Feb 23, 2022 BY AWE365 Team
In this guide to skiing in New York State we look at the ski scene from NYC, what the state offers winter sports fans and where to go skiing. So read on to find out about five of the best NY ski resorts and so much more.
With more than 66.6 million visitors in 2019, New York City is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. And as you would expect of the city that never sleeps, New York offers countless things to do for all kinds of people.
The most popular attractions are concentrated around Manhattan and can be easily reached by foot if you’re staying nearby. This area of the city has some of the world’s finest museums, amazing shopping, historic sites, great nightlife and top restaurants.
But don’t miss out on the other five boroughs. There are exceptional attractions scattered throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, and Manhattan.
Whether you want to go shopping or visit art exhibitions, ride on historic trains or view an exquisite collection of cars, the ‘Big Apple’ offers it. However, did you know there is also skiing in New York State? Plus there are many other New York adventure activities within easy reach of the city.
For those who love the outdoors, but want the benefits of staying in a major city, New York is an excellent destination. The various parks in New York offer numerous activities for locals and visitors. At Central Park, Prospect Park, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens you can find adventure.
Prospect Park offers hikers an escape into nature with some rocky demanding trails. It’s a little more difficult to find a hiking trail in Central Park, but walking offers a great range of views over the city.
If you visit New York City during the winter winter trails are often groomed for cross country skiing. Plus when there is enough snow freestyle skiers and snowboarders will be getting creative around the city.
Speaking of skiing, there are plenty of mountains and more than enough snow, so it is available throughout New York State. In fact one Belleayre in NY is is included in this article about the top USA snowboarding destinations.
The best NY ski resorts are near the cities of Buffalo, Utica, and Syracuse. Those who live in Central New York can easily drive to the mountains for a day trip. While people living further away tend to visit for the weekends or during holidays.
All the resorts have beginner areas, offer ski lessons and have all the facilities you’d expect for this getting started. Experienced skiers and snowboarders, will find plenty of pistes, snowparks and backcountry options when conditions are right.
The resorts also host a range of ski competitions on an almost weekly basis throughout the winter. The New York State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA) is the body that sanctions and governs the events that take place.
Some events are ultra-competitive and can draw a crowd. While many just go and watch, some make the action more exciting by placing a bet. This experience has been improved recently as the state recently made online betting a legal activity within its borders.
Want to enjoy the top slopes New York state has to offer? Then the following are among the best NY ski resorts:
Located in The Adirondacks there are 37 km of slopes serviced by 11 lifts. The stand-out feature of Whiteface Mountain, also known as the Olympic Mountain, is the greatest vertical east of the Rockies – 969 metres. There are trails for everyone and some of the world’s best skiers train and compete here.
Situated at 1,856 m above sea level Gore Mountain has 42 slopes covering 90km of terrain. There are 8 freestyle areas, ranging from easier Jibland to FIS competition features. Backcountry riders will love the 28 gladed areas which provide extensive freeride. And it is arguably the steepest resort in the east.
Hunter mountain is not far from Whiteface Mountain. There are 65 trails serviced by 12 lifts across four mountain faces. There are snow parks, off-piste terrain and good beginner slopes. It is a family-friendly resort offering free skiing for kids with a family pass.
Belleayre is in the Catskills and is the east’s freeride secret – they want you to ride the trees. History runs deep, as New York State’s very first chair lift was installed here in 1949. With 55 trails and 8 lifts, one snow park and 171 acres of terrain to explore it is well worth a visit. Belleayre is also one of the few places in the east that offers cat skiing.
Just two and a half hours from NYC, Windham Mountain is perfect for skiing in New York State if you are pushed for time. With 65 trails and 710 acres of terrain serviced by 11 lifts it’s a large ski area with just under 500m of vertical. There are six terrain parks with everything from small to extra large features.
The above are not the only options for New York skiing. But they are among the best NY ski resorts. But the best for you might well be whichever ski area is closest and easiest to reach.
We hope you found this guide to skiing in New York State useful. If they don’t do it for you then perhaps check out the best USA skiing holidays for top ideas all over the United States.
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