As I always tell you, New York is a city that reinvents itself – whether because of new attractions or because of the seasons. It is a fact: every season, you will find a different city, because of the landscape ou because of things to do. In winter, for example, one of the things that you can do is skiing and snowboard. There are resorts near the city and it is advantageous to do a “day trip” and include this program in your travel itinerary. As I have no experience in the area, I invited Stefano Pellegrino Grottoli, who understands the subject, lives here and is a blog reader, to give the tips to you.
“Hi everyone! Laura asked me and I’m writing this post to talk a little about Ski and Snowboard in the New York area!
One of the biggest attractions for tourists coming to New York in the winter is undoubtedly the snow! And yes, for those who are not used to it, it is really an incredible experience to see snow, for the first time or for the hundredth. For those who live here, winter is often boring. Very short days, very cold outside – which limits the activities – and the duration of winter is much bigger than the official 3 months of the season itself. The real cold usually starts in the middle of October and runs through the middle of April, at least. Because of this, I decided I needed to get a “passion” for winter, and for me, the choice was Snowboard!
Ski and Snowboard season here in the NY area is much shorter than the winter because it all depends on the amount of snow. Normally, the season is officially open after the first snowstorm (this can be from mid-December to mid-January) and it lasts while the snow lasts. To make sure, it’s best to imagine the season runs from January through March. In some other states like California, Colorado, and Vermont, the season runs from early December through early April!
Before going into details about places to do Ski and Snowboarding, it is important to mention a few things:
– Skiing and Snowboarding are not easy sports! That is, it is no use getting to the mountain, renting the equipment and, without any basic notion, wanting to go down the mountain. You probably will not get it, you will get frustrated, and worse: you may get hurt. Yes, the snow hurts, especially if it is not so soft (powder, as we call it). So I strongly suggest that the first thing you do when you arrive on the mountain is to take a class. Only one day class (three days would be perfect if you really want to learn) will to give you the basics stped so that you can start and enjoy at least a little, and who knows, post that skiing video on Instagram! Classes are usually with a group (but there are private lessons if you can spend a few dollars more), they last from 60 to 90 minutes and you learn the basics about the equipment, such as stopping the ski / snowboard (I think that’s important, lol) and to make basic curves. Believe me, I already went to the mountain without taking any lessons, and the most I could do was to get exhausted trying to get off, taking off the equipment and going down the mountain walking!
– Skiing or Snowboard? – I think this is one of the main doubts of all people. In my humble opinion, if you only have one day, choose Ski. Why that? Because it is easier to stop and make curves than snowboarding. That is, you will probably have a most enjoyable experience during the day. It doesn’t mean that you can’t do Snowboarding. Of course you can! I’m just saying Ski is a little easier on the first day. But that also depends on each one! I know people who only had one day, chose Snowboard, and had a lot of fun!
– You do need snow clothing – It is very common to see tourists wearing jeans to do Ski / Snowboard at Ski resorts. Don’t do this. In your first fall (and you WILL fall) your pants will be soaked with snow, and you will get even colder than you will be already. If you do not have any snow pants, that’s fine. Ski resorts usually rent pants and jackets for those who don’t have it. Snow boots are not necessary because you will be wearing Ski or Snowboard boots, and they are already suitable for snow. In addition to being warm, these pants are waterproof and will still block the wind. The same goes for jackets – always waterproof!
– Always wear a helmet. The stations also rent helmets for those who don’t have it. I don’t think I need to emphasize the importance of the helmet here, right? I fear that it is enough motivation to remember what happened to Schumacher.
– Kids will also have lots of fun doing Ski or Snowboarding. The mountains usually offer classes specific to children (from 4 years). Get ready to be angry – they learn MUCH faster than we do, and you’ll get tired of seeing the kids overtake you with the greatest skill while you’re just trying to stand!
But let’s get down to business. New York area havs some great choices for those who want to venture out on the Ski and Snowboard!
Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Mountain Creek is probably the closest resort to Manhattan and an excellent value for money. Ski, Snowboard, Snow Tubing, great food options and a beginner’s slope called Sugar Slope, which is perfect to venture after your class (you took a class, right?). Prices vary a little depending on the day of the week. Obviously, during the week (Monday to Friday) the prices are lower than on weekends, and the resort is much more empty, which is great for those who are learning. One cool thing about Mountain Creek is that there is a Snowboard area called Burton Riglet Park, specific for children under 5 years old, where an instructor is guiding/pulling the child’s snowboard, and going through small obstacles. And the best, it’s totally free!
EQUIPMENT RENTAL (PER PERSON)
U$49.99 + impostos – Ski – includes Ski, boots, bats and helmet / Snowboard – includes board (with bindings), boots and helmet.
LIFT(PER PERSON) – ALL DAY
Starts at $25 (buying in advance, online) to $74 ($59 for people under 18 and over 65). Children under 6 years and seniors over 72 years old are free when buying a ticket for an adult.
LIFT(PER PERSON) – FROM 3 PM
Starts at $19,99 (buying in advance, online) to $59 ($49 for people under 18 and over 65). Children under 6 years and seniors over 72 years old are free when buying a ticket for an adult.
CLASSES FOR KIDS (4 TO 7 YEARS OLD)
Weekdays with equipment rental – $99.99 / weekends with equipment rental – $109.99
PRIVATE CLASSES – ADULTS
1 hour – $129,99 / 2 hours – $259,99 (adittional person $59.99)
GROUP CLASSES – ADULTS
1 hour and a half – $45
SPECIAL TIP: Mountain Creek offers a special package that includes 3 days of class + 3 days of equipment rental + 3 days of Lift for only $149. That is, considering that you will pay $50 of equipment rent + $45 for class, any Lift that is above $54 is not worth it. So even if you only stay for a day, and only have tickets worth more than $54, buy the Discover Card that’s worth it!
SPECIAL TIP 2: Snowbus offers a package called All Access Package, which already includes roundtrip bus + class + lift + equipment for $139.99 ($149.99 during high season). I’ve never used it, just saw it on their website. Click here and check out more information.
HOW TO GET THERE: Rally B or SnowBus
CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN – TANNERSVILLE – PA
Distance: 88 miles (140 km)
Camelback is a mountain located in the Poconos area,Pennsylvania, in a mountain range called The Pocono Mountains. It is also an excellent option for those who want to do Ski and Snowboarding. It is a bit more distant than Mountain Creek, but usually the snow conditions are better (for those who already ski). It’s my favorite mountain in the area.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL (PER PERSON)
U$40 – Ski – includes Ski, boots, bats and helmet / Snowboard – includes board (with bindings), boots and helmet.
LIFT(PER PERSON) – ALL DAY
Adults – $53 on weekdays and $67 on weekends. People under 18 and over 65 $45 on weekedays and $49 on weekends. Children under 6 years and seniors over 72 years old are free when buying a ticket for an adult.
LIFT(PER PERSON) – FROM 3 PM
Adults – $39 on weekdays $41 on weekends.People under 18 and over 65 $37 on weekedays and $39 on weekends. Children under 6 years and seniors over 72 years old are free when buying a ticket for an adult.
CLASSES FOR KIDS (4 TO 7 YEARS OLD)
Weekdays with equipment rental – $85 / weekends with equipment rental – $99.99
PRIVATE CLASSES – ADULTS
1 hour – $119 / 2 hours – $259.99 (additional person $59,99)
GROUP CLASSES – ADULTS
1 hour and a half / no equipment – $35 /1 hour and a half / with equipment and lift (weekdays) – $85 //1 hour and a half / with equipment and lift (weekends) – $99
HOW TO GET THERE
COMO CHEGAR
HUNTER MOUNTAIN – HUNTER – NY – Distance: 128 miles (204 km)
WINDHAM MOUNTAIN – WINDHAM – NY – Distace: 146 milhas (233 km)
You can also explore SnowBus website – they offer a lot of packages to resorts near New York City.
In short – although this may not be the main purpose of your trip, it is possible to include one or more days of skiing on a trip to NY! I hope you enjoy it, and that the snow helps us to have an excellent season!
I hope Stefano’s tips have helped you! I loved it! Stefano, thank you very much for the contribution!
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
