Beginner's Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding in New York State

Mountains of fun await on a ski adventure in New York State! Have you been dreaming of skiing down snowy slopes but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! The Empire State’s 50+ ski areas (the most of any other state in the country) are sure to provide a fun yet comfortable experience for first-timers of all ages. From picking the perfect mountain to dressing for the slopes to taking lessons from the pros, here’s your guide to skiing and snowboarding in the Empire State.

Choose a ski area

Did you know that New York has the most ski areas of any other state in the country? If you’re just starting out, you’re spoiled for choice! New York is home to 52 spectacular ski resorts, including many beginner-friendly areas that feature a variety of trail levels, lessons geared towards newbies, special beginner packages, and more. Mt. Peter Ski Area in the Hudson Valley is perfect if you’re looking to learn from pros with a beginner ski and snowboard school offering free lessons and an updated snowbasin learning center, plus six beginner trails. Holiday Valley (pictured) in Ellicottville is rated one of the best family-friendly resorts in the east by Ski Magazine, offers private and group lessons, and a plethora of trails, 34% of which are beginner. In the Finger Lakes, Greek Peak Resort sports 56 trails (36% are beginner) and a first-timer program called Intro2Snow, where you’ll learn from experienced coaches. For more ski resort info, visit the Ski NY website.

Sign up for lessons and learn the basics

If it’s your first time on the slopes or you’ve only skied a few times, the best way to learn is from the pros! Most ski mountains offer group, private one-on-one, and adaptive skiing lessons. Be sure to reserve a spot well in advance as lessons tend to fill up quickly. During your lesson, you’ll learn basic techniques such as your ski/snowboard stance, how to stop, get up from a fall, turn, load a lift, side step, and more. Check out the PSIA How-to videos for more beginner ski and snowboard techniques. Family-owned and operated Plattekill Mountain in Catskills offers personalized instruction through private and group lessons and you’ll get 10% off rental gear when booking. The Adirondacks’ mighty Whiteface Mountain has the greatest vertical east of the Rockies and has group lessons specifically for adults and teens (13+), plus cub camp for little ones aged 4-6.

Adaptive skiing

Skiing is for everyone and all abilities! Throughout the state, you’ll find that many ski areas offer robust adaptive snowsport programs that include expert instruction, equipment rentals or loans, and enthusiastic support. Since 1984, Windham Mountain Club in the Catskills has been home to the Adaptive Snowsports Foundation, considered to be one of the top adaptive sports programs in the country. This highly-recognized program teaches adults and children with cognitive or physical disabilities (age 5 and older), from first-timers to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Greek Peak Resort in Cortland has a fully-accessible Adaptive Snowsports Building for its Adaptive Snowsports Program, where those ages 6 and up with disabilities can learn to downhill ski, snowboard, or mono-ski. Greek Peak also offers reduced price lift tickets during their Sunday programs. Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks has some of the most ski-able terrain in the east and has an adaptive program that offers private one-on-one ski and snowboard lessons for those who are hearing or visually impaired and/or have developmental or physical disabilities. Photo credit: @adaptive_sports_foundation on Instagram

Dress for the slopes

An amazing day on the mountain starts with dressing properly for slopeside conditions. Temperatures can change quickly as you move higher or lower on the mountain, so you’ll want to dress in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, such as thermal wear made from synthetic materials or merino wool. Avoid cotton as it tends to absorb sweat and can make you colder. Your mid layer should provide insulation, so try a fleece jacket or down sweater to retain body heat. The outer layer protects you from the elements like wind, snow, and moisture. Stay dry with a breathable, waterproof jacket and pants. Be sure to also add in waterproof gloves or mittens and a neck gaiter or scarf.

Get your gear

Gear up for a great day on the slopes! If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, renting is the best way to try out equipment and find what works best for you. Equipment rentals are available at most ski centers and experienced staff are always on deck to help you choose the right gear. Here’s a list of some equipment you may need:

Skis or snowboard
Ski/snowboard boots
Poles (for skiers)
Helmet
Goggles
Wrist guards (for snowboarders)
Ski lock

Carol Forshay

Safety and signage

Stay safe on the mountain! Following rules and signage ensures that you keep yourself and other skiers safe on the slopes. Be sure to visit the Ski NY website to review the Ski NY Mountain Safety Guide, NYS Ski code, and Skier Responsibility code. Here are a few rules to remember before getting out there:

Color-shape rating system. Ski resorts mark trail difficulty using a color-shape rating system.
- Green circle (easiest)
- Blue square (intermediate)
- Black Diamond (advanced)
- Double Black Diamond (expert and experienced)
Stay in control. Be sure to know how to turn and stop to avoid other people or objects and use appropriate level trails.
People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to move around them.
If you need to stop, do so in a safe place. Pull off to the side of the trail and avoid stopping where you obstruct a trail or aren’t visible from above.
Stick to marked trails. Avoid restricted areas to protect yourself and the mountain’s natural habitat.

Tips, tricks, and nice-to-knows

Set yourself up for success! Guarantee an amazing ski adventure that everyone will remember with these tips and tricks:

SKI NY Kids Ski Free Program: Make family memories on the mountain without breaking the bank! Apply for a SKI NY Free for kids program passport, where third, fourth, and now fifth graders can ski for free at more than 30 resorts with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Check weather reports: Weather can change frequently on the mountain and can affect road conditions. Check iskiny.com for mountain statuses, snow reports, and ski and stay information beforehand.
Sunscreen: UV rays can be strong even on cold and cloudy days! Be sure to put on sports/waterproof sunscreen before hitting the slopes.
SPF lip balm: It can get windy up on the trails. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and wind.
Hand warmers: On particularly cold days you may want to bring hand warmers to keep in your pockets or gloves.
Bring a trail map: Always be sure to grab a trail map to keep in your pocket before navigating the slopes.
Pack a change of clothes: You may want to pack extra clothes incase of weather changes or to change into for the ride home.

Choose how you aprés-ski

Make your ski adventure a ski weekend! After a day on the slopes, warm up, wind down, and aprés-ski at resorts, nearby restaurants, breweries and wineries, spas, and more throughout the state. Windham Mountain Club is home to several slopeside dining options ranging from casual bites to gourmet cuisine, including freshly-prepared sushi at Okami, Mediterranean dishes at Seasons, and more. Plus, you’re in a prime location to explore the Catskills’ amazing breweries like West Kill Brewing. Spend a day on the Peek ‘n Peak slopes in Clymer and after relax and rejuvenate at the spa with a luxurious facial, massage, or infrared sauna session, or grab a bite and a brew from one of the eight on-site restaurants. You’re also nestled in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country home to wineries like Noble and Sparkling Ponds wineries. Greek Peak Ski Resort in the Finger Lakes has something for aprés-skiers of all ages with a year-round indoor waterpark, lush spa, several tasty dining options for every occasion, and a cozy lodge.

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