Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these ski spots offer a variety of terrains for everyone in your crew (plus lessons for newbies).
New Jersey
CAMPGAW MOUNTAIN
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah
201-327-7800
Billed as a learn-to-ski/ snowboard along with tubing destination, Campgaw has terrains for all ages and abilities. Experienced skiers can sign up for a Snow Sports Academy program to improve their starting, stopping and balance techniques. Programs are broken into groups for kids ages 4-6 and 7 and older.
MOUNTAIN CREEK
200 Rte. 94, Vernon
973-827-2000
Mountain Creek has 167 acres of skiing and snowboarding, making it NJ’s largest ski resort —and it’s also the freshest, due to a recent $5 million investment (that’s 1,000 snowmaking machines!) in fully automated snowmaking. The four peaks offer terrain for all levels, but if you aren’t comfortable on your own, Sno-Go rentals offer a combination ski-bike for more stability.
Pennsylvania
CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN RESORT
301 Resort Dr., Tannersville, PA
570-629-1661
This resort is open 365 days a year for indoor and outdoor adventures, like the high-speed lift, terrain park, one of the country’s largest snowtubing parks, a mountain coaster and zip lines. Camelback recently introduced SkiLynx via its app, so you can live-track your total trails, miles and vertical feet, plus view real-time lift wait times. The Ski and Ride Academy is the place to learn to ski or snowboard.
JACK FROST/BIG BOULDER SKI RESORT
434 Jack Frost Mountain Rd., White Haven, PA
570-443-8425
Located in the Pocono Mountains, Jack Frost is a companion to Big Boulder Ski Area. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran on the slopes, you can ski both mountains on the same lift ticket. As the sun sets across Lake Harmony, Big Boulder is lit up after 3 pm so you can ski at night under the lights for a different experience.
SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN
401 Hollow Rd., East Stroudsburg, PA
570-421-7231
Experience 23 slopes and trails, two terrain parks, night skiing and snow tubing. Mini Monster Mountain is for kids up to age 8 who don’t want to ski or board; instead, they can play with puzzle blocks, climb, practice on gliders and head to the snowball wall. Beginner ski lessons include Learn to Turn and Learn to Turn Better options at any level.
New York
HOLIDAY MOUNTAIN SKI AND FUN PARK
99 Holiday Mountain Rd., Monticello, NY
845-796-3161
Come to ski, snowboard or go tubing, or join the ski racing program. This mountain has seven slopes and trails for varying skill levels. All are lit up for night skiing and riding. There’s a Magic Carpet lift for those new to the sport. The Fun Park has go-karts, a rock climbing wall, bumper cars and an arcade.
HUNTER MOUNTAIN
64 Klein Ave., Hunter, NY
518-263-4223
From steep slopes to a variety of terrains, Hunter has options for skiers of different levels. You can go skiing or snowboarding on multiple trails, or try out the terrain park where more experienced mountain lovers can perform their tricks. Check out the mountain cam that broadcasts live from the mountainside for a preview of what’s to come.
MOUNT PETER
51 Old Mt. Peter Rd., Warwick, NY
845-986-4940
Mount Peter is the oldest operating ski area in New York State. The newly expanded Snow Basin Learning Center with its free beginner Ski and Snowboard School is also renowned for its top-notch racing and development programs. Valley View Learning Center has three progressive trails, each with its own carpet lift. There’s also a section for those who want to go snowtubing.
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