Winter is upon us like a blizzard (literally). Read up, bundle up and let us take you for a ride.
Here are a few of our area’s best spots to take advantage of the snow
Day trippin’
Camp Gaw: Bergen’s very own mini-mountain cures boredom and is low commitment. In just a few hours, you can catch a few runs to satisfy your urge to hit the slopes. (Daily Passes range from $18 to $36 per day, 7 trails total)?
Tips: Buy some tubing tickets on-line prior to your visit, and take a few runs bouncing down the hill post skiing and set up a skiing or boarding lesson for your tot prior to your visit, $70 for one hour of private, $25 for semi-private, $30 for group.
Chow: On your way home hit Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Ramsey for fresh pizzas and a family-friendly vibe. (984 St Rte 17 in Ramsey, 201-818-2625)
Tuxedo Ridge: Just up Route 17, over the Jersey border, Tuxedo Ridge is close enough to “test” your skills. This self proclaimed “little mountain” boasts 7 trails for skiing and boarding, a terrain park and 4 tubing lanes with a lift to take you to the top. (Daily Passes range from $13 to $60 per day)
Tips: Grab one of the 12 varieties of beer or settle for a hot cocoa at the Ridge Pub, located in the lodge overlooking the slopes.
Chow: Did you work up an appetite? Pop into Mt. Fuji restaurant for some of the funniest hibachi chefs around. (296 Route 17N, Hillburn, NY)
Mountain Creek: Approximately an hour from Bergen, this ski resort is about as full service as you can get for just a day trip. With 41 trails on 4 peaks, the Creek offers skiing, boarding, and a Tube Park open from Thursday through Sunday and special attractions like Zoom Zip Lines and the Alpine Coaster for thrill seekers. ($40 to $65 per ticket. 4 visits for $149, Or $349-$499 for a season pass.)
Tips: Go on a Sunday for the Twisted Kids fun session which includes 1 hour of free instruction at the mountain’s Terrain Park or book a “Sacred Stone Massage” at Elements Spa to soothe tired and achy muscles at the end of the day.
Chow: So many choices on at the resort…new cozy Hawks Nest for upscale on-mountain eats or Kites for more casual fireside fare located at the Resort.
Mt. Peter
This family-friendly ski mountain boasts 4 lifts, over 10 trails and a terrain park.
Family friendly features include: FREE first time skiing and snowboard lessons for beginners (with purchase of a lift ticket, weekends and holidays only) and a Tiny Tots program for kids ages four and under, which takes place at the base of the hill to familiarize young kids with equipment and balance.
Distance from Bergen: 1 hour drive
(Mt. Peter, 40 Ski Lane, Warwick, NY, 845-986-4940)
Overnightin’
Windham Mountain: Just a two hour journey up the New York State Thruway, Windham is home to 46 trails for skiing and boarding, snow tubing, and five terrain parks and has gone upscale, with uniformed valets who unload and store your skis and a well appointed private locker room. ($10 to $72 per ticket)
Tips: The mountain also offers ice skating (with a warming hut) and cross country skiing for those who prefer level ground.
Chow: Spice it up at The Windham Inn’s Rock’N Mexicana Cantina for Queso Fundido and a margarita après ski. (Main Street, Windham) Or grab a waffle at the on-hill waffle hut that allows skiers and boarders to glide up to the window for service.
Crash: At the slope-side Enclave Club with mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access to all the trails on Windham Mountain, and a year round heated pool and spa. (Condos start at $800 per night, 518-734-5333)
Camelback: Head south two hours to Pennsylvania and check out the 36 trails, tubing on 18 double and single chutes and 20 acres of terrain parks. Great kid’s programs for half day and full day sessions. (Open to close tickets range from $34 to $61)
Tips: Get your shred on at the Burton Learn to Ride program which arms you with the best in equipment, teaching and programs for aspiring snowboarders.
Chow: Catch a glimpse from the summit while you enjoy breakfast or lunch at Cameltop Lodge on the mountain’s peak.
Crash: At Great Wolf Lodge, and hit the indoor water park if your kids still have the energy. (Rates vary per date, check website for the best available)
Weekendin’
Jiminy Peak: A three hour trip to the Berkshires will take you to Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass. The resort has 45 trails, three terrain parks, and is surrounded by spectacular views and wind farms used to generate the power for the lifts. (Tickets range from $20 to $40)
Tips: Ride the “Mountain Coaster” for 3600 feet of twisting turning fun.
Chow: Bypass the food at the Lodge and dine in Lenox. Mama loves Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar(34 Church Street, Lenox) and kid-pleasing Arizona Pizza Company (395 Pittsfield Lenox Road, Lenox)
Crash: Also in Lenox, at Cranwell Resort and Spa. With its 35,000 square foot spa, indoor pool and cross country skiing, you’ll really feel like you’ve had an escape. (55 Lee Road, Lenox; 413-637-1364, rooms start at $300)
Whiteface Mountain
With 86 trails, 20% of which are for beginners, Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid is a great place for a family ski-weekend. And to mix it up, Gore is a nearby neighbor.
Family friendly features include: “Kids Kampus” Ski school for every age category and level as well as their “Bears Den” nursery program for kids too young to hit the slopes. Indoor and outdoor ice skating facilities, snow tubing, cross country and their “Skeleton Experience” for your daredevils ages 13 and up who want to sled at 30 mph.
Where to Stay: Newcomer Whiteface Lodge was built in classic Adirondack style, but has luxurious touches like an upscale spa and fine dining, hence it’s #10 rating in the 2011 Conde Naste Travelers’ Readers Choice awards. An indoor/outdoor heated pool, ice rink, nightly s’mores and a movie theatre will keep the kiddos happy (and occupied) too. (Rates begin at $479 for a junior suite)
Distance from Bergen: 4.5 to 5 hours drive
(Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY)
Stratton
Crowd-pleaser Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont is one of the best east coast ski resorts for families, with 89 open trails and terrain for every skill level.
Family friendly features include: Stratton’s award winning ski school starts kids as young as 4 on skiis and 7 year olds on snowboards with full day programs that include lunch, instruction and exploration, taught by young fun instructors your kids will love. You will love: the on-mountain spa services and village sushi flown in fresh daily.
Where to Stay: On the mountain in Treetop Condos which are available to rent, but there are tons of other options too.
Distance from Bergen: 3.5 hours drive
Stratton Mountain Resort, 5 Village Lodge Rd. Stratton Mountain, Vermont, 1-800-Stratton
