This is the ultimate guide to finding the best snow in New York right now as well as for those who are planning trips further out.

To that end, we have charted what ski resorts in New York will receive the most snow during the next 10 days and what ski resorts in New York have received the most snow during the last 10 days. Those two things tell the story of where the best snow in New York is right now.

Below that, skiers can find the data behind what ski resorts have the best snow, on average, in New York year after year. This list is compiled from 40 years of data.

This article and data were updated on December 29, 2024. Updated daily.

New York ski resorts largely rely on man-made snow to get open. There are no mountains in the state that average more than 200 inches a year, so the snowfall here is a significant step down from many of the amounts associated with Vermont resorts not far over the New York state line. But skiing holds a special place in New York State, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics, and is home to more skiers than any other state other than California. It's also home to more ski hills than any other state, with around 50.

These are the best ski resorts in New York State for snow according to the best data in the ski world. We weigh average annual snow, snow frequency (standard deviation), both based on 40 years of records, plus a mountain's aspects (north, south, east, west), its latitude and its elevation to produce our snow scores.

Ski Resorts with Best Snow in New York

Holiday Valley - Snow Score: 33.9

Situated in the Allegheny Mountains, Holiday Valley boasts a snow score of 33.9. This resort experiences an annual true snowfall of 180 inches, which is high for this part of the east. Its base elevation stands at 1,500 ft., and one of its prime features is 70% north-facing terrain; this helps keep snow colder as the mountain comes out of winter and into spring Eight percent of its winter days record more than six inches of snow, positioning it among the highest in New York state.

Kissing Bridge - Snow Score: 31.8:

Located in the Colden hills of Western New York, Kissing Bridge has a snow score of 31.8 and sees 182 inches of true snowfall every year, a high average for New York state. Only 10% of Kissing Bridge's terrain faces north, however, with the rest facing east. This can accelerate the freeze-thaw action as temperatures warm. Its base elevation is marked at 1,200 ft., and 8% of its winter days witness snowfall greater than six inches, an excellent number for New York.

Hunter Mountain - Snow Score: 30.1:

Nestled within the Catskill Mountains, Hunter Mountain sports a snow score of 30.1. It garners 125 inches of true snowfall annually. The resort has a base elevation of 1,600 ft., which is the third highest among ski resorts in New York. Notably, 40% of its terrain is north-facing. Five percent of its winter days experience more than six inches of snow. This is one of the easier mountains to reach from New York City, and probably the best bet for solid snow.

Hunter Mountain can see Nor'easters bring big storms

Whiteface Mountain - Snow Score: 28.3:

As part of the Adirondack Mountains, Whiteface Mountain records a snow score of 28.3 and accumulates 185 inches of true snow each year. This is the highest average snowfall in New York State. This goes with what is undoubtedly the best terrain in New York state and the highest vertical drop in the state by nearly 1,000 feet compared with No. 2 Gore Mountain. The resort has a base elevation of 1,220 ft, slightly below the state average of 1,340 feet. The resort would likely rank No. 1 in the state for snow if it featured more north-facing terrain. As it stands, north-facing terrain comprises only 10% of the mountain; it has a notable 25% of south-facing terrain which might impact snow preservation. Seven percent of its winter days see snowfalls greater than six inches.

Gore Mountain - Snow Score: 25.3:

Located in the Adirondack range as well, Gore Mountain has a snow score of 25.3 and receives 150 inches of true snowfall annually, slightly above the average for NY ski resorts, which is 142. Its base elevation is at 998 ft., low for the state, and it has 27% north-facing terrain. Six percent of its winter days have more than six inches of snow. Gore does have some of the better terrain in the state, and an excellent vertical drop of 2,537 feet.

Swain Resort - Snow Score: 25.3:

Swain Resort, resting in the Finger Lakes region, has a snow score of 25.3. Riley Scott, one of the more famous skiers to come from the region, learned his craft here. Swain experiences an annual true snowfall of 130 inches. Its base elevation is the highest among New York state, standing at 1,970 ft. With 70% north-facing terrain, Swain also avoids southern exposure. Five percent of its winter days record more than six inches of snow.

Dry Hill - Snow Score: 22.7:

Positioned in the Northern New York region near Watertown, the unfortunately-named Dry Hill has a snow score of 22.7. The resort sees 125 inches of true snowfall each year. It is distinguished by its impressive 80% north-facing terrain. Five percent of its winter days receive snowfalls greater than six inches.

Whiteface, New York's best-known ski resort, offers plus views

Labrador Mountain - Snow Score: 21.8:

Located in the scenic Cortland County of the Appalachian range, Labrador Mountain holds a snow score of 21.8. It accumulates 125 inches of true snow annually and offers a base elevation of 1,125 ft. Thirty percent of its slopes face north, and 5% of its winter days experience more than six inches of snow.

Greek Peak - Snow Score: 21.8:

Situated in the same Cortland County as Labrador, Greek Peak boasts a snow score of 21.8. With an annual true snowfall of 110 inches, its base elevation is set at 1,148 ft. It has a impressive 70% north-facing terrain, which keeps snow around. Four percent of its winter days witness snowfalls greater than six inches.

Windham Mountain - Snow Score: 18.9:

Part of the Northern Catskills, Windham Mountain has a snow score of 18.9. It sees 110 inches of true snow each year. Its base elevation is 1,500 ft., and it offers 60% north-facing terrain. Four percent of its winter days record snowfalls greater than six inches.

Christopher Steiner is the founder of ZRankings, and a New York Times Bestselling Author of two books. Find him on Twitter.