Big SNOW, the indoor ski and snowboard center at the American Dream mega mall in New Jersey—the first of its kind in the country—opened to the public yesterday. Now you can ski or snowboard all day long, almost any day of the year and in all kinds of weather, just 30 minutes from Manhattan.
Photograph: Courtesy Angela Pham/BFA.com
The climate-controlled slopes of Big SNOW are perfect for kids and first-time skiers and snowboarders. The three-hour ski school package for children ages 3-13 that includes rentals and instruction is $99.99. If your kid has been asking for a ski trip, this is a low-risk, low-cost option for your little shredder. It's like going away for one of the best winter weekend getaways, only it lasts an afternoon and you get to wake up in your own bed. (Take note that Big SNOW is operated by the same group that runs Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, NJ, one of the best ski resorts near NYC for families and kids.)
Photograph: Courtesy Angela Pham/BFA.com
Big SNOW is the first real-snow, year-round, indoor ski and snowboard hill in North America. The magic carpet conveys beginners up the bunny slope, which a fully-operational chair lift carries more advanced skiers and snowboarders to the top of the hill.
One feature that Big SNOW doesn't have? Snow tubing. If you want a taste of that kind of family-friendly fun, you'll have to head farther afield to the best snow tubing in NY.
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