Upstate New York’s terrain does more than just give its landscape a dramatic appearance. Its mountainous and hilly environment makes it one of the premier regions in the U.S. for those who love to ski and snowboard. This area has world-famous resorts with histories dating back decades and features excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
Many communities in Upstate New York are situated near the incredible mountain resorts in the region. Let’s look at some of these ideal places for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
Western New York
Canandaigua is a popular summer destination with gorgeous lake houses and boating activities. But in the winter, visitors flock to nearby Bristol Mountain, which features 39 amazing slopes and trails. Bristol also has a night operating season, so night-time ski runs are available. Another town just a 30-minute drive away from Bristol Mountain Resort is Cohocton, a charming rural community.
Skaneateles is a gorgeous community situated along the shores of Skaneateles Lake. It is a short drive from Labrador Mountain, with over 20 ski trails, many of which are lighted. It is also close to Greek Peak Mountain Resort, an established resort founded in 1958 with over 40 ski trails. Cazenovia is set along the waters of Cazenovia Lake and has a welcoming feel, and is also not far from Labrador Mountain and Greek Peak Mountain Resort.
Eastern New York
Up north, Cropseyville is a tiny community with a laid-back feel and is about a 45-minute drive from Maple Ski Ridge, an exciting area designed for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. There are also many towns located close to Windham Mountain, Catamount Mountain Resort, and Hunter Mountain Resort. At Windham Mountain, you can find affordable lift tickets, fantastic trails, and fun restaurants. The massive Catamount Mountain Resort is near the Massachusetts border, with its longest run being almost two miles. Hunter Mountain Resort has runs of varying difficulties, freestyle terrain areas, and terrain parks. Towns nearby these three resorts include Medusa, a small hamlet near Albany surrounded by farms and greenery, Coxsackie, a town in the Catskills along the Hudson River, Hillsdale, a historic community with lovely architecture, Hudson, a scenic, historic city on the Hudson River, and Saugerties, a town between the Hudson River and Catskills with stunning scenic venues, appealing shops, and historical sites.
Further south from these cities, Pawling is a quaint and historic city just minutes from Thunder Ridge Ski Area, a small resort offering 90 acres of skiable fun, with 22 trails, three chairlifts, and four magic carpets. Carmel is a picturesque town on the water, offering superb dining options and is a 15-minute drive from Thunder Ridge Ski Area. West of Pawling and Carmel, Kerhonkson is an enchanting hamlet in the Catskills with a quaint small-town feel. It is just a 60-minute drive away from Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, which offers ski lessons for all ages, many skiable acres, four lodges and cross country trails.
