New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but for skiers, it's the city that never skis. Blizzards notwithstanding, the biggest hills in town are no more than a few feet high. So while Central Park may be great for a cross-country ski outing, for downhill skiing, New Yorkers have to get out of town. But where are the closest ski areas to New York? And which are the best choices for beginners?
If it's a first time on skis for you or your family, why make the three-hour one-way trek to the New York region's bigger ski areas, when chances are you'll be on the bunny slope all day? The following "feeder" areas may be tiny (Campgaw has a vertical drop of a mere 269 feet!) but "tiny" is more than enough for a first day. Here's a quick run-down of the most popular and family-friendly skiing destinations within an hour and a half of mid-town Manhattan.
New Jersey Ski Slopes Near New York City
Skiing in New Jersey? Absolutely, especially in northwestern New Jersey, which has some of the state's prettiest and hilliest terrain.
- Campgaw Mountain: Just how close to Manhattan can you find a downhill ski area? Would you believe 18 miles from the George Washington Bridge? A magic carpet handles the bunny hill; lessons are available. Two on-snow lifts handle the eight trails. Tubing is available for when the little ones' legs give out. Expect crowds.
- Mountain Creek: This New Jersey Ski Area may garner bad reviews because of crowds, but obviously lots of people like either the mountain or its convenient location, just 75 minutes from Manhattan, because they keep coming back. It's the biggest metropolitan "feeder" slope. In fact, with 1,040 feet of elevation, 11 lifts, and 45 trails, it's comparable to the much farther-away Berkshire resorts.
- Hidden Valley: If the crowds at Mountain Creek are too thick, try neighboring Hidden Valley. It's smaller (only 620 feet) but it has more than enough to keep a family of beginners and intermediates happy. Here's the catch, though: Unusually, for a ski area, this is a membership facility. Members have access to special lift lines and other perks. As of 2011, the area was also open to the public at non-member rates. But plans are in place to transfer to members-only weekends and school vacations, so check the Hidden Valley membership website before you go.
New York State Ski Slopes Near New York City
New York's feeder ski areas are clustered in the mid-Hudson Valley, just over an hour from New York. And one is even available via public transportation.
- Thunder Ridge: This tiny Hudson Valley slope doesn't quite live up to impressive name, but it's convenient and accessible to New Yorkers who don't drive: Metro-North offers a train-ski package. Get on at Grand Central and take the Harlem Line to Southeast, then change for Patterson. Transport is provided right to the ski slopes. The 500 feet of vertical, 30 short trails, and a terrain park make this a good "first slope."
- Mt. Peter Ski Area: This small ski area just over an hour from New York is located on the west side of the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley. It has four lifts (one on the surface), a 450-foot vertical drop, and about a dozen trails.
- Tuxedo Ridge: Just over an hour from Manhattan and near Mt. Peter, Tuxedo Ridge has seven trails and four lifts. It's a small area, but it does have both tubing and terrain park, making it a good choice for families whose kids have differing interests and abilities in skiing or snowboarding.
If you're willing to drive a little farther, you have more choices, especially in the Delaware Water Gap area (1 1/2 hours from New York), where Pennsylvania's Camelback, Shawnee Mountain, and Alpine Mountain ski areas are all close enough for day trips from New York.
New York's "feeder ski areas" have some disadvantages, namely, crowds, lack of elevation, and lack of advanced trails. But for beginners and families, the ski areas closest to New York are more accessible than the long haul to the bigger mountains of the Catskills and beyond. Until you're ready for the bigger ski slopes, New York's feeder areas may be just the ticket you need to get on friendly and familiar terms with skiing and snowboarding.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
