The Best Ski Resorts for Powder Skiing in New York

Finding that perfect powder stash is the holy grail for many of us. This ranking showcases the best resorts for those dreamy powder days, based entirely on ratings from real skiers and boarders in our Snomad community. No marketing fluff here – just honest opinions from people who've actually carved through the fresh stuff. These rankings reflect where you'll find the deepest, fluffiest snow and terrain that makes the most of it.

Looking for other ways to compare New York's ski areas? Check out our rankings for Lift Efficiency and Quiet Slopes. Got your own powder experiences to share? Drop us your review and help fellow powder hounds find their next snow fix.

Best Ski Resort for Powder in New York: Holiday Valley - Powder Zones Rating

Holiday Valley might not be known for massive powder dumps, but our users still find plenty to enjoy. Adrien, an advanced skier, raves about the well-laid-out resort with excellent off-piste options. Liam mentions that despite the area not getting much natural snow these days, "the snowmaking team seems to always make it work" to create enjoyable conditions. DJ, a snowboarder, points out that when they do get snow, you can "find some super pow in certain areas" of the glades. For the best chance at fresh tracks, Jinnie recommends arriving early as the popular weekend crowds can quickly tramp down any fresh snowfall.

#2 Hunter Mountain - Powder Zones Rating

Hunter Mountain presents a mixed bag when it comes to powder. A Snomad community member who's an advanced snowboarder raved about the "fresh powder runs" being "amazing," while also appreciating the groomed terrain. However, several users note the typical East Coast challenge of icy conditions. As one advanced skier points out, "If you ski east coast New York, Hunter is about as good as it gets," despite occasional ice. The resort team makes efforts with snowmaking, but as one beginner skier observed, "trails were still icy, as is expected on the east coast, because nature doesn't cooperate."

#3 Whiteface Mountain Resort (NY) - Powder Zones Rating

Whiteface Mountain isn't renowned for its powder, with several users noting that icy conditions are common. One Snomad community member liked that they "arrived the day before a huge storm" and woke to "2 to 3 feet of fresh powder" with opportunities for "fresh tracks" and "epic" tree runs. However, this seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Another reviewer bluntly stated, "There's always ice, there's always hard pack snow." For powder enthusiasts, Whiteface might not be your first choice, but when it does deliver, the mountain offers exciting possibilities, particularly in the tree runs that receive positive mentions from multiple users.