10 ski destinations close to Long Island
Shawnee Mountain’s Ski & Snowboard in East Stroudsburg, Pa., has 23 slopes and trails with a variety of terrains for the entire family. Credit: Handout
After an absolutely miserly allotment of snow two winters ago, Mother Nature compensated with a fairly generous accumulation last winter, one that allowed regional ski resorts to remain open well into March and silenced -- at least for the time being -- predictions of the imminent demise of the local winter sports industry. And with the "Farmers' Almanac" calling for another winter that's colder and snowier than normal, there's little need for Long Island skiers and boarders to trek way up North, especially for only a weekend -- not when within 150 miles of home, they can get to good-size mountains with challenging terrain in the Poconos, Catskills and Berkshires.
To aid you in plotting out your snow safaris, here are 10 of the more compelling "closer to home" options. While each can be done in a single (long) day, you could double the return on your investment in time and effort by spending the night. In addition to allowing you to partake of a little night skiing or tubing, you'll also get to enjoy the local après-ski scene -- and beat the daytrippers onto the slopes in the morning.
All lift-ticket prices are for non-holiday weekends.
New Jersey's only true resort, Mountain Creek includes deluxe slopeside lodging and the area's only all-mountain terrain park. (973-827-2000, mountaincreek.com)
_____
Nestled in a picturesque, secluded valley near the Delaware River, Shawnee Mountain is the closest of the Poconos resorts. (570-421-7231, shawneemt.com)
_____
The most comprehensive and established of the Poconos resorts, beginner-friendly Camelback features a spread-out design to reduce congestion and a location in the heart of the Poconos action. (570-629-1661, skicamelback.com)
_____
Boasting the highest vertical in the state, Blue Mountain appeals to more competent skiers and boarders willing to travel the extra distance to get there. (610-826-7700, skibluemt.com)
_____
For more than 50 years, Hunter has been New Yorkers' resort of first choice for good reasons: separate beginners' and experts' mountains, and an abundance of on- and off-slope action. (800-486-8376, huntermtn.com)
_____
Despite being bigger than Hunter, Windham remains the Catskills "second resort," which is just fine with those who prefer its smaller crowds, separate black and blue areas, and less frenetic ambience. (800-754-9463, windhammountain.com)
_____
Owned by the state, Belleayre is the smallest of the three Catskill resorts but typically offers the best value and most casual atmosphere. (845-254-5600, belleayre.com)
_____
Friendly, intimate and often overlooked Catamount, with its separate beginner mountain and frequent discounts, is a favorite with families. (518-325-3200, catamountski.com)
_____
Long-standing, low-key, family-owned-and-oriented Butternut is in charming and activity-laden Great Barrington. (413-528-2000, skibutternut.com)
_____
The closest true New England resort to New York, stunningly sylvan Jiminy Peak offers plenty of skiing and boarding along with the complete base village experience. (413-738-5500, jiminypeak.com)
