As the state with the most ski resorts, New York has a fair share of ski towns to encounter at any time of year. Whether experiencing deep snow near Buffalo, or the resort-heavy section of the Catskills, there are mountain towns to meet any skier’s preference.
These communities are all unique, with some encompassing the outdoors and others centered around their historic communities. With a variety of mountain ranges running through New York, it’s no surprise to find these mountain towns in different sections of the state. With plenty of ski areas to check out Upstate, these are great places to live or visit.
Here are the top ski towns in New York to live and visit, in no particular order:
Ellicottville, NY
One of New York’s most charming ski towns is Ellicottville just an hour from Buffalo. Within sight of the downtown area are the slopes of Holiday Valley Ski Resort, a great family ski area with a half pipe and glade skiing.
In summer, mountain bike or hike the same downhill slopes, or experience the Sky High Adventure Park with a mountain coaster and climbing wall. For something a bit less active, try the free Nannen Arboretum open year-round or sample beverages at the local brewery or winery.
This western New York community was first established in 1815, then renamed Ellicottville in 1820. The town square and central location of shops and restaurants remain similar to Ellicotville’s early beginnings, with historic buildings still a part of the area. The main section of the town is just a few blocks long, packed with shops and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
In 2020, the town had a population of 1,317, but continues to grow as it becomes a sought location for a second home. With its historic charm and quick access to the ski area, it’s easy to see how it has become such a popular destination.
North Creek, NY
At the base of New York’s largest ski resort, the little town of North Creek has grown in popularity as a bustling ski town. Its location in the Adirondack Mountains makes it an ideal place to ski and snowboard, but also offers an abundance of outdoor activities in the summer.
White river rafting, bike tours, kayaking, swimming, and hiking are all easy to experience, with music festivals and a community mosaic project for those more creatively minded. Gore Mountain is only five minutes from North Creek, and a free shuttle provides access from lodging and downtown business to the ski resort.
Beyond downhill skiing, the winter months are perfect for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing around the mountain. Snow tubing and ice climbing can be enjoyed in the coldest months of the year, and the downtown area features shops along its historic Main Street at any time.
In 2020 North Creek’s population was just below 700 people, but that may change with its proximity to Albany and growing interest in the area for a second home. The former logging community in the middle of the Adirondacks grew significantly in the 1840s. When garnet was discovered at Gore Mountain, the area industry shifted to mining, and then turned into a year-round recreation destination.
Hillsdale, NY
On New York side of the border with Massachusetts, the tiny town of Hillsdale is conveniently located to access Catamount Mountain Resort in the southern Berkshires. Though half of the mountain is located in Massachusetts, the best and closest ski town is Hillsdale.
The town was established in 1788 amid the rolling hills of the farming and textile community. In 2010, the population was close to 2,000 and that same year the downtown hamlet was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Summer months in Hillsdale are perfect for visiting Catamount’s Aerial Adventure Park. Along with a number of trails positioned high above the ground, the park has the largest dual zipline in the country. Take a bike ride along the rail trail, hike around the area, or visit the local lavender farm.
In the winter, Catamount’s slopes have a wide variety of terrain, plus alpine racing and snow tubing. Nearby trails offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Located just a few hours from New York City and Boston, Hillsdale is well-situated to attract visitors for an overnight stay or a long visit. The town is small with only a few specialty shops and dining options, yet the ski town is perfect for a quiet and laid-back vacation.
Warwick, NY
Tucked in the southeastern corner of the state, the village of Warwick is a ski community encompassed by a larger town of the same name. This ski town is not far from New York City and in 2021 had a population of fewer than 7,000 people, yet the growing community provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city.
Warwick is nestled in the Hudson Valley, along winding roads through the Appalachian Mountains. Many of the village’s historic buildings were built before the United States was born. Facades of brick and clapboard buildings line multiple blocks of shops and dining line the town’s Main Street.
The village is walkable, and is home to summer concert series, a sculpture garden, and farmsteads for picking apples and strawberries. Culinary delights abound, whether sampling the variety of dining options or enjoying a winery and distillery tour.
Nearby, Mount Peter Ski Area may be small, but it has the oldest operating slopes in the state and provides the community with a respite from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. The ski resort is conveniently located minutes away from Warwick
The region was called Warwick starting in the early 1700s, and the town had an important place during the American Revolution. A local mine produced an iron chair stretching across the Hudson River, blocking British ships. Today, the former mine is a state park that can be explored by foot, horseback, cross-country skis, or bike.
Windham, NY
In the Catskills, one of the best ski towns to experience is Windham just an hour southeast of Albany. The destination is one of the oldest in the area and has a full menu of recreational activities for every season.
Along with skiing and snowboarding at Windham Mountain Resort, snow tubing and ice skating are available in the winter. Or try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Catskills. There are several art galleries in town, and activities in the summer range from golfing to kayaking to hiking.
The town was established in the late 18th century, although the area’s name changed several times until 1873 when it was officially called Windham. The area is known as the “gem of the Catskills,” and had a population of 1,671 in 2022.
The slopes of Windham Mountain are within view of the primary thoroughfare where historic buildings have been converted into shops and eateries. The area is home to a Zagat-rated restaurant and farm-to-table dining, with lodging ranging from all-inclusive resorts to small inns.
Among New York’s many ski areas, finding a great ski town can be a challenge. Many of the Empire State’s ski resorts only have winter activities or don’t have easy access to amenities. Yet it’s worth the search to find one providing year-round experiences and the sense of community that comes from a true ski town.
New York’s ski towns offer plenty of fun both on and off the slopes. Whether looking in the Catskills, Berkshires, or Appalachians, there’s one that’s worth exploring in every part of the state.