While there aren’t many ski resorts in New Jersey, those interested in hitting the slopes this winter will have three options to choose from. With two outdoor locations near the border with New York as well as one indoor area, each resort has different features ideal for different skiers and snowboarders. No matter where you head to, you’re sure to have a great time.
5 Closest Ski Resorts by New York City
The reality is that there are over a dozen places to ski within a two-hour drive of New York City. From indoor year-round practice slopes to big-name East Coast resorts, there are some stellar places to ski and snowboard close to NYC. If you’re looking for a nearby ride, or are still a beginner, the …
New Jersey Ski Areas near Popular Destinations
A state surrounded by multiple popular destinations, the closest ski areas to New Jersey offer different runs and amenities for all types if skiers and riders. When planning your next NJ ski trip, consider any of these locations!
Guide to New Jersey’s 3 Ski Resorts
There aren’t a large number of downhill ski resorts in New Jersey. Of the state’s 3 ski areas, 2 are located at the New York border and 1 is indoors. Still, each resort has its own unique benefits for skiers and snowboarders.
New Jersey’s amount of snow is relatively low, at only 28 inches each year, but the best time to ski is the first week of February. By then, the resorts have a great base and there’s a higher likelihood of fresh powder. All of the resorts rely upon snowmaking abilities to supplement their naturally occurring snow.
The ski season in the state generally runs from mid-December through late March, though resorts have been known to open as early as November or stay open until the first week of April.
The public transportation system in the Northeast makes it relatively easy to access any of these resorts from major cities, including New York City. Campgaw Mountain access requires a brief taxi ride but the inexpensive lift ticket makes it worthwhile.
Outdoor Skiing in New Jersey
Mountain Creek in Sussex County is one of the snowiest regions of the state, receiving roughly 37 inches of snow annually. The ski area’s 41 trails are located on 167 acres of terrain blanketed over 4 peaks. Mountain Creek boasts the region’s only all-mountain terrain park, letting freestylers enjoy 19 dedicated trails.
Because Mountain Creek is the largest mountain in the area, weekends can be packed. The resort is best for more advanced skiers and snowboarders and can be more enjoyable during the week. Fortunately, the ski resort has on-property condos for rent, along with dining and entertainment, so there’s no need to rush a visit.
Tickets are pricier than many other eastern resorts, but the ski area’s size and terrain park options are also more impressive. The lift ticket allows night skiing access, during which 100 percent of the terrain is open.
Ski Campgaw at Campgaw Mountain is located along New Jersey’s border with New York and is the closest outdoor resort to New York City. The ski area is tucked in the Watchung Mountains to the east of the Appalachian Mountain Range. The small resort is an ideal spot for learning to ski.
There are only 15 acres of terrain and 12 trails, most of which are for beginners or intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders. The advanced runs are at the top of the slope and very short, so that can be a benefit for those learning to ski.
Ski Campgaw has plenty of learning programs for every ability. Skiers and snowboarders can opt for daily group, semi-private and private lessons, or can participate in multi-week programs for ages 4 and up. Adaptive skiing and lessons are also offered.
The resort has day and night skiing but no lodging is available on-site. Dining and equipment rental is located in the Main Lodge at the base of Campgaw.
Skiing Indoors in New Jersey
The 1st indoor ski area in the United States, Big Snow American Dream, is right in the Meadowlands. As New Jersey’s only year-round option, it’s the perfect spot for skiers and snowboarders to practice in the summer months.
Tickets can be purchased as a 1-day pass or a multi-session card. Ski packages that include equipment and snow pants are also available for a reasonable price. Big Snow American Dream limits the number of skiers and snowboarders allowed for each 2-hour time slot and reservations must be made in advance.
The 6-story, 180,000-square-foot ski complex has 4 runs with different types of features within each run, so skiers can test their abilities. For those whose abilities aren’t where they’d like them to be, Big Snow also has learn-to-ski programs. Spectator tickets can be purchased for those wishing to watch their friends attempt the slopes.
New Jersey also has cross country options and tubing parks, but the variety of downhill ski areas is a reason to consider the state for skiing and snowboarding. While there aren’t a large number of choices for skiing in New Jersey, each ski resort provides a very unique experience for every type of skier.
