One of the best aspects of living in Tuxedo Park, NY is not just its proximity to New York City and the amenities of Bergen, Rockland, and Westchester Counties — it’s also the access to some truly outstanding outdoor recreation including great skiing opportunities. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely drive up the Taconic to the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, heading into the Catskills past Woodstock, or simply hopping over the Tuxedo and Warwick ridgelines for a quick local run, our region offers excellent skiing within easy reach.
I've been skiing since I was approximately 5 years old, having learned at the now closed Sterline Forest / Sterling Forest Ski Center / Sterling Ridge in Tuxedo, NY. At approximately age 16 I got my first snowboard at the Burton factory in Manchester, VT. Skiing and snowboarding has always been a family tradition and that continues today I as continually explore local mountain resorts with my son and wife. I'm eager to share some local mountains and tips for the area.
So grab your boots, get those skis tuned, and explore these highly recommended ski resorts from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills to the Berkshires — all within a two-hour drive of Tuxedo Park, NY.
1. Mount Peter — Warwick, NY
(≈ 25 minutes)
Historic, friendly, and close — a perfect local mountain.
If it isn’t the oldest ski area in New York, it’s certainly one of the oldest continuously operating. Mount Peter blends a charming small-mountain feel with surprisingly fun terrain. Though modest in size, it packs in challenging black diamond trails, family-friendly slopes, strong beginner programs, and a proud local racing culture. The mountain also features food trucks, a dining lodge, rentals, and a fantastic snow tubing park — ideal for families.
Core Mountain Stats
- Skiable Terrain: ~60 acres
- Trails: 16
- Vertical Drop: 450 ft
- Lifts: 5 (including chairlifts and carpets)
Highlights
- Free beginner lessons every weekend and holiday — a rare offering in the ski world.
- Steep expert terrain on the backside for a thrill well above its size.
- Strong racing programs, including youth leagues (NY/NJ) and adult race nights.
2. Mountain Creek — Vernon, NJ
(≈ 40 minutes)
The closest full-service ski resort to Tuxedo Park & NYC.
Mountain Creek is the largest and most complete “local” mountain in the region, featuring three peaks, extensive snowmaking, and night skiing on nearly the entire mountain. Once known as Vernon Valley / Great Gorge (and later the home of the infamous Action Park), Mountain Creek is now a modern four-season resort offering winter skiing, summer mountain biking, a waterpark, and an adventure center.
Core Mountain Stats
- Skiable Terrain: 167 acres
- Trails: 46
- Vertical Drop: 1,040 ft
- Lifts: 9
- Snowmaking: Extensive, nearly 100% coverage
- Night Skiing: Yes (almost the entire mountain)
Highlights
- Year-round adventure destination, including biking trails, tubing, and the waterpark.
- Full mountain night skiing, perfect for a quick weekday visit.
- Closest large ski resort to both NYC and Tuxedo Park.
3. Belleayre Mountain — Highmount, NY
(≈ 1.5 hours)
A spacious, well-groomed Catskill gem operated by NYS ORDA.
Perched high in the Catskill Mountains, Belleayre offers a balanced mix of beginner-friendly terrain and steeper challenges — all served by excellent grooming and snowmaking. Operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) — the same team behind Gore and Whiteface — Belleayre benefits from professional operations, multiple lodges, and a scenic gondola to the summit.
Core Mountain Stats
- Skiable Terrain: ~171–175 acres
- Trails: 62
- Vertical Drop: 1,404 ft
- Lifts: 8 (including the Catskill Thunder Gondola)
Highlights
- High-speed gondola with summit-to-base access.
- Three lodges at the base, mid-mountain, and summit.
- Well-balanced terrain, perfect for mixed-ability groups or weekend trips.
4. Hunter Mountain — Hunter, NY
(≈ 1.5 hours)
Big-mountain skiing in the Catskills with Vail Resorts quality.
Owned by Vail Resorts, Hunter is known for its robust snowmaking, lively base area, and terrain that appeals to everyone from first-timers to experts. With extensive amenities, equipment shops, restaurants, and a vibrant mountain village nearby, Hunter offers a full resort experience without the long drive to Vermont.
Core Mountain Stats
- Skiable Terrain: ~320 acres
- Trails: ~67
- Vertical Drop: 1,600 ft
- Lifts: 13
- Terrain Parks: 4
- Snowmaking: One of the most powerful systems on the East Coast
Highlights
- Legendary snowmaking → consistently reliable skiing.
- Diverse terrain with great options for intermediate and expert skiers.
- Nearby lodging ranging from boutique inns to rustic Catskill cabins.
5. Catamount Mountain Resort — Hillsdale, NY
(≈ 1.5 hours)
A charming New England-style mountain with steep pitches and fewer crowds.
Straddling the NY–MA border, Catamount offers a steep, varied mountain that advanced and intermediate skiers love. It has a classic, slightly retro ski-area vibe and is popular with ski teams thanks to its challenging terrain. Catamount offers a nice “mid-size” experience — larger than Mount Peter, smaller than Hunter — and often far less crowded.
Core Mountain Stats
- Skiable Terrain: ~119 acres
- Trails: ~44
- Vertical Drop: ~1,000 ft
- Lifts: 8
Highlights
- Old-school, local atmosphere — less commercial, more authentic.
- Challenging terrain respected by local racers and teams.
- Great day-trip option that avoids the crowds of the bigger Catskill resorts.
6. Ski Butternut — Great Barrington, MA
(≈ 1.75 hours)
A family-friendly Berkshire retreat with a welcoming atmosphere.
Just outside downtown Great Barrington, Ski Butternut offers a mellow and relaxing ski experience with excellent beginner programs, 100% snowmaking, and a compact mountain layout. The convenience of nearby lodging, restaurants, and charming New England shops makes Butternut a fantastic easy weekend getaway.
Core Mountain Stats
- Skiable Terrain: ~100 acres
- Trails: 22
- Vertical Drop: ~1,000 ft
- Snowmaking: 100%
- Lifts: Multiple chairs + carpets
Highlights
- Excellent beginner & children’s programs with great rental options.
- Relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere with manageable crowds.
- Access to downtown Great Barrington for food, shopping, and lodging.
Ratings by Jake
A local perspective on the best ski experiences within 2 hours of Tuxedo Park
After years of skiing throughout the region — from quick evening runs to full weekend trips — here are my personal ratings for each mountain based on their strengths, atmosphere, and overall experience:
Tip for young families in NY
Try the New York Ski Passport - NY residents registering for this ($45/fee) allows your child in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade to ski free twice at NY ski resorts/area, if you purchase an adult day pass.
