Skiing

Jan 15 2013

Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Nordic Ski with Kids

Things to do with kids: Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Nordic Ski with Kids

While we've written plenty of posts about downhill skiing with NYC kids, we've never covered cross-country skiing. Also known as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for families. Children as young as five can ski alone, and parents can tow tots in a sled or carry them in a backpack while on the trails. You can't do that while swooshing down a mountain!

Cross-country skiing is a fun way for active kids to burn off energy in the colder months and spend time outside. While you use most of the same equipment that you'd need for a day on the slopes—skis, boots, bindings, poles, goggles, helmets and warm clothing—cross-country skiing is nowhere near as dangerous or as expensive as downhill skiing. You won't be at risk for slamming into a tree at full speed, and trail passes usually cost about $20 per person.

After a good snowfall in New York City, you can cross-country ski just about anywhere. I've seen people doing it in parks and even right down the middle of Fifth Avenue before the snow plows cleared the street. But if you're looking to go cross-country skiing in a more scenic (and less bumpy) environment, there are tri-state area destinations that offer many miles of well-groomed trails, as well as amenities like warm lodges where you can sit back, relax, sip on hot cocoa and enjoy a family meal.

Unlike traditional ski resorts, most cross-country trails aren't in the business of making their own snow. So you're going to have to wait for the white stuff before you can get out there. Once that happens, here are six spots where families can enjoy cross-country skiing, most less than a two-hour drive from New York City.

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Jan 15 2012

No-Car Skiing Day Trips: Ski Bus Deals and Packages from NYC

Things to do with kids: No-Car Skiing Day Trips: Ski Bus Deals and Packages from NYC

[UPDATED: DECEMBER 29, 2012]

Don’t let the lack of a car keep you from hitting the slopes this winter. Nearly all of the big (and small, for you first-timers) local ski resorts offer bus and train package deals from New York City. These packages are convenient and wallet-friendly, and they often include discounted lift tickets and equipment rentals so you don't have to lug your own skis. Even if you own a car, these deals are worth considering: After a hard day on the slopes, it's wonderful to kick back and relax while someone else battles traffic back to NYC. Here are six ski resorts in New York and New Jersey that offer ski packages to get your family on the mountains in no time.

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Jan 9 2012

All-Inclusive Winter Family Resorts: Ridin-Hy Ranch

Things to do with kids: All-Inclusive Winter Family Resorts: Ridin-Hy Ranch

[UPDATED: JANUARY 9, 2013]

This is the second in a series of posts about All-Inclusive Winter Resorts for Family Vacations in the New York City Region. In our previous post, we reviewed Woodloch Pines Resort in the Poconos.

If you like your vacations a little more on the rustic side, Ridin-Hy Ranch might be the answer. This Adirondack ranch resort offers good old-fashioned winter fun, hold the glitz and glamour. Winter activity highlights include horseback riding through snow-covered trails, sleigh rides, ice skating, snow tubing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and nightly entertainment.

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Jan 7 2012

Where To Start Skiing and Boarding - Local Ski Schools for New York City Kids

Things to do with kids: Where To Start Skiing and Boarding - Local Ski Schools for New York City Kids

[UPDATED: JANUARY 2, 2013]

My 6-year-old son started skiing this year. I was advised by a former ski instructor friend that I enroll him in skiing school and under no circumstances attempt to teach him myself. She claims that even if you are an Olympic level skier, which I am not, it is best that they learn how to turn and stop from the pros. Plus there is the added benefit of hitting the slopes solo while they are in school. Heeding her advice, we enrolled him in ski school for a day during the Christmas holidays and he loved it!

Back home in NYC I started looking for local ski resorts providing schools for weekend day trips and was surprised to find they weren’t as common as I thought they would be. Of course most ski resorts offer private and group lessons, but I was hoping for more of a half-day or full-day option for my son. After a ton of research, we've rounded up which area resorts have ski or snowboarding schools for kids, plus everything else you need to know to get them started. So grab your skis and get going!

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Dec 19 2008

Where to Ski with Kids in New York

Things to do with kids: Where to Ski with Kids in New York

[UPDATED: DECEMBER 20, 2012]

One of the things that makes NYC the ultimate place to live with kids is that you never have to travel far to find great family-friendly recreational activities. And when the winter months roll around, skiing tops the list for many families. Wondering where you can find the best places to go skiing with your kids? Depending on what kind of skier you are and whether you want to ski together with your kids or drop them off at ski school and hit the slopes yourself, we've got some suggestions for you, all located within a few hours' drive. Read on for our rundown of the best family ski centers near New York. Happy Skiing!

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