Editor’s Note: Did you catch Laura’s first blog post about the New York & New Jersey ski region? If not, make sure to read up on Whiteface, Mountain Creek, and why Laura knows the region so well!
Windham Mountain: Windham, NY
Just a two and half hour drive north of the Big Apple and three from Boston, you can find yourself at one the the best family-oriented ski resorts in the East. Windham Mountain boasts some of freshest upgrades in the area, including a completely renovated lodge equipped with great restaurants and a huge outdoor fire pit to keep you cozy while you watch the kids take a few runs.
Windham is also the proud home of The Adaptive Sports Foundation. This foundation helps teach men, women, and children with developmental and physical disabilities how to ski and snowboard. I have had the privilege of being an Adaptive Snowboard Instructor for this foundation, and it’s a great opportunity for people with disabilities to learn and participate in a wonderful sport along with their families; I’ve witnessed
amazing transformations in both children and adults when they’ve participated in this
program. For more resorts offering programs like this one check out Sean’s blog on Adaptive/ Non-Profit Programs!
Photo Credit: Greene County Tourism
Belleayre: Pine Hill, NY
Bellayre (pronounced “Bellair”) is one of the few ski areas in the country to be considered a state park. Because it is managed by New York State’s park system, tickets tend to be a more affordable than most ski areas – a great thing for the large number of college students stationed in the Capital region.
Only a two hour drive from New York City, Belleayre has some of the best terrain for first timers as well as long time skiers and riders in the Catskill region. The lower mountain consists of breezy scenic beginner trails while upper mountain is stacked with single and double black diamonds. They are also the host of the only Cat access skiing and snowboarding in the Catskill region.
Photo Credit: Belleayre
Plattekill Mountain: Roxbury, NY
Family owned and operated, you will find big mountain terrain with a small mountain feel at Plattekill. Combined with little time wasted in lift lines, you have yourself some of the best skiing and riding to be done all season. Plattekill has lots of scenic wooded side trails which are my personal favorite, and there are no fancy frills – just honest to goodness skiing and riding, as nature intended. This mountain is great for anyone who wants to practice his or her skills and techniques before a big trip out West. Cozy up in one of the many affordable nearby bed and breakfast inns to get the true local feel as you explore the mountain. With such economical rates at Plattekill, you may as well stay a while!
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor & Plattekill Management
If you have had the pleasure of skiing or riding in New York or New Jersey, let us know what you love about the region! If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Go for it!
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