If you’re anything like us, you’ll be happy to know that as of December, it’s officially ski season Upstate. After two big snows this week, it seems we’re already past the “soft open” stage of the winter. Trails are open, lifts are operating, and we’re ready to hit the slopes.

Skiing (and snowboarding – don’t worry, we didn’t forget you!) just a few hours from New York City feels pretty magical. With the Catskills and the Adirondacks both within five hours, there’s plenty of options for quick day trips, weekends and extended holidays. Below, find our intel on six Upstate ski mountains, paired with getaway recommendations including the best hotels and vacation rentals nearby.

After reaching Gore’s summit, pause to take in the vistas of the Adirondack Mountains before heading down the slopes. Photo c/o Gore Mountain

Considered to be the largest (but not tallest – we’ll get to that) ski resort in New York, Gore Mountain features over 450 skiable acres, split into seven different sections over four separate peaks. Ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers, Gore features one hundred and eight different trails (with a handful of beginner trails to learn on), including over two dozen patrolled glades.

Those looking for cross-country skiing can head to the Nordic Center at the North Creek Ski Bowl. Spread over two and a half miles, snowshoers and cross-country skiers can customize their trek with varying inclines, natural wooded routes, and lighted tracks that allow trips to go into the evening. The Nordic Center receives the same snow-making treatment as the rest of the mountain, meaning you don’t need to wait for heavy snow to hit the trails.

Sleeping up to four, this classic Adirondack A-frame is built for long weekends in the mountains. Photo: c/o Airbnb

Our go-to winter lodging in the area is The Lorca in Sabael, NY — a mid-century motel turned elevated Adirondack escape. Its Scandi-inspired, minimalist interiors pair beautifully with its setting across the road from Indian Lake. The Lorca sits just under thirty minutes from Gore; for something slightly closer, this Modern Adirondack A-Frame Cabin in Indian Lake offers a shorter commute and a bit more privacy. For more local recommendations, check out the Escape Brooklyn Guide to the region.

Whiteface Mountain features the highest vertical ski drop east of the Rocky Mountains. Photo: Escape Brooklyn

Less than five hours north of NYC, Whiteface Mountain is home to the highest vertical ski drop east of the Rockies (3,430 feet, to be exact). This popular mountain in the Northern Adirondacks has just shy of 100 trails, with 299 skiable acres (not including off-piste acreage) for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

For advanced skiers (specifically those with incredible skill and judgment to match), The Slides offers a challenging series of steep, natural chutes at the summit. This expert-only terrain consists of 35 acres of in-bounds, unprepared, double-black-diamond wilderness skiing accessible only by hiking from the top of the Summit Quad. There’s no snowmaking on The Slides, so the entire trek down is au natural. Those who have the skill but enjoy a more controlled environment can enjoy the glades that are scattered throughout the typical bounds of the mountain.

NewVida Preserve’s modern A-frame architecture design stands in striking contrast to the traditional coziness of a day on the slopes. Photo: Escape Brooklyn

For larger groups looking to make a weekend out of a visit to Whiteface, Warner’s Camp is an Escape Brooklyn all-time favorite. The four-bedroom historic lodge sleeps up to twelve guests, while the nearby log cabin accommodates ten. The lodge features a barrel sauna, and the cabin offers a wood-fired hot tub — perfect for warming up and relaxing after a day on the slopes. For solo travelers and couples, NewVida Preserve offers cozy accommodations on a picturesque property. Check out the Escape Brooklyn feature on Whiteface Region of the Adirondacks for more ideas on where to stay, eat, and drink in the area.

With over 171 skiable acres, Belleayre is one of the largest ski mountains in the Catskills. Photo c/o Belleayre Mountain

Just over two hours from NYC, Belleayre tends to be the first on people’s list when it comes to skiing the Catskills. With 61 trails (58% of which hit the sweet spot of being intermediate level) spread over 171 skiable acres and a summit of 3,429 feet, this mountain is one of the largest in the Catskills.

Those looking for an easier day of skiing and riding can stay on the lower half of the mountain, enjoying slower rides on green and blue trails. For more advanced trails, head up to the summit and head down one of the thirteen black trailheads for a straight shot to the lodge(s), or take a windy blue down the side of the mountain. If you’re looking for more than just standard trails, Belleayre is also home to several terrain parks, patrolled glades, and cross-country paths.

Urban Cowboy Lodge’s grounds invite exploration, from winding on-site trails to a restorative session in the Estonian sauna. Photo: David Krugman

Set between Margaretville and Big Indian, Belleayre is close to some of the best lodging in the Catskills. For a boutique feel, we recommend The Graham and Co. or Urban Cowboy Lodge, both of which channel classic mountain escapes with a design-forward edge. For something more secluded, The Waterfall Casita sits just outside Margaretville and puts visitors close to some of our favorite pre and après-ski spots, Mornings and Oda Wine Garden. Alternatively, Catskills Cloud House is located in the heart of Phoenicia’s walkable main strip, offering a more town-centered experience for those seeking a local vibe. For more local intel, check out the Escape Brooklyn guides to the Big Indian Wilderness and Phoenicia.

Windham Mountain features high peaks, adaptive programming, luxury amenities, and trails for all skill levels. Photo c/o Windham Mountain Club

Windham Mountain sits at the northernmost point of the Catskills, just over two hours north of New York City. This premier, public-private mountain community is equipped with best-in-class skiing for all, and exclusive luxury amenities for private club members. The mountain – which has a summit that stretches 3,100 feet high – features 54 trails across 285 trail acres (of the mountain’s 1,200 total alpine acres).

Windham also has a rich history of being a hub for adaptive skiing and snowboarding. For over forty years, the mountain’s adaptive programming has been expanding – and now run by the Adaptive Sports Foundation, the opportunities are more inclusive than ever. Lessons include traditional two-track skiing, three-track skiing, snowboarding, bi-skiing, and monoskiing, just to name a few. Each option offers multiple different adaptive advantages, with the end goal being to make the snow sports as accessible as possible (bonus: the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center is an accessible, cozy lodge to unwind in after spending a day on the mountain). Lessons are available throughout the ski season, starting in mid-December.

After a day on the slopes, cozy up in front of the fire at Eastwind’s Dandelion for a well-earned post-ski cocktail. Photo: c/o Eastwind Hotel & Bar

For a cozy stay minutes from Windham Mountain, The Moon Cabin is a handcrafted log cabin tucked into a quiet corner of the Northern Catskills. Windham is also home to Eastwind Hotel & Bar, recently awarded a MICHELIN Key. Originally a 1920s bunkhouse for hunters and fly fishermen, Eastwind offers cozy rooms, freestanding cabins, and inviting shared spaces, from its cocktail bar and fire pits to a wood-fired sauna. Visitors can also stay at The Henson in the neighboring town of Hensonville, home to cozy rooms, inviting shared spaces, and the elevated restaurant Matilda. For more places to stay, plus drinking, dining, and shopping recommendations, check out the Escape Brooklyn Guide to Windham.

At the base of the Berkshires, Catamount offers beginner-friendly skiing in both New York and Massachusetts. Photo c/o Catamount Mountain

Two and a half hours north of NYC, out of the Catskills and into the Berkshires, Catamount Mountain straddles two mountainside towns – Hillsdale, NY and Egremont, MA (yes, you can literally ski from one state into another here). Over 75% of the mountain is made up of easy and intermediate trails, making this an ideal beginner-friendly ski destination. Those searching for more challenging trails can head to one of many diamonds, double diamonds, glades, and terrain parks.

Catamount is also one of the only Upstate ski mountains that offers night skiing (Hudson Valley locals looking to escape to the slopes after work – this one’s for you). Starting in January (conditions permitting), the mountain’s lighted trails are open Wednesday-Saturday until the lifts close for the evening – usually around 8 or 9 pm. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels looking to take lessons under the stars can take advantage of the mountain’s Thursday Night Lights program – a season-long program with a two-hour clinic that is catered to each individual’s experience level.

Little Cat Lodge’s restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a day on the slopes. Photo: c/o Little Cat Lodge

Just across the road from Catamount Mountain, Little Cat Lodge pairs cozy, stylish rooms with the feel of a classic mountain escape. The property features a restaurant, a barrel sauna, and mountain views from every room. Set at the base of the Berkshires, Catamount sits just outside the quaint town of Hillsdale, which offers a cozy collection of shops and restaurants to explore. Less than half an hour away, the thriving town of Hudson has a bit more bustle and is home to bars, restaurants, and shops like Magic Hill Mercantile, Clove and Creek, and the Antique Warehouse.

Challenging terrain and stunning views await those who head to the summit of Hunter Mountain. Photo c/o Hunter Mountain.

In the heart of the Northern Catskills, Hunter Mountain boasts some of the most thrilling terrain in the Northeast – just 100 miles north of NYC. 75% of the mountain’s trails are marked as intermediate-expert trails, with an entire face of the mountain (Hunter West) dedicated to experienced skiers. If you head to the summit, the only way down is via diamond and double-diamond trails (there are two intermediate trails at the summit, but they’re definitely intermediate-leaning-advanced). Across Hunter’s 320 skiable acres, there are also three glade areas and four freestyle terrain parks.

Despite being ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders, Hunter also has a great learning center. One of the perks of learning how to ski at Hunter are the beginner group lessons for adults – meaning you don’t need to book a private lesson if you’re just starting out. Instructors at Hunter put an emphasis on building confidence while also developing skills, which aims to make getting to the mountain’s summit exciting rather than scary.

Hunter Mountain is surrounded by boutique hotels, including Hunter Lodge Bluebird, Deer Mountain Inn, and Hotel Lilien. While in Hunter, stop by Fellow Mountain Cafe for breakfast and provisions, Lucky Catskills for warm ramen and dumplings at lunch, and Tabla for a seasonally-inspired dinner. For more recommendations, check out the Escape Brooklyn Guides to Hunter and Tannersville.