Where to Ski in New York: 9 Best Lodges and Resorts

When you think of ski resorts in the United States, Colorado and Wyoming likely come to mind. However, there are more than 50 ski resorts in New York State. Each of them offers its own advantages for both amateur and professional skiers. Ready to go on winter vacation? travelandleisure presents the 9 best ski resorts in New York.

“An interesting fact about New York is that it has more ski resorts than any other state in the United States, and they are very diverse,” said Dan Sherman, director of marketing for Ski.com.

Known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, Lake Placid is a top destination due to its fame, expansive terrain and variety of activities on offer. In addition to spending the day skiing at Whiteface Mountain, you can try out being an Olympic bobsledder or skeleton athlete at the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Stadium.

gore mountain

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Gore Mountain is a true winter paradise. In fact, it has the most places to ride in the state. The resort offers gentle slopes for beginners and more challenging ones for those who already have experience. This mountain is also ideal for those who care about preserving wild places.

The mountain has an extensive sustainability program and works with the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure environmental sustainability.

Hunter mountain

Located in the Catskills, Hunter Mountain is known for its consistent winter experience (thanks to its snowmaking program) and for being one of the most easily accessible mountains from the city. “One of the most affordable resorts is Hunter Mountain, located just 2,5 hours by car from New York City,” says Colin Smith, Ski.com mountain travel expert. “It’s ideal for those looking to spend a special weekend here, or for locals looking to get their feet wet for a bigger trip west to the Rockies or east to the Alps.”

On the subject: New York will soon launch an ice racing track: get ready to have fun with the whole family

Whiteface Mountain

This place makes skiers feel like Olympians. After all, it was on this mountain that the 1980 Winter Games were held. Here guests can conquer the trails overlooking Placid Lake and explore the Olympic venues in their free time. Guests can even take part in bobsleigh competitions.

Windham Mountain Club

This charming resort in the northern Catskills is ideal for families with ski school for children ages three and up. The mountain features 54 groomed trails, as well as six progressive terrain parks that will help beginners take their skills to the next level. Don't miss the resort's other activities, including snowshoeing and yoga classes.

Belleayre Mountain

This is the place for skiers looking for a relaxing holiday with fewer people. The varied terrain—22 percent beginner trails, 58 percent intermediate trails and 20 percent expert trails—makes it a great destination for families and groups of varying skill levels. In addition, you can always have a good time here, because various events are regularly held on the mountain.

Bristol Mountain

Located in the Finger Lakes region, Mount Bristol offers skiers and riders the opportunity to experience groomed trails, each with scenic views. The mountain is undoubtedly tiny, with only 39 trails and two high-speed quads, but it's more than enough to have a good time. For the ultimate Finger Lakes experience, combine skiing with a nearby wine tasting.

Titus Mountain

Titus Mountain is located near the Canadian border in the town of Malone. This is a family-friendly mountain with daytime skiing and tubing and 15 lighted trails after dark. The mountain only offers a handful of trails, including a few greens, blues, and even a few double black diamonds, so there's something for every skill level. In addition, for those who want to ski here, prices are always affordable: day lift tickets start at $39, and a season pass costs only $199.

Willard Mountain

This is another small but mighty ski resort located in the eastern part of the state. There are only 16 runs on the mountain, and only two of them are green, making it ideal for experienced skiers looking for challenging terrain.

Don't worry, newbies: There's a small training center and ski school here to help you learn the ropes before hitting the big slopes. Willard Mountain also offers night skiing for those looking to make a few turns under the stars.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Greek Peak is the largest ski resort: 44 slopes and six chairlifts offer plenty of opportunities for everyone. There's even some off-piste skiing here with plenty of glades and several freestyle areas. And after guests are done hitting the slopes, they can have some more fun at the resort's year-round indoor water park, where it's always 29 degrees and sunny.