Whiteface Mountain is both towering and endearing. It lies at the heart of Adirondack State Park, and is home to the highest vertical east of the Rockies at 3,430 feet. There are 94 trails across 25 miles and 3 peaks—all with notably longer runs and lesser wait times than other mountains in New York. While there are trails for all kinds of skiers, Whiteface is known for its challenging terrain and is ideal for more experienced riders—especailly those ready to take on some seriously steep and long descents. Keep in mind that given its elevation and geographic location, it’s also known as one of the coldest and windiest ski mountains in New York. Make sure to pack the proper layers and gear for staying warm. And while the mountain is gratifying enough, Lake Placid is one of the northeast’s most cozy and charming ski towns. The region is proud to have hosted two of the Winter Olympic Games—as well as restricting building development—ensuring the mountains remain in their natural state. There’s heaps to see on down days from breweries to galleries, all surrounded by vast, cascading peaks and untouched nature (notably, the state’s largest wilderness area: the High Peaks).
Where to stay: Stay warm at upscale Whiteface Lodge, nestled between the slopes.
Gore Mountain, Lake George
Best for: a range in terrain variety, like glade skiing, that draw all levels of skiers
Gore Mountain is, notably, the state’s largest ski resort and terrain, with 108 trails across 400 acres. It encompasses 4 mountains: Gore, Bear Mountain, Burnt Ridge Mountain, and Little Gore Mountain (so, 9 sides of 4 peaks—with a range of trails and terrain diversity). The mountain is widely appreciated for their “blue cruisers,” or intermediate blue runs, and 8 unique freestyle areas, designed for skiers to engage in some acrobatic and aerial moves (like, jumps, spins, flips, etc.) using the terrain. Known to be one of New York’s classic mountains with an unpretentious feel, Gore knows itself too well to gouge prices for their visitors (check out their Frequent Skier Card which is also valid at Whiteface and Belleayre, and starts at $59 per day; great weekday deals include 50% off lift tickets from Monday to Friday, holidays exclused). While not home to the steepest nor longest runs of the state, there is a lot of variety, it’s easy to avoid crowds, and the place is super family-friendly, with 6 on-mountain dining experiences, and a full range of lessons and children’s services. The North Creek Ski Bowl is home to wide bowl-shaped slopes with and without trees, favored by New Yorkers looking for year-round fun (in 2024, ground will be broken on the forthcoming Ski Bowl Lodge). The mountain is also home to a Nordic Center, which offers space for all levels of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, available to purchase upon arrival. For snow tubing nearby, head to West Mountain only 15 minutes away from Lake George—it’s a smaller mountain option, but has 31 trails and a vertical drop of 1010 feet.