New York's Best Ski Towns to Enjoy this Winter
New York, particularly upstate New York, is renowned for its outdoor beauty and natural wonders. Although it mainly draws visitors in the fall, when the state's forest transforms into a rainbow of gorgeous color, and in the summer, when its many lakes are perfect for a weekend getaway on the water, the winter holds its fair share of activities.
Sure, the Empire State does not have the lofty mountains of the West, but slopes in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, the Hudson Valley, and beyond, have entertained skiers and snowboarders for many generations. Here are some of the best towns you should stop at during your next ski trip in New York.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, located in the Adirondack Mountains, is among New York’s most iconic and most visited ski towns. Famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, the village remains a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts of all kinds.
The centerpiece is Whiteface Mountain, offering almost 300 acres of skiable terrain with 94 trails, including the state’s highest vertical drop of 3,430 feet! Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can find suitable runs here, however, while the mountain’s snowmaking capabilities ensure reliable conditions throughout the sometimes uneven temperatures in New York's ski season.
As mentioned, Lake Placid is a hub of winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The Olympic Sports Complex, for example, will allow you to see a real bobsled run, or you can try your hand at cross-country skiing on the same nearby trails used by Olympians. Mirror Lake, located near the town center, freezes over in winter, providing a way for you to go ice skating, with skate rental shops located close by.
The downtown area, with its walkable Main Street, is a must-visit while in town. From shops specializing in outdoor gear and local crafts to resorts like the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, and restaurants serving hearty fare ideal after a day in the snow, it is easy to spend an afternoon simply walking around and exploring. You should also pay a visit to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to learn about the area’s storied past.
Hunter
Situated in the Catskill Mountains, Hunter is a great spot for skiing and winter recreation in upstate New York. Hunter Mountain Resort is generally considered the biggest local draw, offering 320 skiable acres across three peaks. The mountain features 66 trails including slopes for beginners to advanced double-black diamonds, along with a 1,600-foot vertical drop. Its state-of-the-art snowmaking system covers 100% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season too.
Hunter Mountain is also home to one of the most extensive terrain parks on the East Coast, catering to freestyle skiers and snowboarders with features like rails, jumps, and half-pipes. Nearby, you can explore snowshoe trails or enjoy snow tubing at the resort’s dedicated tubing park.
The town of Hunter is a place where you will find a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Local eateries serve a variety of cuisines, from classic German tavern fare at Ze Wine Bar at Jägerberg Beer Hall and Alpine Tavern to finer dining at Prospect at Scribner's. If you're just looking for a cold one before or after a day on the slopes, Hunter Mountain Brewery sits at the eastern edge of town.
Hunter’s easily accessible location, just a short drive north of New York City, makes it a perfect ski town in New York for a quick weekend trip.
Warwick
While not a traditional ski town, Warwick is the home of some of the closest downhill ski areas to New York City. Located around the southern edge of the state near the picturesque Hudson Valley, Warwick is home to Mount Peter Ski Area, a family-friendly resort known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent learning programs.
Founded in 1936, Mount Peter is one of the oldest operating ski areas in the country and features 14 trails ranging from beginner to intermediate, with a vertical drop of 450 feet. Its free weekend ski lessons for beginners are especially popular among first-time skiers.
Warwick’s appeal extends beyond the slopes. The town’s historic downtown features a mix of locally owned shops, hotels, and farm-to-table restaurants that use ingredients from the surrounding area's fertile farmlands. Old Stone House Restaurant in Warwick NY is a must-visit for a cozy meal after a day outside. Other nearby attractions like the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery and a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail provide additional options for recreation and relaxation during your visit here.
Winter visitors can also enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the local trail systems, making Warwick an excellent destination for those seeking variety in their winter activities. With its proximity to NYC, Warwick is an accessible option for day trips or weekend getaways for city dwellers.
North Creek
North Creek, located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, is a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts seeking a more laid-back, authentic ski town experience. The town is home to Gore Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the state, offering over 121 trails spread across 428 acres of terrain.
With a huge vertical drop of 2,537, Gore Mountain contains a highly diverse range of skiing and snowboarding runs. The resort also has an expansive area for glade skiing, a somewhat unique feature for a ski area in New York, making it a top choice for those seeking off-trail adventures.
In addition to downhill skiing, North Creek is a sought-after destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The nearby North Creek Ski Bowl also provides an alternative to the mountain with a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families or beginners. The Ski Bowl also features a tubing park!
Downtown North Creek, although small, is worth a visit with its historic railroad station and surrounding architecture reflecting the town's rich heritage as a community reachable via early railways in the state. The Alpine Lodge is another draw downtown, with its selection of rustic rooms in an old-timey wooden building.
Queensbury
Queensbury rests near Lake George and is home to the popular West Mountain Ski Resort, offering 35 different trails. This resort also provides night skiing, keeping it open for longer hours and allowing you to enjoy the slopes after dark.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are other popular outings in Queensbury in the surrounding forests and parks, with several trail systems available for exploration. Lake George, just a short drive away, makes it a great destination for ice fishing and ice skating during the colder months.
The town is home to a number of amenities, like hotels, eateries, and shops. The nearby Adirondack Outlet Mall also provides additional shopping options. The bustling dowtown core can easily fill in a day of strolling around, with locales like The Hyde Collection, a huge collection of fine art, and natural features like Cooper's Cave along the Hudson River.
Spend Your Next Ski Trip in these New York Towns
New York clearly offers a decent range of ski towns that cater to all types of winter sports lovers, from well-known resorts with expansive slopes to smaller, more intimate destinations. Whether you're seeking challenging runs, family-friendly ski areas, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, these ski towns have a perfect blend of outdoor recreation for all skill levels, useful amenities, and jaw-dropping scenic beauty.
From the Olympic history of Lake Placid to the laid-back atmosphere of Warwick, each community that we recommend comes with its own unique and memorable experience this season.
