New Jersey may not be known for its towering ski mountains and steep slopes, but it offers some excellent and affordable options for families looking to introduce their kids to the world of skiing and snowboarding.
With welcoming, family-friendly features and terrain thatโs perfect for beginners, these ski mountains in New Jersey are an ideal choice for first-timers.
Weโll walk you through everything you need to know to make your childโs first skiing experience safe, fun, and successful.
What You Need to Know for Your Childโs First Ski Trip in New Jersey
Enjoy winter fun at New Jersey’s Ski Mountains.
- If youโre renting ski or snowboard gear, plan to get there at least an hour before your lesson. On busy weekends, you might want to give yourself even more timeโthe rental lines can be longer than expected.
- Also, keep in mind that NJ law requires helmets for anyone under 18, so donโt forget to bring or rent a ski helmet for your kiddo.
Ready to hit the slopes? Letโs check out the top ski mountains in New Jersey for first-time skiers!
Learn to Ski at Mountain Creek Resort
Kids of all ages can learn to ski at Mountain Creek Resort.
Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon Valley is New Jerseyโs largest ski area, making it the perfect destination for families eager to introduce their kids to the excitement of winter sports.
Even toddler favorite Blippi learned to snowboard at Mountain Creek Resort!ย
Just an hour away from New York City, this mountain resort features snowy terrain for every skill level, making it a great starting point for beginners and offering plenty of advanced trails for seasoned parents.
Mountain Creek Resort:
The Best Beginner-Friendly Features
Patented Terrain Based Learning Area
Mountain Creekโs one-of-a-kind learning area has five distinct stations to help kids grasp the essentials of skiing and snowboarding.
After getting comfortable in their gear, your child will move on to practicing on gentle slopes, learning to steer downhill and easily navigating banked curves.
Private Lessons at Mountain Creek Resort
At Mountain Creek Resort, private ski and snowboard lessons are available with top-notch instructors. The 2-hour private lessons are designed for all ages, with the only requirement being that your child can stand on their own.
The price for a 2-hour private lesson is $399.99, with an additional $199.99 per extra student. Each lesson comes with a Snow Access pass, so your child can immediately put their new skills to the test.
Keep in mind, rentals are not included in the lesson price.
Ski School is the perfect introduction to skiing for young children.
Ski School at Mountain Creek Resort
Mountain Creek Resortโs Kids Camp is perfect for little skiers and snowboarders ages 4-12. For $199.99 plus tax, your child will receive a 2-hour lesson, complete with all the rental gear they need to get started. Plus, the package includes a SNOW Access ticket so they can continue practicing on the slopes all day. Lessons are held at the Discovery Center, where fun and learning go hand-in-hand.
Mountain Creek Kids Camp is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, making it easy to fit into your familyโs schedule.
Vern’s Outdoor Terrain Park, Photo thanks to Mountain Creek Resort.
Vernโs Outdoor Park: A New Adventure for Little Ones
Mountain Creek Resort is excited to introduce Vernโs Outdoor Park, a brand-new terrain park just for kids ages 4 and under.
This season, even the littlest ones can discover the joy of skiing and snowboarding with tiny terrain park features designed just for them.
For $20, your child will receive a 30-minute session with hands-on instruction in a unique learning environment. Sessions run on weekends and holidays at the Learning Area at Vernon Base. Parents can accompany their kids as long as they have a Snow Pass.
Please note this area is accessible to children with a SNOW Access Ticket or Pass. While kids can enter the space, instruction is only provided when you purchase Vernโs Outdoor Park Access.
Mountain Creek Tubing: The Ultimate Family Adventure
For families, tubing at Mountain Creek Resort is a must! With 2-hour sessions, your crew will have a blast sliding down the slopes and then riding the magic carpet back up for more.
Kids 42 inches and taller can tube independently, while those between 36 and 42 inches can enjoy the ride in a tandem tube with an adult. Advance ticket purchase is required, so plan ahead!
Pro Tip: Park in North General Parking or Sandhill Lot for the best accessโthe tubing entrance is now in the General Parking Lot.
On-Site Lodging and Dining at Mountain Creek Resort
Stay in condo-style accommodations at The Appalachian at Mountain Creek Resort.
The Appalachian Hotel at Mountain Creek Resort
Not ready to head home after a day on the slopes? The Appalachian at Mountain Creek Resort has you covered. Located right at the base of Vernon Peak, this condo-style retreat offers stunning mountainside views and all the comforts of home.
Choose from spacious studio suites or a premium two-bedroom unit that sleeps up to eightโperfect for keeping the family close to the action. Enjoy the year-round heated outdoor pool, relax in the hot tubs, and make use of the free underground heated parking, so you never have to worry about digging out your car after a snowfall.
If swimming under the falling snow is on your winter bucket list, you’ll love these Hotels with Heated Outdoor Pools All Winter…
On-Site Dining at the Appalachian
When staying at The Appalachian, treat yourself to a hot chocolate or a quick bite at Jack and Otto’s Grab and Go Market, or soak in the aprรจs-ski atmosphere at Jack and Otto’s Bar.
If you’re craving more variety, both The South Lodge and Red Tail Lodge are nearby, providing sit-down and grab-and-go options to satisfy your hunger.
Looking for a nearby hotel thatโs truly unique? Explore our Guide to Crystal Springs Resort, just 10 minutes from Mountain Creek.
This top New Jersey destination boasts an indoor water slide within a biosphere pool complex, arcades, and family-friendly dining options that everyone will love.
Mahwah's Campgaw Mountain Fun
Lessons and beginner-friendly ski instruction at Campgaw Mountain.
Located in Mahwah, NJ, Campgaw Mountain Ski Area offers families a smaller, more intimate skiing experience. Its friendly vibe and excellent bunny slopes make it a hidden gem for beginners looking to hit the slopes in New Jersey.
Beginner-Friendly Features at Campgaw Mountain
Ski School at Campgaw Mountain
Campgaw Mountainโs Ski School offers both skiing and snowboarding lessons, with options for private or group instruction focused on beginners.
The instructors are patient, skilled, and great at making the learning process enjoyable. Plus, for those wanting to develop their skills over time, they offer a weekly class that runs throughout the season.
Campgaw Mountain Private Lesson Packages
Campgaw Mountainโs private lessons are perfect for kids just starting out, offering a daily snow pass, equipment rental, and focused, personalized instruction. (Helmets must be rented separately.)
- 45-Minute Private Lesson: Available only on weekends, this package for children ages 3-6 includes a snow pass and rentals for $158.
- 1-Hour Private Lesson: For young skiers ages 3 and up, this package includes a snow pass and rentals, priced at $184 on weekdays and $212 on weekends.
5-Week “Cruiser’s” Program at Campgaw Mountain
Campgaw Mountain offers a 5-week “Cruiser’s” program for parents serious about getting their little ones on the slopes this season.
Designed for kids ages 4-6, these weekly 1 hour and 15 minute sessions cover all the snow sports basics, ensuring your child will be cruising down the slopes in no time.
The 5-week program costs $533 on weekdays and $615 on weekends, including the lesson, a daily snow pass, and rentals (helmet not included).
Group Lessons at Campgaw Mountain
Campgaw Mountain offers daily group lessons tailored for both younger beginners (ages 4-6) and older beginners (ages 7 and up). Each session includes about one hour of on-snow instruction, with a well-deserved hot chocolate break to keep everyone warm and energized.
- Group Lesson Only: $64 on weekdays and $74 on weekends (no snow pass or rentals included).
- Lesson Package: Includes the group lesson, snow pass, and rentals for $129 on weekdays and $148 on weekends.
Snow Tubing at Campgaw Mountain
Experience the excitement of snow tubing at Campgaw Mountain, where you can race down the slopes and then ride your tube back up for more fun.
Keep in mind that the minimum height requirement is 48″, and no one under that height is permitted on the tubing hill, even as a spectator.
To prevent overcrowding, a limited number of tickets are available each day, so itโs best to purchase yours in advance. Tubing tickets go on sale 6 days before your visit.
Big Snow American Dream
Enjoy winter sports year-round at Big Snow American Dream.
Experience North Americaโs first and only indoor ski resort at Big Snow American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ, where you can ski and snowboard all year long.
Itโs the perfect place for beginners to practice in a controlled setting, regardless of the weather outside. While it doesnโt offer towering peaks, itโs by far the most unique skiing destination in New Jersey.
Beginner-Friendly Features at Big Snow American Dream
Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding at Big Snow
Let your kids experience something special in New Jersey by learning to ski or snowboard at Big Snow, American Dream.
With a constant 28-degree atmosphere, this indoor slope is perfect for first-time skiers and snowboarders who want to learn in a unique setting, regardless of the weather outside.
Camp BIG at Big Snow
Camp BIG is a 3-hour drop-off adventure for beginners ages 4-12, all for $129.99. This program includes everything your kids needโski or snowboard rentals, helmets, and outerwear (gloves not included). Theyโll kick off with dry-land training before taking on the slopes for some exciting on-snow fun. Itโs the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the world of snow sports!
Kids Under 6 Ski Free at Big Snow
Want to ease your little one onto the slopes? Big Snow offers a FREE Slope Access Ticket for kids 6 and under with any adult ticket purchase! While rentals and outerwear arenโt included (available for $39.99), itโs a great way to help your child build confidence on skis or a snowboard before committing to lessons.
Big Snow’s “Lil’ Dipper” Beginner Area
The “Lil’ Dipper” beginner area at Big Snow is tailor-made for kids and first-time skiers. With its gentle slopes, smooth turns, and convenient magic carpet lift, itโs the ideal spot to build confidence on the snow.
Go snow tubing at Big Snow even in the middle of summer!
Year-Round Snow Tubing Hill at Big Snow
Experience the thrill of snow tubing any time of year with a 1.5-hour session on Big Snowโs indoor tubing hill, featuring three exciting lanes and a magic carpet lift to bring you back to the top for more fun. Itโs a fantastic, family-friendly activity that brings the joy of winter indoors.
Important to know: Riders must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall with required adult supervision, or 42 inches to ride alone. Each snow tube is designed for one person onlyโlap riding is not permitted. Donโt forget to check out Big Snow’s tubing and outerwear rental options before you go.
Try a Sno-Go Bike rental at Big Snow!
Something Unique for the Older Kids
For a fresh take on the slopes, kids 12 and up can ride a Sno-Go bike at Big Snow. This exciting fusion of skiing and mountain biking provides a thrilling way to enjoy the snow. Riders must be at least 5 feet tall to hop on a Sno-Go bike. (Sno-Go Bike packages and outerwear rentals are available.)
Dining at Big Snow American Dream
While Big Snow offers a simple snack bar, the real dining action is found throughout American Dream. With so many great spots to grab a meal, you wonโt have to go far to find something delicious after your skiing or snowboarding session. Explore the Dining at American Dream.
Exploring The Best
Ski Mountains in New Jersey
New Jersey may not boast many ski areas, but what it lacks in high peaks, it makes up for with beginner-friendly trails, affordable mountains, and easy access from NYC.
For families and first-time skiers, New Jersey offers fantastic options like Mountain Creek Resort, Campgaw Mountain, and Big Snow at American Dream. These destinations provide excellent beginner facilities, fun activities, and family-friendly amenities.
Whether it’s a quick day trip or a winter weekend getaway, these ski spots promise memorable experiences for the whole family.
Start planning your trip to New Jerseyโs ski mountains today and introduce your kids to the joys of winter sports.
