With so many activities available at New Jersey-area ski resorts, visitors are bound to have a full day of activities. Even though snow-lovers can’t enjoy this right in Montclair, there are still a ton of places to ski, snowboard, snow tube, and more without having to go too far. Most of the resorts even have activities beyond hitting the slopes, like spas and ice skating. We have a list of all the best ski slopes that are only a few hours’ drive (if that!) beyond the Essex County area. Read on to learn about the resorts, and what they offer.
Disclaimer: As with all outdoor activities, please check with the venue for updated operating hours and Covid-related restrictions.
Belleayre Ski Resort | 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY
Photo credit: Belleayre Ski Resort
Belleayre Ski Resort has it all: a terrain park, gondola, and ski and snowboard lessons. The lessons are available for groups and individuals, and adults and children. There are adaptive lessons available to adults and children with cognitive, physical, or emotional disabilities to learn to ski or snowboard. Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing on the property. Everyone can enjoy an apres-ski afternoon in the Overlook Lodge with food and drinks. There is no on-property lodging, but down the road, there are hotels such as The Roxbury Experience, Best Western, and Hanah Mountain Resort to relax and stay awhile. Belleayre is the longest-running ski resort in New York.
Lift ticket price: $49-95
Rental of equipment: $55
Time from Montclair: 2 hours
Epic Pass: No
Jack Frost Big Boulder | 357 Big Boulder Drive, Lake Harmony, PA
Photo credit: @skijfbb
Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are all great activities offered at Jack Frost and Big Boulder Mountains. Private and group lessons for both children and adults are available. Adaptive lessons are available for skiers aged 5 and up. The Mountain offers night lift passes, which begin at 3PM. The night lift pass offers a discounted rate and a chance to ski or snowboard under the lights. Close to the mountains, there are great lodging accommodations such as Split Rock Resort, Comfort Inn, The Inn at Jim Thorpe, and The Village at Pocono.
Lift Ticket: $78
Equipment Rental: $50
Time from Montclair: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Epic Pass: Yes
Read More: A List of Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey
Camelback Resort | 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA
Photo credit: @camelbacklodge
Winter enthusiast or not, Camelback Resort is the place for everyone. For winter lovers, there is skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding, with private and group lessons available for adults and children. For everyone to enjoy there is laser tag, rock climbing, an escape room, an arcade, virtual reality, an indoor ropes course, bumper cars, an indoor water park, and axe throwing as well. Guests can stay at the Camelback Lodge which is on the property.
Lift ticket: $95
Equipment rental: $63
Time from Montclair: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Epic Pass: No
Campgaw Mahwah | 200 Campgaw Road Mahwah, NJ
Photo credit: Campgaw Mahwah
Campgaw specializes in ski lessons for those with an ambition to hit the slopes after a lesson or two. For those not interested in skiing or snowboarding, snow tubing is a great alternative option for enjoying the mountain. There is no on-property lodging, but down the road, there are hotels such as Sonesta Select Mahwah, Sheraton Mahwah Hotel, and Super 8 by Wyndham Mahwah.
Lift Ticket: $31-34
Equipment rental: $39.99
Time from Montclair: 40 minutes
Epic Pass: No
Holiday Mountain | 99 Holiday Mountain Road Monticello, NY
Holiday Mountain offers skiing and snow tubing. In case you need a little extra practice, lessons are also available for skiing. There is no on-property lodging, but down the road, there are hotels such as The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, Best Western, Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast, and the Courtyard Marriott.
Lift Ticket: $45
Equipment Rental: $32 for skis and $48 for snowboards
Time from Montclair: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Epic Pass: No
Hunter Mountain | 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter, NY
Photo credit: @huntermountain
Hunter Mountain is just about 2 hours from Montclair but it feels like a world away. It’s one of the oldest ski resorts in the Hudson Valley and the classic charm is evident throughout the property. Ski lessons and an intensive terrain park are all great features of the mountain. Private lessons are available for beginners or it’s-been-a-while skiers. The snow tubing situation at Hunter Mountain deserves special mention: it is nearly 1,000 feet long and has its own Magic Carpet lift.
For on-site lodging, Hunter Mountain has a few options including Kaatskill Mountain Club, Liftside Village Condos, and The Pinnacle Condominiums. An on-site shuttle takes guests from their lodgings to the slopes.
Lift Ticket: $73-$79
Equipment Rental: range from $50-$62
Time from Montclair: 2 hours
Epic Pass: Yes
Mountain Creek Resort | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ
Photo credit: @mountaincreek
With three terrain parks, four mountain peaks, and night skiing, Mountain Creek offers something for everyone. Ski lessons are offered daily for every level. Non-skiers have options including hiking, snow tubing, and Sno-Go bikes, which are a cross between bikes and skis. The resort’s location in North Western New Jersey means it’s close to the Appalachian Trail and has lots of beautiful scenery. Horseback riding is available at nearby Legends Riding Stable. The Appalachian Hotel is the on-site lodging option.
Lift ticket: $99.99
Equipment rental: $59.99
Time from Montclair: 1 hour
Epic Pass: No
Mount Peter Ski Area | 51 Old Mt. Peter Road, Warwick, NY
Photo credit: @mountpeter
Mount Peter Ski Area is an easy trip from Montclair and is the site of many North Jersey and New York family ski outings because of its well-known ski school for children. Ski lessons for both adults and children are offered daily and are free with a lift ticket purchase. Snow tubing is also available. While there is no on-property lodging, down the road there are hotels such as Warwick Valley Bed & Breakfast, Ashford Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Waterstone Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott to stay for a getaway.
Lift Ticket: $75
Equipment Rental: $45
Time from Montclair: 1 hour
Epic Pass: No
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain | 192 Karl Hope Boulevard, Lackawaxen, PA
Photo credit: Ski Big Bear
This Poconos resort is, well, big. Offering a total of 18 trails, seven lifts, and three Magic Carpet lifts, Big Bear Mountain offers trails for every level of winter enthusiast. Ski lessons are offered any day the mountain is open, including private lessons and beginner group lessons. Snow tubing is offered and is the perfect activity to get on the slopes without any special equipment or lessons necessary. Something we like about Big Bear is that the resort offers seasonal equipment rentals, so if you are interested in making repeat visits to the slopes but not quite ready to purchase your own equipment, you can have your own set of gear reserved for you each time you go. Accommodations are not directly on the mountain property but many choices are close by including The Woodloch Pines Resort, Ledges Hotel, The Settlers Inn, and East Shore Lodging.
Lift Ticket: $62
Equipment Rental: $42
Time from Montclair: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Epic Pass: No
See More: New Jersey Campgrounds to Visit for Family Fun
Thunder Ridge Ski Area | 137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson, NY
With a total of 22 trails, three chairlifts, and four magic carpets, Thunder Ridge is a mountain that has options for any level of winter sport athlete. The mountains have slow and gentle slopes to meet the needs of the newest skiers and snowboarders, and advanced trails for the daring and adventurous. Ski lessons are offered for every level and there is also a terrain park for those who love to not keep two skis on the ground. Thunder Ridge also partnered with Metro-North Railroad to create the ‘Ski Train,’ which is a shuttle running between the mountain and the Patterson, NY station. Nearby hotels include the Comfort Suites, the Ethan Allen Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, and The Maron Hotel. On Mondays through Thursdays and on non-holiday, the mountain runs a special package with a $45 lift ticket, $35 equipment rental, and a $50 lesson.
Lift Ticket: $45-$59
Equipment Rental: $52-62
Time from Montclair: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Epic Pass: No
Windham Mountain | 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY
Photo credit: @windhammountain
Windham Mountain has 19 trails, 2 lifts, and 142 acres. Ski lessons are available along with a terrain park. Guests can snow tube or hang out in the lodge. Snowtubing here is the ultimate in laid-back outdoor activities: once you ride down the hill, a conveyor lift will bring you back up to the top. There are kids’ snowmobiles for rent at Windham Mountain, complete with an oval track to ride on. We like the many on-mountain dining options, which allow you to take a break to refuel while still enjoying the incredible scenery.
There are many hotels that Windham partners with including The Winwood Inn & Condominiums, Whisper Creek Condominiums (Ski in, ski out) Windham Mountain Village, Windham Ridge Club, and The Quads Condominiums.
Lift Ticket: $55-$145
Equipment Rental: $65
Time from Montclair: 2 hours 15 minutes
Epic Pass: No
