New York City is home to some of the most famous attractions and nightlife in the United States, but what about those whose passion for adventure and entertainment leads them to the slopes, away from the hustle and bustle of the ever growing metropolis? For those looking for a winter wonderland not too far from the City, the below list of ski destinations should keep you satisfied:
1. Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
Belleayre Mountain is located in nearby Highmount, NY, just a 2-hour drive from downtown Manhattan. The location is owned by the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority, resulting in a very laid-back and low-key atmosphere. While there isn’t too much to speak of in regard to activities other than skiing and snowboarding, they do have slopes for all skill levels, and it’s easily reachable for those without a car as well. Adirondack Trailways departs daily from Port Authority Bus Terminal, which should make this one of your first targets if looking for a simple day trip.
2. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
This resort is perfect for those living the green lifestyle, as it is the only ski resort in North America to generate its own energy using wind turbines. Sitting on the summit, the turbines supply energy to the largest ski area in Southern New England. Not only that, but the accommodations are also delightful. The ski-in ski-out Country Inn is a popular spot to kick back and unwind after a day on the slopes, with hot tubs, spas, and an in-house restaurant with a dazzling array of choices. As with Belleayre Mountain, this resort is close enough to be serviced by Island Ski Tours, a bus that provides both weekend and midweek rides from NYC up to the mountain.
3. Mountain Creek
For the last resort on our list, Mountain Creek is the closest location for those in NYC to get their skiing fix. Within 50 miles from Manhattan, close proximity isn’t the only pro; they have a large variety of slopes for both experts and beginners alike. For those that don’t ski but want to tag along with friends and family, they also have the famous Biergarten which serves endless beer and bratwurst. Before the snow starts falling, Oktoberfest draws hundreds of people from the city each year looking to celebrate the German festivities in style. In regard to transportation, both the Urban Sherpa and NYC Snow Bus make frequent trips on the weekends.
As you can see, there are many great options for those looking for winter sports close to NYC. This list does not even scratch the surface when it comes to all the options, as there are many others 4 or 5 hours away, such as Whiteface Lake Placid or Killington Resort, that are great contenders as well. So in just a few short months, pack your gear and start experiencing the exciting life outside of the city!