With the Winter Olympics looming, young hearts and minds might turn to skiing or snowboarding. If your little ones have visions of becoming the next Chloe Kim, Mikaela Shiffrin, or Lindsey Vonn, we have just the places to get them started.   

These smaller-size resorts are all within a three-hour drive of Manhattan and feature learn-to-ski programs ideal for first-timers. So gas up the car, pack some warm clothes, and hit the slopes. And who knows, In a few years, your little one might be competing for a spot on Team USA.  

Read on for our suggestions. And for more great winter inspiration, see our guide to the best New York City winter getaways and activities, including our guide to skiing and snowboarding in the region.

Note: Lesson and lift ticket prices are as of as of January 2026. Regardless of venue, register in advance to ensure availability for your child. 

Learn-to-Ski Programs for Kids Near New York City

1. Belleayre Mountain Ski Center—Highmount, NY

845-254-5600
Kidscamp beginner lessons are available in two- or four-hour blocks beginning at $109 (lift ticket included, rentals extra) at this New York State-owned resort in the Catskills. Private and family lessons (up to five people beginning at age 3) are available and must be reserved online in advance.

2. Catamount Mountain Resort—Hillsdale, NY

413-528-1262
At this mountain uniquely situated on the New York-Massachusetts border, kids can take part in private or group lessons. Catamount’s learn-to-ski or learn-to-snowboard programs also offer two-hour introductory instruction for $165 (lift ticket and gear rentals included. The mountain also offers season-long instruction for kids who just can’t get better quickly enough.

Big Boulder Park offers private lessons for young kids. Photo courtesy of Big Boulder

3. Jack Frost/Big Boulder—Blakeslee, PA

570-443-8425
Group lessons are available for ages 4-12 at this Poconos Mountain resort about 2½ hours from midtown. Private lessons are available for kids 3 and younger. Lessons are two hours long and divided by ability levels. Lessons can be purchases for as little as $116. All lessons require a valid lift ticket; discounted lift tickets can be added to group lessons only. Multiday lessons must be used on consecutive days.

4. Mount Peter—Warwick, NY

845-986-4940
Mount Peter has turned thousands of first-time skiers and boarders into lifelong mountain enthusiasts.The mountain is known for its FREE introductory lessons on weekends and holidays.These hour-long lessons do not require reservations, just a check-in upon arrival. Lift tickets are required, however. In addition, Mount Peter—in the southern Catskill Mountains—offers private lessons for $215 per hour and kids ski school programs beginning at $140 per hour for ages 3 and older.  

Mountain Creek gets busy, so be sure to schedule lessons early. Photo courtesy of Mountain Creek Resort

5. Mountain Creek—Vernon, NJ

973-827-2000
Mountain Creek is the largest ski resort in New Jersey and its proximity to New York City means it can get crowded, especially on weekends.So if you plan lessons for your kids, it is best to make reservations well in advance. Children ages 4-12 can sign up for two-hour group lessons as part of its Snow Kids program for $200. Snow Kids registration includes a full-day lift ticket, lesson, and rentals. Private lessons are also available for $400 for two hours. 

6. Mount Southington Ski Area—Plantsville, CT

860-628-0954
Group lessons for skiers 4 and older are offered in one- and two-hour sessions depending on day and time. Young learners begin on the protected Glacier Learning Area, which features a carpet lift and handle tow. They then progress to the beginner area, terrain parks, and downhill slopes. Lessons, including lift ticket, begin at $90.

7. Thunder Ridge Ski Area—Patterson, NY

845-878-4100
Daily group and private lessons are available at this nearby resort, which can be reached via the popular Metro North ski train. Hour-long ski (age 4 and older) and snowboard (6 and older) lessons are available Mondays through Thursdays; 75-minute lessons are available on weekends and holidays. Group lessons begin at $72 plus lift ticket ($35-$55). The mountain also offers a Parent-and-Me learn-to-ski program for $95 for parent and child. Private lessons are also available. Reservations are recommended for all programs.

What to Know Before You Go 

• It seems self-evident, but it can be cold on the mountain. Make sure kids are dressed appropriately, with a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, warm socks, and thermals. (Tight pajamas will also do the trick). 
• Be honest when signing your kid up for lessons. Exaggerating his or her ability level could be dangerous; minimizing it could lead to a repetitive and boring lesson.  
• Skiing and snowboarding are unique sports. While some skills overlap, a good skier is not automatically a gifted boarder. Make sure your kids are patient with themselves and the instructor.   
• Remember to tip your child's instructor, particularly if taking an individual lesson. Consider $20 to $40 for a good group lesson, more for a good private lesson..
• If your mountain only offers half-day sessions, choose the morning option so you can take your child on the bunny slopes afterward.

This post originally published in January 2012 and was updated in January 2026.