Hunter Mountain

Not only is this resort the Catskill’s premier winter destination, Hunter Mountain is also the unofficial Snowboarding Capital of the World. All of Hunter Mountain’s 53 trails have snowmaking machines, so every weekend is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

The lodging at Hunter Mountain ranges from the Liftside Condominiums to the luxury four-season slopeside Kaatskill Mountain Club, which offers astounding mountain views. There are also over a dozen unique eateries, two retail stores for all your winter adventure needs and plenty of programs for adults, children and families.

Mountain Stats:
Three separate mountains with trails ranging from first-time beginners to Double Black Diamond.
Base Elevation 1,600 ft. (above sea level)
Summit Elevation: 3,200 ft. (above sea level)
Vertical Drop: 1,600 ft.
Skiable Acres: 240
Number of Lifts: 11
Number of Trails: 53

Fun Fact: The entire 240-acre complex is covered by over 1,000 snow guns.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area
Location: Thunder Ridge is located 75 minutes north of New York City,
right next to the border with Connecticut.
Phone: 845-878-4100
Web: www.thunderridgeski.com

Located in the rolling hills of Patterson, New York, this resort has over thirty trails for everyone from tiny tots to senior citizens. It is also the closest to New York City, easily accessible by the Metro-North Ski Train, with free shuttles to the slope located at the Patterson station.

The whole resort is centered around family fun, and Thunder Ridge does not wait for the snow. Their 100 acres are constantly covered with beautiful white, soft powder from the latest in snow making technology. Their lodge is also a site to behold, with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the mountains and slopes.

Mountain Stats:
Single mountain with trails varying from Beginer to Single Black Diamond. The resort also features a family friendly Slow Ski Zone for beginners.
Number of Lifts: 2
Number of Trails: 30

Fun Fact: Late in the season, usually around March, Thunder Ridge holds a Winter Carnival that includes a skiing costume contest!

Holiday Valley
Located in western New York, near the border of Pennyslvania.
Phone: 716-699-2345
Web: www.holidayvalley.com

Recently rated in the top 10 of the East for 2006 by SKI magazine readers, this is one of New York’s favorite resorts for skiing and snowboarding. Located in the storybook town of Ellicottville, there is no better place to take in the winter wonderland.

Activities include the dual giant slalom racing of NASTAR, a Mountain Adventures Ski and Snowboard Program for kids, group tubing, and massage and spa services, including a fabulous hot stone massage. For the more adventurous, try one of their 37 slopes that are lighted for night skiing.

Mountain Stats:
Single mountain with trails varying from Beginner to Double Black Diamond. There is also snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Base Elevation 1,500 ft. (above sea level)
Summit Elevation: 2,250 ft. (above sea level)
Vertical Drop: 750 ft.
Skiable Acres: 280
Number of Lifts: 12
Number of Trails: 53

Fun Fact: There is a “secret” Fort in Holiday Valley, perfect for epic snowball fights.

Whiteface
Location: Nine miles from legendary Lake Placid,
this steep mountain face is in the Adirondack Park
Phone: 518-946-2223
Web: www.whiteface.com

Operated by the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority, Whiteface recently received over $5 million to improve snowmaking, grooming and trail maintenance. If skiing is your passion, this is your mountain.

Whiteface Mountain has the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, 3,430 feet, and its race courses are fully sanctioned for international competitions. Coupled with Kids Kampus, any member of the family can have fun at Whiteface. But for the experienced skier, this home of The Slides, possibly has the only true double-black diamond in the east.

Mountain Stats:
This region of New York was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics, and has trails and facilities on an international level.
Base Elevation: 1,220 ft.
Summit Elevation: 4,386 ft.
Vertical Drop: 3,430 ft.
Skiable Acres: 225
Number of Lifts: 10
Number of Trails: 76

Fun Fact: At the top of the Cloudsplitter Gondola, Mixing Bowl, the Freestyle Terrain Park and Kids Kampus, you can have photos made of your winter adventure.

…before you go, visit:

Prinecton Ski Shops
Location: 21 E. 22nd Street (Between Broadway and Park Avenue South)
Phone: 212-228-4400
Web: www.princetonoutdoor.com

Princeton is a massive ski shop containing all the top names from Rossignol to Salomon. They also have special deal on last season’s ski kits, along with snowboards, and all the gear you will need to tackle any mountain.

Patagonia
Address: 101 Wooster Street (Between Prince and Spring Streets)
Phone: 212-343-1776
Web: www.patagonia.com

You pay for quality at Patagonia, which offers everything from fleece pullovers to ultralight weatherproof jackets. This is the perfect place to pick up clothes for the slopes.

Cross-Country Skiing
in Central Park

You don’t have to leave the Big Apple to enjoy a little cross-country skiing. Across various sections of this world famous park, you can enjoy beautiful snow-covered scenery, but instead of mountains in the background there is the New York City skyline. Another perk is the various vendors who sell steaming hot chocolate, coffee or season-favorite apple cider along the trails. `````

Location: Sheep Meadow, the Great Lawn, and other large meadows in Central Park.

When: Cross-country skiing is allowed only when there is a base of snow of at least six inches.