6 of the Best Places to Ski in New York State: Where to Hit the Slopes This Winter

Here's what most skiers get wrong: They assume great skiing requires a trip out west to Colorado or Utah. But New York State — with the largest number of ski areas in the entire country — delivers Olympic-caliber terrain, massive snowfall, and surprisingly uncrowded slopes, all within a day's drive of 60 million people.

Whether you crave expert steeps, family-friendly groomers, or a cozy after-ski village, the Empire State has a mountain that fits. Here are six of the best places to ski in New York right now.

1. Whiteface Mountain — The East Coast's Ultimate Alpine Experience

Location: Wilmington (Lake Placid), Adirondacks | Vertical Drop: 3,430 ft | Trails: 94 | Lifts: 12

Nothing on the East Coast compares to Whiteface. With the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies at 3,430 feet, this Olympic mountain — home to the 1980 Winter Games alpine events — delivers terrain that genuinely challenges expert skiers while welcoming beginners at the separate Bear Den Learning Center.

Why it stands out this season:

Whiteface earned the #3 overall ranking in the East in Ski Magazine's 2026 Reader Resort Survey, collecting top honors for grooming, terrain variety, challenging runs, and its lift network. A new fixed-grip double chair on Little Whiteface improves access to intermediate terrain this year.

What to expect on the mountain:

The Slides: 35 acres of double black diamond backcountry-style terrain accessible only by hiking — raw, ungroomed, and thrilling
Snowmaking: 99% coverage ensures reliable conditions even when nature holds back
Average snowfall: 181 inches annually, among the highest in the East
Lake Placid village: World-class dining, craft breweries, and the Olympic bobsled experience just minutes away

Best for: Advanced skiers seeking serious vertical and Olympic history, plus families wanting a full mountain-town vacation.

2. Gore Mountain — New York's Largest Ski Area

Location: North Creek, Adirondacks | Vertical Drop: 2,537 ft | Skiable Terrain: 453 acres | Trails: 115

Gore Mountain sprawls across four interconnected peaks and 453 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski resort in the state. The mountain's sheer size means crowd-free skiing even on busy weekends — a rare luxury on the East Coast.

What makes Gore special:

The glade skiing here is exceptional. Miles of tree runs weave through natural Adirondack forest, offering intermediate and expert skiers the kind of powder-stashed adventure usually found only in New England's backcountry. Gore's 97% snowmaking coverage keeps the groomers in top shape, while 14 lifts distribute skiers across the mountain efficiently.

Don't miss:

Rumor Terrain Park: Jumps, rails, and features for all freestyle levels
North Creek village: A genuine Adirondack small town with local restaurants and no tourist-trap pricing
Cross-country and snowshoe trails for non-downhill days
Affordable pricing: Gore consistently undercuts comparable resorts on lift tickets

Best for: Intermediate to expert skiers who love glades, value space on the mountain, and prefer authentic mountain towns over resort villages.

3. Hunter Mountain — Snowmaking Capital Meets City Accessibility

Location: Hunter, Catskills | Vertical Drop: 1,600 ft | Skiable Acres: 320 | Lifts: 12

If you live in or near New York City, Hunter Mountain is your mountain. Located just two and a half hours north of Manhattan, Hunter delivers 320 acres of skiing across three distinct peaks — Hunter One, Hunter Mountain, and Hunter West — each with its own personality.

The snowmaking advantage:

Hunter has earned the title "Snowmaking Capital of the World," and it's no marketing fluff. With 100% snowmaking coverage across every single trail, the resort guarantees consistent conditions from opening day through spring. When natural snow disappoints elsewhere, Hunter keeps running.

Why NYC skiers love it:

Proximity: Leave the city at dawn, ski by 10 AM, and return the same evening
Night skiing: Extended hours on select trails for midweek sessions
World-class learning center: One of the best ski schools in the Northeast for beginners and children
Terrain variety: 58 trails balanced across beginner, intermediate, and expert levels
Base lodge upgrades: Recently renovated facilities with modern dining and après-ski options

Best for: City-based skiers, beginners and families learning to ski, and anyone who values convenience and guaranteed snow.

4. Holiday Valley — Western New York's Snow-Blessed Resort

Location: Ellicottville, Western New York | Vertical Drop: 750 ft | Trails: 60 | Lifts: 13

Holiday Valley benefits from a secret weapon most New York ski areas lack: Lake Erie effect snow. Situated in the snowbelt of Western New York, Ellicottville receives astonishing amounts of natural snow — averaging over 180 inches annually in recent seasons — blanketing the resort's 60 trails in reliable, fluffy powder.

The complete resort experience:

Holiday Valley is far more than just skiing. The resort has evolved into a full four-season destination with slope-side lodging at the Inn at Holiday Valley and the Tamarack Club, plus a vibrant village with restaurants, boutiques, and craft beverage spots.

What's new and notable:

SKIDATA access gates installed at key lifts for the 2025–26 season, using radar technology for faster, hands-free lift pass scanning
Night skiing on 39 trails — one of the largest night-skiing operations in the state
Four terrain parks for freestyle progression
Snow tubing, mountain coaster, and zip lines for non-skiers in the family
Cross-country trails: 15 kilometers of groomed Nordic paths winding through scenic terrain

Best for: Families seeking a complete resort vacation, powder lovers who want reliable natural snow, and groups with mixed interests beyond downhill skiing.

5. Belleayre Mountain — The Catskills' Best-Kept Secret

Location: Highmount, Catskills | Vertical Drop: 1,404 ft | Trails: 62 | Lifts: 8

Owned by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (the same organization that runs Whiteface and Gore), Belleayre Mountain consistently delivers quality skiing without the crowds or premium pricing of its Catskill neighbors.

Why insiders choose Belleayre:

The mountain's layout naturally separates beginners from advanced skiers. Discovery Lodge and its gentle slopes sit entirely apart from the upper mountain's steeper terrain, meaning families with mixed abilities can ski independently without worry. A high-speed gondola whisks experienced skiers to the 3,429-foot summit for panoramic Catskill views.

Key highlights:

96% snowmaking coverage ensures consistent conditions on 175 skiable acres
Longest run: Nearly two miles of uninterrupted cruising — perfect for building confidence
New state-of-the-art Rental Center debuting this season, making gear rental seamless
Glade terrain and freestyle features for adventurous intermediates
Location within Catskill Park: Surrounded by pristine wilderness with snowshoeing and cross-country opportunities nearby
Budget-friendly: Lift tickets, food, and lodging cost noticeably less than Hunter or Windham

Best for: Budget-conscious skiers, intermediate riders seeking uncrowded groomers, and families wanting a relaxed Catskills experience.

6. Windham Mountain — Premium Catskills Skiing

Location: Windham, Catskills | Vertical Drop: 1,600 ft | Trails: 54 | Lifts: 11

Windham Mountain delivers the most polished, upscale ski experience in the Catskill region. With 285 skiable acres, 97% snowmaking coverage, and four high-speed detachable lifts, the resort prioritizes comfort, grooming quality, and an elevated guest experience.

The premium difference:

From the moment you arrive, Windham feels refined. Grooming is meticulous — hardpack and ice are rare — and the lift system moves efficiently. The resort's six terrain parks cater to every freestyle level, from first-timers to park rats.

Worth noting:

Accessibility: Just 2.5 hours from New York City via the New York State Thruway
Diverse terrain: 54 trails ranging from gentle learner slopes to steep expert pitches, with a 2.37-mile longest run
Adventure park: Winter tubing, zip lines, and a skating rink supplement the skiing
Village atmosphere: Windham town offers charming restaurants, farm-to-table dining, and boutique accommodations
Well-groomed intermediate terrain that makes this mountain a top pick for improving skiers

Best for: Intermediate skiers seeking impeccable grooming, couples wanting a refined mountain getaway, and NYC weekenders who prefer polish over ruggedness.

How to Choose Your New York Ski Mountain

Craving big mountain terrain? Head to Whiteface or Gore in the Adirondacks. The vertical, the snowfall, and the wilderness feel rival anything in New England.

Based in New York City? Hunter and Windham deliver excellent skiing within 2.5 hours. Hunter wins on snowmaking and convenience; Windham wins on grooming and atmosphere.

Traveling with family? Holiday Valley and Belleayre offer the best combination of affordability, varied activities, and welcoming vibes.

Chasing natural snow? Holiday Valley's Lake Effect snowfall and Whiteface's Adirondack storms deliver the most reliable powder days.

Final Thoughts

New York State skiing has never been better. Between Olympic heritage at Whiteface, untouched glades at Gore, guaranteed snow at Hunter, natural powder at Holiday Valley, hidden value at Belleayre, and polished luxury at Windham, the Empire State offers a ski experience for every type of skier.

The best part? While the crowds flock to Vermont and Colorado, New York's mountains remain surprisingly accessible — and surprisingly uncrowded. This winter, give the Empire State a fair shot. You might never book that western ski trip again.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does ski season typically run in New York State?

Most New York resorts open in late November or early December and run through late March or mid-April, depending on snowfall and temperatures. Whiteface and Gore tend to have the longest seasons due to higher elevation and colder Adirondack temperatures.

Do I need an Epic Pass or Ikon Pass for New York resorts?

Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain are part of the Vail Resorts portfolio and accept the Epic Pass. Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre offer their own multi-mountain passes through ORDA. Holiday Valley sells its own season passes and multi-day tickets.

Are these resorts suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely. Hunter Mountain, Holiday Valley, and Belleayre all have dedicated learning areas separated from main trails. Whiteface's Bear Den Learning Center is also excellent for first-timers. Most resorts offer lesson-and-lift-ticket packages that provide excellent value for new skiers.

How far are these resorts from New York City?

Hunter Mountain and Windham are closest at roughly 2–2.5 hours. Belleayre is about 2.5–3 hours. Whiteface and Gore in the Adirondacks require 4.5–5 hours. Holiday Valley in Western New York is approximately 6 hours from Manhattan but only 1 hour from Buffalo.