A real winter getaway just 2 hours from Manhattan. Ski or don’t ski. Still worth it.
Written in 2025. Updated for 2026.
Did you know you can actually go skiing in New York?
If you live in NYC and want a true winter escape without across the country, Hunter Mountain is one of the easiest and most rewarding weekend getaways near the city. Just about 2 hours from Manhattan, it’s close enough to visit often and far enough to fully reset.
Before moving to New York, Luca and I lived in Milan, Italy. We spent years skiing in the Alps. We even got married on the slopes. In the photo below, we were literally about to hang a “just married” sign on a chairlift.
So when we moved to NYC, we knew one thing for sure. We had to find a ski resort near New York City.
That’s how Hunter Mountain became part of our life.
Luca has been teaching skiing here for over 10 years, and this is also where we found our Upstate New York home, featured on HGTV.
I love New York City’s pulsing energy, the chaos of its streets, and even the endless hustle. However, I honestly believe I can live NYC to the fullest because I know exactly where to escape for a cozy winter reset when I need it – and we enjoy our home in Tannersville, NY all year round!
If you’re planning
• a ski weekend near NYC
• a non-ski winter escape
• a romantic getaway
• or a simple weekend to recharge
this guide will show you how to experience Hunter Mountain like a local. From where to stay to what to do on and off the slopes, plus practical tips to make the most of a winter getaway without flying. 😎
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Why Hunter Mountain Is One of the Best Winter Getaways Near NYC
If you’ve ever wondered where New Yorkers go skiing without flying, this is it.
Hunter Mountain is one of the closest ski resorts to NYC, sitting just about 2 hours from Manhattan. That alone makes it special. What truly sets it apart is how easy it is to turn a simple weekend into a full winter reset… this is the kind of place you can visit again and again.
Hunter Mountain works so well for NYC, New Jersey, and Connecticut locals because It meets everyone where they are. It’s great for beginners and casual skiers, while advances skiers (like Luca) can practice their skills and and fine-tune their technique on the slopes. And it’s just as enjoyable if you don’t ski at all!
Yes, the West Coast is incredible and the Alps are magical, but you can’t do those every weekend – LOL
Hunter Mountain lets you experience real winter energy in New York State, without the stress, cost, or heavy planning that usually comes with a ski trip.
If you’re craving snow, nature, and cozy vibes, Hunter Mountain one of the best winter weekend getaways near NYC. And that’s exactly why so many New Yorkers keep coming back.
Skiing at Hunter Mountain. What to Expect for Beginners and Advanced Skiers
Hunter Mountain offers every type of terrain, from absolute beginner slopes to steep double black diamonds.
That range is one of its biggest strengths.
It’s also one of the larger mountains (and without a doubt the most challenging ski terrain) you can find this close to New York City.
Because of that, Hunter has a strong and loyal skiing community. Many skiers come here to enjoy a weekend on the slopes and to fine-tune their skills close to home.
Another big plus: Hunter Mountain is part of the Epic Pass, which makes it a favorite for skiers who want to train and warm up locally before heading out West for a bigger ski trip.
It’s the perfect mountain if you’re just starting out and if you’re actively pushing your limits – all without leaving New York State.
Local Tip:
❄️ Plan your visit on a weekday or outside of peak holidays for a smoother experience.
🎿 Book a ski lesson to skip the crowds and level up your skills. You can even request a private lesson with “my Luca” asking for him specifically when you book your lesson here.
Is Hunter Mountain Worth Visiting If You Don’t Ski
Absolutely. Hunter Mountain works just as well even if you never put skis on.
The setting alone makes it worth the trip. Snowy mountains, fresh air, and that quiet Upstate NY feeling you don’t get in the city. It’s the kind of place where slowing down happens naturally, and winter magic feels effortless.
You can enjoy cozy mornings, reset without an agenda, soak in winter views, or fill your days with experiences like these:
1. Snow Tubing
It’s one of the largest tubing parks in New York, with runs nearly 1,000 feet long.
Local Tip: tickets sell out quickly. Purchase yours online in advance to secure your spot.
📍Located at the base of the Kaatskill Mountain Club Hotel.
🗓️ Open through March 15, 2026
🕒 12pm- 7pm.
🎟️ Starting at $42 (single tube) or $63 (double tube) for 2 hours.
👶 Height 42″+ (single tube), 36-44″ (double tube, must ride with an adult).
2. Kaaterskill Falls Hike
A snowy landscape that feels straight out of a winter fairytale. When the falls freeze, the ice formations create an ethereal, sparkling display.
⚠️ Wear proper snow or hiking shoes. The trail can get slippery.
3. Have Fun While Working Out
🧘 Take a Yoga or Pilates class at:
📍Studios On Main, 6045 Main St, Tannersville- $25 per person
📍Scribner’s Lodge – Every Saturday, 9-10 AM (complimentary for guests, $25 for community guests)
⛸️ Ice skate at Scribner’s Glice Rink
🕒 Mon-Thur: 3 PM to 6:30 PM. Fri-Sun: 11 AM to 7 PM
🎟️ Lodge Guests: Free. Community Guests: $5 Mon-Thur / $10 Fri-Sun & holidays – Admission includes skate rentals and an hour-long skate time
🧖♀️Indulge in a spa treatment at Serenity Skincare
🛍️ Stroll through Tannersville: explore local shops, cafés, and restaurants along Main Street. Some of my favorites include Tannersville Works, Tannersville Antique & Artisanal Center, and Catskills Candle Studio.
How to Get to Hunter Mountain From NYC
One of the reasons Hunter Mountain is such an easy winter getaway is that it’s only about two hours from NYC by car, with breathtaking scenic views along the way, including Kaaterskill Falls.
Driving from NYC
Driving is the easiest and most convenient option.
• About 2 hours from Manhattan
• Mostly highway driving, with only the last 20 minutes on scenic local roads
• Perfect if you also want to explore nearby towns
• The best option for a weekend or longer escape from NYC
🚙 Need a rental? I recommend Discover Cars – they offer great customer service and a price comparison tool that can help you save up to 70%.
Getting to Hunter Mountain Without a Car
🚌 Prefer not to drive? You can still visit Hunter Mountain without a car.
You can hop on one Hunter Mountain bus from NYC, spend the day on the slopes, and be back in the city in time for a late dinner. The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes.
– Megabus: Provides service with the earliest bus departing at 8:30 AM, with one-way fares starting from $47
– OvRride (that’s how Luca and I spent our first weekend on the slopes when we first moved to NYC): Specializes in ski day trips, offering packages that include round-trip transportation and lift tickets. Prices vary, with bus-only rides starting at $109.95.
Pro Tip: Book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak ski season, to ensure availability.
Where to Stay near Hunter Mountain
If you’re staying overnight, you’ll find luxury, charming, and budget-friendly options all around Hunter Mountain.
Kaatskill Mountain Club (Ski-In, Ski-Out Convenience)
Before buying our home, Luca and I stayed at Kaatskill Mountain Club at Hunter Mountain, and it’s hard to beat the location, right next to the slopes. I personally loved their heated pool and hot tubs, gym, and cozy rooms with fireplaces and full kitchens.
If being steps from the mountain matters to you, this is a very solid choice, especially for a one-night stay without a car.
Kaatskill Mountain Club
Ski-in, ski-out at Hunter Mountain.
A classic mountain stay with cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, and a heated pool and hot tubs for après-ski downtime.
Perfect for: skiers who want to be steps from the slopes and keep things easy.
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
As part of the Toyota Winter Escape press trip, I stayed for the first time at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge… and I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT!
Stylish and cozy boutique hotel with 38 guest rooms and 11 luxury cabins, and just a 3-minute drive from Hunter Mountain, this is the spot to stay if you want a beautiful, elevated experience.
My friend Gosia and I stayed in one of the Rounds, fairytale-like cabins perched above the main lodge, and honestly, I still dream about it.
Why it’s special:
• Laid-back yet super chic vibe
• Tons of natural light
• Private outdoor hot tubs
• Fire pit moments
• Stargazing through the skylight
These cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway or if you want to seriously impress your date ❣️
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
A boutique Catskills lodge with cozy-chic vibes, private hot tub options, fire pits, and dreamy cabins perched above the trees. Just minutes from Hunter Mountain.
Perfect for: romantic getaways, slow weekends, and impressing your date.
Eat at Scribner’s
(Even If You’re Not Staying Here)
The on-site restaurant, Prospect, needs to be in your radar regardless.
The food is simply DIVINE!!!! From breakfast to dinner, they serve New American dishes inspired by local purveyors and produce from their on-property garden.
Bonus points
• Excellent wine list
• Creative cocktails
• Cozy bar vibes
Scribner’s Lodge Amenities ✨
• The Apex Lounge (Rounds area) with fireplace, coffee and tea station, plus an outdoor s’mores setup
• The Library inside the main lodge, with a circular fireplace, books, billiards table, and a cozy co-working space
• Outdoor Barrel Sauna, by the main Lodge, seating up to 6 people. Complimentary for guests (reservation required)
• Glice’ Rink, complimentary for guests, including skate rentals
• Seasonal pool (summer)
• Saturday morning wellness classes
Other Options:
There are also plenty of great Booking.com and Vrbo options nearby. I’m currently planning to check out a few more (Hotel Lilien is at the top of my list) and I’ll update this section soon 🤗
Must-try Local Eats – A True Insider’s Guide
Hungry? In the mood for something special? Here are a few local favorites tthat truly elevate a weekend getaway from NYC.
🍳 Pantry on Main, Tannersville
This family-owned gem serves DELICIOUS breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch.
Open Thursday through Monday with dine-in and takeout options (including gluten-free!). They also offer specialty groceries and catering.
I love trying something new every time, however, their eggs, falafel, and French fries never disappoint!
🧀 Last Chance Antiques & Cheese, Tannersville
Cozy atmosphere, rustic vibes, and that old-school grocery store charm, wrapped candies included!!!
The menu has a mix of burgers, steaks, and a fantastic cheese selection. Their cheese fondue is a must in winter, and they also do a chocolate fondue if you’re in the mood for something extra cozy and indulgent.
I usually start with their onion soup (so good!) and potato knish, then fully commit with the Brownie Sundae (3,000 calories, give or take – LOL).
🍰 Shandaken Bake Pastry Shop, Tannersville
Craig’s freshly baked pastries are simply IRRESISTIBLE… a little slice of heaven!
This charming pastry shop is all about nostalgia, and the interior brings to life a dream Craig sketched, imagined, and refined for over 20 years before turning it into reality.
Some of our favorites (Luca is a big fan too!)
• Chocolate pudding
• “Chubby squirrel”
• Key lime pie
Open Thursday 3–6 PM, and Saturday & Sunday 10 AM–2 PM.
Go early. People line up before opening, and the best items sell out fast..
🥖 Fellow Mountain Café, Hunter
Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM, serving breakfast and lunch with locally sourced ingredients and artisanal coffee from Peaks Coffee Co.
I’m still in awe of their focaccia: soft yet crispy, rich in olive oil. Italian-approved 🇮🇹
…the secret? Angelo Santelli is a third-generation baker – with Italian roots!!!
Pro Tip: On Saturdays they host an Après Ski menu from 2:30-5:30 PM.
👨🍳Prospect at Scribner’s
This hidden gem at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge takes New American cuisine to a whole new level.
Owned by the same team as Fellow Mountain Café (yes, you can taste the Fellow’s sourdough here too!).
Prospect blends rustic charm with a modern twist, offering a menu that celebrates seasonal, locally inspired ingredients. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted… even their winter salad (with kale, arugula, baby red oak lettuce, prosciutto, black berry, plums, red wine pears, gorgonzola, candied pepitas, and peach yuzu dressing) is unforgettable!
And if you comefor breakfast, make sure to order their pancakes!!! The ambience is both intimate and lively, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed après-ski meal with friends.
Chef Alejandro, originally from Puebla, Mexico, previously worked at Cocina Hermanos Torres, a prestigious restaurant in Barcelona and was part of the team when it earned its third Michelin star. He knows exactly what he’s doing.
🥕 La Tabla, Tannersville
I have mixed feelings about this one. La Tabla serves delicious food that’s loved by many, but be prepared for a few service quirks.
The restaurant focuses on Mediterranean and Italian-inspired small plates with local Upstate NY ingredients. We went once to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and unfortunately, the experience didn’t match the price tag. The flavors were amazing, though the service definitely needed work…
That said, we’re absolutely willing to give it a second chance, and we’ll report back 🤍
What to Pack for Your Winter Escape
Layers, layers, layers! Catskills weather is as unpredictable as NYC traffic, so packing smart will absolutely make your weekend easier.
Here’s the short list I always bring, and for my full winter essentials, check out my NYC winter must-haves guide:
- Undies + bras + sport bra
- Thermal base layers (shirt, leggings, long sleeves)
- Snow pants + waterproof jacket… I’d totally recommend this heated vest! GAME CHANGER!
- Warm tights + socks
- Cozy sweaters + warm pants + sweatpants
- Yoga/Pilates/Workout outfit
- Bathing suit
- Hand warmers + toe warmers
- Sturdy boots (good for slopes and winter walks)
- Gloves, hats, and goggles
🎿 If you’re skiing:
• Skis or snowboard
• Boots
• Helmet
• Ski socks
🚰 Don’t forget: Snacks + refillable water bottle!
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Hunter Mountain
There’s something truly special about Hunter Mountain that goes beyond the slopes and cozy lodges. It’s about reconnecting with nature, slowing down, and recharging your soul.
For New Yorkers, it’s a chance to step away from the chaos, breathe in crisp mountain air, and savor the beauty of winter – without getting on a plane. Every trip here leaves me feeling refreshed, recharged, and inspired.
Hit the slopes or unwind by the fire, Hunter Mountain delivers that real winter escape we all crave.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and plan a weekend you’ll want to repeat!
❄️ See you in the mountains! Ciaooo!!! ⛷️
