Other reasons not to buy equipment yet:
It’s best to learn with softer boots and shorter skis than you’ll be using after a few days practice.
Your twins will likely outgrow any equipment quickly.
Helmets are not a huge expense and many people buy their own once they decide they enjoy skiing.
Agree about Wyndham. It’s a great mountain for beginners.
I haven’t skied Hunter in years but never liked it.
Definitely rent until you know your kids are going to like it.
Definitely put your kids in ski school.
Ditto on there being a pool.
If you are going the week of February break all the ski areas will be very crowded.
Jiminy Peak is always crazy crowded on weekends, long weekends and school breaks. Since you are beginners I’d suggest Bousquet if you go to the Berkshires. It’s right next door to JP.
When we lived in the NYC area, we would go to the Poconos. Easy drive.
I see someone mentioned the exact resort - Camelback Mountain. It was great fun. Tubing nearby was also fun.
If you want to spend the time and money, I highly recommend Mt. Snow. We love it there. So much fun, great terrain for boarders and skiers, fun tubing run, wonderful ski resort vibe. Wilmington is cute with some good shops and restaurants, Dover offers plenty of places to eat. Mt. Snow has the best boarding parks you’ll see anywhere. Your kids will immediately want to start boarding, so maybe don’t take them there, lol.
I don’t know what to say. So many great suggestions. Believe me folks. College Confidential is the best site for parents. All of you are awesome. I don’t know how to thank each one of you.
If you’re looking at a day trip, Mountain Creek makes the most sense if you’re already in Northern NJ. Weekdays, if you can make that work, are much, much less crowded than weekends.
If you’re looking at a weekend trip, I’d head up to VT. Mt Snow, Okemo, or Sugarbush. The last is the longest drive, but it has a very relaxed atmosphere. Great place to learn to ski.
I suggest starting at a closer/less expensive small place. No need for the big slopes in Vermont when you are taking your first lessons.
Coming from the west coast, I fondly remember my first skiing trip when we moved here 15 years ago. We went to Vermont and excitedly boarded the lift. I vividly remember getting off the lift at the top, looking around, and thinking “this is the mountain?” These days, it’s plenty of mountain for me, lol.
This, Mountain Creek has perfect set up for beginners and families. It even has a hot waffle store at the base. My son and his friends loved it!