Dying for that winter weekend getaway, but don’t want to get on a plane? We got you covered! See below for our best picks for family destinations. Bonus: all are under 2 hours from the City! GO get your parka and book that lift ticket!
New Jersey Destinations
Campgaw Mountain Ski Area
New Jersey’s premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing no matter your level. A fun alpine destination for the whole family only 1 hour from the City!
Where: Mahwah, NJ
Know Before You Go: Open daily (check the website for conditions and times). All day lift tickets are $53 on weekends, but there are lower priced options based upon day and time. Buy your passes here.
@campgawskiarea
Photo Courtesy of Campgaw
Mountain Creek
Where: Located in Vernon, NJ just 1 hour from Lower Manhattan this four seasons resort is not to be missed!
Know Before You Go: As the largest ski area in the region there is no shortage of fun to be had here. There are a range of accommodations and restaurants as well so you could make this a long weekend escape. The ski area is expertly groomed and even has night skiing. There is terrain for every level. Learn to ski packages are available for $139.99. Equipment rentals available. Book a pass or vacation here.
@mountaincreek
Photo Courtesy of Mountain Creek
New York State Destinations
Mount Peter Ski Area (1 hour from the City)
This ski area is one hour from the City, making it an easy day trip for the whole family. Known for their FREE beginner ski and snowboard lessons, expert snow making and grooming, and fun family atmosphere.
Where: Warwick, NY
Know Before You Go: Weekend rates are $75 for adults and $70 for kids for all day access. Midweek rates are lower and the area tends to be less crowded. Rentals available. Book your passes here.
@mountpeter
Photo Courtesy of Mount Peter Ski Area
Windham Mountain
This popular Catskills area resort is fun for the whole family.
Where: Windham, NY (about two hours from Manhattan)
Know Before You Go: Be sure to book your passes in advance here. They offer weekend night skiing until 9 pm on 8 of their 49 trails. There are 12-novice appropriate trails and 7 steep double-black runs. The mountain also offers ice-skating, tubing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Lift tickets start at $71 per day. Equipment rental and lessons are also available.
Thunder Ridge
This family friendly ski resort offers something for everyone. 22 trails that are perfect for novice skiers as well as adventurous ones.
Where: Patterson, NY (2 hours from Lower Manhattan)
Know Before You Go: Twilight and nighttime skiing are also available. There is even a newly revamped terrain park. Bonus: a cozy lodge for apres ski! Open: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 9am-5pm. Lift tickets: full day $45, Fridays $59, Saturday-Sunday and holidays $69. Equipment rental: $52. 75-minute group lesson $50-57. You can take the MetroNorth to Patterson, NY and there is a free shuttle to the mountain.
Pennsylvania Destinations
Camelback Mountain Resort
The premier ski resort of the Poconos! Located just under 2 hours from the City this resort has 39 trails and the biggest snow tubing park in the USA. You can stay and play or make it a day trip.
Where: Tannersville, PA
Know Before You Go: Every single trail is open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights. (One-day lift tickets start at $62; the new Triple Ticket Pass is $139; and the Super Season Pass is $629; a Value Season Pass is available for $399). Mon–Thu 9am–9pm, Fri 9am–10pm, Sat 8:30am–10pm, Sun 8:30am–9pm. Lift tickets: weekdays $60-$78, weekends and holidays $78. Equipment rental: day $39, night $29. 90-minute group lesson $35.
Equipment rentals available. There is an on-site waterpark so this is a great escape for a weekend. Bonus–their ski and ride academy is a great place to get the littles to learn. Book a trip here.
Jack Frost Ski Resort and Big Boulder
Two resorts, two mountains equals loads of fun. These two resorts are 5 miles apart. 35 trails between the two and terrain suitable for experts and beginners.
Where: White Haven, PA (about 2 hours from Lower Manhattan)
Know Before You Go: Lessons and rentals available. Their after 3 pm lift ticket for $39 is not to be missed. Night skiing at its best. There is even snow tubing for those non-skiers in your group. Book your trip here. Bonus: these mountains are part of the Epic pass which gives you access deals at the best ski resorts in the Northeast.
If looking for a comprehensive ski school–check out their Mountain Explorers at Big Boulder Mountain. This is a four week program on Saturdays or Sundays with lessons from 9-12 pm.
@skijfbb
Photo Courtesy of: JFBB
Also not to be missed…
Big Snow American Dream
(although, please check their website regularly as the ski dome suffered damage from a fire this fall and is currently undergoing repairs).
Where: American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ
The 411: For those new skiers who don’t want to commit to a weekend away or a drive, or all the gear, be sure to check out this man made mountain in the American Dream Mall. It is only 30 minutes away and offers indoor skiing. You can rent all gear including a ski jacket and pants! They even have a ski school, perfect for multiple trips.