Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
Highmount, Ulster County
This 3,429-foot mountain is owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (which stuck around after the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid), so you know the snow is well-maintained.
The Draw: Entry-level green runs are set apart on the mountain and have their own chairlift—perfect for kids and adults looking to test out their skills without the pressure.
Happy Trails: Belleayre offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for first-timers, kids, experienced snow bunnies who want to improve their skills, and skiers with adaptive needs. The Catskill Thunder Gondola offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Catskill Forest Preserve as it soars to the mountain’s west face, which locals say is the best side to ski and snowboard.
Perks: Throughout the season, expect indoor music, weekend events (like the Mogul Mash), and hot chocolate by the firepit or waffle cabin.
Key: Group Lessons • Private Lessons • Kids Lessons • Food and Drink • Events • Rental Shop • Season Pass • Seasonal Lockers • Snowshoeing • Cross-Country Skiing • Webcam
Catamount Mountain Resort
Hillsdale, Columbia County
You may know about Catamount’s zipline—the longest in the country—but it’s also a winter wonderland for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
The Draw: Over 75 percent of the mountain is made up of entry-level green or intermediate blue trails, making it an ideal spot for learning or improving your skills. Two lifts service the Meadows Learning Area, with its short, beginner-friendly trails.
Happy Trails: Catamount is a destination for skiers of all ages. Daily and seasonal lessons are offered for kids and adults in a variety of skill levels. Advanced young skiers can take development race and freestyle trick lessons, or sign up for the Alpine Race Team. Adults have options like group practice and Women Wednesdays.
Perks: After dark, the Neon Nights laser show lights up the mountain with musical cues and vibrant colors. And the Cardboard Classic, in which kids design a sled with just cardboard and tape, is fun for all.
Key: Group Lessons • Private Lessons • Kids Lessons • Food and Drink • Events • Rental Shop • Season Pass • Seasonal Lockers • Snowshoeing • Snow Tubing • Cross-Country Skiing • Webcam
Mount Peter
Warwick, Orange County
One of the last remaining family-operated ski resorts in New York, the 1,250-foot Mount Peter is small but mighty. Come for the free ski lessons and stay for the terrific tubing.
The Draw: The Mountain School’s free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays. Kids (as young as 5) and adults alike are taught the basics of skiing at the base of the mountain—at no cost.
Happy Trails: The resort has three lifts and three carpets for beginners, plus a couple of blue trails and a black diamond run, in addition to a terrain park for tricks and skill points.
Perks: Mount Peter has a multi-lane tubing course where riders can hop on the carpet lift and race down the 600-foot-long run. For kids under 3 feet tall, check out Little Tikes Hill—a “fun-sized” hill for the littlest adventurers.
Key: Group Lessons • Private Lessons • Kids Lessons • Food and Drink • Rental Shop • Season Pass • Seasonal Lockers • Snow Tubing • Webcam
Thunder Ridge Ski Area
Patterson, Putnam County
Families new to the slopes will thrive at this 880-foot-mountain resort. Take a day to explore accessible trails, cute events for kiddos, and plenty of spots to take a break.
The Draw: Dominated by green trails, Thunder Ridge is super beginner-friendly and affordable for families. The Snowsports School offers daily private and group lessons for ages 4 and up, as well as a six-week lesson program.
Happy Trails: The mountain is approachable—especially for hesitant kids—with aptly named green runs like You Can Do It, Fun Run, and Moving Up. Geared toward beginners of all ages, Little Thunder is a short, mild run with its own chairlift. In December, you’ll likely spot Santa zipping up and down the slopes.
Perks: Trails remain open most nights until 9 p.m. There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting the slopes under the lights and then celebrating a day well spent with some creamy hot cocoa in the lodge. Adults can enjoy the scenic views with a glass of wine or beer at the café bar.
Key: Group Lessons • Private Lessons • Kids Lessons • Carpet Lifts • Food and Drink • Rental Shop • Season Pass • Seasonal Lockers • Webcam
Related: Postcard Cabins Tempts With Tiny Cabins and Idyllic Views in the Catskills
