Hit the Slopes: Your Guide to Upstate Skiing + Early Season Deals ⛷️
Six Ski Mountains, Plus Lodging Recs for Each
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be happy to know that as of today, it’s officially ski season Upstate. After two big snows this week, it seems we’re already past the “soft open” stage of the winter. Trails are open, lifts are operating, and we’re ready to hit the slopes.
Skiing (and snowboarding – don’t worry, we didn’t forget you!) just a few hours from New York City feels pretty magical. With the Catskills and the Adirondacks both within five hours, there’s plenty of options for quick day trips, long weekends, and even entire season rentals.
Below, our intel on six Upstate ski mountains and their early season deals, paired with a few of our own local recommendations.
Enjoy, and see you out there!
-Erin + Hannah
Gore Mountain in North Creek, NY
Considered to be the largest (but not tallest – we’ll get to that) ski resort in New York, Gore Mountain features over 450 skiable acres, split into seven different sections over four separate peaks. Ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers, Gore features one hundred and eight different trails (with a handful of beginner trails to learn on), including over two dozen patrolled glades.
Those looking for cross-country skiing can head to the Nordic Center at the North Creek Ski Bowl. Spread over two and a half miles, snowshoers and cross-country skiers can customize their trek with varying inclines, natural wooded routes, and lighted tracks that allow trips to go into the evening. The Nordic Center receives the same snow-making treatment as the rest of the mountain, meaning you don’t need to wait for heavy snow to hit the trails.
Check out the Escape Brooklyn Guide to this region; note that our lodging pick, Elk Lake Lodge, is closed for winter. Instead, check out this cute Modern Adirondack A-Frame as well as our pals at The Lorca.
Black Friday Deals: Through December 4th, all season passes at Gore Mountain are available at discounted rates. Gore is one of three ski mountains (read about the others below) that participates in the noteworthy SKI3 program: every season pass bought for Gore can also be used at Whiteface and Belleayre Mountain.
Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, NY
Less than five hours north of NYC, Whiteface Mountain is home to the highest vertical ski drop east of the Rockies (3,430 feet, to be exact). This popular mountain in the Northern Adirondacks has just shy of 100 trails, with 299 skiable acres (not including off-piste acreage) for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
For advanced skiers (specifically those with incredible skill and judgment to match), The Slides offers a challenging series of steep, natural chutes at the summit. This expert-only terrain consists of 35 acres of in-bounds, unprepared, double-black-diamond wilderness skiing accessible only by hiking from the top of the Summit Quad. There’s no snowmaking on The Slides, so the entire trek down is au natural. Those who have the skill but enjoy a more controlled environment can enjoy the glades that are scattered throughout the typical bounds of the mountain.
Check out Escape Brooklyn’s feature on Whiteface Region of the Adirondacks for ideas on where to stay, eat and drink nearby. Our lodging picks include NewVida Preserve for couples, and for larger groups, we also love Warner’s Camp.
Black Friday Deals: Whiteface, another participant in the SKI3 program, is offering discounted rates on all season passes through December 4th. In addition to SKI3 passes, there is a Limited Season Pass that is valid only at Whiteface – perfect for those who aren’t interested in venturing to multiple mountains this winter.
Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY
Just over two hours from NYC, Belleayre tends to be the first on people’s list when it comes to skiing the Catskills. With 61 trails (58% of which hit the sweet spot of being intermediate level) spread over 171 skiable acres and a summit of 3,429 feet, this mountain is one of the largest in the Catskills.
Those looking for an easier day of skiing and riding can stay on the lower half of the mountain, enjoying slower rides on green and blue trails. For more advanced trails, head up to the summit and head down one of the thirteen black trailheads for a straight shot to the lodge(s), or take a windy blue down the side of the mountain. If you’re looking for more than just standard trails, Belleayre is also home to several terrain parks, patrolled glades, and cross-country paths.
Some nice nearby spots to stay include Canopy Hill House in Roxbury, Urban Cowboy in Big Indian, The Leeway in Mt. Tremper, Perch Cottages in Boiceville, and The Pines in Margaretville. Don’t sleep on breakfast or lunch at Mornings, one of our very favorite spots in the Catskills.
Black Friday Deals: In addition to the SKI3 program, Belleayre offers five different season passes to use exclusively at the mountain. With discounted rates available through December 4th, full season passes for Belleayre start as low as $469 for twenty-somethings (yes, there is a specific pass just for twenty-somethings! 😉)
Windham Mountain in Windham, NY
Windham Mountain sits at the northernmost point of the Catskills, just over two hours north of New York City. This premier, public-private mountain community is equipped with best-in-class skiing for all, and exclusive luxury amenities for private club members. The mountain – which has a summit that stretches 3,100 feet high – features 54 trails across 285 trail acres (of the mountain’s 1,200 total alpine acres).
Windham also has a rich history of being a hub for adaptive skiing and snowboarding. For over forty years, the mountain’s adaptive programming has been expanding – and now run by the Adaptive Sports Foundation, the opportunities are more inclusive than ever. Lessons include traditional two-track skiing, three-track skiing, snowboarding, bi-skiing, and monoskiing, just to name a few. Each option offers multiple different adaptive advantages, with the end goal being to make the snow sports as accessible as possible (bonus: the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center is an accessible, cozy lodge to unwind in after spending a day on the mountain). Lessons are available throughout the ski season, starting in mid-December.
Some nearby recommended stays include Wylder Windham, The Henson, and Mirrör Haüs I & II. While you’re visiting, grab a breakfast at Babbler’s Restaurant or Day June Luncheonette, and dinner at Matilda. We also love nearby shops Gardenheir and Para Casa.
Catamount Mountain in Hillsdale, NY
Two and a half hours north of NYC, out of the Catskills and into the Berkshires, Catamount Mountain straddles two mountainside towns – Hillsdale, NY and Egremont, MA (yes, you can literally ski from one state into another here). Over 75% of the mountain is made up of easy and intermediate trails, making this an ideal beginner-friendly ski destination. Those searching for more challenging trails can head to one of many diamonds, double diamonds, glades, and terrain parks.
Catamount is also one of the only Upstate ski mountains that offers night skiing (Hudson Valley locals looking to escape to the slopes after work – this one’s for you). Starting in January (conditions permitting), the mountain’s lighted trails are open Wednesday-Saturday until the lifts close for the evening – usually around 8 or 9 pm. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels looking to take lessons under the stars can take advantage of the mountain’s Thursday Night Lights program – a season-long program with a two-hour clinic that is catered to each individual’s experience level.
For a weekend at the base of the Berkshires, book a stay at Poet’s Hill in Craryville, NY – less than ten minutes away from Catamount, and twenty minutes away from Hudson, one of our favorite Upstate towns. We’re also big fans of Little Cat Lodge, with the coziest, most stylish rooms and a beautiful restaurant to match.
Black Friday Deals: Right now, Catamount is offering three night skiing passes for just $79. Other Black Friday deals include three midweek passes for $109, and 15% off all lift tickets purchased online. Take advantage of the deals here.
Hunter Mountain in Hunter, NY
In the heart of the Northern Catskills, Hunter Mountain boasts some of the most thrilling terrain in the Northeast – just 100 miles north of NYC. 75% of the mountain’s trails are marked as intermediate-expert trails, with an entire face of the mountain (Hunter West) dedicated to experienced skiers. If you head to the summit, the only way down is via diamond and double-diamond trails (there are two intermediate trails at the summit, but they’re definitely intermediate-leaning-advanced). Across Hunter’s 320 skiable acres, there are also three glade areas and four freestyle terrain parks.
Despite being ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders, Hunter also has a great learning center. One of the perks of learning how to ski at Hunter are the beginner group lessons for adults – meaning you don’t need to book a private lesson if you’re just starting out. Instructors at Hunter put an emphasis on building confidence while also developing skills, which aims to make getting to the mountain’s summit exciting rather than scary.
Those looking to spend the weekend skiing can book a stay at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge – a 38-room boutique hotel less than five minutes from Hunter Mountain. A few minutes further from the mountain, Hotel Lilien in Tannersville also offers a luxe environment for a weekend in the Catskills.
Black Friday Deals: Through December 1st, all of Hunter’s passes (including day passes) are on sale. Hunter participates in the Epic Pass program, which means that many of the passes purchased for use at Hunter can also be used at other mountains (including a handful in Canada and Europe).