Family Skiing in Ulster County: The Best Places to Learn and Ride

What does it take to master a new skill? Patience, perseverance, and the right teacher. But when it comes to skiing and snowboarding, the setting plays a big role too. That’s why Ulster County, with its breathtaking Catskill Mountain backdrop and family-friendly resorts, is a go-to destination for winter fun.

Each year, families head to Ulster County to experience the magic of winter—whether it’s carving their first turns on gentle slopes or perfecting their technique with expert instructors. With a mix of public lands and private resorts, there’s a perfect spot for every skill level and every kind of family. Think of it like making the perfect s’more: the right ingredients come together for a sweet and unforgettable experience.

For Skiers and Snowboarders Ready to Explore a Big Mountain

Belleayre Mountain in Highmount is the “big” mountain in the area and home to the region’s best skiing. It’s owned and operated by the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and is celebrating a BIG birthday this year–75! They’ve been a trusted resource for lessons and clinics over the years and have instituted a number of sustainability practices to help preserve winter fun.

When you arrive to Belleayre, you’ll notice a lot of construction going on. The project includes a 28,600-square-foot addition to the existing lodge, allowing it to make the experience easier, more convenient, more enjoyable for visitors. In addition to the new lodge, Belleayre has been updating their snowmaking fleet. They replaced old diesel compressors with Ingersoll-Rand electric compressors, helping to improve coverage and reduce snowmaking time while reducing energy consumption.

The ski area has 62 trails and 175 acres of terrain and some incredibly steep pitches off the top. Belleayre boasts a 1400’ foot vertical drop with the steep slopes right on the face of the mountain. Test your skills on the thrilling Seneca or Onteora double black diamond runs. But don’t worry, there is plenty of terrain for everyone. Another treat at Belleayre is the gondola. You’ll be toasty inside the Catskill Thunder Gondola as your head up to the top (3429’). 

Here’s the terrain breakdown:

• Beginner 22%
• Intermediate 58%
• Expert 20%

Beginners have two learning areas to play and explore. The Teepee Flats Learning Area is located adjacent to the lodge. In addition to this area, the Thunderhawk Learning Area is accessed by the gondola and located all the way at the top of the mountain with incredible views. It’s rare for beginners to be able to take in the summit, but this resort strives to be approachable. 

Learn to Ski Programs

There’s a wide assortment of lessons and clinics at Belleayre, all designed to get you and your family the skills you need to independently and confidently enjoy skiing and riding. For the youngest family members, children’s group lessons start at age 4 and private lessons begin at age 3. There are groups for teens as well as adults with options for 2 or 4 hour blocks. Belleayre does offer adaptive lessons with reservations. Find out more here https://www.belleayre.com/lesson/adaptive-program/.

Things to note: If you are serious about skiing, invest in the SKI3 season pass. The SKI3 pass gives you unlimited skiing at Belleayre and also includes access to Gore and Whiteface Mountain. When starting your ski day, there are three parking areas at Bellearye be sure to look for the DiscoveryLodge signs if you are heading to lessons and rentals.

Location: 181 Galli Curci Rd., Highmont, NY; More information: www.belleayre.com

First Turns and Winter Fun

There are also many other options in Ulster County for families who want to dabble in winter sports. I recommend booking a weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch where there are plenty of activities to choose from. Ski moms know that starting at smaller ski areas can have a big environmental impact, you don’t need to fly out West to learn how to ski!

This all-inclusive family resort has been in business since the 1950s. The resort is modeled after dude ranches, and they have expanded their family-friendly offerings over the years. RHR has an incredible Winter Fun Park to get your family set up for success.

Head over to the equipment center to grab your skis. They have everything from helmets to boots and poles. After you are all suited up, mosey over to the hill in the Winter Fun Park. The ski area is served by a conveyor belt (aka magic carpet) that gently glides up the beginner hill. There are two slopes to learn, one with the gentlest pitch you’ve ever seen, and one where you can get some speed going. Lessons are ongoing, no need to book ahead. The helpful staff will guide you through the process of wedge turns and the initial steps to sliding on snow.

If you want to take a break, grab a tube and head 500’ up the same magic carpet to try out the snow tubing lanes. In addition to all the snow, there’s also a beautiful mini ice rink (skate rentals are included). And one last note on outdoor fun at RHR, all winter long they offer horseback rides along the resort’s trails. Don’t worry about the horses, they are acclimated to the cold and don’t mind it at all. There’s nothing as gorgeous as a horseback ride in the snow! And again, you’ll be saving on gas and reducing emissions during your visit. There are so many activities on property you’ll never have to get in your car.

Things to note: Rocking Horse Ranch requires a hotel stay for all activities.

Location: 600 US-44, Highland, NY 12528; More information: https://www.rockinghorseranch.com/

Learning to Cross Country Ski

If high speed isn’t your thing and you want a quieter experience in nature, check into the Mohonk Mountain House. This gorgeous retreat was founded by the Smiley Family in 1869. It encompasses 40,000 acres and offers exclusive access to the best wildlife and views in the Catskills.

As a guest at the resort, you’ll get access to earth-friendly activities that are entirely human powered. Walk to the activity center to pick up all the cross country gear and snowshoeing equipment you’ll need for your family. Set on a lake, there are 30 miles of groomed trails to explore (in fact, the advanced skiing connects with the same trails used by the Minnewaska State Park Preserve mentioned below).

Kids can join Mohonk’s Junior Naturalist Experience, part of the Mohonk Kids’ Club, where hands-on eco-activities inspire a love for nature. Participants earn a Junior Naturalist Certificate and a Mohonk Mountain House Eco-Kit to promote earth-friendly habits.

Mohonk offers cross-country ski lessons by appointment (fees not included in your stay). After hitting the trails, unwind by a fire pit overlooking the lake before heading to tea or a spa treatment—because balance is key.

Beyond skiing, Mohonk boasts a breathtaking open-air ice rink, complete with a grand stone fireplace on one side and unobstructed lake views on the other. Fairy lights twinkle above the expansive rink, making for a truly magical experience.

Things to note: Mohonk offers a Winter Sports Day Pass for $125 per person, granting access to select resort activities, the Mountain House, and upper lot parking. Find our more here: https://www.mohonk.com/a-day-at-mohonk/winter-recreation/

Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561; More information: https://www.mohonk.com/

DIY Skiing Adventures

If your family wants to explore without lessons and structure, there are plenty of wide open spaces to explore on snowshoes or cross country skiing equipment. If you need rentals, stop by the Rock and Snow Shop in New Paltz, NY. They have an assortment of cross country gear for adults and kids as well as snowshoes for sale and rent. There’s even an adjacent shop called the Rock and Snow Annex where you can get used gear–reselling and upcycling are a big part of life in the outdoor community. More details here: https://www.rockandsnow.com/177/Rentals/. Location: 44 Main St, New Palz

• Minnewaska State Park Preserve: If you bring your own equipment, you can head right to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. You’ll get incredible views of the lake and it’s a bonus to get to ski so high up and see a valley below. They groom the cross country trails daily and adult passes are $12. Note, this is NOT a beginner area and there are no rentals. No hiking, dogs or snowshoeing allowed, this is JUST for skiing. Call 845-255-0752 for updated conditions. More details here: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska. Location: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
• Mohonk Preserve: This special nature preserve just earned the Leave No Trace Gold Award. It’s the ideal place for snowshoeing adventures. There are three short walks right from the lodge. If you have young kids with you, you’ll appreciate the warm bathrooms and your kids can see models of wildlife and enjoy nature- themed games and activities. Trail passes are $15 a day use fee for hikers (kids under 16 are free). For longer hikes with impressive views, you can head out to the West Trapps Trailhead (3142 Route 44, Gardiner, NY). More details here: https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/. Location: 3197 State Rte 55, Gardiner, NY 12525
• River-to-Ridge Trail: This space was founded by the Open Space Institute and consists of a 6-mile loop that traverses working farmland, crosses several small streams and offers views of the Shawangunk Ridge. It’s walking distance from the Rock and Snow rentals. In winter, the trails are flat and groomed, making them a great place to learn and explore on skis and snowshoes. Parking is free and there is no trail fee. More details here: https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/places/river-to-ridge-trail Location: 41 Springtown Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

Trip Planning Tips

Winter in Ulster County isn’t just about skiing—it’s about building lasting family memories while respecting and preserving the natural environment. Whether you’re carving down the slopes at Belleayre, learning to ski at Rocking Horse Ranch, or gliding through Mohonk’s cross-country trails, each adventure connects you to the beauty of the Catskills.

With a commitment to sustainability, Ulster County’s winter destinations make it easy to enjoy the season while minimizing environmental impact. By choosing local resorts, exploring eco-conscious trails, and participating in low-impact outdoor activities, families can embrace winter in a way that’s both fun and responsible. So bundle up, step outside, and experience the magic of a Catskills winter—where adventure, family, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Start your trip planning here https://visitulstercountyny.com/

​