Within 90 minutes of your house, there are plenty of genuine options for skiing and snowboarding, whether you’re an expert skier or snowboarder or looking to try something new. While just about all the mountains offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, here’s a breakdown of six nearby resorts and what you’ll find when you get there.
Serving the New Jersey/New York community since 1965, Mountain Creek offers four mountains with 167 acres of skiable area. Open from December-March, Mountain creek provides a variety of trails to choose from. After a long day on the mountain kick back and relax next to the fireplace at the lodge.
Location | Vernon, N.J.
Total trails | 44
Lift tickets* | Adults $66.99; Children $52.99
Camelback is one of Pennsylvania’s largest ski resorts and is unique in offering year-round activities, including tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and zip lining. Starting spring 2015 Camelback Lodge will offer a place to stay with an indoor waterpark if you plan to bring the kids.
Location | Tannersville, Pa.
Total trails | 34
Lift tickets* | Adults $65; Children $47
This may be one of New Jersey’s smallest ski areas, but it’s affordable, and with 100 percent snowmaking, you can rest assured the snow will be there whenever you go. The summit is only 720 feet up, so beginners or young skiers and snowboarders should feel comfortable.
Location | Mahwah, N.J.
Total trails | 10
Lift tickets* | $30 (2013 price)
Northeast skiing powerhouse Jack Frost and nearby Big Boulder teamed up and now offer slopes and trails for beginner through advanced skiiers and snowboarders, served by nine lifts and one magic carpet. While the summit elevation is 2,000 feet, you can make it a family affair—snow tubing also is available with eight chutes (singles and doubles) and four lifts.
Location | Blakeslee, Pa.
Total trails | 36
Lift tickets* | Adults $53, Children $43
Shawnee’s skiing and snowboarding school provides group and private lessons for everyone, as well as a daycare for the little ones, so it’s ideal for newbies and family skiing. Smack in the heart of the Poconos, Shawnee offers day and night skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Location | East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Total trails | 23
Lift tickets* | Adults $60, Children $45
If Mother Nature isn’t calling for snow when you plan to go, Big Bear will pick up the slack by making snow. This family-friendly resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and a cross-country trail.
Location | Lackawaxen, Pa.
Total trails | 18
Lift tickets* | Adluts $57, Children $45
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