Local Skiing Near NYC

For an updated list of family ski resorts for 2019, check out The Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Upstate New York

Thunder Ridge Ski Area (Patterson, NY)
Just 75 minutes from NYC, Thunder Ridge features 30 trails of varying difficulty. Three-hour lessons for children ages 5-12 are offered on weekends and holidays, and in a new program aimed at the preschool-kindergarten set, little ones can learn the basics, too. Without a car? Ride the Metro-North Railroad. And on Saturdays and Sundays through March, enjoy free shuttle service between the Patterson train station and the slopes. thunderridgeski.com

Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY)
With 240 skiable acres, 11 lifts, 55 trails and nine snow-tubing chutes, this resort is an exciting and not-too-far-away option. Programs are available for children ages 4-17 in skiing and snowboarding, and daycare is available for children six months through six years. huntermtn.com

Whiteface Mountain (Lake Placid, NY)
Rated the No. 1 ski resort in the Northeast by the readers of SKI Magazine, this winter paradise encompasses the slopes used at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Adventure-loving fams can try their hands (and feet) at the Gold Medal Games Family Edition, where a few of the adrenaline-pumping activities include bobsledding and speed skating. whiteface.com

Windham Mountain (The Catskills, NY)
A local family-friendly mountain only two-and-a-halfhours from the city, Windham boasts an abundance of trails for all levels, an ice-skating rink, and a daycare program. There are also group and private lessons available for both kids and adults. Families can stay at the Winwood Inn or in condos. The resort is also home to the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center, where children and adults with disabilities can learn to ski or snowboard. windhammountain.com

Woodloch Resort (Hawley, PA)
Sitting on 1,000 acres in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Woodloch is a
four-season retreat that stays abuzz all winter long. A few of the many cold-weather activities guests can enjoy are snow tubing, ice skating and snowmobiling. Purchase a Woodloch VIP pass for quicker access to the 18 trails at neighboring Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain. woodloch.com

Ski Butternut (Great Barrington, MA)
Beginners on these Berkshire slopes can breathe easy. Three trails are designated Slow Zones, where speedy skiing is prohibited. Novices ages 4-12 can receive full- and half-day instruction on weekends and holidays. For longer-term vacations, mid-week ski-and-stay packages are a steal. skibutternut.com

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort (Hancock, MA)
This popular Berkshires resort boasts top-rated instructional programs, such as its KidsRule Mountain Camps for children ages 4-14 (there’s even a program for three-year-olds!). Little ones six months and older can enjoy indoor play in the Cub’s Den playroom while parents take to the slopes. jiminypeak.com

Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Smugglers’ Notch, VT)
Cruise any one of this award-winning ski spot’s three mountains, then trek over to the FunZone, a kid-friendly recreation center complete with an indoor playground and a mini-golf course. Condominiums come equipped with kitchens, Internet access and in-unit or nearby laundry facilities. Free lift tickets are available for kids ages 5 and under. smuggs.com

Okemo Mountain Resort (Ludlow, VT)
Head to Vermont to experience one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast. Featuring slopeside lodging (free for kids), free skiing and riding for children under six, a daycare center for children and private lessons for those as young as two, this resort is truly family-friendly. Okemo even offers Young Adult slopes for teens and a special Kids Night Out that indulges children in pizza parties, movies and fun activities while parents enjoy the slopes solo. okemo.com

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Elf the Musical

They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer. Start decking the halls, people &ndash; it's Elf The Musical! After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you&rsquo;re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic. A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award&reg; nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award&reg; nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen &ndash; known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" &ndash; as the hilarious store manager. Called &ldquo;a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show&rdquo; (Time Out), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;