This state is home to the most ski resorts in the United States

New York is home to one of the world’s most well-known cities, vastly diverse landscapes, and several famous landmarks, but you’d probably never guess that it is also home to the highest number of ski resorts in the entire country — more than the number of states, in fact. But with 52 ski resorts of all shapes and sizes, New York proudly wears that badge of honor. 

 From the Hudson Valley and the Catskills to the Adirondack Mountains and the Western Chautauqua-Allegheny region, much of New York State’s 54,555 square miles transform into a winter wonderland for several months. Thanks to lake-effect snow, the Empire State receives some of the highest snow totals in the nation.

There’s a skiing and snowboarding area for every skill level, with everything from well-known destination resorts to smaller, off-the-beaten-path community ski hills and Nordic trails.

Whiteface Mountain, the Adirondack Mountains

Ski like an Olympian at one of New York State’s most famous mountains: Whiteface. A behemoth situated in the Adirondacks just north of Lake Placid, this is a town made famous by hosting the Olympics not once, but twice (1932 and 1980). Whiteface Mountain served as the ski competition site for the latter winter. It also has the greatest vertical east of the Rockies, at 3,430 feet.

With 96 total trails that span over 25 miles and three peaks, the mountain caters to beginners through advanced skiers and riders; however, it is best known for its challenging runs and being a training ground for several medal-placing athletes. Nicknamed “Iceface” for the notoriously icy conditions, it's also a classic East Coast skiing destination.

The ski season is long in the northern Adirondacks; it has even stretched into early May at Whiteface.

Plattekill Mountain, the Catskills

The family-run Plattekill Mountain in the western Catskills is one of four in the area, but it has something the others don’t: old-school charm. The mountain also has an all-around appeal for families, beginners, and experts looking to challenge themselves on one of the exhilarating black diamond runs. This resort is for weekenders, though, as it is only open Friday-Sunday and holidays.

With the fresh addition of “Whiskey’s Way,” Plattekill now has 41 trails this season, the highest with a vertical drop of 1,100 feet. Want to hit the slopes on a weekday? No problem — you can rent the entire mountain and zip down the trails with only your favorite ski or board buddies. Whether you choose to visit Plattekill Mountain publicly or privately, take time to enjoy the on-site The Blockbuster Bar. Plan ahead and make sure to visit on specific Saturdays, when you can sample local beers during brewery visits. 

(Related: The best places in the world to go see some snow.)

Holiday Valley, Chautauqua-Allegheny

Western New York’s go-to spot for skiing, snowboarding, and general recreation is Holiday Valley, located in Ellicottville, just south of Buffalo. It is also one of the beneficiaries of abundant lake-effect snowfall. Opened in 1958 by a trio of friends who sold stock shares from a card table in the parking lot, Holiday Valley’s humble start landed them with four slopes and a T-bar.

These days, the mountain has 60 trails with 13 lifts, a vertical drop of 750 feet, three base lodges, and a slew of amenities, including a golf course and a mountain coaster. Lessons, night skiing, cross-country skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing are some of the other offerings, and with the wide range of runs for every skill level, it’s a well-rounded ski destination for all.

In addition to indulging in après-ski activities at one of the on-site lodges, it’s worth a stop into Ellicottville where you’ll be sure to find live music.

Oak Mountain, the Adirondacks

Situated in the charming town of Speculator, Oak Mountain has been the resident winter playground since 1948. With 22 trails, 4 lifts, and a vertical drop of 650 feet, as well as snowshoeing and tubing, this small, hometown mountain gets approximately 120 inches of snow a year. Typically open Friday-Sunday, Oak Mountain is another destination that groups can rent out on the off-days for private use.

Each March, the end-of-the-season "Pondskimming" event draws crowds for a fun-filled day with competitions involving whizzing down the ski hill across a frigid pond, in costume; the more ridiculous the better. Trophies are awarded for various categories, including “best splash” and “best costume," among others.

Woods Valley Ski Area, Central New York

Ski, snowboard, and tube into the night at Woods Valley Ski Area in Westernville, New York. With an extensive live music schedule, après-ski entertainment abounds in the lodge multiple times a week. Opened in 1964 with grooming done manually by owner Dave Woods using a handcrafted roller, Woods Valley Ski Area has come a long way.

Today, 21 trails and a 500-foot vertical serve as the area’s winter playing field. Additionally, a fantastic bunny hill complete with a “wonder carpet” for beginners in the Learning Zone is a huge family draw. From the top, skiers and boarders can soak up views of Delta Lake in the nearby state park. When you're done skiing, or in between runs, pop into the lodge for a drink and tunes at Tap Room 46; you’ll be tapping your boots in no time.

Mount Peter, Hudson Valley

As the oldest operating ski area in the state, Mount Peter had a less-than-ordinary start. Fueled by fashion, Mount Peter was created by Macy’s, Inc. in 1936 as a marketing tactic to sell their ski clothing by sparking a passion for winter.

Today, Mount Peter is still going strong and remains one of the few family-run ski areas in the state. At just an hour drive north of Manhattan, it’s an easy skiing escape for city dwellers and an ideal spot for beginners thanks to its free ski and snowboard school.

Ski or snowboard on their 13 groomed trails, including a 400-foot vertical drop, and hit up the 600-foot tubing run. Post skiing, warm up at Pete’s Pub with a bowl of their famous chili and grab a brew to cheers to a fun day.

(Related: Want to learn how to ski? Let an Olympian teach you.)