Illustration: Noun New York
It’s not too late to tell people you skied this winter. Snow-capped mountains and bunny hills await under a three hours’ drive from Manhattan, and this winter’s consistently cold temperatures mean that conditions are excellent — and should remain so for at least a few more weeks. Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa talked with people who have tried every nearby option to find out exactly how to enjoy a day of skiing and sleep in your own bed when it’s over.
It’s two and a half to three hours away (without traffic). If you have children, you might like Belleayre Mountain with its 50 trails, many of which suit beginner and intermediate skiers, says Matt Brennan, reservations manager at OvrRide, a local company that organizes ski trips. Kids who get grumpy can warm up by the outdoor fireplaces with hot cocoa and waffles or go for a pedestrian ride on the gondola. Of course, there’s Hunter Mountain, which is the closest to the city. It can be a bit crowded, but its 67 trails and 13 lifts make it great for groups. (There’s even a new chairlift that holds six people at a time.) For a more serene day, try Windham Mountain Club, which, in 2023, became semi-private. Erin Connors, a snowboard instructor at Windham, says there’s a limit to the number of day tickets (from $95) it’ll sell, which cuts down on wait times. Plus Windham has a spa.
Brennan recommends Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania: “It’s just two hours away, maybe even a little bit less, and has a good learning terrain,” he says. And it’s possible to ski at resorts farther away, such as Butternut in Massachusetts and Stratton and Killington in Vermont, within a day. Jamie Aranoff, a digital editor at Ski magazine, says her ideal day trip is to Butternut, especially if she’s bringing along a beginner. Also in her itinerary: dinner at Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington followed by ice cream at SoCo Creamery.
Illustration: Noun New York
It’s likely the closest downhill-skiing destination — just an hour’s drive away in Patterson. The mountain is on the smaller side (it has 23 trails) and hosts private and group lessons for ages 4 and up. And through March 8, it’s the only mountain that has a package with Metro-North: a $99 combination round-trip-train and lift ticket.
OvrRide provides day trips (from $100) to Hunter, Bellayre, Blue Mountain, Killington, and Stratton, while Urban Sherpa Travel has day trips (from $65) to Hunter, Gore (the largest ski resort in New York State), and Windham.
The roads that lead to these mountains and resorts can be icy. “We once got a minivan and just weren’t even thinking,” says Madison Hendry, a trip leader for the Hoboken Ski Club. “It ended up snowing two inches, and we ran into a snow bank and dented the car. Not fun.”
Aranoff recommends leaving the city at around 5 a.m. “Is it pleasant? No. Is it dark? Yes. But you won’t need to worry about traffic,” she says.
Illustration: Noun New York
You can borrow skis, snowboards, and helmets there (never buy a used ski helmet). If you prefer to arrive ready to ski, pick up a rental kit (from $45) from Cold Mountain Ski Rental and Sale (173 E. 91st St.; 929-789-7826) on the Upper East Side the evening before your trip and return it the next day.
Consider renting waterproof outer layers and warm base layers through Kit Lender, which stocks everything from snow pants to goggles. Aranoff says it’s crucial to avoid cotton, as it immediately loses its insulating powers when it gets wet.
The cold can drain your battery and make it hard to communicate from the mountain.
Big Snow at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is an indoor 1,000-foot ski slope accessed by a quad chairlift. Admission includes two-hour lift access plus a helmet, outerwear, and skis or a snowboard.