It's that time of year again for premier outdoor winter sports in the Hudson Valley with a popular favorite in skiing. Here are the best ski spots to visit around the region as well as some top recommendations on where to shop, dine, and stay as the snowy weather approaches and transforms the Hudson Valley into a marvelous winter wonderland!
Windham Mountain (19 Resort Dr, Windham, NY 12496) Located on towering peaks of the Catskills and miles of protected forestland, Windham Mountain is the ideal spot to zip down the slopes at a beginner and expert levels to provide an exhilarating and relaxing experience with the thrill of this coveted winter sport. At a top elevation of 3,100 ft and a slope length of between 300 and 12,500 ft, there’s plenty of room to explore. There are lessons offered for anyone looking to learn for the first time or continuing their admiration of skiing. Be sure to book your tickets and advance or even purchase season tickets if you’re a regular to the resort. The Windham Mountain Ski Resort officially opens for the 2019/2020 winter season on November 30th. Don’t delay! For hours, ticket information, or general inquiries be sure to visit windhammountain.com
If you’re looking for shopping near Windham Mountain, try these:
Head to the charming town of Windham for quaint shops and locally owned businesses selling local products and specialty gifts for the upcoming holiday season. It’s never too early to go Christmas shopping!
Carole’s Gift Emporium (5338 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496)
An adorable stop for gifts and specialty items for your loved one or any recipient. Meander through the store and get lost in holiday cheer and warm hospitality of this quintessential gift shop. For business hours and store information be sure to visit carolesgiftemporium.com
European Craft Store (6 Mill St, Windham, NY 12496)
For locally sourced crafts and pottery hit up this place for local-inspired products of the area that are made for home decor or festive decorations for the holidays! For business hours and store information be sure to visit europeancraftsny.com
If you’re looking for dining near Windham Mountain, try these:
Head to the charming town of Windham for a vast array of gourmet dining options and a variety of cuisines and tastes that will satisfy any palate. Cozy up by a crackling fire with hot cocoa in hand and enjoying classic comfort food and plenty more!
The Windham Local (5410 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496)
A great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for classic American comfort food in a modern contemporary vintage space in a colonial-style building. For business hours and reservations be sure to visit windhamlocal.com
Millrock Restaurant (5398 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496)
An excellent choice for authentic Italian cuisine in a warm traditional dishes. First opened in 1996, Millrock has been a local favorite for Italian food. Try their brick oven pizza or mouthwatering pasta, the possibilities are endless! For business hours and reservations be sure to visit millrockrestaurant.com
If you’re looking for accommodations near Windham Mountain, try these:
Beds on Clouds - Catskill Lodging (5320 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496)
This locally-owned family-run bed and breakfast offer modest accommodations and cozy rooms in Victorian Era quarters. Sip coffee in the lobby and watch the snowfall or sit tight with a good book in hand and let the hours pass by as you relax and unwind. For reservations or general inquiries, be sure to visit bedsonclouds.com
Albergo Allegria Bed & Breakfast Hotel (43 NY-296, Windham, NY 12496)
This adorable Victorian-inspired B&B offers moderate and upscale accommodations depending on room/suite. Breakfast is served each morning served continental or classic American. Curl up by the fire with hot cocoa in hand or a good book for a relaxing experience at this warm and cozy local. For reservations or general inquiries, be sure to visit albergousa.com
Hunter Mountain (64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY 12442) Known as one of the closest ski mountain resorts to New York City, Hunter Mountain is a sprawling ski resort offering acres of outdoor fun and activities for people of all ages to enjoy! With a summit elevation of approximately 3,200 ft above sea level and a base elevation of 1,600 ft above sea level, you can ski from new heights or at a beginner level from the base all the way down for the thrills. Lessons are offered for anyone looking to ski for the first time or would like to improve their skills at skiing overall. Be sure to grab a local pass or day pass if you’re planning on making a day of it. For business hours, ticket information, and more be sure to visit huntermtn.com
If you’re looking for shopping near Hunter Mountain, try these:
Head into the charming town of Hunter for delightful shopping options and local businesses selling locally sourced items and products from around the region. As the holiday season approaches, you’ll find many stores decked out in holiday cheer!
The Pro Ski and Ride (7535 Main St, Hunter, NY 12442)
The go-to shop for all your outdoor activities’ needs. You can anything from a new ski mask to ski essentials and other products that will have you ready to ski in no time! For business hours or other inquiries be sure to visit proskiandride.com
Snowbird Ski Shop (7451 Main St, Hunter, NY 12442)
Another great spot for all your skiing needs and more! Be sure to grab some sunscreen to protect from the strong sun rays as you head up the mountain to higher elevation closer to the sun. For business hours and more be sure to visit snowbirdskishop.com
If you’re looking for dining near Hunter Mountain, try these:
Hunter Mountain Brewery (7267 New York Rt. 23A, Hunter, NY 12442)
A cozy spot for classic American comfort food, plenty of craft beer options, and more in a casual contemporary local. Open for happy hour and dinner on the weekdays and brunch, lunch, and dinner on the weekends, the Hunter Mountain Brewery offers everything you need in the local gastropub. For business hours, reservations, and more be sure to visit hmbcatskills.com
Jagerberg Beer Hall and Tavern (7722 Main St, Hunter, NY 12442)
A lodgey feel restaurant that serves up unique Bavarian fare and array of beer and in-house cocktail options to choose from! Set in a casual contemporary space, you’ll find delicious dishes and tasteful decor to enjoy, open for dinner on weekdays and Sunday Brunch on the weekend. For business hours and more be sure to visit jagerberghall.com
If you’re looking for accommodations near Hunter Mountain, try these:
The Fairlawn Inn (7872 Main St, Hunter, NY, 12442)
This quaint B&B is set in classic Victorian architecture with cozy rooms and tasteful furnishings. Grab some breakfast in the morning before heading to the skiing slopes or simply stay in with a good book and hot cocoa for those frigid winter nights as the snow begins to fall and the temperatures drop. For reservations and booking, or any information be sure to visit fairlawninn.com
Hunter Mountain Resort (64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY 12442)
Located directly adjacent to the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort, this is the ideal option for ski travelers specifically offering breathtaking mountain views in modern rustic space. The rooms are condominium-style with kitchens and fireplaces in each room for your comfort and convenience. For reservations or other inquiries be sure to visit huntermtn.com
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (181 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount, NY 12441) With over fifty-five acres of trails and 8 lifts, this makes the perfect spot for skiers and snowboarders alike. With a summit elevation of approximately 3,429 ft above sea level and a base elevation of 2,025 ft above sea level, anyone can enjoy riding the slopes at their level of enjoyment and comfort. With many varieties of lifts, there’s endless possibilities of working your way up to the summit for the anticipation of thrills. Children’s, young adult, adult, and private lessons are offered for those just starting out or for those moving forward in their skills of skiing and snowboarding. For ticket information, hours, and more be sure to visit belleayre.com
If you’re looking for shopping near Belleayre, try these:
Belleayre Ski Shop (22 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount, NY 12441)
The shop for all things skiing, snowboarding, and plenty more for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! You’ll find all the essentials for the ideal day of skiing, snowboarding, snow-tubing, the list goes on and on. For business hours, be sure to visit belleayreskishop.com
Birch Creek Mercantile (270 Main St, Pine Hill, NY 12465)
Just a short drive away you’ll find this quaint boutique selling local products and specialty items in an inviting contemporary space with an emphasis on the local region. You’ll find just what you’re looking for and plenty more! For store hours and other information, be sure to visit birchcreekmercantile.com
If you’re looking for dining near Belleayre, try this:
Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room (8373 NY-28, Big Indian, NY 12410)
Located in a restored farmhouse, this spot serves up upscale American fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and fresh offerings from around the region. You can expect classic comfort food and and plenty of healthy options too! For business hours and more, be sure to visit peekamooserestaurant.com
If you’re looking for accommodations near Belleayre, try these:
Alpine Osteria Bed & Breakfast (32 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount, NY 12441)
This cozy B&B offers modest accommodations and quaint rooms in a rustic local. Grab some breakfast before starting your day on the slopes or perhaps have a cocktail at the on-site bar instead. For reservations or other inquiries, be sure to visit alpineosteria.com
Gateway Lodge Bed & Breakfast (11 Highlands Rd, Highmount, NY 12441)
Set in rustic quarters, this warm B&B offers friendly hospitality and impeccable decor in a quaint space. Ideally located nearby the slopes, this makes the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to ski, snowboard, or simply gaze at the wonderful mountain views. Be sure to check their website at gatewaylodgebandb.com for more information.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area (137 Birch Hill Rd, Patterson, NY 12563) Located within the popular ski town of Patterson, the Thunder Ridge Ski Area offers a little something for everyone with modest slopes available for people of all ages to enjoy without the peak high elevations. This ski area is specifically family-oriented so this is a great spot! There are lessons offered for little ones, beginners, intermediates, and experts, to begin or continue their admiration for outdoor winter sports! Be sure to check their website for additional details on ticket info and more at thunderridgeski.com
If you’re looking for shopping near Thunder Ridge, try this:
Fancy Doolittle (1287 NY-311, Patterson, NY 12563)
Looking for adorable little gifts for the holidays or something to add to your home decor, this is your place! You’ll find anything from specialty products to rare finds in this unique gift shop. For business hours, please call (845) 878-6766
If you’re looking for dining near Thunder Ridge, try these:
Tios Restaurant & Cantina (3161 NY-22, Patterson, NY 12563)
This spot offers classic Mexican-style cuisine in a casual space for lunch and dinner. For business hours and more be sure to call (845) 319-6480
Iron & Wine Restaurant (3191 NY-22, Patterson, NY 12563)
Serving up classic New American cuisine and comfort food, you’ll find tasteful decor and a lively atmosphere. For business hours and more be sure to visit, ironandwinerestaurant.com
These recommendations will help you find the best ski resorts and plenty to see and do whether you’re going for the day or perhaps overnight or long weekend! As the busy winter season approaches, be sure to book as early in advance as possible to avoid higher rates and crowds. As fall gradually transitions to winter, the Hudson Valley is ready for blankets of snow and frigid temps in a delightful atmosphere of a winter wonderland!
Looking for more in our guide? Be sure to comment below!
