NEWSLETTER
You don’t ski. But you’re tagging along with friends and family to the mountain. Have no fear! Here are seven New York State ski resorts with amazing things to do—no skis required.
Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.
Originally published 11/20/2019
Bristol Mountain
If you want fun, adventure, and speed, just not on skis, Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures' Zipline Canopy Tour has you covered with everything you need to glide through the trees. Open year-round, this outdoor course includes 7 ziplines measuring more than 5,000 feet, four bridges, two hikes, two off-road rides and the final "leap of faith." Each tour takes approximately three hours. Take the plunge with two experienced guides who reveal the beauty of the Finger Lakes below and above the trees.
Greek Peak
Warm up at Cascades Indoor Waterpark, where a whitewater wave pool, interactive play structure, water basketball pool, and four rapid water slides will make you forget it's winter outside. For mountain views without skis, check out Fat Bikes at the Nordic Center. The wide, heavy-duty tires are built for high- or low-mountain terrain so you can cruise over snow-packed trails. Need a little TLC after that workout? Chill out or warm-up at Waterfalls Spa, where massages, facials, and nail services leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more adventure.
Holiday Valley
Wind down at the Ellicottville Oasis Spa, where you can indulge in body therapy from massages to facials. Guests of the Tamarack Club can also enjoy the indoor/outdoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and exercise room. After, stop by the Holiday Valley Mountain Shops for outerwear, technical gear, and winter accessories. Interested in exploring? A quick cab to Ellicottville lets you stroll through the village where you'll find artistic, cozy vibes throughout the local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Hunter Mountain
Want to feel the rush of the slopes without the skis? Take a thrilling ride down Hunter Mountain's nearly 1,000-foot-long tubing hill. Then hop aboard the "Magic Carpet" lift for a relaxing trip back up the hill for another exciting slide.
West Mountain
Living up to its name, Six Flags Great Escape Indoor Waterpark is your personal escape from the chilly slopes. A short drive from West Mountain, the park hosts 38,000 square feet of swirling, curling water rides at a balmy 82 degrees. Like so many great adventures, no experience is complete without a little R&R—check out Rejuvenations Spa Services down the road for massage therapy, nail, and skin care. If you find yourself missing the mountains, head back to West Mountain's Tube Park for a speedy shot down the snowy slopes.
Whiteface Mountain
Home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, non-skiers get their adrenaline rush at the Olympic Bobsled Experience, where you can plummet down the same icy tracks as the world's greatest racers. Later, experience the action first-hand at the Olympic Jumping Complex, where you can catch freestyle skiers demonstrating their skills, flips, and tricks. No jumpers? No problem—the Jumping Complex is open year-round for visitors to soak in 360-degree panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Don't forget to skate the Olympic Oval, tour the Herb Brooks Arena, and relax at the mountain spa at Whiteface Lodge.
Windham Mountain
A full-body massage, steamy shower, and yoga overlooking the serene Catskill Mountains—that's our kind of snow day. Find all of this at Windham's Alpine Spa, your slope-side retreat for peace and tranquility that includes saunas, facials, and soothing treatments. Need some fresh air? Hit up the tubing park where kids can also take part in snowmobiling.
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