing to NYC last winter when we left early am and were on the slopes by late morning. Compared to other ski resorts in Upstate New York we’ve been to, we really enjoyed how old-school this one felt. It has a mom-and-pop shop operating style to it that we liked.

While we drove, Urban Sherpa Travel does offer packages including round-trip shuttle services to and from NYC as well as lift tickets for those who aren’t driving and looking for a car-free option.

The forest paths I’d say are better for advanced folks as they were more narrow and got flat at some points so if you’re not able to keep speed, it can be tricky in some of the narrow spots. 

This resort has four lifts, we didn’t experience long wait times on a weekday at all, but I can imagine it gets backed up on the weekends. They have one terrain park and there’s also snow tubing here and a classic ski bar and cafeteria in the lodge. 

the upstairs bedroom at Cinderella's Gown at the Roxbury Experience in Roxbury New York

If you want to stay the night consider making an experience out of it by booking one of the really unique themed rooms at The Roxbury Experience! There’s nothing quite like this near any of the other ski resorts near NYC!

They have two different properties just down the street from one another, one with a private waterfall, and the rooms are unbelievable from Wizard of Oz to Cinderella and castle themes!

Gore Mountain (Adirondacks)

Gore-Mountain-ski-resorst-in-the Adirondacks-New-York-in-winter
  • Location: North Creek, New York in the Adirondacks
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 4 hours
  • Car-Free Option: NYC Snow Bus (when available)
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, multiple options available

Located in the Adirondack Mountains, Gore Mountain is not only one of the best ski resorts near NYC in Upstate New York, but it’s also the largest ski resort in the state. With 109 trails, 14 lifts, and nine sides of 4 different mountain peaks!

Because this is the largest ski resort in the state, you feel spread out and it doesn’t feel crowded. Plus, with all the different ski lifts, gondolas, and magic carpets you won’t have to wait too long either. 

There are seven different ski areas, all offering something a bit different. There are also 8 terrain parks, 28 glades, and two base camps including the Ski Bowl Base Lodge, the OG that’s nearly a century old. Plus, you can enjoy a break at the mountaintop lodge too.

Their twilight skiing option is also popular giving skiers and snowboarders the option to get in some extra time on the mountain at night at their lighted Village Slopes. They also have 11 groomed loops for cross-country skiers if that’s more your thing.

Due to the sheer size of this option for skiing near NYC, this in my opinion is best done on a multi-day trip. Plus the Adirondacks is one of the best getaways from New York City – so it’s easy to add extra things to do in the area. 

There is no lodging on site, but within 15-minutes by car you can stay at the beautiful and rustic Garnet Hill Lodge which also has its own trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well as a restaurant and cozy spots to relax at like fireplaces around the property.

Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks)

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort near Lake Placid in winter in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York
  • Location: Wilmington, New York in the Adirondacks
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 5 hours
  • Car-Free Option: Amtrak to Lake Placid & use the Mountain Valley Shuttle to Whiteface Mountain
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and group lessons available

This is the most famous ski resort in Upstate New York because it not only hosted one, but two winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980. While this is one of the furthest ski resorts near NYC, it’s still only around a 5-hour drive or if you need a car-free option you can take the Amtrak train to Lake Placid, but that’s 9.5 hours long – eek! There are multiple daily shuttles from Lake Placid and Wilmington to Whiteface Mountain, so it is manageable without a car but not as a day trip.

Whiteface Mountain is home to the largest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains and offers trails for all skill levels, which makes this a great resort for anyone including the most advanced of athletes who can head to The Slides for true double black diamond routes.

There are 90 trails spanning 25 miles over three different mountain peaks and 11 different lifts making it easy to find space on the mountain without crowds but also no need to wait in long queues to get on a gondola, lift, or quad.

There are also several places to dine at Whiteface Mountain!

There is no resort on the mountain, in fact, you’ll probably want to stay in the luxury resorts at Lake Placid which have complimentary shuttles to and from Whiteface Mountain which is about a 20-minute drive away.

Check out Whiteface Lodge which also has a heated outdoor pool or Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel right on the lake with options to book rooms with a balcony overlooking the winter landscape and frozen Mirror Lake as well as a private fireplace.

Belleayre Mountain (Catskills)

Aerial view of Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskills New York

For the closest skiing to NYC, Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills is a popular choice! Not only is it a pretty quick drive from the city, but you can also take advantage of shuttle services like Adirondack Trailways Bus from Port Authority and OvRride which offer regular seasonal options to the mountain from the city for day-trippers.

Many people will come here to avoid the crowds Hunter Mountain attracts on the weekends. While Hunter is known to accommodate more advanced skiers, Belleayre is known for accommodating more intermediate-level folks, although anyone can find a route here suited to their level.

If you’re a beginner, this is a great option for skiing near NYC because the bottom half of the ski resort has several green/beginner trails to learn on. Closer to the summit of Belleayre Mountain you can find the more advanced diamond and double diamond runs. There are 50 trails, 8 lifts including a high-speed gondola (the only one in the Catskills), and terrain parks.

There are also trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, multiple dining options, and three lodges. 

Bathtub at the Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskills New York

For those making a getaway out of it and looking for lodging head to Urban Cowboy Lodge and book one of their Alpine Bathing Suites for a clawfoot tub overlooking a panoramic window with a private fireplace crackling at night. The design of the entire lodge is stunning and they have a sauna you can enjoy even on the coldest of evenings.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area (Hudson Valley)

  • Location: Patterson, New York in the Hudson Valley area
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 1 hour
  • Car-Free Option: Metro-North Ski Train from Grand Central with free shuttle to Thunder Ridge Ski Area
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and group lessons available

For the closest skiing to NYC look no further than Thunder Ridge Ski Area in the Hudson Valley area, just an hour’s drive from the city with options to take the Metro-North ski train from Grand Central in Manhattan. From the train station, they provide free shuttles that run skiers and snowboarders to Thunder Ridge Ski Area.

This is the most convenient place to ski near New York City as you can easily just go for a few hours and be back to the city before your next meal.

There are 22 trails, 3 chair lifts, 4 magic carpets, and great for beginners and those learning how to ski or snowboard as well as more advanced trails for those looking for more of a challenge including a terrain park. 

They also have night riding available too if you want to come after work or just for the evening! This is definitely geared more towards those for a quick day on the slopes, so we don’t recommend lodging as you can take the train back to the city.

Mount Peter Ski Area (Hudson Valley)

For the closest skiing to NYC within an hour, Mount Peter Ski Area in the Hudson Valley is another great option. It’s an hour’s drive by car or if you need a car-free option it can be around 2 hours by taking the 197 Bus from New York Port Authority in Manhattan to Warwick Park & Ride. From here you can call a ride share to take you the last 5-6 minutes drive to the base of the mountain.

This ski resort near NYC is the oldest operating ski area in New York and is family-owned. One thing I love about this mountain and ski resort is that they offer free beginner lessons daily for ages 5 and up on the weekends!

On the mountain, you can find 13 groomed trails that are friendly for beginners and intermediates as well as three black-diamond trails for the more advanced skiers and snowboarders. They also have a snow tubing run and ice skating rink, catering to be a family-friendly skiing destination near NYC, which fits the vibe since it is one of the few remaining family-owned and operated ski resorts in the country.

They also have onsite dining at the Main Lodge. Since this is such a close ski resort to NYC, we recommend doing this one as a day trip.

Catamount Mountain Resort (Catskills/Berkshires)

Located on the edge of the Catskills New York border with the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, Catamount Mountain Resort is another popular option for skiing near NYC. Located only a 2-hour drive from the city, this is a great option for folks with a car. Unfortunately, there really isn’t a good car-free option since the closest the train gets you is still a 25-minute drive by car.

Catamount Mountain is great for beginners and intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders, which is why this is a great family-friendly option and less intimidating option for newbies. They have 44 trails, 8 lifts, and terrain parks. There are also a few black diamond and double black diamond routes for those a little more advanced. There’s also a snow tubing area.

There are a few dining options slopeside at the lodge, as well as accommodation if you wanted to stay here and make an overnight or getaway out of it.

Best Skiing Near NYC in Surrounding States

Stratton Mountain Resort (Vermont)

Stratton Village at the ski resort at Stratton Mountain in Southern Vermont
  • Location: Stratton Mountain, Vermont in the Green Mountains
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 4 hours
  • Car-Free Option: Stratton Jitney
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and kids lessons available

Some of the best ski resorts near NYC are actually located in Southern Vermont! Stratton Mountain Resort is definitely a top choice as the snow season is slightly longer in Vermont than some spots in upstate New York and it’s only 4 hours by car. Better yet, Stratton Mountain caters to New York City by running the regular Hampton Stratton Jitney from the city to the mountain catering to those looking for a weekend escape on the mountain without a car.

The mountain has the highest peak in Southern Vermont, 11 lifts, plus 99 total trails, terrain parks, and glades catering to all levels. There’s also snow tubing, mountain excursions like snowmobile tours, and other activities like snowshoeing, a mountain dinner experience where you ride a snowcat up to your dining point, cross-country skiing, and more!

My favorite part of Stratton Mountain is the charming village, which has shops, restaurants, and 22 lodging options including ski-in ski-out condo rentals that can sleep up to 10 for groups or families, luxury villa rentals, and hotel rooms like this at Long Trail House that has a heated outdoor pool.

This is definitely one of the best ski resorts near NYC for a multi-day trip since they have so much to offer. We love how it accommodates to those who don’t have a car and opens up the opportunity for an entire weekend on the mountain too.

Mount Snow (Vermont)

Mount Snow Grand Resort in West Dover Vermont
  • Location: West Dover, Vermont in the Green Mountains
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 4 hours
  • Car-Free Option: NA
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and group lessons available

I love Southern Vermont for ski resorts near NYC. Just like Stratton Mountain, Mount Snow is another awesome option to make a trip out of. Unfortunately, this option is really only friendly to those who have access to a car which is about a 4 hour drive from the city. However, you can take the Amtrak Vermonter from Penn Station to get within a 40-minute drive from Mount Snow at your drop-off point at Battleboro, but it’s not ideal.

There are over 135 trails across 4 mountain areas, 19 lifts, and 10 terrain parks. Mount Snow is welcoming of all levels with alot of options for those who are intermediate level. For those more advanced, you’ll want to head to North Face where there are plenty of ungroomed trails for those who like a good challenge and Carinthia is tailored for the advanced snowboarders who want to give the rails, pipe, and superpipe a go.

They also have snow tubing at Mount Snow and plenty of dining options lift side. If you’re looking to relax with a view, you can enjoy the dining option at the Main Mountain Summit at 3,600 feet elevation before making your way back down the mountain.

view of Mount Snow ski resort in West Dover Vermont from A Frame vacation cabin

The Grand Summit Resort Hotel is the main slopeside accommodation option for Mount Snow ski resort with multiple room options and the only ski-in ski-out option here. They also have a heated outdoor pool, sauna, and steam room for guests.

There are also several nearby condo rentals and plenty of vacation home rentals, we booked this stunning A-Frame Alpine Cabin that had views of the resort, our own private hot tub, and fireplace, and was less than a 5-minute drive to the resort.

Mountain Creek Resort (New Jersey)

Just a 90-minute drive and you’re at one of the closest skiing options near NYC in New Jersey at Mountain Creek Resort! What’s nice about these super close ski resorts to NYC is that they have multiple car-free options. There are several tour operators and NYC ski buses that transport folks from NYC to Mountain Creek Resort. 

Sourced Adventures has a snow tubing and brew bus option plus a regular snow bus with package options to include lift tickets and other things you might need like lessons and rentals. OvRride offers a regular snow bus day trip options from the city, Trailways offers charters for day trips including package options, and Comfort Express offers round trip bus charters.

They have 44 trails across two different peaks and 10 lifts, plus three terrain parks. They also have snow tubing and night skiing options available. They have trails suitable for all levels whether you’re more advanced or a beginner.

This is more of a day trip option since this ski resort is so close to NYC, but if you do want to make it a multi-day or overnight trip, you can stay at The Appalachian, slopeside at the base of Vernon Peak with a heated outdoor pool and hot tub for guests. Or you can rent a townhome from Black Creek Sanctuary which also has hot tub access.

Camelback Mountain Resort (Pennsylvania)

  • Location: Tannersville, Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 2 hours
  • Car-Free Option: NYC Ski Bus via Urban Sherpa Travels, OvRride, Martz Trailways Bus from Port Authority to Mt. Pocono
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and group lessons available

Another great ski resort near NYC located in the Poconos in Pennsylvania is Camelback Mountain Resort. This ski resort is just a two-hour drive from NYC with multiple NYC ski bus and snow bus options via companies like Urban Sherpa Travels and OvRride. You can also book a bus ticket via Martz Trailways from Port Authority which takes you to Mt. Pocono, then you can call the local taxi company, Mountain Taxi to take you the 14-minute drive to Camelback Resort.

Camelback Mountain Resort is definitely popular among ski resorts near NYC for families because of its indoor waterpark Aquatopia, indoor laser tag, arcade, and other games. 

There are 39 runs, 16 lifts (2 high-speed quads), 2 terrain parks, and snow tubing (including Galactic snow tubing!). Guests love that they have night skiing available on all trails too plus there are runs to suit every level of skier or snowboarder.

This is definitely a family-friendly ski resort that’s worth staying a few days at Camelback Lodge since there are so many activities to entertain kids of all ages from the indoor waterpark to arcades and laser tag and snow tubing after dark all illuminated at the Galactic Snowtubing area.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort (Massachusetts)

  • Location: Hancock, Massachusetts in the Berkshires/Taconic Mountains
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 3 hours
  • Car-Free Option: NA
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private or family lessons available

Another popular ski resort near NYC located in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts is Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock. This New England snow destination is only a 3-hour drive by car, but unfortunately, there aren’t really any car-free options.

What’s cool about this ski resort though is their ski village that has restaurants, shops, places to warm up by a fire, and the option to book one of their vacation rentals to make a getaway out of it with ski-in and ski-out locations.

There are 45 trails, 9 lifts (including high-speed options), 21 trails open for night skiing, and three terrain parks. They also have trails suited for every level of snowboarder and skier which is nice!

It’s worth booking an entire getaway here staying at one of their ski-in and ski-out condo rentals in the mountainside village.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area (Connecticut)

  • Location: Cornwall, Connecticut in Mohawk Mountain State Park
  • Driving Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours
  • Car-Free Option: NA
  • Equipment Rentals Available: Yes
  • Lessons Available: Yes, private and group lessons

Another one of the best ski resorts near NYC can be found in Mohawk Mountain State Park in Connecticut. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is just 2.5 hours away by car, but sadly there aren’t really any shuttles from NYC for those looking for car-free options.

This is the largest and oldest ski resort/area in the state of Connecticut and is said to be the home of snowmaking! They have 26 trails, 9 lifts, night skiing, and snow tubing.

This is more of a basic ski area without all the bells and whistles of larger resorts. They do have a few dining options to fuel up during your day on the slopes.

They do not have lodging on the mountain or at the ski area, so if you want to make a getaway out of it, you can stay in Cornwall which is a short drive to the mountain.

Best Ski Resorts Near NYC (Post Summary):

  • Hunter Mountain
  • Windham Mountain
  • Plattekill Mountain
  • Gore Mountain
  • Whiteface Mountain
  • Belleayre Mountain
  • Thunder Ridge Ski Area
  • Mount Peter Ski Area
  • Catamount Mountain Resort
  • Stratton Mountain Resort
  • Mount Snow
  • Mountain Creek Resort
  • Camelback Mountain Resort
  • Jimmy Peak Mountain Resort 
  • Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
What is the closest skiing mountain to NYC?

The closest skiing mountain to NYC is Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountains, offering diverse trails, approximately a two to three-hour drive from the city with shuttle and transportation options from the city.

How far is NYC from skiing?

Skiing options near NYC are around 2 to 4 hours away. Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain, and some Pocono resorts are within a 2 to 3-hour drive, while Vermont and the Adirondacks are 4+ hours away.

Where do New Yorkers ski?

New Yorkers ski at various destinations, with popular options including Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain in the Catskills, nearby Pocono resorts, and farther destinations like Vermont and the Adirondacks for winter sports and skiing.

Where is the easiest place to ski from NYC?

For easy access from NYC, the closest ski areas are Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain in the Catskills. Both are approximately a 2-3 hour drive, offering shuttle and tour services from the city if you don’t have a car.

What month is best for skiing in New York?

The best months for skiing in New York are typically January through March. These months offer optimal snow conditions and colder temperatures.

Enjoyed this guide to all the closest skiing to NYC? There are plenty of options within 5 hours of the city plus plenty of car-free ski resorts near NYC too! Enjoy your winter fun!

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