I love what winter represents. I don’t think of messy commutes, shoveling snow and shivering when the season approaches. Instead, I reminisce and sometimes even try to relive childhood memories of sledding and making snowmen. But the all-time best thing about winter is snowboarding.
My fellow shredder friends and I agree that there is no comparable feeling to the one after you come inside your rented condo from a full day of riding the mountain, grab a beer, put your wool sock covered feet up on the table, sink into the couch and warm your body with a bowl of chili.
If this sounds like your dream day, I’ve provided you with a list of some of my favorite ski resorts, categorized by exactly what you’re looking for:
Convenience
Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ
Just about 50 miles from Hoboken, Mountain Creek is the closest mountain worth going to for a nice day trip. Known for its terrain park, you’ll definitely see some talented snowboarders and skiers constantly making videos and hitting rails on the south peak. When you need a midday break, warm up by one of the fire pits at the Biergarten, or grab a beer at either of the two bars within the newly constructed, three-story Red Tail Lodge at the base of the mountain.
Village Life
Hunter, NY
The drive to get here is beautiful and scenic, and then you arrive in the town of Hunter and get to see what the epitome of a ski bum village looks like. Reminiscent of New Paltz, NY Hunter’s main street is lined with cute restaurants, book stores, antiques and one or two Grateful Dead shops.
Hunter is a fun little mountain to explore with friends during the day and take in the sights and sounds of the town over a few drinks at night. After spending time here, you’ll be envious of the residents’ quiet and simplistic lifestyle.
Fun for the Whole Family
Windham, NY
Located in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Windham is an excellent option for a family vacation, as it’s a family-owned business. The mountain itself caters to skiers and riders of all skill levels with a variety of trails for everyone, and there’s always plenty of snow coverage with 97 percent of the area being accessible for snowmaking. If your youngsters get bored on the mountain, the Adventure Park is open day and night for activities like snow tubing, ice skating, ziplining, kid-friendly snowmobile rides, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Not to mention, there’s plenty of lodging options both on the mountain and in the quaint village.
Best Powder
Jay Peak, Jay, VT
Jay Peak has been my second home since the ripe age of 9 when I first learned to snowboard there. Year after year, Jay never fails to produce piles of the white fluffy stuff when the rest of the state is hurting for it. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, as it’s near the Canadian border, but the trip is always well worth it when you’re hitting untouched lines in the glades. Along with being known as the only mountain with an aerial tram on the east coast, Jay has been doing some major expansion in recent years, including brand new lodges and condos, and an indoor water park and hockey rink.
Romantic Getaway
Mount Snow, West Dover, VT
Looking to take your sweetie somewhere for Valentine’s Day? Mount Snow is welcoming couples on the day of love with two lift tickets for just $49 when ordered online and free vow renewals at the summit. Mount Snow has an abundance of post-skiing things to explore; snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, a spa, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Its location is far enough to escape the responsibilities of home for a few days, but close enough to not be exhausted from traveling.
Want to add to our list of five ski resorts to visit this winter? Let us know!
About the Author/s
Lauren is a writer and blogger for The Digest. A lifelong Sussex County resident, Lauren has adventured out of the sticks of northwest New Jersey to join The Digest team. When she is not commuting in rush hour traffic, she is typically frolicking outdoors or cheering on the Yankees.
