My Day Off

From a late-night dive bar to an early morning bakery, museum, park, or pit-stop, our favorite celebrities and personalities reflect on why they love the city they’re in the most.

My Day Off: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Paige DeSorbo’s Day Off in Denver Is Spent Giggling About Spicy Margaritas and Chocolate Cake 

Atlanta

Vadim 777/Shutterstock

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Georgia is home to more than 50 state parks, nine National Wildlife Refuges, one state forest, and (potentially) the country’s newest national park, meaning there’s a whole lot of beautiful places in our state.

Add the Most Beautiful Places in Georgia to Your Bucket List ASAP

We're Out Here: Travel Ideas for LGBTQ+ Pride & Adventure

Miami

Fi'lia Restaurant

Drink

Live in Miami long enough, and you get immune to drink price sticker shock.

Score Cheap Drinks at the Best Happy Hours in Miami

Denver

Pride

Join us in our celebration of the queer community and learn how to support those near you this month.

Thrillist Pride Month: How to Celebrate Pride Month This Year in Your City

James Michael Thomas/Flickr

Walk, Run, Roll, or Sashay Into Denver’s PrideFest

Nation

Gossip Grill

This may seem like a silly question—especially for those of us who clutched our IDs, breathlessly counting down the hours until we turned 21—but what is the function of a bar?

Touring Every Last Lesbian Bar in the U.S. with ‘Moby Dyke’ Author Krista Burton

Mike Liu/Shutterstock

Why French Polynesia Is a Queer Honeymoon Sleeper Hit

Photo courtesy of The Outdoorist Oath

As most franchise films and fitness magazine covers would have you believe, nature is a place primarily occupied by heteronormative white people with six-pack abs and plenty of money to afford the latest overpriced hiking gear.

Meet the Adventure Group Making the Outdoors Inclusive as Hell

New York

Los Angeles

Photo by Lanna Apisukh for Thrillist

In 1980, there were 200 lesbian bars across the country.

Lesbian Bars Are Popping Up and Popping Off in NYC and LA

Hurawalhi Maldives

Coming off the heels (err, tails) of The Little Mermaid’s global success, we have the sudden desire to experience what it’s like to live—or at least to dine—under the sea.

11 Underwater Restaurants to Channel Your Inner Mermaid

New Orleans

Dallas

Austin

Houston

Photos courtesy of Oilcan Harry's, Atlanta Eagle, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile

NYC’s Stonewall, The Black Cat in Los Angeles, the world’s first official transgender district in San Francisco—these are the pillars of LGBTQ+ history that most recognize.

Learn the Queer History of These Southern Landmarks

Boston

Michael Moloney/Shutterstcok

Events

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Pride Month!

The Boston Pride Parade Is Back After a 3-Year Hiatus

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain is nestled within the picturesque Little Gap Valley amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the neighboring Pocono Mountains. Close to home, so you can join us just about any day of the year...

United States

Blue Mountain

This complete guide to the best ski resorts and destinations near NYC will help you make the most of winter whether you're hitting the slopes or looking for some family fun.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Upstate New York and New England in general are known for their top tier slopes, amenities, and lodgings—so whether you’re a budding newbie or avid enthusiast, rest assured that there’s a picturesque winter landscape nearby to&nbsp;your&nbsp;liking that’s prime for snow-capped getaways. 
 
When you’re in the mood to trade out sludgy NYC sidewalks for the sickest pow, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest spots for winter sport exhilaration that’s both family-friendly and ideal for a city escape with your crew. From alpine and freestyle to night skiing and snowboarding, here’s our guide to the 13 best ski resorts near NYC.

Upstate New York and New England in general are known for their top tier slopes, amenities, and lodgings—so whether you’re a budding newbie or avid enthusiast, rest assured that there’s a picturesque winter landscape nearby to&nbsp;your&nbsp;liking that’s prime for snow-capped getaways.

When you’re in the mood to trade out sludgy NYC sidewalks for the sickest pow, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest spots for winter sport exhilaration that’s both family-friendly and ideal for a city escape with your crew. From alpine and freestyle to night skiing and snowboarding, here’s our guide to the 13 best ski resorts near NYC.

Upstate New York and New England in general are known for their top tier slopes, amenities, and lodgings—so whether you’re a budding newbie or avid enthusiast, rest assured that there’s a picturesque winter landscape nearby to&nbsp;your&nbsp;liking that’s prime for snow-capped getaways.When you’re in the mood to trade out sludgy NYC sidewalks for the sickest pow, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest spots for winter sport exhilaration that’s both family-friendly and ideal for a city escape with your crew. From alpine and freestyle to night skiing and snowboarding, here’s our guide to the 13 best ski resorts near NYC.

Located in the Poconos and near the Appalachian Trail, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluemtresort/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Blue Mountain</a> boasts the state’s highest vertical drop at 1,082 feet, in addition to 40 trails across 171 skiable acres. Go for fully lit night skiing trails with LED lights and the resort’s snow tubing park—featuring the longest, fastest lanes in Pennsylvania—with 46 lanes, all of which are serviced by three carpet lifts. Beginner lessons for skiing and snowboarding are available through the onsite Learning Center. Afterwards, grab a bite at the Slopeside Pub &amp; Grill via its indoor and outdoor dining options and live music throughout the week. Where to eat and drink: <a href="https://www.skibluemt.com/dining-lodging/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Blue Mountain Resort Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 30 minutes

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/belleayre/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Belleayre</a> debuted in the Catskills in 1949 with five trails and New York’s first chairlift: Today, it encompasses 63 trails, parks, and glades along with eight lifts across 175 skiable acres, including cross country trails. A ride on the Catskill Thunder gondola provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Catskill Forest Preserve and the chance to capture photos of the regional wildlife and landscape. Belleayre also expanded its Discovery Lodge and has an outdoor heated patio space complete with fire pits and outdoor seating. Known for its laid-back vibes and beginner-friendly topography, sustainability remains an important initiative with the addition of more energy-efficient compressors, repurposed benches from old lift chairs, LED lighting, and upgrades to their snowmaking systems. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.belleayre.com/plan-your-visit/shops-and-services/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Belleayre Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 3 hours

Belleayre Mountain

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

The region’s only ski-in/ski-out resort, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camelbacklodge/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Camelback Resort</a> is set in the picturesque Pocono Mountains, with 39 trails over 166 skiable acres. Alongside Aquatopia, an immersive, indoor year-round water park experience, the property is also home to America’s largest snow tubing park (complete with disco lights and music), where tubers can access 42 fast-lightning lanes and two magic carpet lifts. The Sunbowl quad lift transports visitors from the mountain to the village for lessons at the Ski &amp; Ride Academy, where pros teach skiers of all ages and levels. Rounding out the experience are luxury guest suites; dining options, which in addition to three ski-in/ski-out restaurants, include an Italian steakhouse, brasserie, and food truck tacos; a multi-level arcade; and fitness facility. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.camelbackresort.com/poconos-restaurants-bars/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Camelback Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 2 hours

Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark

Camelback Resort

Camelback Mountain Resort

Stunning views of the Adirondacks are the backdrop to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goremountain/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Gore Mountain</a>. High-speed quads provide access to all four of its peaks and Straight Brook Valley and the latest addition to the property, called the Backwoods trail, gives guests a 60-foot-wide intermediate-rated adventure for further family-friendly exploration. Additionally, there’s twilight skiing; a cross-country trail network of 11 piste (groomed) loops; and snowshoeing adventures through the “largest marble-cave entrance in the East.” Gore also expanded its snowmaking capacity with higher-efficiency snow guns and energy-saving compressors, improved terrains to give beginner and novice skiers a smoother ride, and implemented snowmaking upgrades in anticipation of its hosting the Winter World University Games in 2023—all in addition to being home to the longest glades in the East. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://goremountain.com/plan-your-visit/area-dining/?cb-orda_business_type%5B%5D=area-dining" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Gore Mountain Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain Ski

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntermountain/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Hunter Mountain</a> has been celebrated for a trio of<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_Mountain_(ski_area)" target="_blank"> firsts</a> since it opened in the 1950s: the first skiing spot in New York to install snowmaking, the first in the world to feature both top-to-bottom snowmaking, and the first to have 100% coverage of the mountain. Spanning 320-skiable acres in the glorious Northern Catskill Mountains, Hunter Mountain has 67 trails, 13 lifts, and a vertical drop of over 1,600 feet. Its<a href="https://www.epicpass.com/Benefits/EpicMix" target="_blank"> EpicMix app</a> gives visitors entry and priority access at 34 affiliated Vail Resorts (which owns Hunter) in the United States, with multiple properties included within the Northeast. The snow tubing park offers plenty of family-friendly fun—with thousand-foot lanes, a fire pit, snack bar, and kid-friendly magic carpet lifts. With four mountains, three freestyle terrain parks and snowboarding, lessons at every skill level, plus a day lodge and plenty of dining options, there are endless adventures for first-timers and seasoned experts alike. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huntermtn.com/explore-the-resort/during-your-stay/dining.aspx" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Hunter Mountain Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 3 hours

Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain Ski Resort

A truly remarkable feat,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jiminypeak/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Jiminy Peak</a>—the first mountain resort in the U.S. to have installed a wind turbine—now receives 100% of its electricity from renewable sources like alternative wind power. Its green efforts also extend to hundreds of energy-efficient snow guns, LED lights to guide skiers on night trails, and electric car charging stations. With 45 trails and nine lifts, Jiminy Peak is among the largest of New England’s ski resorts, with a vertical drop of 1,150 feet. Lessons are available for skiers at all levels; snowshoeing trails for six miles; and mountain coaster off-ski rides to twist and turn through a 3,600 foot pathway—all amid the gorgeous scenery of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/new-york/things-to-do-in-the-berkshires-massachusetts" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Berkshires</a>. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jiminypeak.com/The-Mountain/Shopping-Dining/Dining" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Jiminy Peak Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Jiminy Peak

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

Jiminy Peak Ski Resort

Thrill-seekers may have met their match at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Killington Resort</a>—a self-proclaimed “beast” of adventure for skiers and snowboarders—the largest in the Eastern U.S. Featuring 155 trails (with the highest vertical drop exceeding 3,000 feet) spread over more than 1,500 skiable acres, Killington helps visitors zip around the massive resort with the help of 21 lifts and three gondolas. Other attractions include: freestyle riding through log rails and rainbow trees in The Stash terrain park; taking a Meet the Mountains guided tour (with well over a thousand acres to explore); and tubing. Additional amenities include a bubble-enclosed ski lift, improved snowmaking, and terrain enhancements to give skiers a smoother ride. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.killington.com/things-to-do/dining-apres/resort-dining" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Killington Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 5 hours

Killington Resort

Killington Ski Resort

With more than seven decades of operation under their belt,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mohawkmtn/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mohawk Mountain</a> gives skiers the chance to explore a diverse range of wooded and open downhill runs—offering the state’s most trails at 26 (including 16 night trails), biggest vertical drop (at 650 feet), and eight lifts. Situated on 350 acres in northwestern Connecticut, there are cross-country trails for snowshoeing along with snow tubing, a recent addition. Mohawk Mountain also expanded its lodge to accommodate increased physical distancing measures, added an&nbsp;<a href="https://food.mohawkmtn.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">app-based</a> food ordering system to better serve visitors, and made pass pickup easier through their new automated stations. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mohawkmtn.com/attractions/area-dining/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mohawk Mountain Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 3 hours

Mohawk Mtn Ski Area

Mohawk Mountain

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area

Open since 1954 and as a preferred locale by New Yorkers and Bostonians alike, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountsnow/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mount Snow</a> spans four mountains over 600 acres with more than 80 trails and 19 lifts. Home to the only all-park mountain face in the East, the 100-acre Carinthia comprises 10 parks; multi-mile trail runs; a tree-skiing zone; and rails, jumps, and a monster superpipe to amplify every nature-driven twist and turn. And with its 42,000 square foot Carinthia Base Lodge, Mount Snow offers plenty of dining options—a sit-down restaurant, two bars, made-to-order food stations, plus a Time to Dine option in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epicpass.com/Benefits/EpicMix" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">EpicMix app</a> that provides a virtual assist to enjoy post-activity meals. Also a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vailresorts.com/Corp/index.aspx" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Vail Resorts property</a>, Mount Snow’s Epic Pass gives skiers and riders access to this and multiple U.S. resorts. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mountsnow.com/explore-the-resort/during-your-stay/dining.aspx" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mount Snow Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Mount Snow

Mount Snow Resort

As New Jersey’s largest ski area,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountaincreek/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mountain Creek</a> stretches over four peaks, with 167 acres and eight lifts (including two high-speed quads). Featuring the region’s tallest skiable vertical (at 1,040 feet), the freestyle area includes over 65 acres, with night skiing available across the entire terrain—for which a thousand snow-making guns ensure 100% coverage. Mountain Creek offers Sno-Go bikes to scale the slopes, granting ski-bike riders full mountain access; there’s also a snow tubing park that’s accessible via a magic carpet lift. The resort’s Snowsports School offers daily lessons—whether for a single session or all season long. The onsite Beirgarten has an outdoor patio to indulge in bratwursts and brews, while The Appalachian offers onsite accommodations featuring fireplaces and mountainside views. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mountaincreek.com/dining" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mountain Creek Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 2 hours

Mountain Creek

With one of the best-known snowmaking reputations in the East,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/okemomtn/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Okemo</a>—in addition to its world-class service, with two luxuriously heated high-speed lifts, and cozy lodgings—has long been a family-friendly favorite among Vermont-locals. With access to 121 trails over 632 skiable acres, Okemo also has the longest superpipe in the East (at 500+ feet). Nestled in Okemo State Forest, the scenic surroundings are the host for a multitude of wintertime activities: snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snow tubing; plus ice skating and mountain coasting. The Epic Pass offers access to multiple Vail Resorts in Vermont and around the U.S., and the <a href="https://www.epicpass.com/Benefits/EpicMix" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">EpicMix app</a> includes lift line wait times, interactive trail maps, on-mountain GPS locations, and the ability to make dining reservations even while mountainside. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okemo.com/explore-the-resort/during-your-stay/dining.aspx" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Okemo Mountain Resort Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 5 hours

Snowboard lovers know&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/strattonresort/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Stratton</a>, which now utilizes solar energy, as the place that started it all: It was the first to give snowboarders slope-access four decades ago. With the highest peak in Southern Vermont, Stratton offers plenty of downhill action too (the vertical drop is over 2,000 feet)—over its 99 trails, 11 lifts, a summit gondola, and terrain suited to both novices and advanced skiers. They also partner with MOOver, a free public transit system in southern Vermont, to provide easier mountain access, and launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stratton.com/plan-your-trip/login" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">mobile app</a>. Also accessible are groomed trails for riders to explore via fat bike rentals; the four-lane snow tubing park with firepits and a warming hut; and 5k lit trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Nordic Center. Where to eat and drink:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stratton.com/things-to-do/village" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Stratton Mountain Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Stratton Mountain Resort

Set in the scenic Catskills, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/windhammountain/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Windham Mountain Ski Resort</a> has 54 trails, 11 lifts, and six freestyle-friendly terrain parks across two peaks on 285-acres of skiable expanse. A recent multi-million dollar renovation brings the boutique resort experience to life with a new snow machine, charming guest rooms, European-style “Umbrella Bar” and reimagined restaurant, and new high-speed lift. The Windham Mountain Tubing Park provides snow tubing for family fun (with a conveyor belt to bring you back up), along with kid snowmobiles and a cozy lodge. There’s also snowshoeing, snowboarding, and more—along with lessons for every age and skill level for mountain adventures at every turn. Where to eat and drink: <a href="https://www.windhammountain.com/dining/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Windham Mountain Area Dining</a> Distance from NYC: 3 hours

Windham Mountain

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/izzy-baskette" target="_blank">Izzy Baskette</a>&nbsp;is a Staff Writer for Thrillist New York. Find her on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/izbaskette/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/swathi-reddy" target="_blank">Swathi Reddy</a> is a contributor for Thrillist.

Lifestyle

Skiing

The Best Ski Resorts Within 5 Hours of NYC

Best Ski Destinations Within 5 Hours of New York City

Alongside skiing and snowboarding, enjoy snow tubing, indoor water parks, and top-tier dining at all-encompassing destinations.

Upstate New York and New England in general are known for their top tier slopes, amenities, and lodgings—so whether you’re a budding newbie or avid enthusiast, rest assured that there’s a picturesque winter landscape nearby to your liking that’s prime for snow-capped getaways.

Blue Mountain

Featured In

The Best Ski Resorts Within 5 Hours of NYC

More From Thrillist

Paige DeSorbo’s Day Off in Denver Is Spent Giggling About Spicy Margaritas and Chocolate Cake

The Giggly Squad host proves that a good friend can make anywhere feel like home.

Add the Most Beautiful Places in Georgia to Your Bucket List ASAP

You won’t believe these stunning spots are just a short drive from Atlanta.

We're Out Here: Travel Ideas for LGBTQ+ Pride & Adventure

We're Out Here is your new go-to hub for LGBTQ+ travel inspiration, pride guides in major cities, and additional resources for queer travelers and allies in 2023.

Score Cheap Drinks at the Best Happy Hours in Miami

Get a buzz without breaking the bank.

Walk, Run, Roll, or Sashay Into Denver’s PrideFest

These are the best ways to celebrate Pride Month in Denver.

Touring Every Last Lesbian Bar in the U.S. with ‘Moby Dyke’ Author Krista Burton

The travelogue author chats queer karaoke, racy party games, and why you should always wear flats in San Francisco.

Why French Polynesia Is a Queer Honeymoon Sleeper Hit

Consider (gay) paradise found.

Meet the Adventure Group Making the Outdoors Inclusive as Hell

Approach nature mindfully with The Outdoorist Oath.

Lesbian Bars Are Popping Up and Popping Off in NYC and LA

These new bars provide hope that more are on the way.

11 Underwater Restaurants to Channel Your Inner Mermaid

Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter, take it from me.

Learn the Queer History of These Southern Landmarks

From historic gay bars to queer churches, we’re celebrating these historic LGBTQ+ sites in the South.

The Boston Pride Parade Is Back After a 3-Year Hiatus

An ultimate guide to pride celebrations and parties in Boston this June.