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Families that play together, stay together!
Hunter
The second highest peak in the Catskills, snowy Hunter Mountain is only about 2 hours north of Manhattan, making its scenic slopes a popular weekend destination for New Yorkers (so plan a weekday trip to avoid the crowds). Celebrating its 50th season in 2009, Hunter has long attracted Burton-clad snowboarding hipsters looking to perfect their ollies and butters, but it’s equally well-known for its state-of-the-art family and beginner facilities, including user-friendly lifts and terrain designed specifically with the novice in mind. Ski and snowboard lessons are on offer for adults and kids, including a daycare program (ages 6 months to 6 years) that can be combined with a short ski program for 3 year olds (Just for Me Because I’m Three). Downhill enthusiasts can also enjoy Hunter’s popular snow-tubing park, with two tows and up to nine chutes (42 inch minimum height). www.huntermtn.com
$113/nt+: Low rates at NY ski resort w/25% off lift tickets Kaatskill Mountain Club