The season you’ve been waiting for has begun, so it's time to break out the gear, wax those skis and boards, make your plans and secure your lift tickets. Now through March (or even April, depending on the weather), you can enjoy some of New Jersey's top ski resorts and cross-country trails.
Mountain Creek is located in Vernon, less than 50 miles from the George Washington Bridge. It features 167 acres of skiable trails on four peaks and boasts the region's highest vertical of 1,040 feet. It is also home to the area's only true All-Mountain Terrain Park at South and Vernon Peaks. The resort offers night skiing on all runs, so you can keep going well into the evening, plus 100% snowmaking coverage with 1,000 snow guns resort-wide.
While you are visiting, plan to stay over at Crystal Springs Resort, which has a host of indulgent amenities to offer. Soak those sore muscles in one of their indoor/outdoor tropical pools or get pampered with one of their spa treatments. Then dine at one of the award-winning restaurants. Be sure to visit the resort’s website before planning your trip to learn which amenities will be available during your stay.
Campgaw Mountain Ski Resort in Mahwah offers a convenient location for New Jerseyans and New Yorkers. It is the only ski resort in the state with a view of the Manhattan skyline. A premier learn-to-ski destination, the resort offers a variety of terrain for all abilities, and is the perfect place to take children just starting out. But seasoned skiers will also enjoy the black diamond and double black diamond slopes and freestyle terrain park. Campgaw is also a top spot for tubing. Due to popularity, advance online purchases are highly recommended for tubing tickets.
High Point Cross Country Ski Center is guaranteed to be the snowiest spot around, located at the northern tip of New Jersey. Here you can cross-country ski or snowshoe through an amazing landscape on one of the many trails through High Point State Park designed to fit everyone's level, from beginner to expert. Convenient ski rentals and inexpensive ticket prices make this outing easy to enjoy again and again throughout the season.
New Jersey boasts several more state parks where you can test out your cross-country skiing skills, including Palisades Interstate Park in Bergen County, Wawayanda State Park in Passaic County, South Mountain Reservation in Essex County and Lewis Morris County Park in Morris County.
Embrace the season and head out to the state’s wonderful winter hotspots to carve some serious powder and crisscross the cross-country trails. New Jersey offers a wide range of accommodations to choose from near each destination, so extending your visit and gearing up for the next day's adventure is easier than ever.
