NEW YORK CITY — Ski resorts in upstate New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont are accessible for day trips from the city, and plenty of travel agents offer deals on bus and train trips.
However, winter sports fans might want to check the weather report before booking a trip, to make sure winter is actually happening — as an unseasonably mild fall comes to an end, so far there has been no snowfall in the city's metropolitan area. Meteorologists say it might be a while before the slopes are covered.
Here are the organizations that will help you coordinate a trip to the slopes this winter:
Travels to: Hunter Mountain, Windham, Killington, Mountain Creek
Leaves from: Williamsburg, Barclays Center, Union Square, Times Square
Price: From $76 to $109, depending on destination and day of the week (weekdays tend to be cheaper)
Urban Sherpa is a cheaper way to get to some of the bigger mountains, including a resort in Vermont, and offers overnight trips for people who want to spend a whole weekend skiing.
► Emilio's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Travels to: Mount Snow, Okemo, Stratton, Hunter Mountain, Windham
Leaves from: Forest Hills, Midtown, Upper East Side
Price: $93 to $109 for Vermont mountains, $75 to $85 for New York mountains
This old-timey Queens ski and snowboard shop runs trips on buses throughout the winter. If you're looking to try out skiing but save a little bit of cash, ski rentals are available at the store itself at rates that are less than what you'll find at most mountains.
Travels to: Mountain Creek, Gore Mountain, Hunter, Windon, White Face, Killington, Mount Snow
Leaves from: Barclays Center, Union Square, Astoria, Williamsburg
Price: From $97 to $109, depending on destination
If you're going with NYC Snow Bus to Mountain Creek, New Jersey, you don't have to leave the city until 8 a.m., which in the world of urban ski-trips is considered sleeping in. Vermont trips take over 4 hours, however, and buses to the slopes there leave the city at 3:30 a.m.
Travels to: Thunder Ridge Ski Area and Powder Ridge Ski
Leaves from: Grand Central Terminal, Harlem-125th Street and other stops along the Harlem Line (Thunder Ridge) and New Haven Line (Powder Ridge)
Price: Prices vary by a few dollars between the two destinations. Adult tickets go for under $62. Cheaper tickets are available for seniors and children
Metro North takes you (and your gear) from Grand Central Station to the slopes, with a great view from the train along the way. Shuttle buses pick up Metro North passengers at the Patterson and Bridgeport stations. Your train ticket is good for a lift ticket, along with a discount on ski rentals.