New Yorkers can be on the slopes in about an hour: Mountain Creek in Vernon, New Jersey, is the closest major ski area to Manhattan. Within two to two and a half hours are Camelback and Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania and Hunter, Windham and Belleayre in the Catskills. Southern Vermont resorts are about four hours away. For ski trips, book an SUV with four-wheel drive and tell your car service about skis, boards and boot bags.

Drive times (approximate, off-peak)

Resort Location From Midtown
Mountain Creek Vernon, NJ About 1–1.25 hours
Camelback Poconos, PA About 2 hours
Blue Mountain Palmerton, PA About 2 hours
Hunter Mountain Catskills, NY About 2.5 hours
Windham Mountain Catskills, NY About 2.5 hours
Belleayre Catskills, NY About 2.5 hours
Mount Snow / Stratton Southern Vermont About 4 hours

Choosing a mountain

  • Mountain Creek: closest; night skiing and terrain parks.
  • Camelback and Blue Mountain: large Pennsylvania resorts with family amenities.
  • Hunter and Windham: bigger Catskills mountains with more vertical.
  • Belleayre: a state-run resort with long, cruising trails.
  • Vermont: bigger terrain for weekends.

Travel tips

  • Leave early — ski traffic peaks on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons.
  • Check road and weather conditions, especially on I-80, the Thruway and mountain roads.
  • Pack gear in soft bags for easier loading. Read traveling with golf clubs and skis.

Why a chauffeured SUV

After a day on the slopes, a warm SUV and a driver who knows winter roads are a luxury. A Sprinter works for groups and clubs. Read AWD vs 4WD and see our Chevrolet Suburban.