2 Upstate New York Ski Resorts Are Voted Best For 2026

SKI Magazine’s 2026 rankings are out, and two New York mountains earned major love from East Coast skiers. The annual survey looks at snow, lifts, terrain, family friendliness, and overall vibe, so the results really capture what people value most.

Gore Mountain comes in at number eleven. Even though it slipped a little, skiers still feel it delivers a great day on the hill. With 450 skiable acres, Gore has plenty of room to explore without feeling overwhelmed.

People love that it offers strong value and terrain for every level. The lift system moves quickly, keeping the day moving. Its easy access from several metro areas makes it a popular choice for quick trips.

Gore also stands out for what it doesn’t have. No slopeside hotels, no big resort village, no overbuilt base area. Skiers say the undeveloped Adirondack setting makes it feel peaceful and nostalgic, almost like the kind of mountain they grew up skiing on.

Whiteface Mountain jumps all the way to number three, marking a big return to the top tier. This is the Olympic mountain, and it shows. The vertical drop is the longest in the East, and you feel that height on every run.

The expert terrain gets a ton of attention, especially the intense steeps of The Slides. Even with fewer than 300 skiable acres, Whiteface squeezes in long blues, easier lower runs, and a fast lift network that keeps lines moving.

Off the slopes, Lake Placid adds great food, plenty of lodging, and a friendly Small-Town-Adirondack vibe.

Together, Gore and Whiteface remind everyone why New York skiing deserves its place on the East Coast's best ski resorts list.