Are you looking for ski day trips from NYC?
If you're a NYC native like me and a ski enthusiast who doesn't own a car, you'll understand the struggle. The bustling city life offers so much, but ski trips from NYC can be challenging, right?
The good news is that there are plenty options for those that are looking to get on the slopes without having to rent a car. Cause who wants to drive in the city anyway. (I know I don't).
While some of the options are easy to get to by car, a lot of the resorts we found work with tour operators to create day trip packages and even overnight New York ski packages as well as longer skiing trips that include everything from roundtrip transportation, equipment rentals and ski lift tickets.
This makes for a quick and easy ski day trip from NYC.
10 Ski Day Trips From NYC
Going skiing is something that a lot of us New Yorkers look forward to. However for those of us without cars, these excursions can seem daunting.
The exciting thing is that there are numerous ski resorts which are easily accessible by public transit, shuttles, or guided tours.
From the adrenaline-pumping slopes of Windham Mountain to the beginner-friendly terrains of Belleayre, we've compiled a list of 10 ski day trips from NYC that are just a bus or train ride away.
(1) Thunder Ridge Ski Area
⭐️ RATING: 4.1/5 Stars | ⏳ DISTANCE FROM NYC: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
At just two hours from the city, you'll find the Thunder Ridge Ski Area – a hidden gem among ski resorts. It's the perfect destination for a ski day trip from NYC.
You don't need to worry about the commute because direct Metro-North Ski Trains are available from Grand Central to Patterson, NY, and a free shuttle bus will be waiting to take you from the station straight to the slopes.
What sets Thunder Ridge apart is its friendly atmosphere and its variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels. The ski area offers over 30 trails, with a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
If you want to extend your stay, Thunder Ridge also provides night skiing options, giving thrill-seekers the unique experience of skiing under the stars. Its definiltey one of the great options for overnight ski trips from NYC.
(2) Hunter Mountain Ski
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ DISTANCE FROM NYC: 2.5 hours| ✅ Book it!
Hunter Mountain is not just a ski resort but a winter wonderland just over two hours from NYC. This hotspot is known for its impressive vertical drops and a wide array of trails, making it a popular destination for novice and expert skiers.
The resort boasts 67 trails spread across three separate mountains, providing diverse terrain to explore and conquer.
Hunter Mountain isn't only about the slopes, though. The resort offers adventure-seekers the opportunity to indulge in other winter activities, such as snowshoeing and snow tubing, ensuring there's never a dull moment during your visit.
Getting there is a breeze, thanks to the NYC Snow Bus departing from various Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. The bus offers a convenient, stress-free commute to and from the resort, allowing you to focus solely on your skiing adventure.
Hunter Mountain also offers the ‘Learning to Ski or Snowboard Package for those interested in guided tours.' This includes a beginner's lift ticket, equipment rental, and a group lesson — a perfect package for those new to the sport or wanting to improve their skills.
Hunter Mountain embodies the essence of a ski day trip from NYC, combining convenience, variety, and excitement for an unforgettable winter experience.
“Had an incredible experience on our day snowboarding trip to Hunter Mountain from NYC with NYC Snow Bus!!” (Read more reviews)
(3) Mountain Creek Ski: New York Ski Bus
⭐️ RATING: 4.2/5 Stars | ⏳ DISTANCE FROM NYC: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Mountain Creek Ski Resort is a winter paradise just under two hours from NYC, in Vernon Township, offering a perfect blend of thrilling ski slopes and breathtaking scenery.
With 46 trails sprawling over four mountain peaks, Mountain Creek caters to skiers of all skill levels. The resort offers a diverse range of slopes, from gentle runs for beginners to challenging terrains for seasoned skiers, ensuring something for everyone.
But Mountain Creek isn't just about skiing; it's an all-inclusive winter resort that offers snowboarding and snow tubing. There's a terrain park for those looking to add adventure to their ski day trip.
Getting to Mountain Creek is simple, even without a car.
The New York Ski Bus provides round-trip bus transportation directly from various pickup points in NYC to the resort, making your journey stress-free. This service lets you enjoy your day on the slopes without worrying about the commute.
Located just an hour from the George Washington Bridge, Mountain Creek Ski Resort is what a ski day trip from NYC should be – accessible (on the NYC ski bus), fun-filled, and an absolute treat for us winter sports enthusiasts.
Windham Mountain, located approximately two and a half hours from NYC, is an excellent option for ski enthusiasts.
With 54 trails spread over 285 skiable acres, the resort is renowned for its mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrains. The resort boasts the East's largest snowmaking system, ensuring you'll always find the perfect powdery conditions to carve down the mountain.
No car? No problem! You can use the bus service from NYC, offering day trips and weekend packages. This service includes round-trip transportation and even ski and snowboard rentals if needed, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the ride without the stress of driving.
Windham Mountain also provides a variety of ski and snowboard lessons, whether you're a first-timer or an experienced rider looking to polish your technique.
Additionally, the resort offers alternative winter activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a versatile winter playground.
(5) Belleayre Mountain
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ DISTANCE FROM NYC: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Belleayre Mountain, situated less than three hours from NYC, is one of our favorite among New York's ski resorts. The mountain offers a diverse range of 50 trails, making it an excellent choice for skiers of all levels.
Beginners will appreciate the mountain's ample green runs, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders can test their skills on challenging black diamond trails.
Besides the exhilarating ski experience, Belleayre offers a variety of winter activities to keep visitors entertained, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and a luge sledding experience. This ensures that even non-skiers have options for winter fun.
Getting to Belleayre from NYC is a smooth journey. Sourced Adventures has a packaged day ski trip which includes roundtrip transporation, ski rentals and lift tickets. If you prefer to drive, Belleayre is easily accessible via the NY State Thruway.
For those new to skiing or snowboarding or simply want to improve, Belleayre offers a variety of lessons and programs. They range from individual to group lessons and cater to all ages and skill levels. Equipment rentals are also available, making Belleayre a perfect all-in-one destination for a ski day trip from NYC.
Belleayre Mountain offers an ideal blend of fun, adventure, and convenience.
(6) Mohawk Mountain
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ DISTANCE FROM NYC: 2 hours| ✅ Book it!
Mohawk Mountain, nestled just over two hours from NYC, is a family-owned ski area that prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and diverse trails.
With 26 trails spanning over 107 acres, Mohawk Mountain offers a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrains, accommodating skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
What sets Mohawk Mountain apart is its commitment to snow quality. It is known for its advanced snowmaking capabilities, ensuring consistently excellent skiing conditions. The resort also dazzles with its night skiing options, enabling you to experience the magic of the slopes under a starlit sky.
Getting to Mohawk Mountain from NYC is relatively straightforward. You can drive or take advantage of the Trailways Bus Lines, a convenient connection from the city to the mountain.
For those who need equipment, Mohawk Mountain offers a comprehensive rental service. For beginners or those desiring to enhance their skills, a variety of ski and snowboarding lessons are available.
Mohawk Mountain has the charm of a smaller ski area while offering all the amenities of a larger resort.
Its friendly staff, excellent facilities, and commitment to creating memorable ski experiences make it one of our top choices for ski day trips from NYC. Whether you're a seasoned skier or your first time on the slopes, Mohawk Mountain provides a delightful winter escape.
Approximately four hours from NYC, Mount Snow is a bit further then most of the NYC ski trips on the list but it is definiltey a must visit.
With an impressive 600 acres of skiable terrain and 86 trails, this resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Mount Snow is known for its high-quality snow, thanks to one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in the East. It offers various winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, including tubing, snowmobile tours, and dog sledding experiences, ensuring something for everyone.
Traveling to Mount Snow from NYC is hassle-free. You can either drive or opt for the Rally Bus, which provides round-trip transportation directly to the resort from various locations in NYC.
Mount Snow offers an extensive range of lessons if you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. You can also rent equipment directly from the resort if you don't have your own.
Mount Snow is a great day ski trips from NYC, but it also makes for an awesome weekend ski trips as well, combining excellent skiing conditions, diverse terrain, and plenty of recreational activities.
(8) Camelback Mountain Resort
⭐️ RATING: 4.2/5 Stars | ⏳ DISTANCE FROM NYC: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Camelback Mountain Resort makes for an easy and enjoyable ski day trip from NYC, just under two hours away.
With 39 trails across 166 acres, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can find their perfect run. The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and various terrain that suits both beginners and experts.
Camelback's night skiing options offer a unique opportunity to hit the slopes under the stars, giving visitors more time on the mountain.
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Camelback also offers snow tubing—boasting the biggest snow tubing park in the USA with up to 42 lanes to slide down.
There are also snowboarding lessons, and visitors can explore the beautiful Pocono Mountains on a guided snowmobile tour.
Getting to Camelback from NYC is a breeze. You can drive or take a bus directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC to the resort via the Trailways bus service or book this tour which includes transportation, ski rentals and lift tickets.
Stratton Mountain, situated approximately four hours from NYC, is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort boasts 99 trails spread over 670 acres of skiable terrain, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all proficiency levels.
Stratton's signature features include a gondola with stunning panoramic views and high-quality snow maintained by state-of-the-art snowmaking technology.
Stratton is not just about skiing and snowboarding; there's a wide variety of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and fat biking. For those seeking a break from the slopes, Stratton Village provides an array of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment venues to explore.
Making your way to Stratton from NYC is quite straightforward. You can drive or take a convenient bus service like the Stratton Jitney, which offers round-trip transportation from NYC to Stratton.
If you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, the resort provides a range of ski and snowboarding lessons. Additionally, equipment rental is available on-site.
Stratton Mountain Resort embodies the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for ski day trips from NYC. Given its location though I would highlight recommend Stratton as for weekend ski trips from NYC.
Killington affectionately referred to as “The Beast of the East,” is one of the largest ski areas in the Northeast and is located approximately five hours from NYC.
This premier ski destination boasts seven distinct mountain areas with over 155 trails spread across 1,509 acres of diverse terrain, making it an ideal choice for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels.
Killington is renowned for its long ski season, often starting in October and extending through May, thanks to its robust snowmaking capabilities.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Killington offers many winter activities, including snowshoeing, tubing, and an exhilarating snowmobile tour. The resort is also home to the Killington Tubing Park, Vermont's longest tubing run, guaranteeing fun for the whole family.
Getting to Killington from NYC is quite simple. You can drive, or for a more relaxed journey, opt for the OVR Ride service, which provides comfortable, round-trip transportation from NYC to the resort.
Killington also offers a comprehensive range of lessons catering to beginners and those looking to advance their skills and on-site equipment rentals.
Killington offers a unique ski day trip from NYC, blending unparalleled skiing conditions, diverse recreational activities, and stunning winter scenery. Its commitment to ensuring every visitor has an extraordinary winter adventure makes it a must-visit destination.
This is another location I would also add to your NYC weekend ski trips list.
Ski Day Trips from NYC: FAQs
Let's talk about some things you may want to know before planning your ski day trip from NYC.
Where do people from New York go to ski?
People from New York have a variety of options for skiing within a day's drive. Popular destinations include Camelback Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, and the vast Killington Resort in Vermont.
These resorts offer a range of skiing opportunities for all levels of experience, making them a top choice for New York's winter sports enthusiasts.
What is the closest ski slope to NYC?
The closest ski slope to NYC is the Campgaw Mountain Ski Area in Mahwah, New Jersey. It's approximately an hour's drive from the city, providing urban dwellers a convenient location for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Despite its proximity, Campgaw Mountain offers a surprisingly authentic mountain experience with various terrain for beginners through to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
How much does a one-day ski trip cost?
The cost of a one-day ski trip can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the specific ski resort, the need for equipment rental, and whether lessons are included.
You can expect to spend between $100 to $200 for a lift ticket, equipment rental, and transportation, although prices can go higher for premium resorts or during peak season.
If you want to keep things affordable, look for trips during the week when prices are cheaper.
How do I get to the ski mountains from NYC?
There are several ways to get to the ski mountains from NYC. If you prefer to drive, most resorts are accessible within a five-hour radius by car.
Alternatively, you can opt for charter buses or bus services like the Martz Trailways, Stratton Jitney, or OVR Ride, which offer round-trip transportation from NYC to various resorts.
Ski Day Trips from NYC: Final Thoughts
Skiing is more than a sport; it's a thrilling adventure, a connection to nature, and an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner, New York City's proximity to some of the Northeast's best ski resorts offers you the chance to escape the city's hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in winter's wonder.
From the variety of trails at Stratton Mountain Resort to the ski season longevity at Killington, these day trips present a slice of paradise for every winter sports enthusiast.
For a truly unforgettable ski day trip from NYC, Killington, the “Beast of the East,” stands out with its diverse terrain and abundant winter activities. If you are looking for more option for ski resorts near NYC then read our list of the top 23 which includes several options depending on your travel style.
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