New York's Ski Season Is Here! Discover the Shocking Opening Dates—You Won't Believe #1!

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the opening dates for the 2025–26 winter season at the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) ski areas, which include some of the state’s most popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. Whiteface, Gore, and Mt Van Hoevenberg opened for season passholders on November 15, while Belleayre Mountain will open to the public this weekend. These openings coincide with significant upgrades to facilities, enhancing the overall skiing experience.

The Olympic Authority's flagship mountains, Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre, are central to New York's outdoor recreation network, which boasts more ski areas than any other state in the U.S. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, “New York is home to some of the best skiing and winter recreation in the country. We are proud to kick off another season with new multi-resort passes that make it easier for New Yorkers to explore everything our regions have to offer.”

Significant investments are being made across New York's ski areas for the 2025–26 season. These improvements range from enhanced snowmaking systems and energy-efficient infrastructure to new learning zones and expanded terrain parks. At the Olympic Authority mountains, notable upgrades include:

• Belleayre Mountain (Catskills): An expanded 28,000-square-foot Discovery Lodge, a new Rossignol Experience Center with over 1,200 skis and 300 snowboards, a new tuning and repair center, additional cafeteria and restroom facilities, and 20 new HKD snow guns along with a fan snowmaking machine.
• Gore Mountain (Adirondacks): The introduction of a new Topridge Quad lift replacing the former triple chair lift, upgraded snowmaking pipe systems, a new 375-space parking lot, and a completely new lodge called The Station that features a restaurant and bar, retail areas, lockers, and an outdoor patio.
• Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks): A new fixed-grip double chair lift replacing the Little Whiteface and Mountain Run doubles, 115 high-efficiency snow guns to enhance snowmaking capabilities, upgraded pump houses, participation in the Mountain Collective for the season, and more than 20 new EV charging ports.
• Mt Van Hoevenberg (Adirondacks): Innovative snow-farming techniques, including stockpiling production snow from last season and insulating it with wood chips over the summer, ensuring groomed snow ready for skiing on opening day.

The economic impact of New York's ski resorts cannot be understated. In 2024, the ski areas generated over $1.32 billion in total economic output, supporting more than 13,000 jobs with approximately $432 million in labor income. Specifically, the Olympic Authority facilities (Gore, Whiteface, and Belleayre) contributed $341.8 million to the economy, providing over 3,400 jobs and generating about $25 million in state and local taxes. Winter tourism broadly contributed to New York State’s $146 billion tourism economy in 2024, resulting in about $94 billion in direct visitor spending.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight noted that the state’s ski areas are a cornerstone of winter tourism, enhancing local economies as visitors enjoy local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. “A New York ski getaway can serve as the perfect backdrop to an extended trip, allowing guests to explore our diverse offerings while supporting the businesses that support our state’s tourism ecosystem,” Knight added.

This season’s enhancements also align with Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which encourages families to engage in outdoor recreation, step away from screens, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. The growing interest in flexible, multi-resort options is highlighted by a five percent increase in SKI3 pass sales compared to last year, indicating a robust enthusiasm for skiing and snowboarding.

New York’s ski resorts are also highly regarded nationally, with Whiteface Mountain ranked No. 3 in the East by SKI Magazine’s 2026 Resort Guide and Gore Mountain at No. 11. Holiday Valley in Western New York earned a commendable No. 4 ranking for snowmaking, guest service, and family-friendly amenities. Furthermore, Whiteface Mountain achieved a national ranking of No. 16 in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for “Top 30 U.S. Ski Resorts,” establishing its reputation among the top five resorts in the Eastern U.S.

With over 50 ski resorts, New York leads the nation in the number of operating ski areas, providing diverse terrain and experiences that cater to all skill levels. The state’s ski areas not only offer quality recreation but also foster youth participation through educational programs, training opportunities for local schools, and adaptive sports initiatives. The commitment to community engagement ensures that New York's ski areas remain a vital part of both local culture and the broader winter sports landscape.

As the 2025–26 season unfolds, regular updates on mountain conditions will be posted, allowing enthusiasts to stay informed about the evolving winter landscape. With ample opportunities for both locals and visitors to enjoy the slopes, New York stands ready to embrace another exciting ski season.