4 best ski resorts near NYC: Hunter, Windham, Mountain Creek, or Camelback?
New York is surrounded by more than 50 ski areas, but in reality it’s only worth choosing between four. The rest are either too close (and cramped), too far, or simply not worth the trip. And if you’ve tried venturing beyond these four, you probably know how it goes: after a long drive, you end up somewhere overcrowded, overpriced, or with terrain that’s just too basic — sometimes all at once.
That’s exactly why this guide exists. It cuts through the noise and helps you make the best decision for your trip.
Brief breakdown. 4 different weekends
| Resort | Travel time | Trails | Vertical drop | Snow | Price tag | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Creek, NJ | 1.5 hrs | 46 | 1,040 ft | 100% man-made | $55–75 | Families, beginners, budget |
| Camelback, PA | 1.5 hrs | 39 | — | — | $50–70 | Kids, families, tubing |
| Windham, NY | 2.5 hrs | 54 | 1,600 ft | 97% | $79–109 | Intermediate level |
| Hunter, NY | 2.5 hrs | 67 | 1,600 ft | ~95% | $89–129 | Experts, black diamond trails |
Mountain Creek (1.5 hours)
- Lifts and terrain: 4 peaks. Mixed trails: green (for beginners) and blue (for intermediate). Think of Mountain Creek as a place where no one is embarrassed if you fall.
- Snow: 100% man-made. Sounds sad, but it means: if it’s cold, it’s good. If the temperature rises above 4°C, it turns into slush.
- Money: ski pass is $55–75 on weekdays. The cheapest option in the region. $25–30 cheaper than Windham.
- Crowds: Friday evening = packed. Tuesday morning = almost empty.
Who it’s for
- Families with small children (close, low stress).
- Beginners (cheap, no pressure).
- NYC residents who need a quick day trip.
Logistics: The road is simple and flat. You don’t need a powerful SUV here; a spacious crossover (for example, from the Drivo) is enough to comfortably throw in your gear without dirtying the interior of your own car.
Camelback, PA (1.5 hours)
- Trails: mostly green (for beginners). Soft, ideal for "my first time."
- Tubing: this is the main event. Kids and adults slide down a special slope on tubes. Adds 2–3 hours to the day.
- Price: Ski pass $50–70. Cheap.
- Travel: An hour and a half on I-78.
Who it’s for
- Families with children aged 4–8.
- Groups with different skill levels (some ski, some relax).
Car tip: People often come here in large groups. To avoid taking two cars, it is more cost-effective to rent one 7-seat minivan — this will save money on gas and tolls, plus it’s more fun for the kids to ride together.
Windham, NY (2.5 hours)
- Trail distribution: Green — to learn. Blue — real skiing. Black trails exist but don’t dominate. Precise balance.
- 6 parks: If there are people in your group who love parks, rails, and modules — they have them here.
- Snow: 97% coverage. This is a guarantee that even in a weak season, there will be something to ski on.
- Crowds: weekends = families and intermediate skiers everywhere. Weekdays = the slopes are yours.
Who it’s for
- Intermediate skiers (the majority).
- Families going for a full weekend.
Attention to the road: Windham is located in the Catskill Mountains. The last 30 minutes of the trip can be snowy and slippery. Driving here in a rear-wheel-drive sedan is a risk. It’s better to choose a model with AWD.
Hunter, NY (2.5 hours)
67 trails, vertical drop of 1,600 feet. Hunter is the most difficult and highest resort in the region accessible from NYC.
Honest review
- Trail mix: 67 tracks. A significant portion is for experienced skiers. You choose your line carefully.
- Elevation and snow: It’s colder at the top, so the snow holds better. When it’s slush at the bottom, it’s still winter at Hunter.
- Queues: weekends = busy. Arrive before 9 AM.
- Money: $89–129 per day. The most expensive, but also the most technical.
Who it’s for
- Experts looking for a challenge.
- Those going for an overnight stay.
Tip: the road to Hunter is winding. We have excellent comfort sedan options for these conditions.
How to get there: routes and car choice
All four resorts are accessible via I-78 or I-80, but the conditions differ radically.
-
Mountain Creek & Camelback (Easy Level)
The road is flat, traffic is tolerable.
- What you need: Comfort and trunk space.
- Car: Any crossover will do. The main thing is that the tubes and skis fit.
-
Windham & Hunter (Hard Level)
I-87 (Thruway) and local roads through the Catskills. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable: rain in the city, black ice on the pass.
- What you need: Clearance and All-Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD).
- Car: Do not risk it in a city compact car. If your car isn’t built for mountains, check out 4x4 options at Drivo — it’s a matter of safety, not prestige.
Timing: On Friday after 4:00 PM, leaving the city will take 3–4 hours. The best time is Saturday morning (before 7:00 AM) or weekdays.
How to choose
Stop overcomplicating. Four questions.
- First time on skis?
→ Mountain Creek (cheap, close) or Camelback (has tubing as a backup). - With small children?
→ Camelback. - Counting pennies?
→ Mountain Creek. Cheap and cheerful. - Have you been skiing for years and looking for a drive?
→ Hunter (challenge) or Windham (golden mean).
What’s the bottom line?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Snow in New York is a temporary phenomenon.
Choose a resort for your level, book a reliable car (especially for Hunter/Windham), throw thermal underwear in a backpack, and head out. Mountains reset your head better than any bar.
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