Best Ski Resorts Near NYC For Families (All Under 3 Hours)

Due to COVID-19, many families are continuing to stay local this year. This means the Rocky Mountains, the Swiss Alps, and other popular ski destinations may not be an option for many families. You can still hit the slopes, however! Staying local allows many families to explore the best of their neighboring cities and states. Whether you downhill ski, snowboard, or tube, these ski resorts offer everything you need for some winter fun. What better way to stay local than by exploring the Best Ski Resorts Near NYC For Families – All Under 3 Hours! In the Poconos, you can spend long days skiing and nights splashing at indoor water parks. Then, in Thunder Ridge Ski Area families will find gentle, kid-friendly slopes accessible via the Metro-North’s Harlem Line. We compiled this list with the help of our amazing Facebook group, who generously shared their insights and suggestions!

Best Ski Resorts in New York For Families

From Catamount Mountain Resort to Thunder Ridge, New York has ski resorts for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for multi-lane tubing, a ski school with friendly instructors, or numerous chair lifts, families won’t have to travel far for winter fun. Here are a few of our favorite ski resorts to visit in New York with kids!

Mount Peter, NY

In the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley, Mount Peter is a short 1-hour drive from NYC. Hosting 14 well-groomed trails and 1 terrain trail, Mount Peter offers free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays, making it one of the best ski resorts near NYC for beginners or small children. Additionally, 3 chair lifts and 2 carpet lifts can transport you to the summit. Non-skiers are also satisfied with thrilling multi-lane tubing, including the Little Tikes Tubing area. The tubing area is equipped with a carpet lift, while you can easily trek the Little Tikes Tubing on foot. Local parents will love that Mount Peter is the oldest operating New York ski resort, as well as one of the few remaining family-operated ski areas in America! Finally, nearby lodging includes everything from charming B&Bs to big-name hotels, like the Courtyard Middletown Goshen, which offers a ski and stay package.

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Mount Peter on their website.

What Our Families Say

“Mount Peter is probably the closest and easiest place to go for kids to get ski lessons from NYC (only an hour drive), and one of the few that lets kids start at a young age. Kids as young as 3 are able to do affordable group ski lessons (although not sure if that is still the case this year due to covid). The bunny hill is perfect for toddlers and young kids to learn and practice. They also have a great tubing hill (my son’s favorite part).”

– Tram Dao

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Mount Peter on their website.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area, NY

Next on our list of the best ski resorts near NYC for families is the Thunder Ridge Ski Area. Located just north of NYC, it is a short 1-hour drive from NYC or you can catch the free shuttle from the Patterson train station. As the closest ski resort to NYC, it is also accessible via the Metro-North’s Harlem Line. Families with little ones learning to ski will love Thunder Ridge due to its proximity to the city, as well as its gentle, kid-friendly slopes. Not to mention, Thunder Ridge offers a great ski school. Sign up for group lessons, private lessons, or half-day programs for children. Plus, families looking for a local multi-week kid’s program can find one here too! Thunder Ridge offers a six-week program for beginners, as well as advanced skiers. Furthermore, families will discover 22 well-groomed trails, 3 chairlifts, and 4 magic carpets on site.

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Thunder Ridge Ski Area on their website.

Windham Mountain, NY

Popular among local families, Windham Mountain offers easy terrain for beginners, as well as advanced runs. An easy 2-hour drive from NYC and 1-hour drive from Albany, Windham Mountain is one of the most accessible New York ski resorts! Non-skiers can embark on a guided snowshoe hike on Windham Mountain, while skiers will delight in 285 skiable acres sporting 54 trails over two peaks. Additionally, there are 6 terrain parks and 11 chair lifts on site. Techy kids will also love hitting the virtual slopes through the Ski & Ride Simulator, which provides real skiing in a virtual reality setting! Group lessons are available for kids, starting at age 7. Children younger than 6 can receive private lessons. Several on-mountain dining options are available for families, too. And, for kids who like fondue, try Chalet Fondue in town. Finally, find a host of nearby hotels, condos, and rentals, many of which offer ski and stay packages.

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Windham Mountain on their website.

Belleayre Mountain, NY

If you’re skiing on a budget, Belleayre Mountain may be an excellent option for your family! Home to some of the best skiing the Catskills, Belleayre Mountain. Belleayre Mountain offers families over 170 acres of well-groomed skiing, including 50 trails, 2 parks, and 8 chair lifts. No matter your ability, you’ll find skiing and snowboarding trails that meet your needs, including challenging steep runs, exhilarating bumps, and gentle, kid-friendly trails. Belleayre Mountain also offers fun, informative lessons (both group and private) with kid-friendly instructors. While it’s not being offered this season, in typical years, Belleayre Mountain also offers child care through the Tiger Den Nursery. On-site dining includes affordable options to keep families energized for full days on the slopes. Additionally, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available. Though there are no accommodations on this state-run mountain, you’ll find charming towns and quaint villages offering family-friendly lodging and amenities nearby.

What Our Families Say

“We were introduced to Belleayre and the surrounding area by my daughter’s friend and had a perfect little getaway for New Years! We got in late and ate at Peekamoose which we highly recommend for families! Stayed at a bed and breakfast, woke up early the next morning and headed to Belleayre. We have 4 daughters who are all somewhat new to skiing, but they LOVE it. The staff was helpful, it was easy to use their bussing system that takes you to and from the different lodges. My youngest who was 3, stayed in their child care center. It was safe, clean and well organized.”

– Julianne Fabbi Parmenter

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Belleayre Mountain on their website.

Catamount Mountain Resort, NY and MA

Located on the border of New York and Massachusetts, Catamount Mountain Resort offers families the perfect weekend getaway. On-mountain, you’ll find newly renovated lodges, ideal for family visitors. Nearby Great Barrington also offers numerous great restaurants and lodging options. While the beginner area is smaller than other New York ski resorts, there’s still a lot to love about Catamount Mountain Resort! In fact, Catamount Mountain Resort offers some of the most thrilling ski and snowboarding trails in the Berkshires! From gentle, kid-friendly runs to steep advanced trails, you’ll find 42 well-groomed options. As one of the best ski resorts near NYC for families, you’ll be treated to picturesque mountain views, diverse and well-manicured trails, and full-service rentals options. Furthermore, families can find expert instructors offering lessons for all levels, whether kids are new to skiing or looking to perfect their craft. No wonder Catamount is a popular weekend getaway! And don’t forget to try the Swiss-inspired restaurant, Swiss Hutte, overlooking the slopes of Catamount.

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Catamount Ski Resort on their website.

For more information about traveling to and from New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit this website for up to date information.

Best Ski Resorts in Massachusetts For Families

Massachusetts is next on our list of Best Ski Resorts Under 3 Hours From NYC! Families will find some of the best ski resorts on the East Coast throughout the state, ranging from beginner trails to steep runs. Here are a few of the best ski resorts in Massachusetts for families!

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, MA

One of the best ski resorts in Massachusetts for families, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is centrally located between NYC and Albany. It is also close to Boston and Springfield, MA. Skiers will find expert lessons here, no matter their skill level. Kid-friendly skiing and snowboard lessons at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort create a fun and educational experience that’s sure to enhance their skills and love for the slopes. In fact, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort offers an expansive beginner’s area with a chairlift for those learning to ski and snowboard, as well as ski-in, ski-out accommodations. Additionally, parents who want solo time on the trails can drop their littles off at the on-site Cub’s Den Playroom. Here, kids will be cared for in a safe, professional environment, while parents experience more challenging trails. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Christiansen’s Tavern, where you can dine on scrumptious food that will energize you for the afternoon slopes!

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort on their website.

Ski Butternut, MA

Ample kid’s programming makes Ski Butternut ideal for families. With an enormous area for kids and several beginner slopes, Ski Butternut is also one of the best ski resorts in Massachusetts for kids. In fact, there’s even a chair lift in the beginner’s area! Here, a trained staff takes special care to ensure children get into the chair lift safely before making their ascent. Private and group lessons are also available. If you’re traveling with littles who aren’t ready to spend the day on the trails, check out the Children’s Center (available for ages 6 months to 8 years). Tubing is another option at Ski Butternut, including 11 exhilarating trails. Families will also find on-site dining, which means more time on the trails, and less time worrying about meals. Finally, due to its location, you can also enjoy the town of Great Barrington, MA, and get the full Berkshires experience!

What Our Families Say

“We love skiing at Butternut because it’s a great family ski resort that is not too far from home. We also appreciate the various ski programs they offer for our kids and have found their instructors to be readily available for private lessons – even without much notice.”

– Joanna Diakos Kordalis

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Ski Butternut on their website.

For more information about traveling to and from Massachusetts during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit this website for up to date information.

Best Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania For Families

Head to Pennsylvania for your next family ski vacation! Families who love traveling from NYC to this neighboring state do so for the fantastic views and abundance of kid-friendly activities all in one place, including a water park! Keep reading to see our favorite ski resorts in Pennsylvania for families. 

Blue Mountain Resort, PA

Located in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, Blue Mountain Resort offers 40 ski trails and 16 chair lifts. Additionally, Blue Mountain Resort offers a stunning tubing hill, perfect for non-skiers. Nestled along Kittatinny Ridge, Blue Mountain Resort is also part of the far-reaching Appalachian Mountains, offering a scenic backdrop to your day on the slopes. New skiers young and old can also find knowledgeable instructors and lessons for their first time (or two!) This includes private lessons and lessons for adaptive skiing. Nearby families should also consider registering for one of the Youth Programs (ages 4-2, all abilities), offered for a single day or several weeks, depending on your needs. Youth programs provide safe and fun learning environments for kids to develop a love of the outdoors and winter sports. Families will also love staying at one of the nearby indoor water parks, like the Great Wolf Lodge or the Kalahari.

What Our Families Say

“Winter means temperatures cold enough for blowing snow and Blue Mountain is good at that! Despite their intentions, Blue Mountain is not a resort quite yet, in the sense that you can stay overnight on the property…but they do have great skiing, boarding, and tubing! I was taught to ski there as a child, and have taught my own children…to ski at Blue. We really enjoy our times on the snow, and the great food in the lodges. The kids especially like the 6 person lift so they can hang out together for more time. The lessons are really well done and the rental process is pretty streamlined…They have a great variety of levels of skiing, perfect for NuBs and the more advanced among us. Overall Blue Mountain Resort is a great option for those who don’t have time or resources to travel to New England for the real snow!”

– Meg Bull

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Blue Mountain Resort on their website.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, PA

Whether you are looking for skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing, you’ll find some of the best trails at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area! Its location in the Poconos makes it an easy trip from New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Boasting 23 mountain trails, 2 terrain parks, and a robust snow tubing run, Shawnee Mountain is also one of the best ski resorts near NYC for families. The snow tubing area has 6 thrilling chutes for single and tandem (adult and child) riders. Families with new skiers or snowboarders can also invest in a beginner’s package for a season of lessons by knowledgeable instructors. Adaptive lessons are also available on-site by special arrangement. While not offered this season, Shawnee Mountain typically offers child care by trained staff for littles, starting at 18 months. Families can find accommodations nearby, including hotels and condos, with many offering ski & stay packages.

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Shawnee Mountain Ski Area on their website.

Camelback Resort, PA

Families are in for a treat at Camelback Resort. Not only can you find some of the best skiing near NYC for families, but those staying on-site can also indulge in their indoor water park! They also have the largest snow tubing park in the U.S. In fact, nonskiers can choose from 40 chutes all day and all night! After dark, tubing lanes light up for the Galactic snow tubing experience. Kids will delight in this unique night-time activity! Then, skiers and snowboarders will discover over 35 well-groomed trails and more than a dozen lifts. Camelback Resort offers professional lessons for all skill levels, including adaptive lessons. Families with avid skiers will love their on-mountain ski-in, ski-out restaurants. No matter what you’re looking for in a winter getaway with kids, you can splash and ski your way through one of the best ski resorts near NYC for families!

What Our Families Say

“Camelback is such a great family-friendly resort. From the water park to ice-cream sundae bars and an arcade, Camelback is more than just a ski resort. There were a variety of slopes offered for both beginners and experts alike as well as access to a ski-in/ski-out. The on-site nursery made it easy to drop the baby off while the rest of the family skied. A weekend wasn’t long enough.”

– Cierrah Allabaugh

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Camelback Resort on their website.

Families heading to Pennsylvania should note the state has recently put quarantine measures into place for travelers. For more information about traveling to and from Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit this website for up to date information.

Best Ski Resorts in New Jersey For Families

Last but not least on our list of best ski resorts near NYC is New Jersey! Featuring diverse areas located within a short drive, families won’t have a hard time finding options for all ages here. The following are two of our favorites! 

Mountain Creek, NJ

Independently-owned and operated, Mountain Creek is a short drive from NYC and offers an array of terrain suitable for all skill levels. Spread across 4 mountain peaks with 8 lifts, Mountain Creek offers many options for skiers and snowboarders, including 3 dedicated terrain parks. The terrain parks span 2 peaks with diverse parks, including small and large options for all ability levels. Additionally, the terrain park features ride-on progression boxes,  large street-style rails, and 50 ft. jumps! Adrenaline-seekers will definitely find the exhilarating trails they desire here. Lessons are available for all children (starting at age 4) and skill levels. Then, those looking for snow tubing will discover one of the largest tubing areas in the region. Covering five acres, the snow tubing area offers chutes for single riders, ages 5 and up. Plus, magic carpet lifts mean steep trekking won’t keep you from your next run!

What Our Families Say

“We love it because it’s a quick drive for us. They have seasons pass which is free for kids under 6 with a paying adult. They have an amazing ski school, lodging, and dining onsite as well. Plenty of Ski in ski out options are available.”

– Swati Sinha

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Mountain Creek on their website.

Big SNOW American Dream

Families can find everything they need for a day in the indoor snow at Big SNOW American Dream! Here, a Snow Day package even includes coats, snow pants, and helmets, as well as skis or a board – perfect for families who aren’t ready to invest in winter gear and equipment! With your Snow Day package, you will also receive access to the Terrain Based Learning areas and knowledgeable instructors. Packages that include lessons, as well as gear and equipment, make Big SNOW American Dream one of the best ski resorts near NYC for beginners. Families who have the proper gear and equipment can easily access the indoor runs through a Slope Access ticket. Non-skiers will also find a ton of other activities on-site, including a DreamWorks themed indoor waterpark, Nickelodeon Universe, options for mini-golf, and ice skating. Don’t worry about weather conditions here, endless family-fun is already inside!

Find updated information about the COVID-19 safety precautions for Big SNOW American Dream on their website.

For more information about traveling to and from New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit this website for up to date information.

Happy Skiing!

We hope you are able to hit the slopes at one of the Best Ski Resorts For Families Under 3 Hours From NYC! From Blue Mountain Resort to Catamount Ski Resort, families will love treating their kids to a day of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. Whether you are looking for a quick day-trip near NYC or a weekend getaway as a family, we know you’ll find perfect runs, as well as create life-long memories together. Your local winter wonderland awaits!

Thank You To Our Community!

A special thank you to the Families Love Travel Facebook community for helping compile this list of the Best Ski Resorts For Families Under 3 Hours From NYC! As always, this article would not have been as insightful without their collective travel wisdom. They are a group of amazing families who love adventure and exploring through travel. Are you looking for more suggestions and advice for skiing with kids? Join the Facebook community and the Instagram community (@families.love.travel) to connect with other families who love the unique experiences travel has to offer, whether by air, train, or RV. It’s also a safe place to ask questions and gather travel-related information specific to families. 

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the activities on this list of the best ski resorts near NYC for families may also be closed. Please ensure availability, as well as state-to-state travel restrictions, before making your decision.