The best ski trips to take when you don’t have a car

Belleayre offers some of the most diverse terrain options close to New York City. With 61 trails, this peak in the Catskills is sure to please skiers and riders of all levels. Just two-and-a-half hours away, it’s perfect for a day trip. With 1,404 feet of vertical terrain, this state-owned resort is the only mountain in the Catskills with a gondola—pretty impressive for being so close to New York City. Known for having some of the best snowmaking operations on the East Coast, they can blow snow on a staggering 96% of its terrain. Belleayre is more of a day-trip destination, and OvRride, a local snow bus company, shuttles patrons to and from the mountain three times a week. They have pick-up and drop-off spots in downtown Brooklyn at 6am, Union Square at 6:40am, and midtown at 7am. Don’t have gear or a pass? No problem—OvRride offers packages that include lift tickets, equipment rentals, and even lessons if you need them. Packages start at $99. 

2.5 hours from NYC via bus 

If you're willing to trek a bit further, Gore Mountain is the way to go. Not only is it the biggest mountain in New York State, but it’s rated the eighth-best ski resort on the East Coast (or, as avid skiers call it, the "Ice Coast").his state-owned resort boasts 108 trails and is only about four hours from New York City. With a vertical drop of 2,537 feet and 453 skiable acres, Gore has terrain for all levels, although it is more well known for its intermediate terrain. OnTheSnow—a comprehensive guide to ski resorts around the world—rates it as the second-best in that category. The snow bus company Urban Sherpa takes New Yorkers to and from the mountain. Like OvRride, it offers various packages to choose from, ranging from a simple one-way bus trip to a round-trip fare, lift tickets, lessons with gear rental and everything in between. Packages start as low as $65 and go up from there. The bus picks up at 4:30am at Times Square.

4 hours from NYC via bus 

Owned by Vail Resorts and part of the coveted Epic Pass, Hunter Mountain is one of the most popular options for New Yorkers. On weekends, it can get as busy with day-trippers as Rockaway Beach gets in the summer—but for good reason. In the heart of the Catskills, Hunter is only about two-and-a-half hours away from the city. With 67 trails, 320 skiable acres, and four terrain parks, this mountain is accessible by OvRride. The provider operates on Saturdays, Sundays and on Tuesdays. Pick-up/drop-off locations and times as well as prices are comparable with their Belleayre options. 

2 hours from NYC via bus

Known as the “Beast of the East,” this resort is a favorite among East Coast skiers—and for good reason. It’s huge. It boasts 1,509 skiable acres and has 155 trails for skiers and riders of all levels to choose from. The resort also underwent a major shift that’s great for consumers who like to support local businesses: It was owned by a large company for 17 years, but starting this season, the resort is owned and operated by the local community.

There are several ways to get there without a car. While not for the faint of heart, you can go for the day—OvRride offers day trips to and from the city once a week, with departures around 3am. Day trip packages start at $119. It’s an awesome option for the more hardcore skiers and riders among us. 

Otherwise, Killington is a solid weekend destination. It is accessible via Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express line, which runs between Penn Station and Burlington. Get off in Rutland, and there is an hourly bus that will take you to and from the resort.

Stay for the weekend at the ski-in, ski-out Killington Grand Hotel, which also boasts a spa and outdoor pool to unwind after a day on the slopes. The Wobbly Barn is an iconic nightlife spot with live music all winter. Enjoy a bite to eat there or at one of the many other restaurants in town, including Yama Ramen.

5 hours from NYC by bus or train

Only an hour from New York City and less than 50 miles from Manhattan, Mountain Creek is known for its accessibility. Mountain Creek boasts 167 skiable acres—all of which are accessible by its snowmaking operations. The terrain is not exactly challenging so it’s best for beginners. But that doesn’t mean that if you’re more intermediate or advanced you won’t have a good time if you accompany your less-experienced friends. Although there are only three options—one of which is indoors and located inside a suburban shopping mall—Mountain Creek has the best expert terrain in the Garden State. Its biggest draw is that it has three terrain parks, and it is also open for night skiing. Sourced Adventures offers round-trip tickets to and from the city on Saturdays and Sundays, starting as low as $89. They also offer packages that include gear rentals and even lessons.

1 hour from New York City via bus 

Stratton Mountain Resort is a great option for skiers and riders of all levels. With 99 trails, it’s particularly well-suited for beginners, as the majority of its terrain caters to novice skiers and riders. However, that doesn’t mean more experienced skiers won’t enjoy themselves—35% of the resort’s terrain is for intermediates, and 25% is designated for experts and advanced skiers.

There are several hotel options, including the Black Bear Lodge. For dining, the Firetower Restaurant and Tavern is a go-to spot. It offers an eclectic menu with everything from Ahi Tuna Nachos and burgers to Massaman Curry.

Stratton is easily accessible via the Stratton Jitney, which offers service from New York City on Fridays starting in early January. The Jitney departs from midtown Manhattan at 5:30pm, with return trips on Sunday and select Mondays during holiday weekends (including MLK Weekend and President’s Day Weekend).

4.5 from New York City via bus

Stowe Mountain is a Vail-owned resort on the Epic Pass, which is perfect for those who also go to Hunter Mountain regularly. Stowe Mountain boasts 116 trails across 485 skiable acres—55% of which is intermediate terrain. Its selling point over others in the area is the holistic resort experience. On The Snow, rates it as one of the top resorts from apres in Vermont. Fodor’s Travel rated the resort the top ski resort for foodies in the U.S.. Check out Cork,a natural wine shop and restaurant which has a diverse menu including everything from short rib to gnocchi.

Stay at one of the many outstanding hotels and resorts like the Lodge at Spruce Peak which offers ski in and ski out access. Access the resort via Amtrak—the Vermonter Line, which runs from DC all the way to the U.S.-Canadian border in Saint Albans, Vermont, stops in Waterbury. There is a bus that runs from the station to the resort but it is infrequent. It’s recommended that you book a taxi to pick you up at the station prior to arrival. In February, OvRride also offers a three day weekend trip to Stowe that includes a bus from the city, lift tickets and lodging at the Cady Hill Lodge.

6 hours from New York City via bus or train

With 111 trails and 600 skiable acres across two peaks, this Vermont mountain is one of the best options, especially for intermediate skiers, in the Green Mountain State. It is on the Ikon Pass, which offers season passes to resorts around the world. If you don’t want to drive, there are several weekend ski package options available. 

Most weekends, the local Miramar Ski Club organizes trips for New Yorkers to and from Sugarbush, with accommodations at their lodge near the mountain. Bus trips and lodging are covered by a single cost, starting at $399 for members and $499 for non-members. However, you’ll need to purchase your own lift ticket and rentals if needed. OvRide offers a similar trip, but only for one weekend in the spring. Its packages also include lift tickets and rentals if needed.

5.5 hours from NYC via bus 

Located in Patterson, New York, Thunder Ridge is fairly small—with only 22 trails. Its longest run is less than half a mile long. It’s not a huge draw for an expert but if you’re just getting started this is a good place to get acquainted with the sport. It’s close—it only takes an hour to get there. Best of all, it is accessible by Metro-North. The MTA partnered with the mountain to provide locals with easy access to the mountain with a combination of train and lift ticket which you can buy at any Metro-North kiosk. Get off at the Patterson, New York stop on the Harlem Line and from there Thunder Ridge operates a free shuttle bus between the station and the ski area. 

1 hour from New York City via train