Hi All,
Expat family from a sunny country living in northern NJ. No experience in skiing. Want to head to a winter resort for a few days so that our kids (13 year old twins) can get their feet wet.
We have no ski gear currently. Not sure if we will like it or not. But want to try. Here are a few questions.
Sorry I hit sent early.
Here are my questions.
Thanks in advance for the help.
The closest skiing to NYC is in northern NJ near the PA border (and in PA). For beginners that will be just fine!
If you are wanting to go a bit further, head to the Catskills - Hunter, Belleyare, and Plattekill are within an easy drive. I grew up skiing at Plattekill and Belleyare.
Almost all mountains rent equipment. You will need snow pants, jacket, and heavy gloves.
My advice is to sign up for lessons. It will make the experience much more fun.
https://www.ultimate-ski.com/features/ski-destinations/closest-skiing-to-nyc/
Mountain creek in NJ has ski in/ski out style accommodations which can be nice.
You should rent equipment there - the staff will be able to find the right fit. Teens may prefer snowboarding to skiing, and most places offer both these days.
Warm jackets, hats, and heavy gloves (not just knitted ones) are a must. Some type of snow pants or at least double layering is needed.
Second the vote for lessons. You might also want to pick a resort that offers other activities like sledding, ice skating, or indoor options like a pool, so that everyone finds something they enjoy.
Catskills or Poconos would both offer excellent options for a weekend trip.
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Totally agree with this. Also having dining options on site. Skiing is more tiring than it seems 
Thanks both. Any suggestions for a resort? Just give me the name and I will do the research. Sorry for asking extra help.
@ArdenNJ , I would think your kids would like a combo of skiing and indoor splashing. Look into Aquatopia and Camelback in Tannersville, PA.
Stay at Aquatopia, take a shuttle to the hill with ski rentals and lessons, a shuttle back and spend a fun evening at the waterpark. Their dining options are terrible, so bring with you or try Barley Creek, 5 min away.
The resort may have discounted lift tickets; ask ahead or at check in.
Hunter has a ski in/ski out resort: https://www.huntermtn.com/on-site-lodging/the-kaatskill-mountain-club/
So does Mountain Creek in the link in my previous post.
JIminy Peak in Hancock MA is what you are looking for. They have a full service resort that will keep you and the twins happy. You can rent equipment there.
Thanks all. I have plenty to research based on your suggestions. Appreciate all the help.
Or you could just drive down Route 3 to “American Dream” and do indoor skiing at our newest mall! (insert roll eyes emoji here, lol).
It’s great that your family will embrace winter and learn to ski or snowboard. Sorry I can’t recommend a particular resort.
You’ll want to buy ski socks. They’re warm and long so they don’t bunch up and cause blisters inside ski or snowboard boots.
Fleece pajama bottoms can be an inexpensive cozy layer under ski pants. That’s what my family wears when it’s cold.
Like others have said, you’ll definitely want lessons. Most resorts have learn to ski/ride packages that include lessons, rentals, and a lift ticket.
Have fun!
Absolutely sign up for lessons. Many resorts also have a longer day program for kids/teens that includes lunch. Some have a first-timer package that includes lessons and rentals and lift tickets. The more they learn (as in are taught, not just try to pick it up on their own), the more they are likely to love it.
No one has recommended helmets yet, which I consider a must esp. with teens. Plus, they keep your head warm. See if the resort rents helmets. If it is going to be cold (like 20s), goggles will help keep the face warm.
Agree that especially with teens, having access to a pool and hot tub are great! Many have outdoor heated pools which is a fun novelty to swim outside amid snow.
Yes, helmets for EVERYONE!!! We have a close friend who was an ambassador at Sunday River in Maine. He assisted ski patrol when necessary. He saw several fatalities due to people, I think all adults, who weren’t wearing helmets. 
We have been to Mountain Creek, Blue Mountain, Gore Mountain, and a few others. Mountain Creek is probably best for what you want. It is a small resort with hotel accommodation right at the base. It has nice restaurant and general food course area that are also right at the base (where you see people coming down). The lessons, bunny slopes are also right there a few feet from the rooms. It is very convenient for families and beginners.
You can rent everything at the resort - almost every resort has it
Should have lessons for the twins first they haven’t done skiing before. It’s no fun to figure everything out by themselves.
I just took my teen son and his friends for a day trip to mountain creek yesterday and loved the set up. They are expert skiers. The temperature was unusually warm with 65 degree, so the skiing condition wasn’t the best (lot of melted snow creating puddles), but this type of problem is everywhere with warm weather.
I like Belleayre and Wyndham. Both are about the same distance from NYC. Both have a lot of easier runs that are fun for beginners. Belleayre is probabaly best for beginners, as its lower mountain is dedicated to green runs. I dislike Hunter intensely and find that it’s full of aggressive city skiers.
No, do not buy all the gear in advance. What if you hate it? You can get great deals on gear after the season finishes, if you find you like skiing/boarding.
Most resorts rent helmets these days along with all the ski/board equipment. You really should just need the clothing.
Yeah, they usually don’t charge much for helmets because they want people to wear them.
Absolutely, and I was surprised to find out that helmets are recommended but NOT required at the resort!
Never ski or board without a helmet. And be sure to actually adjust the straps and buckle the helmet. I’m amazed at how many people I see who forget to do that.
It’s kind of crazy to think that helmets used to be the exception and not the rule. Like when people used to smoke on airplanes. Inconceivable!
I also love Jiminy Peak, but it’s going to be quite a bit longer in driving time.
Your 13 year old twins are going to have fun skiing, so I don’t think you need to find anything else for them to do, though Wyndham has a fun snowcat track and Jiminy has an awesome mountain coaster. Many hotels will offer pools.