Where to go night skiing near Long Island

If you haven’t discovered the magic of skiing after dark, it may be time to head to the slopes at sundown. Many skiers say the night sky creates an alluring setting, when the mountain is blanketed in a hushed stillness as slopeside lights illuminate the trails.

Jeff Bloch, an expert skier from Sayville, hits nearby slopes for night runs two or three times a year, either with friends or with his 17-year-old son. He said the appeal is obvious.

“Fewer people, shorter lines, less crowded slopes. It’s also easier to plan. It takes less time than a full-day commitment,” said Bloch, 56. Lift tickets are also less expensive at twilight.

There are some things to consider before you head out. Many of the ski areas closest to Long Island are not the most challenging. Also, temperatures drop at night, slopes can get icy and visibility is reduced (wearing special goggles will help).

Even so, night skiing is considered a must-try by many ski aficionados. Several mountains within a one- to two-hour drive of New York City light up their trails at dusk. All of the ski areas listed here offer equipment rentals, and most have ski lift/ rental packages available.

Mountain Creek

200 Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey; mountaincreek.com

Night lift ticket cost: $79

The lowdown: With 39 trails, snow tubing, dining and resort lodging — including hot tubs and a gym — Mountain Creek offers enough to fill a night or two here. It’s also a good option for groups that include some non-skiers.

Thunder Ridge

137 Birch Hill Rd., Patterson, New York; thunderridgeski.com

Night lift ticket cost: $55 Monday- Thursday; $60 Friday and Saturday

The lowdown: About an hour drive from the city, this ski area features 22 trails, three chairlifts and a terrain park. Thunder Ridge is known for its simplicity, with easy access from parking to trails, limited crowds and a navigable layout. Several hotels are nearby.

Mount Peter

51 Old Mt. Peter Road, Warwick, New York, mtpeter.com

Night lift ticket cost: $65 Saturday, $55 Sunday (night skiing offered only on weekends)

The lowdown: With 13 trails, this compact mountain is a great place for novice skiers. It’s the oldest operating ski area in the New York, and offers free beginner lessons for those snapping on skis for the first time.

Camelback

193 Resort Dr., Tannersville, Pennsylvania, camelbackresort .com

Night lift ticket cost: $38

The lowdown: One of the busier ski mountains in the area, Camelback features 39 trails, snow tubing with more than 40 lanes, a heated indoor waterpark and an on-site lodge with more than 450 rooms. There are several black diamond slopes for advanced skiers, and ample snow-making for decent trail coverage.

Mohawk Mountain

46 Great Hollow Rd., Cornwall, Connecticut, mohawkmtn.com

Night lift ticket cost: $40

The lowdown: Mohawk is a family-owned operation open since 1947 and is one of the least expensive ski areas in the lineup. It boasts 26 trails: 80% are for beginners and moderates while 20% are advanced black diamond trails. The mountain not only features lodge dining but a mid-slope ski-in/ski-out restaurant with a fireplace and patio.