Where to Go Snowboarding & Skiing Near New York City

Jennie Utsinger:  For Poconos skiing, Camelback is a top choice for skiers and only about an hour and forty-five minutes from midtown Manhattan. There are 39 trails, three ski in ski out restaurants, a top to bottom terrain park, and some of the best snow tubing in the area.

Tim Ponisciak:  Shawnee is a Pocono-area favorite. This resort is a particularly good one for those new to skiing and snowboarding. There are 23 trails in all, and a wide variety of specialty lessons for all ages (including Mommy/Daddy & Me opportunities). Kids as young a 4 can enroll in half or full day lessons which are offered daily.

They also have snow tubing hills, mountain dining, and full-day babysitting options!

Jennie Utsinger:  Looking for a quick day trip from NYC? Mountain Creek Resort, a little over an hour from Midtown Manhattan, is New Jersey's largest ski area. The 167 skiable acres include trails on four mountain peaks and terrain parks spanning two of the peaks. There's also night skiing, snow tubing, and a great racing program.

Jennie Utsinger:  If you're hoping to avoid the crowds, Belleayre Mountain is a good choice for a ski weekend. It's also one of the best values for Northeast ski resorts. Bellaeayre is located in the Catskills, about a two and a half hour drive from midtown Manhattan. There are 50 trails, about a quarter of which are easy, 5 glades, and a few parks for snowboarders. If you want to avoid the lifts, Belleayre also has 9.2 km of cross country trails.

Jennie Utsinger:  If you're looking for somewhere relatively close to the city to get your kids on skis, Campgaw is a good choice. It's just under an hour from midtown Manhattan and budget-friendly for a ski area. There are both morning and afternoon half-day passes, which is a nice option for small kids that don't need a full day of skiing. There's a small learning center with magic carpets, and a few other intermediate and expert slopes.

Jennie Utsinger:  This Catskills spot is about two and a half hours from midtown Manhattan and a favorite spot for city skiers. There are 285 skiable acres and 6 terrain parks for adventurous skiing and snowboarding. About half of the slopes are intermediate, with the remainder divided between expert and bunny runs.

Jennie Utsinger:  About two and a half hours from midtown Manhattan, Hunter Mountain is nestled in the Catskills. Hunter has 320 skiable acres with a variety of terrain to interest beginner to expert skiers.

Jennie Utsinger:  Rocking Horse Ranch is an all-inclusive family resort located about an hour and forty-five minutes from midtown Manhattan. The resort offers a variety of winter activities, including a couple of small ski slopes, great for beginner skiers who may not need a full day on the slopes. Bunny skiers ride back up using a rope tow and skiers on the main hill ride a magic carpet up the hill. Ski equipment is included with your overnight stay.

Jennie Utsinger:  For proximity to NYC, you can't beat Thunder Ridge. It's just an hour and fifteen minutes outside of midtown Manhattan and those coming from Grand Central can take the free shuttle to Thunder Ridge from the Patterson, NY train station. The ski area has 22 trails, 3 chairlifts, and 4 magic carpet, perfect for beginner skiers. Note that weekends are quite popular, so it can be crowded.

Jennie Utsinger:  Ski Butternut in the Berkshires is about two hours and forty-five minutes from midtown Manhattan. 80% of the trails are beginner or intermediate, offering plenty of learn to ski opportunities. Kids can join a half or full day ski programs. There are also tubing lanes if you want a break from skiing.

Jennie Utsinger:  This popular ski destination, three hours north of midtown Manhattan, is one of the largest ski resorts in New England. Beginner skiers will love learning the basics in the Terrain Park, a series of entry level features sculpted out of snow.

Jennie Utsinger:  This smaller ski resort in Connecticut is about two and half hours from midtown Manhattan and is a great place for beginner skiers to practice. The mountain is kept well groomed and stays open for night skiing.