cross country skiing and snowshoeing in New Jersey and Southern New York
High Point XC Ski Center (973/702-1222, www.xcskihighpoint.com) in Sussex, New Jersey is in the High Point State Park, which is the highest altitude (1,600 feet) and one of most beautiful places in the northern part of the state. For a full page of info click High Point. There are 15 km of groomed trails and snowmaking to assure the ski conditions for a longer season. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available. There are guided snowshoe tours and 8 km of snowshoe trails. From New York City take Route 80 West (points south take Route 287 North) to 23 North. CCSAA member
Plattekill Mountain in the town of Roxbury, NY has 21 km of ungroomed advanced terrain with climbing and descents. There is a $10 charge to take the alpine ski lift up the mountain to get to the trail system.Guided tours are available. This area is in south central New York, about 3 hours north of NYC.
Fahnestock Winter Park in Cold Spring, NY is off of Route 301 in Fahnestock State Park. It has 15 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. One hour from New York City in the Hudson River Valley with elevations of 1,100 feet that captures additional snow during storms. Food, restrooms, tubing, xc ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available. Fahnestock is accessible from Manhatten by Metro North Commuter train to Cold Spring and shuttle arrangements to the park must be made before arriving. CCSAA member
Williams Lake Hotel is located in Rosendale, NY. There are 15 km of groomed trails with 2 km of lighted trails on 500 acres. Ice skating, sledding and xc ski rental equipment are available. CCSAA member
The Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY less than a couple of hours north of New York City has 50 km of groomed trails. The Mohonk Mountain House offers its overnight guests, who visit this scenic location in the Shawangunk Mountains (also known as The Gunks, reputed to be a million years older than the Catskills) free use of ski and snowshoe equipment rentals. Ski about one-mile from the hotel rental shop and then climb the stone structure called the Sky Top Tower to a beautiful 360-degree vista of six neighboring states. Lessons are available. Ice skating and tubing are also available to overnight guests.