Skiing & Snowboarding Near NYC with Kids: A Real-Life Parent’s Guide

If you’re thinking about taking your kids skiing or snowboarding near NYC and wondering, “Is this going to be magical… or am I about to spend a lot of money to watch my child cry in ski boots?”... Welcome! You’re in the right place.

The good news: there are great beginner-friendly ski spots near NYC, smart ways to save money (hello, free lift tickets), and strategies that can turn “I’m scared” into “Can we do one more run?”

The bad news: ski boots are still ski boots.

Here’s everything we’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to.

The SKI NY Ski & Ride Passport: The Best Deal You’re Probably Not Using

If you have a child in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, stop what you’re doing and look up the SKI NY Ski & Ride Passport Program.

For a one-time fee (about $45 each year), your kid gets free lift tickets (yes, actually FREE) at participating New York ski resorts—up to two days per resort—as long as they’re skiing with a paying adult. Pro-tip: one paying adult can bring up to TWO kids with passports. Not that I would ever send my husband up the mountain alone with both kids while I sip a hot toddy at the lodge. Tempting as that might be...

Things to know before you show up:

• It’s for lift tickets only (lessons and rentals are extra).
• You need to apply in advance and bring the digital passport with you.
• Blackout dates exist, because of course they do.
• Still 100% worth it.

This program alone can save you hundreds of dollars in a single season, which you can then immediately blow on snacks and hot chocolate.

Beginner-Friendly Ski Resorts Near NYC

Not all ski mountains are created equal, especially when your kid is still learning how to stop. The first three are close enough for a day trip, which is ideal if you’re not ready to fully commit your weekend (or your sanity). That said, we usually book an overnight at the nearest Holiday Inn so we can roll in early on day two, beat the crowds, and squeeze in extra slope time before everyone remembers how tired their legs are.

⛷️ Mt. Peter Ski Resort (Warwick, NY)

Mt. Peter is basically training wheels for skiing, and I mean that in the most affectionate way. It’s small, unintimidating, and perfect for first-timers who are still deciding whether they even like sliding downhill on purpose. They also have snow tubing for the littles, including an adorable mini lane with a magic carpet just for kiddos under 36". That’s where we hung out until our kids were old enough (and emotionally prepared) to deal with ski boots.

Bonus points:

• Short drive from NYC (about an hour)
• Known for free beginner lessons on weekends
• Participates in the Ski NY Passport program

If your kid has never seen a ski lift up close, this is a great place to start.

🏂 Thunder Ridge Ski Area (Patterson, NY)

Thunder Ridge is another low-key, family-friendly mountain that truly understands that kids need space, patience, and frequent snack breaks. It’s about an hour north of NYC, which means it’s close enough for a day trip but far enough to feel like you actually went somewhere. There’s a nice mix of gentle, confidence-building slopes (plus plenty of magic carpets for beginners) alongside more challenging trails for the kids, or adults, who are feeling bold. When you're ready for a break, check out the spacious slopeside lodge, where you can warm up, refuel, and stare out at the hills while briefly reconsidering the decision to introduce your mini-mes to winter sports.

Why parents love it:

• Gentle green trails
• Less than an hour and a half drive from NYC
• Participates in the Ski NY Passport program

❄️ Big SNOW at American Dream Mall (Yes, Indoors!)

Skiing indoors sounds fake until you’re standing there in a parka… inside a mall. Big SNOW lives at the American Dream in New Jersey and is shockingly perfect for beginners. The conditions are consistent, the vibe is low-pressure, and there’s even a small terrain park for thrill-seeking kids (or adults). It’s truly wild how much snow they’ve managed to cram into a mega mall. During unseasonably warm winters, it can be a lifesaver, giving the littles a chance to still play in the snow and go tubing. Because passes are sold in timed sessions, you’ll probably want to tack on some fun before or after your slope time. Luckily, the mall has plenty to offer. I’ve got a full breakdown in my American Dream guide right here.

Why it works:

• No weather drama
• Controlled conditions
• You can use Groupons and snag some significant savings!

Is it “real mountain skiing”? No.
Is it amazing for first-timers and nervous kids? Absolutely.

🏔️ Jack Frost - Big Boulder Family Ski Resort (Poconos, PA)

Another family friendly resort that has it all. These two sister resorts in the Poconos play off each other in that you can spend the morning at Jack Frost and then move on over to Big Boulder for night skiing and snowboarding, on the SAME lift pass!

We booked two days of private lessons back-to-back, two hours each, for our kids’ very first time on the slopes. Was it a splurge? Yes. Was it 100% worth it? Also yes. Huge shout-out to Mary, who somehow got our kid from “absolutely not, I am terrified” to cautiously but confidently skiing every green trail and happily riding the lifts over and over again.

What made the difference was the individualized attention. Private lessons gave her the space to warm up slowly, take breaks when she needed them, and build trust without feeling rushed or compared to other kids who were immediately fearless (those kids exist, apparently).

Worth mentioning, at Jack Frost and Big Boulder, private lessons can include up to four people at the same ability level, which meant I got to join my kids. Super helpful, since my last attempt at skiing was over three decades ago and did not end well. Learning together made it more fun and way less intimidating for everyone.

Why we loved Jack Frost - Big Boulder:

• Lots of wide, forgiving green trails for beginners
• Private lessons that can include parents (highly recommend)
• Feels like a “real” mountain without being overwhelming

If your child is anxious, cautious, or just needs a little extra reassurance, private lessons here can be a total game-changer, for them and for you.

Saving All Season with Epic Pass

Jack Frost / Big Boulder partners with Epic Pass, which is one of those things that actually does save you a lot of money. We picked up a few days on the Northeast Value Pass and saved over 50% on lift tickets, plus another 20% off rentals, which immediately made me feel extremely responsible and smug about our planning skills. Epic Passes go on sale for the following season in the spring, then steadily get more expensive as winter creeps in (until they stop selling them altogether in December), so this is your friendly reminder that planning ahead often results in the biggest payoff.

Mountain Creek (Vernon, NJ)

Mountain Creek is another great option for families, especially if you’re using the SKI NY Ski & Ride Passport. At just a little over two hours outside NYC, this is doable for a day trip or an easy overnight.

This is a bigger, more spread-out mountain than some of the other beginner hills, which can be a plus once your kids are feeling more confident and want longer runs. At the same time, Mountain Creek still has plenty to keep newer skiers happy, along with snow tubing for the littles, so everyone in the family gets a turn at winter fun (even if not everyone is ready for skis yet).

Why Mountain Creek works for families:

• Participates in the SKI NY Ski & Ride Passport program
• Offers snow tubing, perfect for younger kids or siblings taking a ski break
• A mix of terrain that can grow with your kids
• Far enough from NYC to feel like a real getaway

And if you’re planning to spend two or three days at Mountain Creek, definitely look into their Triple Play deal — it’s one of those packages that actually does what it promises. For about $200, the Triple Play Plus includes three full-day access tickets, three full-day equipment rentals (skiing or snowboarding), and complimentary access to their Terrain Based Learning skills area on all three days. No blackout dates, no restrictions, and no reservations required — which feels almost too reasonable in ski-world terms. It's a no-brainer considering a single day ticket plus rentals will already set you back $140!

Seasonal Ski Rentals: Save Money and Your Sanity

Kids grow. Fast. Like, why did I honestly think these boots would last two seasons fast. Instead of handing over hundreds of dollars for daily rentals every single trip, and waiting in multiple long lines (while everyone is already cold and cranky), do yourself a favor and get your kids fitted for seasonal rentals at the start of winter.

If you’re planning to hit the slopes more than once, seasonal rentals pay for themselves quickly AND they save you from the special chaos that is the resort rental area at 9am. Renting locally means the staff can actually take their time, make sure everything fits properly, and adjust for comfort… so once you get to the mountain, you have one less thing to worry about (which, as parents, we’ll take).

Here are two NYC ski and snowboard rental shops that make the whole process surprisingly painless:

• 🎿 Cold Mountain Ski Rental: Cold Mountain is popular for a reason. Easy process, solid gear, and way less stressful than rental lines at the mountain. For less than $150, you can hold onto your kids personally fitted boots and skis for the whole season (November to April!). They offer two convenient locations, one in Manhattan and one out in Flushing.
• 🎿 Ski City NYC Rental: Another great option for families who want to grab gear locally and head out ready to go. This ski shop offers a large selection of ski and snowboard packages with fair prices that include skis or snowboards with boots.

If you're in the market for adult gear, you can get some deeply discounted used name brand equipment at both these places that are still great quality and perfect for the family that just hits the slopes a handful of times each year.

What Kids (and First-Timers) Actually Need to Wear

You don’t need to deck yourself out in Patagonia from head to toe, but you do need to layer like you mean it.

The Non-Negotiables

• Base layers (no cotton, ever). Cotton is a trap. It soaks up sweat and snow, dries at a glacial pace, and then just sits there making your kid cold, damp, and miserable. Synthetic or wool layers, on the other hand, wick moisture away and stay warm even when a little wet, which is exactly what you want when someone inevitably takes a tumble into a snowbank.
• Waterproof snow bib & jacket. Look for a jacket with a powder skirt, the combination of bib + powder skirt will ensure that snow stays out, no matter how many snow angels the kids want to make.
• A good pair of ski socks. Once again, wool is the way to go!
• Waterproof gloves or mittens
• Helmet (required at most resorts for kids). We love these that come with removable ear pads and fleece lining to keep our noggins protected AND warm.
• Goggles. Protect those eyes from the sun and snow! These are designed to clip right onto the helmet.
• Sunscreen. People often make the mistake of thinking that if it's cold outside, they won't need UV protection. Don't make that mistake! Last thing you need is a sunburn on top of the windburn.

Other Nice To Haves

• Ski and boot carrier straps. While everyone else is juggling skis, poles, boots, and children like they’re auditioning for a circus act, you can stroll from the parking lot with skis slung neatly across your back and boots hanging off your shoulder. Better yet, the kids can lug their own gear (a true parenting milestone). Hands-free wins, hands down.
• Neck warmer or balaclava. The less exposure their skin has to the elements, the longer the kids will last.
• Hand and toe warmers. Cold fingers and toes can end a ski day faster than a fall on the bunny hill. If you want a less wasteful option, try rechargable mini hand warmers. They heat up quickly, last a long time, and are way more eco-friendly than tearing through disposable packets every weekend.

Bring extra for the end of the day:

• Spare gloves
• Spare socks
• Spare patience

Skiing with kids isn’t effortless. Someone will be cold. Someone will be hungry. Someone will be done before you even get going.

But with the right mountain, the right lessons, and realistic expectations, it can also be really fun, and maybe even something your kids ask to do again year over year. And if all else fails? Nothing a warm cup of hot chocolate can't fix.