MAIN Sports Skiing New York Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

From favorite ski resorts convenient to New York City, near upstate Buffalo and the Lake Placid area, New York State is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Most ski resorts offer ski weekend or vacation packages for groups or families that usually include lift ticket, ski rentals, hotel or resort stay and sometimes even a lesson or two.

One of the most popular ski areas with NY Metro residents is Hunter Mountain, only a two hour drive up the New York State Thruway.

Hunter Mountain offers slopeside lodging and plenty of all-inclusive resort hotels as well as romantic B&B options right nearby. Catering to skiers of all abilities, Hunter actually encompasses three separate mountains offering a total of 55 trails - from gentle terrain for kids and beginners, to steeps and slopes for intermediate and experienced skiers.

In central New York, the Snow Ridge Ski Area has been a beacon for skiers and snowboarders for six decades, offering some of the Empire State's biggest snowfalls (230" inches on average) blanketing 22 trails running through a wide variety of terrain and includes six lifts and, for kids and newbies, one bunny tow.

Heading west, skiers and snowboarders have their pick of top ski resorts in New York's snow belt beginning with the Cockaigne Ski Area, an hour's drive from Buffalo and famous for its family-friendly feel with affordable group rates and season passes. Cockaigne's six trails are rated for their "deliciousness" and include the Jelly Roll for kids, on up to the most challenging run, the Macaroon.

For world class skiing, the Holiday Valley Resort in Endicottville - famed as the 'Aspen of the East' - includes luxury stays the Inn at Holiday Valley, often cited on top 10 lists of resort hotels statewide. In addition to top flight amenities, the resort offers 56 slopes and 13 lifts along with a variety of snowboarding and tubing areas.

More about New York State skiing & snowboarding around the Web:

New York Ski Resorts - Excellent guide to the state's top resorts with information and comparisons of elevations, lifts and trails, snow reports including new snow and surface conditions, visitor star-rated reviews and photos.

Ski Guide.com - New York Ski Resort Map - Clickable map showing all major resorts throughout the state resulting in detailed overviews and photos.

I Love New York - Winter Activities - The state's official tourism guide with information on downhill and cross country skiing resorts by region with related resources, maps and directions.

Alpine Skiing & Downhill Ski Resorts In The Adirondacks, New York - Complete guide to the region's more famous and lesser known ski resorts with related outdoor activity, travel, hotel and accommodation resources.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots