If you live in New York City and rely on the OvRride bus to get to the mountains, you know the struggle. You want fresh snow, wide trails to practice your carving, and a stress-free day. But the 2025-2026 season has been wild. We have seen everything from freezing cold snaps to unseasonably warm spells. Plus, with big companies buying up local resorts, the crowds have changed.
For an intermediate rider (someone who can link turns but isn’t ready for steep ice) picking the wrong mountain can ruin your day. We analyzed the top bus destinations to rank them based on what actually matters to you. We looked at snow quality, crowd levels, and whether the travel time is worth it.
Here is the definitive, ranked guide for the NYC intermediate snowboarder.
How We Ranked These Mountains
We ignored the marketing hype and focused on the reality of a day trip from Union Square. Here is our criteria:
- Uncrowded Trails: You need space to turn without fear of collisions.
- Snow Quality: We prioritize soft snow over ice because it is safer for learning.
- Intermediate Terrain: We looked for “carving blues” which are wide, consistent trails that aren’t too steep.
- The Commute: We weighed the total time of the trip against the quality of the experience.
Note: This guide is optimized for weekday trips. Weekends in the Northeast are almost always crowded regardless of where you go.
1. The Winner: Belleayre Mountain (Highmount, NY)
The “Hidden” Gem of the Catskills
For the 2026 season, Belleayre Mountain is the clear winner. Unlike the corporate resorts nearby, Belleayre is state-run and feels more like a park than a business. It is relaxed, friendly, and focused entirely on the riding experience.
Why It Wins on Snow
Belleayre sits in a unique spot that often gets the “Catskill Cloud” effect. This means it frequently gets more natural snow than neighboring mountains. It also has a high ridge that protects the trails from the wind. This keeps the snow soft rather than stripping it down to the icy base.
The Best Trails for Carving
The layout is perfect for learning. The upper mountain features wide, rolling blue trails that don’t get too steep suddenly. The standout run is Dot Nebel. It is incredibly wide and allows you to lock in big, sweeping turns. Another favorite, Deer Run, offers a long, peaceful cruise. You rarely find dangerous intersections here.
The Trade-Off
The only downside is the distance. It is about 135 miles from NYC. The bus ride usually takes around 3 hours each way. However, the superior snow and lack of crowds make the travel time a smart investment.
Verdict: The best experience available. The extra travel time pays off with better snow and empty trails. Aim for a Wednesday trip for a private mountain feel.
2. The Runner-Up: Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY)
The Industrial Snow Giant
Hunter Mountain is the heavyweight of the region. It is famous for its snowmaking power. If nature doesn’t provide snow, Hunter’s massive automated system will cover the mountain in hours. It has fast lifts and a big lodge, but it comes with a chaotic atmosphere.
The “Hunter North” Strategy
If you go to Hunter, you must be strategic. Stick to the Hunter North expansion. This area is newer and served by a high-speed 6-person lift. The trails are wide, straight, and usually much less crowded than the main face of the mountain.
The Warning
Avoid the main summit trails like the Belt Parkway if you can. It is a famous intermediate run, but it gets so much traffic that it often gets scraped down to ice by midday. It can feel like a highway during rush hour.
Verdict: A strong backup option with great lifts. Stick to the Northern side to avoid the ice and crowds.
3. The Vertical Challenger: Blue Mountain (Palmerton, PA)
Big Vertical, Long Day
Blue Mountain offers the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania. This means you get long, sustained runs that let you get into a good rhythm. Trails like Razor’s Edge are excellent for practicing technique on a consistent slope.
The Logistics Problem
The issue here is the commute. While it looks close on a map, the bus route through New Jersey and Pennsylvania traffic is brutal. A typical day trip can last 13 to 14 hours from departure to return. That is a lot of time on a bus for Pennsylvania conditions.
Verdict: Great terrain with long runs, but the 14-hour travel day makes it a tough sell compared to the Catskills.
4. The Sleep-In Option: Camelback Mountain (Tannersville, PA)
The Midday Advantage
Camelback has one unique feature which is the schedule. You can catch a “Midday” bus that leaves Union Square at 10:30 AM. If you hate waking up at 5:00 AM, this is your only real option.
The Reality Check
Because you arrive late, you ride late. Camelback has night lighting, but riding at night often means riding on hard surfaces as the temperature drops. The resort is also very commercial and attached to a massive waterpark. Expect loud crowds and a busy base area. The snow on the main trail, Nile Mile, is deep but often gets pushed into piles of sugar and ice.
Verdict: Choose this only if you need to sleep in. It is a lifestyle choice rather than a performance choice.
5. The “Gym” Option: Mountain Creek (Vernon, NJ)
So Close, Yet So Icy
Mountain Creek is the closest option at just 47 miles away. It serves as a local gym for riders who just need a quick fix. However, its low elevation means it struggles with the weather.
Why It Ranks Last
The snow here often melts during the day and freezes at night. This creates “boilerplate” ice that is unforgiving for snowboarders. The main intermediate trail, Horizon, acts as a funnel for the whole mountain. It is often packed with people which makes it a stressful obstacle course rather than a fun run.
Verdict: Only go here if you absolutely cannot spare the time for a longer trip. It is convenient, but the ice and crowds are difficult for learners.
Summary Comparison
| Resort | Uncrowded Score | Snow Quality | Travel Ease | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Belleayre | 10/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | Best Overall |
| 2. Hunter | 8/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | Fast Lifts |
| 3. Blue Mtn | 7/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | Long Runs |
| 4. Camelback | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | Sleeping In |
| 5. Mtn Creek | 4/10 | 3/10 | 10/10 | Short Trip |
Final Tips for Your Trip
- Watch Out for Plattekill: You might hear about a cool indie mountain called Plattekill. It is awesome, but it is usually closed Monday through Thursday. Don’t book a weekday trip there without checking the schedule.
- Bring Low-Light Goggles: The light in the Northeast is often flat and gray. Yellow or pink lenses will help you see the ice patches before you hit them.
- Hydrate: The bus ride is long and dry. Drink plenty of water to avoid leg cramps on the ride home.
Jack Maguire 