Skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly two of the most well-known winter sports of all time—and for a good reason. In my opinion, skiing is one of the most enjoyable experiences in the world, and I believe that everyone should try it at least once in their lives. Thankfully, there are hundreds of ski resorts in the area, and each one of them brings something unique to the experience. Whether you are a total beginner or a hardcore skier, there’s something for everyone. There is a wide variety of mountains, from small with only a couple of slopes, to huge with hundreds of acres of skiable terrain. From the bunny slope to skiing through the forest, these mountains guarantee suitable slopes for all skill levels.
- Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Township, NJ
Starting with a local skiing sensation, Mountain Creek is the perfect place for beginners. It’s on the smaller side, offering mostly blue (medium) slopes, and although it only has one green (easiest) trail, this mountain is where the majority of New Jersey skiers and boarders first learn how to perfect their sport. Although I’ve only been a couple of times when I just started skiing, I remember that the quality of the snow and terrain was perfect for my skill level. Close to home and a perfect place to start, Mountain Creek is an ideal mountain for beginners.
- Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, NY
An easy two-hour drive away, although it is a little further from home than Mountain Creek, Belleayre is most known for its beginner to intermediate-level terrain. Located in the Catskill Mountains, this mountain is a great place to perfect your sport and hone your skills. The lower slopes of the mountain are gentle, and the ones higher up are more on the intermediate to advanced side, offering a variety of different terrain for all skiers. I’ve been to this mountain many times over the years, and it has become my home mountain to ski at. Offering affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere, and skiing essentials, it’s a great place to ski if you’re looking for a more relaxed mountain.
- Windham Mountain, Windham, NY
Located an hour away from Albany, NY, and around two from New York City, Windham Mountain is another resort located in the Catskill Mountains, not far from Belleayre and another neighboring resort, Hunter. Windham offers 285 acres of skiable terrain, once again suitable for all skill levels. Although only around a fifth of the resort is made up of green trails, it is still a solid destination for beginner skiers, as there is a newly upgraded high-speed quad chairlift serving only green trails. Most terrain features regularly groomed blue trails for intermediate skiers, and very advanced terrain is rare. Most of Windham’s black (difficult) trails would be considered blues at other major Vermont resorts, and while it does offer some double-blacks (most difficult) that are quite steep, yet rather short. Mostly, overall, Windham is a great destination for intermediate-level skiers looking to get a beautiful day of manageable skiing.
- Hunter Mountain Resort, Hunter, NY
Yet another resort in the Catskill Mountains, Hunter is fairly similar to Windham and Belleayre. The biggest resort within three hours of New York City, it’s a go-to day trip destination for countless New York and New Jersey families. Though the amount of snowfall is occasionally unreliable, its snow-making machines are powerful and the snow is more often than not perfect for skiing. Though being in an ideal location, a side-effect of being close to New York City is traffic—and Hunter is no stranger to it. However, if you can ski during weekdays, you will find the mountain typically uncrowded. Another great mountain for beginners, while still having a multitude of blue and black trails, Hunter is another ideal skiing location for those in the New York and New Jersey areas.
- Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock, MA
Though further from home, located about a three-hour drive away from New Jersey in Hancock Massachusetts, Jiminy Peak is my favorite mountain to ski at. Not the biggest mountain, yet also not as small as others, it is the perfect sweet spot in between. My family and I go skiing up there every year during winter break with a group of family friends, and it is always my favorite trip of the year. I may be a bit biased because of the memories I have made at this mountain, but it is a fact that it offers a very wide variety of trails. Unlike resorts in the Catskill Mountains, Jiminy Peak offers more advanced terrain for very experienced skiers. With six black trails, four double-black trails, and a couple of terrain parks, it is perfect for skilled skiers and boarders. However, it is still very family-friendly and provides numerous green, blue, and even blue-black (more difficult) trails. In addition, the resort gives off a very friendly and welcoming vibe. JJ’s Lodge is a picturesque ski lodge, with tasty food at affordable prices. Finally, Jiminy Peak is the only mountain I’ve been to that offers twilight skiing, which is skiing at night. This brings a whole new aspect to the experience. I much prefer it to skiing during the day. Overall, Jiminy Peak is my favorite mountain to ski at due to its variety of terrain, amazing atmosphere, and its twilight skiing option.
- Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Village, VT
Another favorite, Stratton Mountain is definitely on the bigger side of ski resorts on the east coast. Offering 670 acres of skiable terrain, it is a go-to destination for more advanced skiers and boarders. Getting around the mountain is very easy due to its well-designed layout, and it is nearly impossible to get lost if you just follow the signs. Though the mountain is known for its crowds, it manages the amount of visitors very well compared to other mountains in Vermont due to its impressive chairlift system. Another resort with a wide variety of trails, it offers a multitude of green, blue, blue-black, black, and double-black trails, along with numerous terrain parks, it is another perfect destination for all ski enthusiasts. There are numerous lodges throughout the resort, so finding a table for lunch usually isn’t a problem. Finally, at the base of the mountain is a ski village straight out of a movie, with picturesque homes and restaurants, and a vibrant aprés-ski atmosphere. A beautiful and scenic mountain with varied terrain, amazing lodging, and lively nightlife, Stratton is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
- Honorable Mention: Winter Park Resort, Winter Park, CO
Though very far away from New Jersey, Winter Park Resort deserves a spot on this list. Although I said that Jiminy Peak and Stratton Mountain were my favorite mountains, Winter Park in Colorado was without a doubt the most beautiful, and it doesn’t come close to any others. Offering an outstanding 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, it is by far one of the largest resorts in the country. The mountain delivers a well-rounded experience for all to enjoy. The mountain is known for its very high snow quality—when my family and I took a week-long trip there a couple of years ago, we were up to our knees in powder; it felt like skiing on air. Visitors ranging from beginners to advanced will find terrain perfect for everyone. With countless lodges and restaurants from the top of the mountain to the very base, finding delicious food is never a problem. The resort offers the chance to see the breathtaking Continental Divide from a mountaintop, which is worth the trip to Colorado. Winter Park is the most beautiful resort I’ve ever skied at, and although I assume there must be others out there even more gorgeous until I ski at one, Winter Park remains unparalleled by any other resort I’ve visited, and I believe that every skier and snowboarder should make a trip there at least once.
