Ski Areas of New York

Many people only think of metropolitan activities when they hear New York mentioned, but the ski areas of New York are actually quite plentiful and prove that there is a lot more going on in this northeastern state than just the Big Apple. The following article will highlight the best areas where skiers can get their fix without having to leave the state.

While not equipped with the massive mountain ranges of Colorado or California, New York has its own impressive mountain geography that supports numerous ski resorts. The Catskill Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains cover a large part of the state, and nestled in their rugged hills and valleys are some of the best ski areas east of the Mississippi.

• Whiteface – Whiteface is the largest ski area in New York. Boasting 75 trails (44 percent of them being double black diamond) and a 3,430 foot vertical drop, Whiteface is a racing and cruising mountain that is an ideal destination for real thrill seekers. Whiteface is located in Wilmington, nine miles from Lake Placid.

• Gore Mountain – Along with Whiteface, the runs of Gore Mountain were used in the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics. Gore Mountain, located in North Creek, has 59 trails and a 2,100 foot vertical drop. The longest run is almost four miles long at Gore Mountain, so you will spend a lot of time on the slopes and not as much time waiting in line for lifts.

• Hunter Mountain – Hunter Mountain, conveniently located in Hunter, New York, is the Catskills Mountains' premiere ski destination. Hunter has 53 trails that are evenly distributed across all ski levels, so a group of skiers that includes beginners and experts can all have a good time, and the 1,600 foot vertical drop will keep everyone's blood pumping.

• Belleayre Mountain – Located in Highmount, New York, Belleayre Mountain is in the heart of Catskill State Park. Almost 60 percent of the mountain's 47 trails are intermediate level, which means Belleayre is a nice, middle of the road, comfortable ski area. Almost 10 kilometers of cross-country ski areas are also available if you want to take a break from downhill. Owned and operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Belleayre is truly a place to experience the beautiful pristine wilderness of New York State.

• Windham Mountain – With expert, intermediate, and beginners' trails, Windham is a well-balanced mountain that can meet a variety of needs. Located in Windham, New York in the Catskills, Windham is only two hours from New York City. Over 1,600 feet of vertical drop, a 600-foot half pipe, five terrain parks, moguls and much more await you at this first class mountain.

• Holiday Valley – Holiday Valley is in eastern New York state in the town of Ellicottville. The mountain has 56 trails and 37 night trails so you don't have to stop skiing when the sun goes down. With 750 feet of vertical drop and thirteen lifts, this mid-sized mountain is an approachable ski area for those who are casual skiers, yet will still be able to entertain the more advanced skier.

The ski areas of New York mentioned above are intended to highlight the major ski areas in different regions of the state. It is not, however, an exhaustive list. Many smaller ski areas are sprinkled through the mountains of New York. In fact, over forty ski areas are open for business in the winter months throughout the state. Check out the website at I Ski NY to get the complete list of New York ski areas.

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