It’s that time of year again. The warm weather has sprung, the snow is slowly piling up, and it’s time to dust off those skis.
Where should you head to this year? What’s the best skiing spot in New York? Is it the Adirondack Mountains or the Catskills? Or maybe even both? We’ve got you covered with this guide.
The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains are located in the northeast corner of New York and span from Canada down through the states. Much of the skiing takes place in the southern part of the range, around Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. This area is most famous for the winter Olympics, which were held in these parts in 1936 and 1944. The largest ski resort in the area is definitely not designed for beginners. Bear Mountain is the place to be if you’re looking for some real adventures. The resort covers 75 square miles of trails and offers something for everyone. The longest gondola in the world is also located there. In addition to the popular resort areas, the area is sprinkled with smaller ones, including some excellent hidden gems. The locals are extremely welcoming of tourists so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll have no trouble fitting in.
The Catskills
The Catskills are located in the northeast corner of New York and run for hundreds of miles along the southern coast. They’re best known for their extreme sports opportunities. It wasn’t always that way, though. The region was once covered in thick forests, supporting a vibrant hardwood lumber industry. Today, there are still many rustic villages, such as Woodstock, nestled among the trees. However, the biggest town in the area is probably not the one you’d think. New York City is only an hour away, so it has become a popular ski destination for day-trippers and night-owls alike. There are 21 mountains in the range, which are all within an hour’s drive of the city. The largest one, Woodstock Mountain, actually extends into New York City and is the best place for beginners to learn how to ski. The trails are wide and inviting, as you’d expect in a New York ski resort. However, the summit is not crowded with towers and lodges, but rather, it feels more like a real, Vermont skiing community.
Which One Should You Skip?
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or just want to hang out with your friends, then the Adirondack Mountains are for you. There’s something for everyone, including beginners, in this part of New York. You won’t get bored in the Catskills either, as there’s always something going on. One tip, though: if you’re visiting in the winter, make sure to wear some gear that’s reflective, as the snow and the trees are the best camouflage in the dark.
Which one you choose depends on where you want to stay. Do you want to stay in a cozy cabin with all the conveniences of home, or do you want to rough it a bit, playing in the snow and taking on the elements as they come? Make your decision, and you can go from there.