One of the benefits of living in New Jersey is we’re surrounded by mountains that offer outdoor adventures all winter long. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are terrific ways to get out in the fresh air and spend time with the family. These resorts offer plenty of fun for snow enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Campgaw Mountain
Campgaw Mountain is New Jersey’s premier learn-to-ski/snowboard and tubing destination. The mountain offers skiing and snowboarding terrain for all abilities. Lift lines are short, and trails are uncrowded, making it an excellent spot for younger kids and those new to skiing. Equipment rental and lessons for all ages are also available. Campgaw Mountain (200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ)
Mountain Creek
Mountain Creek has 46 trails and eight lifts, with skiing and snowboarding available for all skill levels. They offer both self-guided lessons as well as sessions with instructors. Snowtubing is also available, with a magic carpet lift to bring riders back up to the top after each run. Reservations are required for all activities. Hours and days of operation vary by day and peak. Mountain Creek (200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ)
Mount Peter
Mount Peter is located in the Hudson Valley, less than 50 miles from Montclair. It is known for its free beginner ski and snowboard school and features a terrain park. It has 13 trails and a 600-foot tubing run. Tubing is expected to be open later in January.
Mount Peter (51 Old Mr. Peter Road, Warwick, NY)
High Point
As the name implies, High Point Cross Country Ski Center offers trails suited for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Equipment rental is available. The center offers group and private lessons for basic and more advanced visitors. Located at the northern tip of New Jersey, it’s described as “an Alpine hollow of lakes, trees, wildlife, and sweeping vistas. High Point Cross Country Ski Center (1480 Route 23, Sussex, NJ)
Shawnee
Situated in the Pocono Mountains, Shawnee Mountain is just over an hour from Montclair. It is smaller than other Pennsylvania ski resorts, with 23 slopes and trails and two terrain parks. The tubing park has single tubes and tandem tubes for adults and children to ride together. There are a number of lesson options available, including children’s, semi-private, private, and group lessons. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area (401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA)
Camelback
Located in the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Mountain Resort is just over 70 miles from Montclair. There are 39 trails and 166 acres of skiing and snowboarding. Children’s and group lessons for friends and families are available, as well as private lessons for one-on-one attention. Galactic snow tubing features over 40 lanes, with magic carpets to bring you back up to the top. The resort also has a number of indoor attractions, including laser tag, rock climbing, an indoor ropes course, an arcade, and the Aquatopia Water Park for even more fun. Camelback Mountain Resort (301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA)
Thunder Ridge
Another smaller ski area, Thunder Ridge, has 22 trails, three chairlifts, and four magic carpets. Newer skiers and snowboards will appreciate the slow and gentle slopes, while the more advanced visitors can conquer the more challenging trails. Daily private and group lessons are available for all ages and ability levels. The slopes are open both day and night for families to enjoy. Thunder Ridge Ski Area (137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson, NY)
Holiday Mountain Ski
This ski area offers seven slopes and trails of varying skill levels lit for evening skiing and riding. There is a dedicated tubing facility as well. Monticello is about 85 miles from Montclair, making it an easy day trip. If you’d like to stay in the area, there’s plenty of lodging and an indoor waterpark about five miles away. Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park (99 Holiday Mountain Road, Monticello, NY)
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain offers tubing, skiing, and snowboarding for all levels. It features Pennsylvania’s highest vertical (1,082 feet) and the longest runs in the state. There are over 40 trails for skiers and snowboarders. It is also home to the largest snow tubing park in the country, with 46 lanes. Lessons are also available. Blue Mountain Ski Area (1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, PA)
Jack Frost
Visit two resorts just minutes away from one another in the Pocono Mountains. Big Boulder has 15 trails and ten lifts, including two carpet tubing lifts. Jack Frost has 20 trails for three skill levels and two terrain parks. Snow tubing is available on both mountains. Jack Frost Big Boulder (434 Jack Frost Mountain Road, White Haven, PA, and 357 Big Boulder Drive, Lake Harmony, PA)
More Choices
Willing to travel a little farther? Check out these other options in Pennsylvania and New York:
Montage Mountain (1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton)
Hunter Mountain (64 Klein Avenue, Hunter, NY)
Elk Mountain (344 Elk Mountain Road, Union Dale, PA)
Belleayre Mountain (181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY)
Windham Mountain (19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY)