With over 50 ski areas—the most of any state in the U.S.—New York is a powerhouse for winter sports. Whether you are looking for the Olympic-level steeps of the Adirondacks, the family-friendly vibes of the Catskills, or a quick day trip from NYC, the Empire State has a mountain for you.
As we head into the 2025-2026 season, several New York resorts have been ranked among the best in the East. Here is your guide to the best places to ski in New York.
1. Whiteface Mountain (The Olympic Experience)
If you’re in Lake Placid, Whiteface offers the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies (3,430 feet).
- Best For: Expert skiers and Olympic buffs.
- Why It’s Top-Rated: Fresh off a #3 overall ranking in the East by Ski Magazine for 2026, Whiteface is famous for its challenging “Slides” and high-speed lifts.
- The Vibe: High-performance skiing paired with the world-class après-ski scene of Lake Placid.
2. Gore Mountain (The Terrain King)
Gore is the largest ski resort in New York State by skiable acreage, spanning four distinct peaks in the Southern Adirondacks.
- Best For: If you’re intermediate skiers and variety seekers.
- Why It’s Top-Rated: With 108 trails and a sprawling layout, it rarely feels crowded. It’s a “skier’s mountain” with incredible glades and long, cruising groomers.
- The Vibe: Rugged and authentic Adirondack wilderness.
3. Hunter Mountain (The “Snowmaking Capital”)
Just 2.5 hours from Manhattan, Hunter is the go-to for NYC residents seeking a high-energy mountain experience.
- Best For: If you’re an expert or party-goers.
- Why It’s Top-Rated: Known as the “Snowmaking Capital of the World,” Hunter ensures 100% coverage even in lean winters. It features some of the steepest black diamonds in the Catskills.
- The Vibe: Lively, fast-paced, and home to legendary après-ski at the base lodge.
4. Holiday Valley (The Family Favorite)
Located in Western New York (Ellicottville), Holiday Valley consistently ranks as one of the most family-friendly resorts in the nation.
- Best For: If you’re a family or weekender.
- Why It’s Top-Rated: It features a highly efficient lift system and a charming village that feels like a “mini-Aspen.”
- The Vibe: Fun, welcoming, and famous for its night skiing and vibrant village nightlife.
5. Windham Mountain Club (The Premier Lifestyle)
Windham has recently rebranded to focus on a more “premier” alpine experience, offering refined amenities alongside its 54 trails.
- Best For: Families and those seeking luxury.
- Why It’s Top-Rated: It boasts a world-class adaptive sports program and meticulously groomed trails.
- The Vibe: Sophisticated and upscale, with excellent slopeside dining.
At a Glance: New York Ski Resort Comparison
| Resort | Region | Vertical Drop | Best For |
| Whiteface | Adirondacks | 3,430 ft | Experts / Olympians |
| Gore Mt. | Adirondacks | 2,537 ft | Terrain Variety |
| Hunter Mt. | Catskills | 1,600 ft | Experts / NYC Day-Trips |
| Windham | Catskills | 1,600 ft | Families / Luxury |
| Holiday Valley | Western NY | 750 ft | Families / Après-Ski |
| Belleayre | Catskills | 1,404 ft | Beginners / Budget |
Best Budget & Beginner Options
If you’re looking to save money or learn the ropes, New York has several hidden gems:
- Belleayre Mountain: A state-owned gem in the Catskills with wide, gentle trails and a proper gondola—ideal for day-trippers.
- Mount Peter: Located just over an hour from NYC, it offers free beginner ski lessons with the purchase of a lift ticket.
- Titus Mountain: Voted the #1 family-friendly resort in North America, located near the Canadian border with incredibly affordable lift tickets.
3 Tips for New York Skiing in 2026
- Buy “Frequent Skier” Cards: If you plan to ski Gore, Whiteface, or Belleayre, buy the SKINY or I SKI NY cards early in the season to save up to 50% on lift tickets.
- Ski Mid-Week: Catskill resorts like Hunter and Windham see massive crowds on Saturdays. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll have the slopes to yourself.
- Check the “Snow Report” Apps: Before driving 3 hours, check apps like OnTheSnow or the official Ski NY app for real-time snowmaking and trail opening updates.
