Photo: Streeter Lecka (Getty).
It’s no secret that New York City is the crown jewel of the Empire State. From the bright lights of Time Square to the performance art of Broadway, The Big Apple is a metropolitan wonder of the world. But many ski enthusiasts are surprised to learn that New York is home to some of the country’s most enjoyable slopes, as well.
Best Ski Resorts in New York
Windham Mountain
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If you’re after a family-friendly destination for your winter getaway, then look no further than the Windham Mountain Resort. The slopes of Windham Mountain are favorites for both beginning skiers and advanced thrill-seekers.
The resort also features an enormous inflatable cushion, aptly called the “Big Air Bag,” which allows visitors to practice jumps like a professional stunt person. Guests can also try snow tubing, riding snowmobiles, ice skating and flying down the zip-line in the Adventure Park section.
The Windham Mountain Resort offers five terrain parks and night skiing. With so many entertaining options, it’s no wonder why Timeout.com listed the destination as one of the Best New York Ski Resorts for Skiing and Snowboarding.
Belleayre
Photo: Belleayre.com.
Belleayre’s captivating scenery has made it a favorite destination for winter weddings. And if you’re an intermediate-level skier, then this is the perfect place to fine-tune your skills.
Among the resort’s many attractions are downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. If you’re new to the slopes, then Belleayre’s Snow Sports School is a great place to start. Lessons cater to all age groups, and more advanced skiers can request private sessions with one of New York’s most talented instructors.
When you’re not busy getting hitched or enjoying one of Belleayre’s 50 trails, it’s time to relax, put your feet up and kick back in one of the resort’s four winter lodges.
Gore Mountain
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Gore Mountain, the state’s largest ski resort, is only a four-hour drive from New York City. However, this destination doesn’t cater to beginners – with only about 10 percent of the terrain being suitable for newcomers.
The resort blankets four mountains including Bear Mountain, Gore, Little Gore and Burnt Ridge Mountain. There are 119 trails being serviced by 15 lifts. Timeout.com rates Gore Mountain as an under-the-radar gem that is one of the best ski resorts in New York.
Whiteface Lake Placid
Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.
This resort was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics. It has the highest summit of all ski resorts in the eastern United States. Visitors flock to Whiteface for snow tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and even bobsled riding.
With black- and double-black-diamond slopes, advanced skiers will find plenty of challenge at Whiteface Lake Placid. And if you’re staying in New York City, then the resort is fairly easy to access; it’s only five hours away by car or six hours away by bus.
If you’re a skier in search of the perfect winter destination, then the slopes of New York will certainly deliver. No matter what your preferences or skill level, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to one of these four winter getaways.
