New Yorkers tend to hibernate in our shoebox apartments while vociferously complaining about winter. Some face winter with denial, trying to get away with only wearing an autumn blazer and Oxford loafers and complementing them with oversized scarfs and hats because it is the coldest season, after all. Others roost over wine, depressed and waiting for better weather. Both of these groups judge the third group, those mad enough to live during every season. These are the ones that do not classify as hipsters, hillbillies, or gym junkies. They prefer oversized clothing, duck boots, wool knit hats, and Oakley glasses with tinted lenses (let's be honest: goggles).
They are winter aficionados. They tend to be sick (as far as their boss knows) most of the winter, their choice of drug is white powder, and the words "blue bird" and "corduroy" mean everything to them. These individuals are high on winter, their backyard looks just like Elsa's, and their god of choice is Ullr. I am proud to say that I belong to this group of riders and skiers!
While, stereotypically, we belong somewhere like Breckenridge, Colorado or Tignes in the French Alps, a myriad of us lives throughout East Coast and New England cities. The Catskills and Adirondacks do not nearly compare to the Rockies or Alps, but they have a few secrets up their trails as well. Only a few hours away from the sleepy NYC (because we leave before dawn), and one is transported to land of the Iroquois. I present you with some of the best ski and snowboarding areas on the East Coast.
1. Whiteface Mountain–Lake Placid, NY (five hours outside NYC)
Whiteface has the greatest vertical drop on the East, with the big-mountain terrain, glades, and parks for jumps and tricks for all ski levels. The mountain hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980, and thus ranks as the #1 in off-hill activities. The Olympic Village of Lake Placid is my adopted home, a foodie heaven, and an ideal winter stroll. One can visit the Olympic Park, bobsled, ice skate at the Olympic Circle, toboggan, ride through the snowed-in town with huskies, and engage in any winter activity imaginable. The mountain itself is a dream, with glazed vanilla-like trails and unusually short lift lines. A day in Lake Placid always seems like a scene from "Miracle on Ice," which actually happened there. Life takes on a completely different spin in the Adirondacks—one takes the time to watch individual snowflakes fall, salute villagers, and sit around fire pits with a hot toddy. We mountain lovers tend to keep Lake Placid a well-hidden secret, but it's a pity for any New Yorker to miss out a chance for real New England vibes.
2. Stowe Mountain, VT (under six hours outside NYC)
This mountain caters more to an intermediate and advanced crowd (only 25 percent of the trails are for beginners); no wonder it's Ty Walker's home mountain. Stowe boasts a European-style village with a largely international crowd. There are several terrain parks and free mountain tours in addition to the legendary “front four" trails: National, Nosedive, the Goat, and Star (extremely difficult expert trails). Being surrounded by mavens of the sport, you will immediately find yourself improving and reaching new heights in your own practice. It's a very pet-friendly area that even offers pet sitting services while you, for example, visit the Spa at Stoweflake to soak in a stone hot tub under a waterfall. Stowe offers some of the best skiing east of the Rockies.
3. Stratton Mountain, VT (a bit over four hours outside NYC)
You may have seen advertisements for this resort all over NYC, meaning that there will most likely be a wad of people there this year. Stratton recently expanded its base lodge, added a new gondola, and renovated the resort overall. The tiny village of Stratton reminds one of Mont-Tremblant in Quebec because it was meant to look like a French town. While I often critique this mountain for lack of off-hill activities, it is still well worth the ride. The mountain itself is less advanced, as most of the black diamond trails are barely blue trails, yet it's perfect for a laid-back skiing day. Furthermore, I argue that its the best place to learn, with some of the best instructors on the coast. Being a well-seasoned skier, I still often spend time with instructors on hills. The last instructor I had, whose name I, unfortunately, do not recall, looked like Santa Claus and improved my carving skills immensely. After skiing, one can tour the mountain on ski mobiles or attempt apres. My only suggestion: Visit with a large group of friends, and you're guaranteed an amazing time.
4. Killington Mountain, VT (at least five hours from NYC)
The Regina George of skiing and riding in the East. Killington likes to compete with Whiteface over being the best mountain east of the Rockies, but it's really just competing with itself. The Beast of the East also promises the largest vertical drop in New England and spans six peaks. Mixed terrain for every ability is the most welcoming part of Killington. There are perfect slopes for beginners coming off Ramshead and any of the lower trails. Intermediate riders can cruise on a plethora of blues (the main reason my family skis there). Finally, experts have an array of moguls, trees, terrain park, and steep terrain to jump at. Off-mountain activities range from tubing to snowmobile tours in the Calvin Coolidge State Forest. Local beer brewing companies provide some of the best beer in the area as well. Killington is really a peak that one either likes or hates. I tend to like skiing there because it challenges my abilities, and I often meet a rad crowd of skiers and riders.
*In general, Vermont, rightfully boasts some of the best terrains on the East Coast. Also, check out: Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Okemo, Smuggler's Notch (family-friendly), and Sugarbush.
5. Mountain Creek, NJ (a bit over an hour from NYC)
When I cannot make it out for a full skiing road trip, I drive out to Mountain Creek. I want to emphasize Mountain Creek and not Camelback Mountain or Hunter Mountain because the latter's horrid conditions and overly long lines are a skier's worst nightmare (trust me on this one). Because Mountain Creek is relatively close to the city, it collects a lot of skiers and riders every weekend. I suggest getting there at 8 a.m. and skiing until a bit after noon because those times boast the best conditions and the least people blocking the trails. Mountain Creek's trails are better suited for beginners and intermediate skiers. Vernon Peak is usually the most packed, so I suggest taking the Cabriolet eight-person lift up the peak and then keeping left to merge onto Granite Peak. There are almost no lines at the Granite Quad lift (you're welcome!). South Peak hosts the terrain parks and diamond trails for experts. Conditions here are never ideal, so check the weather forecast, but it's the best and closest to NYC.
6. Blue Mountain, PA (an hour and a half minutes from NYC)
Featuring Pennsylvania's highest vertical, longest runs, and most varied terrain, Blue Mountain is my other one-day getaway from NYC. The same rule applies here as to Mountain Creek: Get there as early as possible! Don't even try coming in after 11 a.m. because you will be standing in lines most of the time. The trails cannot compare to Vermont, but they're enough to satisfy a skiing craving. If your friends refuse to ski or board, they can always go tubing at the mountain, too.
BONUS!
7. Tuckerman Ravine, NH (over seven hours from NYC)
New Hampshire is a clandestine ground for us skiers and riders alike, yet it hides some of the best terrains that's always covered in snow. Tuckerman Ravine is not a commonplace ski resort; it's a glacial cirque sloping eastward of Mt. Washington. A road trip through Mt. Washington might be the most scenic winter you ever have. At Tuckerman's, there aren't any ski lifts, and skiing is limited to "spring skiing": April, May, and sometimes even June. Warning: You must be an expert with a ton of equipment and knowledge of avalanches to ride here! Hikers ascend up the hill on foot and ski down the very steep mountain afterwards.
Happy winter!
