Skiing and Snowboarding near NYC: The Catskill Mountains in New York State 2025

The Catskill Mountains, located in the southeastern part of New York, are one of the most scenic destinations in the state, just about two hours drive from New York City. Being part of the Appalachian range, in the winter, the Catskills offer 89 mi (143 km) of ski slopes. The region boasts six large ski resorts equipped with 33 ski lifts. The largest and most popular is Hunter Mountain. Belleayre is the highest, Windham is the most polished, and Plattekill Mountain is the most affordable.

When to go skiing in the Catskills

Skiing and snowboarding season in the Catskills usually runs from December through early April. However, the weather becomes spring-like already in mid-March, and the snow gets wet and mushy. January and February are the most reliable months in terms of snow.

How to get to the Catskills from NYC

The Catskills region can be easily reached from the city by car via Palisades Interstate Parkway North or Taconic State Parkway North and I-87. Another option is NY Trailways bus to Hunter, NY, which leaves from Port Authority in NYC. There are also several private operators, like NYC Snow Bus, which offers one-day ski trips and travel to Hunter and Windham Mountains with pick-up spots in Downtown Brooklyn, Upper West Side, Times Square, and Union Square. The bus ride takes from 3 to 3.5 hours.

Catskills Ski Resorts

Hunter

The premier ski getaway for New York City, Hunter Mountain boasts 34 mi (55 km) of diverse ski terrain. The summit of Hunter Mountain has an elevation of 4,040 ft (1,231 m). With four separate mountain faces and about 60 trails, including the famous Cliff black diamond run, the resort can satisfy skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort is known for its state-of-the-art snowmaking, ensuring excellent snow coverage throughout the season. Skiers and snowboarders can use four freestyle areas and 13 chairlifts. The ski lifts operate from 8:30 am to 4 pm, while the base lodge opens at 6 am.

Opening & Closing

The season typically runs from mid-November to mid-April, depending on snow conditions. A full-day lift ticket costs around $109 for adults and $94 for youth (ages 7-17). Season passes are available starting at $659. Weekday rates are usually cheaper than weekends. Full ski or snowboard equipment rentals cost about $65 per day for adults and $55 for kids. Hunter also offers après-ski options, with bars, restaurants, and live music venues, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Windham

Windham Mountain is the second most popular ski resort in the Catskills. It's located just a 2.5-hour drive from New York City or an hour from Albany. The resort boasts 54 trails on two peaks, 11 chairlifts, and six terrain parks, ideal for freestylers looking to hit jumps and rails. About 97% of the ski terrain is covered by snowmaking machines ensuring the best surface conditions.

Opening & Closing

The season at Windham runs from late November to early April. Full-day lift tickets are priced around $95 for adults and $89 for kids. Season passes start at $799. Ski or snowboard rentals cost about $49 per day for adults and $39 for kids. Windham is known for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient amenities, including an adventure park, ice skating, and plenty of après-ski activities like dining at the Windham Country Club.

Belleayre

Belleayre Mountain is a smaller resort with 50 trails and eight lifts. This budget-friendly destination offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, making it a great spot for families and skiers of all skill levels. The resort also boasts a vertical drop of 1,404 feet, the highest in the Catskills, and has a reputation for being less crowded than some of its neighboring mountains.

Opening & Closing

Belleayre typically opens in early December and closes in early April. Lift tickets are reasonably priced, with adult tickets at $73 and youth tickets at $53 for a full day. Season passes are available from $599. Equipment rental costs about $45 per day for adults and $35 for kids. With fewer crowds, Belleayre is an ideal destination for those who want a more relaxed and affordable skiing or snowboarding experience, along with options like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Platekill

Platekill Mountain is a hidden gem in the Catskills, known for its challenging terrain and old-school ski vibe. The resort is a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders, with 38 trails that include steep moguls and glades. Plattekill also offers a more intimate experience, with fewer crowds and a cozy, family-run atmosphere.

Opening & Closing

The season at Plattekill generally runs from early December to late March. A full-day lift ticket costs around $74 for adults and $64 for kids. Plattekill also offers a unique "ski when you want" pass for $199, allowing flexible access on non-holiday weekdays. Equipment rental costs around $45 per day for adults and $35 for kids. Plattekill is a great place for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger resorts while still enjoying quality snow conditions.