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Whether skiing or snowboarding is your style, this is your one-stop shop: We've compiled a comprehensive guide to the family-friendly mountains in Southeast New York (along with a few that are farther, but definitely worth the trip for real snow lovers). Many of these locations feature lesson programs tailored to youngsters as well as child care for the littlest ones in your brood. You'll also find up-to-date information on the best way to get from here to there - without breaking the bank.
Southeast New York
Belleayre Mountain
181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount
845-254-5600 or 845-254-5601
55 trails, five glades, and a terrain park. Offers ski and snowboard lessons, including a Learning Circle for first-timers (ages 8 to adult). Roundtrip service available from New York City via the Adirondack Trailways Ski Bus (departs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal); includes lift ticket, free beginner lesson, and luggage lock-up.
Catamount
State Route 23 East, Hillsdale
518-325-3200
The mountain has 32 trails, a quad lift, night skiing, a terrain park, and a junior park for beginning boarders. Fourth and fifth graders ski free on weekends and holidays with a paying adult; pre-registration and $15 processing fee required.
Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park
99 Holiday Mountain Road, Monticello
845-796-3161
Seven trails, four lifts, night skiing. Snow tubing and ice skating. Beginner lessons available. Thursday and Saturday nights, from 5-8pm, are Family Nights, with reduced lift ticket and rental pricing; Friday night is Family Tubing Night. Tuesdays Ladies Day from noon-5pm, $14 lift tickets. Wednesday 1-5pm Men's Day with $14 lift tickets. Tuesday Night from 5-9pm, buy any lift ticket, get another half off.
Hunter Mountain
Off Route 23A, Hunter
800-486-8376
Day Care available for children ages 6 months to 6 years available every weekend and each day between December 26 and January 2. The Explorers (ski) and Mountaineers (boarding) programs for ages 4-12. Snow tubing for those 42 inches and taller on Friday evenings and weekends. Several bus services offer roundtrip transportation from New York Metro Area locations to Hunter; see website for details.
Mount Peter Ski & Ride
40 Ski Lane, Warwick
845-986-4940
Offers free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays with the purchase of a lift ticket; for ages 5 and up. There's also a Tiny Tots program for children who are potty-trained up to 4 years old; program includes a lesson, equipment, lift ticket, and hot chocolate.
Plattekill Mountain
469 Plattekill Mountain Road, Roxbury
607-326-3500
35 trails and two terrain parks. Childcare on weekends for children ages 6 months and up; group ski lessons for kids as young as 4. Snow tubing on weekends and holidays; children must be at least three feet tall. Roundtrip service available from New York Metro Area locations via Adirondack Trailways.
Rocking Horse Ranch
600 Route 44/55, Highland
800-647-2624
A family resort that includes downhill skiing in its long list of activities. Best for the ski 'dabbler,' there are beginner classes, free equipment rentals with stay, snow tubing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Free pickup service available from Poughkeepsie Train Station or Stewart Airport.
Sawkill Family Ski Center
167 Hill Road, Kingston
845-336-6977
Ski and snowboard instruction for all ages. Snow tubing; children must be at least 3.5 feet tall and parents must sign a Release of Liability form. Improved snow making this season.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area
137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson
845-878-4100
On weekends and holidays through March 13, you can take the MetroNorth ski train to Thunder Ridge ($33.50; $21.50 seniors; $15.50 children 6-11; free for children under 5). Ticket includes all-day/all-night lift ticket (night skiing not available on Sundays), shuttle between the train station and ski area, and a $5 discount on rental equipment.
Tuxedo Ridge
481 Route 17A West, Tuxedo
845-351-1122
Seven trails and a bunny slope, a terrain park, snow tubing, and night skiing. Specializes in beginner and family lessons; group and individual classes available. Pickup and drop off service available on weekends to Tuxedo, NY, train station at 10:17am, 12:17pm, and 2:30pm. A three-day notice is required for pickup.
Windham Mountain
33 Clarence D. Lane Road, Windham
800-754-9463
Mountaintop Adventure Park with ice skating, snow tubing, and a rock climbing wall. Ski and riding programs for kids ages 4-12. Child care is available. Bus service available from NYC via Urban Sherpa.
Beyond (but worth the trip)...
Bristol Mountain Resort
5662 Route 64, Canandaigua
585-374-6000
34 trails and two terrain parks. Ski lessons for children as young as 4; snowboard lessons for children as young as 6. Child care program for children as young as 18 months.
Gore Mountain
793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek
518-251-2411 or 800-342-1234
90 trails, including eight snowshoeing/cross-country trails. Daily ski and snowboard lessons for children as young as 4. Daycare available for children ages 6 months to 6 years.
Whiteface The Olympic Mountain
5021 Route 86, Wilmington
518-946-2223
86 trails, 11 lifts, and several terrain parks at this US Olympic training site. There are expert trails as well as a Kids Kampus for kids and families just learning to ski or board. Lessons for ages 4 and up, and all skill levels. Nursery available for ages 1 to 6.
