With dozens of ski areas located within the state, those looking to hits the slopes in New York may find themselves with the problem of having too many options. With acres on acres of skiable land, you could spend an entire winter attempting every run and still have more to try. Great for skiers and snowboarders alike, New York has a range of resorts to meet your needs.
12 Closest Ski Resorts by Cleveland, Ohio
There are plenty of reasons why Cleveland rocks, whether it’s the many sports teams, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or being just a few hours away from many different types of ski areas. While skiing and snowboarding aren’t generally synonymous with Ohio, residents have many resorts to enjoy downhill slopes in and out …
New York Ski Areas by City
Within a few hours of some of New York’s best-known cities, skiers and snowboarders will have plenty of locations to choose from. While some may require you to cross state lines, visiting any one of these ski resorts is sure to be a highlight of your NY winter vacation.
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Guide to New York’s 48 Ski Areas
The state with the most ski areas isn’t in the West with the highest peaks in the state. New York, with its many mountain ranges, holds the honor of being home to a whopping 48 downhill ski resorts. Roughly 40 percent of the state lies 1,000 feet above sea level with plenty of mountain peaks in its many mountain ranges.
The Adirondack Mountains, the Shawangunk Mountains, the Appalachians, and the Catskills each have their own downhill options ready for skiers and snowboarders. Skiing is helped by the abundance of snowfall in New York. More than 60 percent of the state receives 70 inches or more of snowfall each year. The Adirondacks can receive up to 175 inches of snow.
Lake effect snow hits the areas to the east of the two Great Lakes bordering the state. The heaviest snow falls in November and December, and squalls coming from Lake Ontario can extend into February. The ski season usually begins in December and lasts through mid-March, though with so many resorts it’s usually possible to find a ski resort somewhere that’s open earlier or extends beyond the usual season.
February usually has the best snow in the state. Most New York ski areas are small independent resorts, although some areas are part of the EPIC Pass or the Indy Pass, or they offer combined lift discounts with other resorts. Many of the state’s resorts have activities beyond downhill skiing, incorporating activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or trail rides.
A few are owned by towns or ski clubs with only a handful of slopes, but provide inexpensive fun for all ages.
Ski Areas to the West
A dozen ski areas are located not far from Buffalo and Rochester in the western part of the state. Some are near the Great Lakes and receive plenty of lake-effect snow. The family-friendly Kissing Bridge is one of those resorts that benefit from these squalls.
Located less than an hour from Buffalo with 39 slopes on 700 acres, it’s a family-friendly resort ideal for learning to ski. Most of the slopes are beginner or intermediate but a handful are advanced.
The ski resort has three areas – south, central, and north – with trails for all abilities in each section. Most of the other resorts are smaller but are within an hour of just about anywhere in New York.
- Brantling Ski Slopes
- Bristol Mountain
- Buffalo Ski Center
- Cockaigne Ski Resort
- Holiday Valley Resort
- HoliMont Ski Club
- Hunt Hollow Ski Club
- Northampton Park
- Peek n Peak Resort
- Powder Mills Park
- Swain Resort
Ski Areas in Central New York
In the center of the state near Syracuse, ski resorts of all sizes receive plenty of snow to keep things exciting. Greek Peak Mountain Resort in the Finger Lakes region receives an average of 122 inches of snow annually. The resort is a family-friendly option in the center of the state with 56 trails and 4 terrain parks.
The trails are a balance of easy, intermediate, and difficult options. Most ski areas in this section of New York are smaller and also inexpensive.
- Camillus Ski Association
- Cazenovia Ski Club
- Dry Hill Ski Area
- Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center
- Labrador Mountain
- McCauley Mountain
- Skaneateles Ski Club
- Snow Ridge Resort
- Song Mountain
- Val Bialas Ski Center
- Woods Valley Ski Area
Ski Areas in South New York
South of Albany, not far from New York City, is the Catskills. It’s a popular year-round destination and is easily accessible from New York City for skiing and snowboarding. One of the area’s most popular locations is the family-friendly Windham Mountain.
At an elevation of 3,100 feet, the resort has 54 trails and 6 terrain parks on 732 total acres. The lifts service 3 peaks and provide access to glade skiing.
Hunter Mountain in the Catskills was the first resort in the country to have 100 percent snowmaking coverage. It’s the closest ski area to New York City and is a popular spot for aprés-ski. With a number of other resorts in the area, anyone can find the right fit for their needs.
- Belleayre Mountain
- Catamount Ski Area
- Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Park
- Mount Peter
- Plattekill Mountain
- Rocking Horse Ranch
- Thunder Ridge
- Windham Mountain
Ski Areas in Northeast New York
More than a dozen downhill ski resorts are located in the northeast of New York, well-known for the Lake Placid area, which was the host of 2 winter Olympics. That’s also where to find the Adirondack Mountains and the state’s highest peaks. One of the most popular resorts in the area is Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid.
The resort is owned by the Olympic Regional Development Authority, along with Gore Mountain and Belleayre Mountain. Whiteface Mountain has 3 peaks with 90 trails, part of the appeal is the opportunity to visit the many former Olympic sites.
Gore Mountain is the largest ski area in the state, with 108 downhill trails, 8 freestyle areas, and 28 glades. The longest trail is an incredible 4.4 miles. The vast majority of trails are blue or black, so it’s best left to more adept skiers. This area of New York has plenty of other resorts north of Albany, extending up to the Canadian border, so skiers of all levels can find the perfect spot to ski.
- Dynamite Hill Recreation Area
- Hickory Ski Center
- Indian Lake Ski Hill
- Maple Ski Ridge
- Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center
- Oak Mountain
- Royal Mountain
- Rydin-Hy Ranch Resort
- Ski Beartown
- Titus Mountain Family Ski Center
- West Mountain
- Willard Mountain
For New Yorkers, access to this downhill skiing is an easy day trip from just about anywhere in the state. Many spots in the Catskills and Adirondacks have backcountry skiing, and plenty also has snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, so nearly everyone can find a way to enjoy the snowy winter months.
