From the Catskills, the Berkshires, and beyond, residents of New York City will be pleased to know that just outside of our flat city rises a plethora of mountains, many of which are ideal for a winter ski trip. Exchange the sludge of the city streets with small towns, picturesque mountains, and of course, fantastic slopes.

Winter transforms Upstate New York and neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut into a snow-laden wonderland. Its hills and forests, tranquil and stunning, become magical under fresh snow. Apart from skiing and snowboarding down beginner-friendly up to black diamond runs, many of the best ski resorts in the Northeast offer cross-country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobile rentals, and snowshoeing to round out the winter activities.

Although you could visit any of these resorts as a day trip, we highly recommend you stay the weekend. Here at Red Cottage, we’re more than just a vacation rental provider (though our rentals are sublime). We’re your gateway to all of New York State’s wonders, and the best part? Those wonders shine ever so brightly in the winter season. Known for exceptional rentals and deep local insights, we ensure every stay is comfortable and an authentic experience. 

To highlight the area’s appeal to skiers, we’ve rounded up the seven best places to go skiing near NYC so you can plan your perfect winter escape.

1. Hunter Mountain

• Address: 64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY 12442
• Best for: Advanced skiers and snowboarders who value a challenge.
• Distance from NYC: 2 hours

Hunter Mountain, known as “NY’s Big Mountain,” is a top choice for skiing aficionados. Reaching an elevation of 3,200 feet and boasting a 1,600 feet vertical drop, it presents an exhilarating experience across its 320 acres. The resort’s 67 trails cater to all abilities, offering 25% beginner, 30% intermediate, and 45% advanced terrain, complemented by four terrain parks.

Its diverse landscape ensures a thrill for novices and experts alike. In addition to its impressive trails, Hunter Mountain is renowned for its high-speed lifts and state-of-the-art snowmaking, ensuring top conditions throughout the season.

The resort also hosts various events and activities, making it a vibrant destination for more than just skiing. Whether enjoying the lively après-ski scene or participating in winter festivals, Hunter Mountain provides a comprehensive winter experience.

Hunter Mountain is going digital this year with a new app, My Epic, that allows you to access the mountain hands-free. This means once you get your lift ticket, you just need to turn on Bluetooth and you’ll automatically be scanned at the lift so you don’t have to bother taking out your pass at each run. Plus, the app shows lift lines, trail maps, and real-time mountain alerts.

2. Catamount Mountain

• Address: 78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY 12529, United States
• Best for: Families; diverse-leveled skiers
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours

Catamount Mountain Resort is a scenic ski destination just 2.5 hour drive from NYC, situated in the Berkshire Mountains on the New York-Massachusetts border. The resort caters to all levels with its diverse terrain, featuring 36 trails (32 with snowmaking) and four chairlifts, including a summit quad.

Known for value, it offers well-maintained slopes suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. It’s also a family-friendly choice thanks to comprehensive learning programs like Mountain Cats. With its 2,000-foot summit elevation and 1,000-foot vertical drop, Catamount is a hidden gem for diverse skiing experiences. It’s also an excellent choice for those seeking a value-for-money skiing experience with various terrains.

For those looking to level up their children’s skiing adventures, Catamount Mountain Resort’s Alpine Race Team is a program designed to get your kiddos confident in their skills, technique, and racing abilities.

Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Catamount also has a brand new Snow Tubing Park open day and night.

3. Ski Butternut 

• Address: 380 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
• Best for: Those seeking a traditional skiing experience without the frills of a modern resort
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours

Ski Butternut is a favorite among ski enthusiasts for its friendly atmosphere and top-notch snowmaking. The resort features well-groomed trails suitable for all skill levels, particularly excelling in beginner to intermediate terrains. 

Ideal for weekend and off-peak visits, Butternut offers a family-friendly environment with quality ski instruction. It boasts over 900 feet of vertical drop, fitting for its southern Massachusetts location, although its layout may be slightly challenging for newcomers.

Butternut offers two terrain parks: Twisted Park and Cruiser Progression Park. If you’re new to terrain parks, start with the Cruiser Progression Park and work your way up.

4. Windham Mountain Club

• Address: 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY 12496
• Best for: Skiers with a refined palate for Mediterranean cuisine from the resort’s culinary program
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours

Located just a short drive from New York City in the scenic Catskills, Windham Mountain is a winter sports destination offering a rich variety of experiences. Its 285 skiable acres encompass 54 trails, served by 11 lifts, providing a range of skiing experiences from serene beginner slopes to challenging terrains for the advanced.  

On Friday and Saturday, Windham is open for night skiing on 8 of its trails so you can truly get in a full day on the slopes.

Windham Mountain Club does have a 2-day minimum on peak days. While this might hinder you wanting to go for a day trip, it is good news for wait times and uncrowded slopes since those that just want to hit a few runs 1 day will have to go to another nearby mountain to do so.

The resort is especially known for its six terrain parks, catering to all skill levels with features for novices and experts. Windham also houses a notable Ski and Ride School, perfect for beginners, and offers additional attractions like a Tubing Park and on-mountain dining for a well-rounded mountain experience.

5. Plattekill Mountain

• Address: 469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury, NY 12474
• Best for: Families looking for a welcoming, community-focused experience
• Distance from NYC: 2 hours 45 minutes

Plattekill Mountain, nestled in the Northeastern Catskill Mountains, offers a skiing experience steeped in authenticity and adventure. With its “if you can see it, you can ski it” approach, the mountain invites skiers to explore its varied and often challenging terrain. Known for exceptional glade trails, Plattekill exudes an old-school, local ski atmosphere that resonates with enthusiasts. Despite its modest size, the terrain at Plattekill is deceptively challenging, providing thrills for seasoned skiers.

This mountain is not just about challenging runs; it’s about the community and the simple joys of skiing. Privately owned and operated, Plattekill often hosts local events and races, fostering a sense of camaraderie and family-friendly fun. Its remote location adds charm, offering a quieter, more intimate skiing experience away from the crowds. It’s a place where you can genuinely connect with the spirit of winter sports.

Although this “fiercely independent” attitude might make you feel this mountain is small, Plattekill offers 40 trails, running from a 2 mile-long cruiser run for beginners up to steep double black diamonds. They also have an on-site terrain park for the extra adventurous.

6. Belleayre Mountain

• Address: Shandaken, NY 12480
• Best for: Skiing traditionalists and aesthetics who love a gondola experience
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours

Belleayre Mountain offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional skiing experiences. It is the only Catskills resort with a gondola, enhancing accessibility and appeal. Known for excellent snowmaking and grooming, Belleayre ensures consistent snow coverage even in less favorable conditions.

Belleayre’s terrain caters to all skill levels, with challenging steeps and groomed runs, particularly beginner-friendly lower slopes. It’s an excellent choice for families and skiers of all levels who appreciate a mix of easy and challenging runs in a beautiful mountain setting.

For those that plan to hit the mountain often this winter, Belleayre offers a frequent skier card and season passes that can also be used at Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain (which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1980).

7. Mohawk Mountain

• Address: 46 Great Hollow Rd., Conwall, CT 06753
• Best for: Ideal for beginners who want to ski day and night
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours

Located in the Tri-State Area, Mohawk Mountain is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. Dubbed the “home of snowmaking,” Mohawk is the oldest and largest ski area in Connecticut. Back in 1947, the founder of Mohawk, Walt Schoenknecht became the pioneer of man-made snowmaking, helping to establish the technology still used on slopes today. Today the mountain is still family-owned.

Nestled in the Southern Berkshires, Mohawk Mountain has an elevation of 1,600 ft with 25 trails to choose from. 12 of these trails are open for night skiing. The runs on Mohawk are a combination of easy, intermediate, and black diamonds but in general, this mountain is geared towards beginner and intermediate riders.

Mohawk Mountain also offers snow tubing to add to the family-friendly winter fun!

Start Your Ski Adventure with Red Cottage

From Catamount’s scenic trails to Belleayre’s unique gondola rides, skiing just outside of Manhattan offers a distinct skiing experience. The rugged charm of Plattekill and the diverse offerings of Windham and Mohawk Mountain enrich this tapestry, creating an idyllic winter haven for all skiers and boarders.

Red Cottage offers the perfect accompaniment to this winter adventure. Our cozy rentals provide a warm, inviting retreat after your snowy escapades, embodying the true spirit of the Catskills. Choosing Red Cottage for your ski getaway means immersing yourself in comfort and the thrill of the region’s enchanting landscapes.

Fireworks, hot dogs, family fun, and even baseball games await you in Upstate New York this 4th of July. We might be biased but this is one of our favorite holidays to spend in Hudson Valley and the Catskills. 

While there are plenty of 4th of July activities happening throughout the region, we have our favorites. If you’ll be in Hudson Valley or the Catskills this 4th of July, you won’t want to miss out on enjoying one of these events. 

Fireworks at the Walkway Over the Hudson

Poughkeepsie, NY

Get as close to the fireworks as you can when you watch them from the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. From here, you’ll be able to watch the sky light up over the city of Poughkeepsie as you ooh and ahh at the lights bursting above your head.

This event has limited space and sells out every year so be sure to purchase a ticket in advance if you want to join in on the fun at the Walkway Over the Hudson. Tickets are $25 per adult. Children under 12 enter free but still must reserve their spot.

The walkway will be open to ticket holders starting at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. There will ll be concessions to purchase food and drinks but attendees are also welcome to bring their own small cooler.

July 4th Fireworks & Parade

Saugerties, NY

Spend all day enjoying the 4th of July fun in Saugerties. This quaint town on the edge of the Catskills has all the small town charm you might be craving in a celebration of America’s independence. 

Saugerties will start off its celebration with a parade through downtown at 11 a.m. It’s free for anyone and everyone to join in. Later that day, the Saugerties Stallions, the local collegiate baseball team, will face off against local rivals, the Mohawk Valley Hawks at 6:15 p.m. After the game, the town will kick off their free fireworks show around 10 p.m. 

You’ll be hard pressed to have a better 4th of July in the heart of America than the all day festivities in Saugerties. 

Fourth of July Celebrations

Narrowsburgh, NY

Narrowsburgh kicks off their 4th of July celebrations early this year, with fireworks on Main Street going off Sunday, July 2 at dusk. The fireworks show is open to the public so all who are there for the long weekend are invited to enjoy.

The celebrations continue on July 4th kicking off at 3 p.m. with the Fireman’s Parade through downtown. After the parade, head over to Fireman’s Field from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a family-friendly celebration. You can expect to enjoy live music, carnival activities & games, food & drink, inflatable slides, and a lot of different vendors. 

If you’re in Narrowsburgh for the 4th of July, this is certain to be a big day of fun for kiddos and adults alike. 

Fire Department Field Days

Margaretville, NY

If a long weekend in Narrowsburgh isn’t enough patriotism for you, the Annual Field Days in Margaretville are just what you need. Starting Thursday, June 29 and ending on Tuesday, July 4, you can pay homage to the good ol’ US of A again and again. 

Fireworks aren’t just one night either but 2, bursting in the sky on Saturday, July 1 and the 4th of July at 9:30 p.m. 

Hosted by the local fire department, this event is free to anyone who wants to join but you will need to pay to play or ride the carnival rides. You can expect rides, food, beer, games, live music, and of course, spectacular firework shows.

Good Old Fashioned Celebration

Windham, NY

The town of Windham is ready for a Good Old Fashioned Celebration rain or shine. They’ll kick off their celebration in the evening at 7 p.m. with a parade. At the end of the parade, you’ll be rewarded with a fireworks show visible from even Windham Mountain if you don’t want to make the trip into town.

The parade will start at Route 296 and run through Main Street. 

Don’t Have Plans Yet?

Don’t have plans in Hudson Valley or the Catskills yet? No worries, there’s still time to book at Red Cottage getaway. Book your stay today!

Upstate New York in the summer is deliciously warm and sunny. Everywhere you look, the landscape delights your eyesight with rolling shades of green. With mountains, lakes, rivers, and soft patches of grass around every corner, Upstate NY brings the quintessential joys of summer.

The best part? All the fun summer music festivals. Folk, pop, rock and roll, electronica — you’ll find all sorts of genres at one-day or camping fests around the state. After all, Upstate New York is the home of the infamous 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. 

The soft drum of a guitar and soulful vocals echo through a forest as you sip on a local brew. The sun is shining and you’re basking in its rays during the day, but flock to a campfire to warm up on the cooler nights. 

Tons of our clients enjoy the area’s music festivals during the day before returning to our gorgeous summer rentals. Historic stone houses, on-site pools, and mountain views are just a few characteristics. 

But you’re here for the music, right? We’ll walk you through this year’s best summer music festivals to plan your trip. And once you’re all worn out and can’t sing along any longer? You’ll retreat back to a Red Cottage property to unwind and indulge on your summer vacay. 

Let’s dive into our list of the best summer music festivals in Upstate NY.

Follow the Arrow Festival 

Looking for a family-friendly event where the adults can still enjoy a few cold ones? Accord’s Arrowood Farms, a local brewing company, hosts the annual Follow the Arrow Festival for all ages. Just buy a pair of noise-canceling headphones for the little ones. 

You’ll enjoy electronic-fusion beats with indie rock from names like Rubblebucket, or soulful guitar from Scott Metzger. The festival was originally started by Marco Benevento, a musician based out of Woodstock, NY. His style feels experimental and new-aged, as seen by his fusion of rock, jazz, funk, and other experimental styles — plus, he’s also a talented pianist.

• Location: Arrowood Farms, 236 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord NY 12404
• Notable Feature: Kid-friendly
• Dates: June 17, 2023

2023 Lineup

• Marco Benevento 
• Rubblebucket
• The Barr Brothers 
• Scott Metzger
• The Benevento Family Band 
• More to be announced!
  

Soulshine Festival 

Arrowood Farms hosts yet another infamous summer festival in upstate New York: the Soulshine Festival. The themes? Sustainability, freedom, and love —- with a side of human connection. The latter is what inspires the festival’s host, Michael Franti and Spearhead, philanthropic and positive tunes. Say hey, anyone?

Ring in the summer with this one-day family-friendly music festival. You can expect to listen to great music with wholesome energy while taking part in the festival’s artisan tastes and crafts. No pets allowed, though. 

• Location: Arrowood Farms, 236 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord, NY 12404
• Notable Feature: Food, crafts, and annual host Michael Franti and Spearhead
• Dates: July 1, 2023

2023 Lineup

• Michael Franti and Spearhead
• Tank and the Bangas 
• Son Little 
• The Big Takeover

Outlaw Music Festival 

While Outlaw Music Festival sets up all around the country at various locations, they’ll be stopping along the way in Bethel, New York. Venture to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts — a 16,000-seat amphitheater world famous for hosting the 1969 Woodstock festival. 

Not only is Bethel Woods Center for the Arts a stunning venue, but it’s also the site of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival. Listen to your favorite Americana, country, folk, and roots music while visiting this legendary site. We also appreciate the wide range of affordability. Since not all seats are as good as others, travelers on a budget can enjoy higher seats at a better price. 

• Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720
• Notable Feature: 1969 Woodstock nostalgia
• Dates: July 29, 2023

2023 Lineup

• Willie Nelson 
• Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
• Gov’t Mule
• Kathleen Edwards
• Particle Kid

Catskill Mountain Jubilee

Blue and purple lights, rustling creeks, and rock and roll are some common themes for the Catskill Mountain Jubilee. This year marks this festival’s third run, featuring a wide variety of genres like hip-hop, rock, and even some electronic music. You’ll see some glow-in-the-dark hula hoops here, for sure! 

This festival takes place on magnificent grounds — Blackthorne Resort, a gorgeous property nestled within the Catskill Mountains. Headliners for this fest include the American jam bands, The Disco Biscuits and Legion of Melvin ft. Karl Denson. 

• Location: Blackthorne Resort, 348 Sunside Road, East Durham, NY 
• Notable Feature: RV-friendly, camping festival under the stars
• Dates: August 10-12, 2023

2023 Lineup

• The Disco Biscuits 
• Legion of Melvin ft. Karl Denson 
• Dogs in a Pile 
• Desert Dwellers 
• Space Bacon 
• Beg, Steal, or Borrow 
• Rose Ganache 
• Eugene Tyler Band 
• The Laura Lee Band 
• Hilltop 
• Neupy Hundo 
• Leila 
• SM Ink 
• And more! 

Catbird Music Festival 

Dreamy orchestra tunes from Band of Horses and happy-feeling Lumineers are a couple of award-winning highlights for this year’s Catbird Music Festival. If you’re into Americana, rock, and soul food, this is the festival for you. 

As the sun goes down, you’ll relish natures hugs from the sweeping forest’s soft hums that echo in between performances. Award-winning names in music like Tyler Childers, The War on Drugs, and Dispatch are also in attendance. It isn’t Woodstock, but the hippie aesthetics and Volkswagen painted vans will surely bring some nostalgia! 

• Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720
• Notable Feature: Nature-centric location; one-day and two-day tickets
• Dates: August 19-20, 2023

2023 Lineup

• The Lumineers
• Tyler Childers
• Trey Anastasio Band
• The War on Drugs
• Band of Horses
• Dispatch
• Trampled by Turtles
• Charley Crockett
• Margo Price
• Amos Lee
• James Bay
• Morgan Wade
• Johnnyswim
• Celisse
• Adia Victoria
• Allison Russel
• 49 Winchester
• The Soul Rebels
• Briscoe
• Eggy
• John R. Miller
• Madeline Edwards

Cave Mountain Catskills Music Festival 

Looking to jam to indie rock, alternative, and even Grateful Dead covers? Cave Mountain Catskills Music Festival is sure to bring you back to the glory days. New in 2023, it’s being held at the Windham Mountain Resort and offers general admission (GA) tickets, VIP experiences, and contests to meet artists and get awesome merch. 

This music festival takes place in mid-September in the heart of the majestic Catskill Mountains. While you listen to some of your favorite bands, all you have to do is look behind you for an otherworldly view of the mountain landscapes. 

On the main stage, you’ll find a 90’s favorite: Weezer. Other popular names include Sheer Mag, Elijah Wood, and the warm-voiced Courtney Marie Andrews. 

• Location: 19 Resort Dr, Windham, NY 12496
• Notable Feature: Island on the sun — need we say more?
• Dates: September 15 – 16, 2023 

2023 Lineup

• Weezer
• Joe Russo’s Almost Dead 
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• Dinosaur Jr. 
• Lee Fields
• Albert Hammond Jr 
• Courtney Marie Andrews 
• Sheer Mag 
• Charlotte Rose Benjamin 
• Channing Wilson 
• Matt Sucich 
• Elijah Wolf 
• Thunderstorm Artis
• The Bones of JR Jones 

Woodsist Festival

Photo Credit: woodsistfestival

Woodsist Festival is an indie music festival that featured harpist Mary Lattimore and New Jersey rock band The Feelies, among others. The festival doesn’t have any scheduled dates for the 2023 season, but keep tabs on the website for updates. Usually, this festival takes place in late September. 

• Location: Arrowood Farms, Accord NY 
• Notable Feature: Dates are TBA

2023 Lineup

To be announced!

Looking for More Summer Festivals? 

Still haven’t found the right music festival for you? We have a few more here that you may want to look into: 

Rochester International Jazz Festival

• Location: Rochester, NY
• Dates: June 21-29, 2023

Great Blue Heron Music Festival 

• Location: Sherman, NY 
• Dates: July 5-7, 2023

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 

• Location: Oak Hill, NY 
• Dates: July 18-21, 2023

Great South Bay Music Festival 

• Location: Patchogue, NY 
• Dates: July 20-23, 2023

Borderland Festival 

• Location: East Aurora, NY
• Dates: September 21-22, 2023

Featured Image Credit: rawpixel