New Jersey ski areas might depend on manmade snowmaking to create the abundance of snow that attracts skiers and snowboarders, but the combination of manmade powder and naturals snowfall together create ideal skiing and boarding backdrop. New Jersey ski resorts aren't naturally blessed with heaps annual snowfall found at ski resorts like Big Sky in Montana or renowned Vermont ski areas. Anyone planning to ski New Jersey resorts can choose from three main areas, each accentuated by features for three basic levels.

Despite the decrease in New Jersey ski resorts over the years, there are still three solid choices remaining for hitting the slopes between December and March. Campgaw Mountain, Hidden Valley, and Mountain Creek each offer great skiing conditions for all levels of riders. Cross country skiing is still a favored sport and there are several areas perfect for sliding through snow-laden backcountry. The three top New Jersey ski areas for downhill are all fairly comparable for their offering of intermediate level ski runs.

Campgaw Mountain provides the largest number of beginner runs totaling 50 while Mountain Creek offers the lowest number at 18 beginner level runs. Each has between 30 and 40 intermediate level ski runs that provide different challenges for different intermediate experiences. Campgaw Mountain has only 2 advanced ski runs, while Mountain Creek tops the list at a whopping 50 black diamond and double black diamond slopes.

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Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah is the best of all family ski resorts in New Jersey. A large beginner area is the major feature at Campgaw. There’s a great terrain park excellent for fine-tuning skills before tackling something more challenging. A base lodge, Mid Station, and onsite parking, all encompassed in a smaller-size area, make this one of the most convenient New Jersey ski resorts to visit. Campgaw offers night skiing, 2 double and 2 magic carpet lifts, a total of 6 tubing lanes, as well as snowmaking ability. Snowbound riders ages four to six can participate in several ski and snowboard programs for an added fee. It also has a snowtube park incorporated into the resort. To ski New Jersey runs at Campgaw, bring your own gear or rent ski equipment and snowboard gear from the onsite rental shop. New Jersey hotels in the area total six major chains offering affordable lodging and easy access to the ski area.

Hidden Valley in Vernon is another top spot to ski New Jersey slopes. It is second in popularity of all New Jersey ski areas offering noteworthy skiing and snowboarding for beginners and intermediate levels. Night skiing from Monday to Saturday, an onsite bar and grill, and several special monthly events create a family-friendly environment that’s also exemplary for die-hard skiers who stay on the slopes. A 1,400-foot elevation and a 620-foot vertical drop present many opportunities to sharpen skills. The three-quarter-mile longest run, 80 inches of natural snowfall, and the ability to move 3,500 skiers uphill each hour equate to a great New Jersey ski experience.

Revolutionaries and rugrats alike head to Mountain Creek to ski the best of all New Jersey ski areas with the most diverse and abundant features. Only an hour from New York City, Mountain Creek offers four major peaks with three topping 1,400 feet at the summit. There are 170 acres are afforded for riders with 8 lifts and more than 15 miles of trails. Mountain Creek has 19 terrain park routes inside 63 park acres which means freestyle riding is available in more than just one stationary location. The onsite Black Creek Lodge has townhomes with multiple bedrooms and ski-in, ski-out capabilities. All this is located in Vernon which is home to two of the three best New Jersey ski resorts.