With over 50 resorts, New York is home to the most ski resorts of any U.S. state, making it a prime destination for powderhounds.Gore Mountain has the state’s biggest skiable area, with a good mix of runs for all abilities.At Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, you can ski the same slopes as former Olympic athletes, visit legacy facilities, and try a bobsled track.<\/p>\n
When you think of ski destinations in the United States, places like Colorado, Wyoming, and a slew of New England states likely come to mind first. However, there\u2019s one place that shouldn\u2019t be overlooked when planning U.S.-based ski adventures\u2014New York state. There are more than 50 ski resorts sprinkled across the state, each offering its own perks for everyone from brand-new beginners to seasoned pros.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
“A fun fact about New York is that it has more ski resorts than any state in the U.S., and there\u2019s a lot of diversity within those resorts,” Dan Sherman, the chief marketing officer of Ski.com<\/a>, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Lake Placid, known for being the two-time host of the Winter Olympics, is our most popular destination due to its fame, extensive terrain, and the variety of activities it offers. For example, in addition to spending the day at Whiteface Mountain for skiing or riding, visitors can experience what it\u2019s like to be an Olympic bobsledder or skeleton at the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Stadium.”\n<\/p>\n Ready to plan your winter sports escape? Here are nine of the best ski resorts in New York.\n<\/p>\n Gore Mountain <\/p>\n \u00c2\u00a9 NYSDED- Photo by Darren McGee<\/p>\n Gore Mountain<\/a>, nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, is a sprawling winter paradise. In fact, Gore has the most skiable terrain in the state. The resort offers gentle trails for beginners and more challenging terrain for those with a bit more experience. It\u2019s also a mountain ideal for those who care about keeping wild places wild. The mountain has a robust sustainability program<\/a> and works alongside the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure it operates with environmentally friendly practices.\n<\/p>\n Whiteface Mountain <\/p>\n Frank DeBonis \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Whiteface Mountain<\/a> offers skiers and riders the chance to feel like an Olympian. After all, the mountain was the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Here, visitors can carve their turns down slopes that face Lake Placid and explore the Olympic facilities in their downtime. You can even take part in the bobsled experience<\/a> and see how you\u2019d fare against gold medalists.\n<\/p>\n Hunter Mountain <\/p>\n Taylor McIntyre\/Travel + Leisure<\/p>\n Hunter Mountain<\/a>, located in the Catskills, is known for its consistent winter experience (thanks to its snowmaking program) and for being one of the easiest-to-reach mountains from the city. “One of the most accessible resorts is Hunter Mountain, located just 2.5 hours away by car from New York City,” Colin Smith, a Ski.com mountain travel expert, said. This is the perfect option for anyone in the area interested in enjoying a special weekend away or for locals who are eager to get their legs ready for a bigger trip out west to the Rockies or east to the Alps.\n<\/p>\n Windham Mountain Club <\/p>\n \u00c2\u00a9 NYSDED-Photo by Darren McGee<\/p>\n Windham Mountain Club<\/a> is a charming resort found in the northern Catskills that\u2019s ideal for families thanks to its ski school for kids as young as three years old. The mountain is home to 54 groomed trails, along with three progressive terrain parks to help beginners advance to the next stage of their trick riding. And don\u2019t miss the resort’s non-skiing activities, like “Snowga,” a combined snowshoe and yoga adventure<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Belleayre Mountain <\/p>\n Courtesy of Belleayre<\/p>\n Belleayre<\/a> is the place to be for skiers and riders looking for a quieter escape with fewer crowds. Its diverse terrain\u2014including 22 percent beginner, 58 percent intermediate, and 20 percent advanced\/expert trails\u2014makes it a great place for families and groups of friends with different ability levels. It\u2019s also a spot where you can always expect a good time, as the mountain regularly hosts fun events.\n<\/p>\n Bristol Mountain <\/p>\n Courtesy of Bristol Mountain<\/p>\n Bristol Mountain<\/a>, located in the Finger Lakes region, offers skiers and riders the chance to ski down well-maintained trails, each offering more beautiful views than the last. The mountain is tiny, no doubt, with just 40 trails, but that\u2019s more than enough to deliver a good day on the slopes. Pair it with a nearby wine tasting adventure for a well-rounded Finger Lakes vacation.\n<\/p>\n Titus Mountain <\/p>\n \u00c2\u00a9 NYSDED-Photo by Darren McGee<\/p>\n Titus Mountain<\/a> sits close to the Canadian border in the town of Malone. It’s a family-friendly mountain offering skiing and tubing during the day and night skiing on 15 lit trails after dark. The mountain offers over 50 trails, including several greens, blues, and even a few double black diamonds, so there is something for every skill level. It also keeps things affordable for everyone looking to shred, with day lift tickets starting at $49 for a single adult (tickets for children and seniors go even lower).\n<\/p>\n Willard Mountain <\/p>\n Courtesy of Willard Mountain<\/p>\n