Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Where to Ski and Snowboard in the Northeast

By NYMetroParents Staff December 20, 2017

UPDATED DECEMBER 2017: Skiing and snowboarding with the family this winter? Our guide includes resorts and mountains just outside of the New York metropolitan area, to the slopes of Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Beginner lessons and kid-friendly slopes for new skiiers and snowboarders are readily available at most mountains. No need to haul your gear, either—you can rent skis, snowboards, helmets, and all of your winter sporting needs right on site. Please note: Hours and programs are subject to change. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details before your visit.

Select a region:

Southeast New York
Upstate New York (Worth the Travel!)
Connecticut
New Jersey
Berkshires, Massachusetts
Poconos, Pennsylvania
Southern Vermont
New Hampshire

Southeast New York

Belleayre Mountain

181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount
845-254-5600

Features 51 trails, parks, and glades. Offers ski and snowboard lessons with age groups 4-6, 7-12, and 13 and older. Round-trip bus service from NYC via Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com) includes lift ticket and luggage lock-up. Rental equipment is available for all ages. There is an on-site nursery for children ages 6 months to 6 years.

Catamount

State Route 23 East, Hillsdale
518-325-3200

Has 36 trails; seven lifts including a summit quad chairlift; five terrain parks; and a novice area for beginning boarders. Fourth- and fifth-graders ski free on weekends and holidays with a paying adult (registration and $25 processing fee required). Season passes available: $550 adults; $475 children ages 7-13; $175 for children ages 6 and younger.

Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park

99 Holiday Mountain Road, Monticello
845-796-3161

Boasts six trails, four lifts, night skiing, and snow tubing. Beginner lessons available. Thursday and Saturday nights (5-8pm) are Family Nights, with reduced lift ticket and rental pricing. Friday night is Family Tubing Night. On Tuesday nights (5-9pm), buy any lift ticket and get another at half price.

Hunter Mountain

64 Klein Ave., Hunter
518-263-4223

Spans three mountains and includes 58 trails and 12 lifts. Programs for kids include Explorers lessons for ages 4-6 (ski only) include a lift ticket, a lesson with a certified instructor, and a full day pass with lunch included. Lessons for ages 7-12 (skiing and snowboarding) also include a lift ticket, a full day pass, and lunch included. Private, one-on-one lessons with a certified instructor are available for ages 3 and older. Snow tubing for those 42 inches and taller on Friday evenings and weekends. Mini Park for those 33-42 inches. Play care is available for children ages 2-6 on weekends and holidays—reservations are required. Several bus services offer round-trip transportation from the New York metro area; see website for details.

Mount Peter

40 Ski Lane, Warwick
845-986-4940

Features 14 trails, from beginner to black diamond, a terrain park, tubing, and a new quad lift. Offers free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays with the purchase of a lift ticket (for ages 5 and older). There’s also a Tiny Tots program for children ages 4 and younger (must be potty trained), which includes a lesson, equipment rental, lift ticket, and hot chocolate. Ski racing program for ages 6-18.

Plattekill Mountain

469 Plattekill Mountain Road, Roxbury
607-326-3500

Features 38 trails and a terrain park. Group ski lessons for kids as young as 4. Lift-serviced snow tubing on weekends and holidays; children must be at least 3 feet tall. Kids younger than 6 ski for free. Round-trip bus service available from New York metro area locations online via skedaddle.com.

Rocking Horse Ranch

600 Route 44/55, Highland
GPS address: 13 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland
800-647-2624

A family resort that includes downhill skiing, snow tubing, horse-drawn sleigh ridges, and skating. Best for the ski “dabbler.” Offers beginner classes (in the Never Ever Area) and free equipment rentals (snowboards not available) with your stay. Free pickup service available from the Amtrak train station in Poughkeepsie and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area

137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson
845-878-4100

Boasts 22 trails with many slow and gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates. Has a ski racing program for kids ages 6-19. On weekends and holidays through March 11, you can take the Metro-North ski train on the Harlem line to Patterson station ($63.50; $46 seniors; $49.50 children ages 12 and older; $27 children ages 6-11; $10 for children 5 and younger than 5) and the free shuttle to Thunder Ridge. Ticket includes all-day/all-night lift ticket (night skiing not available on Sundays) and a $5 discount on rental equipment.

Windham Mountain

19 Resort Drive, Windham
800-754-9463

Boasts 54 trails over two peaks and six terrain parks (for beginner to expert riders), plus an Adventure Park with ice-skating, kids snowmobiling, and snow tubing with a conveyor lift. Ski and snowboarding programs for kids ages 4-12 (private lessons for kids as young as 3). Lessons for children with disabilities are offered through the Adaptive Sports Foundation (call 518-734-5070 for more information). Child care is available. Bus service available from NYC via Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com).

Upstate New York (worth the trek!)

Bristol Mountain Resort

5662 Route 64, Canandaigua
585-374-6000

Has 35 trails and six lifts. Ski lessons for children as young as 4; snowboard lessons for children as young as 6. Childcare program for children as young as 18 months and babysitting services for children ages 12 and younger, with reservations 48 hours in advance.

Gore Mountain

793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek
518-251-2411

Boasts 110 trails, including 28 glades, and nine freestyle areas. Daily ski and snowboard lessons for children as young as 3. Daycare available for children ages 6 months to 6 years. The new Nordic Center offers 5k for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Whiteface The Olympic Mountain

5021 Route 86, Wilmington
518-946-2223 or Coca-Cola Snow Phone 877-754-3223

Features more than 80 trails, 11 lifts, and several terrain parks at this U.S. Olympic training site. There are expert trails as well as Bear Den Mountain Area for kids and families learning to ski or snowboard. Lessons for ages 4 and older, all skill levels. Nursery available for ages 1-6. Ski racing and freestyle program for ages 7 and older.

Connecticut

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area

46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall
860-672-6100

The Parent & Tots program teaches parents (who must be at least intermediate-level skiers) how to ski safely with their 3- and 4-year-old children, while the children learn to ski; available Wednesdays at 1:30pm, weekends, and holidays at 10am and 2pm (registration required). Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids as young as 5, as well as adaptive lessons for children with special needs. Ski racing program for ages 7 and older. Connecticut fourth-graders get two free lift tickets ($10 processing fee). Discounted tickets for beginners; free lift tickets for children ages 5 and younger (with purchase of accompanying adult ticket).

Mount Southington

396 Mount Vernon Road, Plantsville
860-628-0954

Features 14 trails, most of which are beginner and intermediate level, and two terrain parks. The parent and preschooler class for parents and 3-year-olds introduces toddlers to skiing while teaching parents to use tip connectors and harnesses while skiing (registration required). Introductory ski lessons for ages 4-10 are offered on weekends and holidays. Private ski and snowboard instruction also available.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort

99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield
866-860-0208

Features 19 trails and four terrain parks, plus snow tubing and snowbiking. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons for kids and adults, as well as lessons for ages 3-5. You can take the Metro-North train to Bridgeport. Offers year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the new artificial 365 Synthetic Snow Park.

Ski Sundown

126 Ratlum Road, New Hartford
860-379-7669

Has 16 trails, two terrain parks, and night skiing or snowboarding in more than 70 scenic skiable areas. Group ski lessons for ages 3 and older; snowboarding lessons for ages 7 and older. Registration required for private lessons. Offers 4- and 8-hour "start anytime" lift tickets and rentals, walk-in daily lessons, and family events.

Woodbury Ski Area

785 Washington Road, Woodbury
203-263-2203

Closest Connecticut ski area to NYC with snow tube runs and two tubing parks. Learn to ski/snowboard group lessons and private lessons available. Skiing and snowboarding camps offered during holidays. Discounts available; check the website.

New Jersey

Campgaw Mountain

200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah
201-327-7800
201-327-6088

Small ski area with six lifts, night skiing, and snow tubing (must be at least 42 inches tall). Cruiser program offers group ski lessons for ages 4-6 and First Step program for ages 7 and older; group ski and snowboard lessons for ages 7 and older. Approximately 20 miles north of the George Washington Bridge.

Mountain Creek Ski Resort

200 Route 94, Vernon
973-827-2000

Features 43 trails, mostly beginner and intermediate, and a large terrain park. Private lessons available. Night skiing and snow tubing for kids ages 5 and older who are at least 42 inches tall. Offers a racing program for kids ages 7 and older. Approximately 50 miles from Manhattan.

Berkshires, Massachusetts

Berkshire East Ski Resort

66 Thunder Mountain Road, Charlemont
413-339-6617

Boasts 47 trails (18 night skiing trails), most for intermediate to advanced skill levels, and a terrain park. Ski lessons for ages 3 and older; snowboarding lessons for ages 8 and older. Kids’ clubs for ages 6 and older. Snow tubing for children at least 42 inches tall. Children’s Center offers child care for ages 2-5. Saturday nights are Family Nights, with discounted lift tickets, rentals, and lessons.

Bousquet Ski Area

101 Dan Fox Drive, Pittsfield
413-442-8316

Has 24 trails and three terrain parks. Private and group ski lessons for ages 4 and older; snowboard lessons for ages 7 and older. Night skiing and tubing are also offered (parents must sign Release from Liability form). $10 lift tickets and tubing on Thursday nights.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

37 Corey Road, Hancock
413-738-5500

Features 45 trails, three terrain parks, nine lifts, and night skiing. KidsRule program features lessons for kids ages 3-14. The Cub's Den daycare is available for children ages 6 months and older. Mountain Coaster and Soaring Eagle Zip ride is available for non-skiers and riders on weekends and holidays, weather permitting.

Otis Ridge

159 Monterey Road off Route 23, Otis
413-269-4444

Has 10 trails, four lifts, and night skiing. Group ski lessons for kids as young as 4; snowboarding lessons for ages 6 and older. Private lessons offered for younger children, no age restriction. Overnight ski camps ($120 per day) for kids ages 8-15, including ski instruction and other recreational activities, are offered Jan. 12-15, Feb. 16-19, and March 10-12.

Ski Butternut

380 State Road (Route 23), Great Barrington
413-528-2000

Boasts 22 trails, two terrain parks, 11 lifts, and an eight-lane snow tubing center (tubing is for all ages). Adventurers ski programs for ages 4-13 and miniRIDERS snowboarding programs for ages 4-13. Reservations encouraged. Daycare available for ages 6 months to 8 years.

Poconos, Pennsylvania

Blue Mountain Ski Area

1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton
610-826-7700

Has 39 trails, five terrain parks, snow tubing, and night skiing. Explorer program offers ski lessons for ages 4-12 and snowboarding instruction for ages 5-12. (Also offers a Pioneer Program for ages 6-10, which is recommended for kids who have already completed Explorers.) Children 5 and younger receive a free lift ticket with a paying adult. Offers a youth racing program for skiers and snowboarders ages 5-18. The Childcare Cabin is available for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Camelback Mountain Resort

301 Camelback Road, Tannersville
570-629-1661

Boasts 34 trails, most for novices and beginners. Night skiing offered. Learn to ski and snowboard classes for kids ages 4-12. Half-day CamelCare Adventurers ski or snowboard program for kids ages 3-5. Snow tubing with double tubes available for children as small as 33 inches, accompanied by an adult. Kids ages 5 and younger receive free lift ticket with paid adult. Purchase an explorer card for $179 to receive three days of access to equipment rentals, bunny slopes, and the meadow lift, as well as three beginner lessons.

Jack Frost

434 Jack Frost Mountain Road, Blakeslee
Sister resort: Big Boulder, 1 S. Lake Drive, Lake Harmony
570-443-8425

Children's ski programs for ages 3-12; snowboard lessons for ages 6-12. Both offer terrain parks and tubing for those at least 42 inches tall. Only Big Boulder has night skiing.

Montage Mountain Resorts

1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton
800-468-7669

Boasts 26 trails and one terrain parks. Ski lessons for kids as young as 3. Snow tubing for those 44 inches and taller. The Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program for children 6 and older and includes six lessons and a night pass. Located about 7 miles from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and 30 miles from Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg
570-421-7231

Has 23 trails, two terrain parks, night skiing, and snow tubing, with tandem tubes for one parent and a child shorter than 46 inches. Offers a SKIbaby program for ages 3; a Mommy & Me program for 3-year-olds and one guardian; ski lessons for kids as young as 4; and snowboard lessons for kids as young as 7.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain

192 Karl Hope Blvd., Lackawaxen
570-226-8585

Features 18 trails, with group ski and snowboard lessons for ages 6 and older and tubing for those at least 42 inches tall. Children 5 and younger receive a free lift ticket with paying adult.

Southern Vermont

Direct service is available to these resorts from New York City, Westchester, and Connecticut via Adventure Northeast Transportation Service (917-861-1800). Urban Sherpa bus service also provides direct transportation from NYC to Killington (917-692-5222).

Bromley Mountain Ski Resort

3984 Vermont Route 11, Peru
802-824-5522

Boasts 47 trails, nine lifts, and one terrain park. Ski and snowboard lessons for children ages 2½ and older. Child care available for ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Children ages 5 and younger receive free lift tickets.

Killington Resort & Pico Mountain

4763 Killington Road, Killington
802-422-6201

Features 155 trails, 21 lifts, and several terrain parks, including a “superpipe.” Group ski and snowboarding lessons for beginners as young as 2 with a maximum of five children per class; group snowboard lessons for those as young as 4. Friendly Penguin Day Care for children ages 12 weeks to 12 years.

Mount Snow

39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover
800-245-7669

Spans 600 acres with 86 named trails, 20 lifts, 100 acres of terrain parks, eight lanes of snow tubing for all ages, snowshoeing, nearby cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and dog sledding. Ski and snowboard lessons for kids as young as 3; available in half-or full-day programs. Child care available for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Children ages 5 and younger ski for $10.

Okemo Mountain Resort

77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow
800-786-5366

Boasts 121 trails, 20 lifts, and eight terrain parks. Free skiing and riding for children ages 6 and younger. Reduced-price lift tickets for ages 13-18 and further reduced-price tickets for children ages 7-12. Private lessons for children as young as 2; group ski lessons for children as young as 3; group snowboard lessons for children as young as 4-6. Penguin Playground Day Care Center for ages 6 months to 4 years.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

4323 Vermont Route 108 S., Smugglers’ Notch
800-419-4615

One of the Top 30 resorts in North America and winner of best family programs (SKI Magazine), this resort spans three mountains and has 78 trails, including 13 easy trails and eight lifts. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobile touring are available. Families enjoy indoor pool and hot tubs, arts and crafts workshops, and kids of all ages play in the FunZone, the family entertainment and recreation center. Treasures Child Care available for ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Ski lessons for kids as young as 2½ and snowboarding lessons for kids as young as 3. Have fun on the ArborTrek Zip Line canopy tour, the only one of its kind in Vermont, where you can whiz through trees higher than 65 feet off the ground.

Stratton Mountain Ski Resort

5 Village Lodge Road, Stratton Mountain
800-787-2886

Ski and snowboard lessons for ages 3 and older. Childcare available for ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Snow tubing in the Coca Cola Tubing Park (must be at least 5 years old and 42 inches tall). Mini Snowmobile Rides for ages 6 and older; riders 6 and older can drive their own mini Arctic Cat snowmobile on Saturdays and during holiday periods.

New Hampshire

Cranmore Mountain Resort

1 Skimobile Road, North Conway
800-786-6754

The 10-lane tubing park open weekends (Friday-Sunday) and major holidays, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Has 57 trails, nine lifts, and five terrain parks. The Playroom can accommodate children aged six months to five years and the staff will try to accommodate families with special needs with sufficient notice. Lessons offered include the I Wanna Ski program for ages 3-5, I Wanna Snowboard program for ages 5-7, and group lessons for ages 4-14.