Mountain Creek

A huge complex, with 52 trails, this was once two separate ski areas. The resort offers destination amenities when fully operational. Recently purchased by the Intrawest, one of the huge multi-national ski corporations with deep pockets, Mountain Creek has upgraded both its lifts and its infrastructure. Skiing here can be like skiing through Times Square, but weekday afternoons can be remarkably crowd-free and pleasant.

Mountain Creek Address: 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462 Phone: (973) 827-2000 Website: http://www.mountaincreek.com/ Vertical: 1,040 ft. Lifts: 11 lifts including a gondola Acres: 300 Runs and Terrain: 52 trails, Beg: 17%, Int: 51%, Adv: 32% Snowmaking: Yes

Hidden Valley

Just around the bend from gargantuan Vernon Valley/Great Gorge, Hidden Valley offers a terrific little ski/ride experience in a hideaway atmosphere. Started as a private club, the area offers tidy trails and some true challenges. It has the region's only FIS- (Federation Internationale du Ski) sanctioned race trail, and it has spawned some of the east's finest ski racers.

Hidden Valley Address: 44 Breakneck Rd., PO Box 433, Vernon, NJ 07462 Phone: (973) 764-6161 Website: http://www.hiddenvalleynj.com Vertical: 620 ft. Lifts: 3, 2 doubles and a triple Acres: 36 Runs and Terrain: 12 trails, Beg: 10%, Int: 40%, Adv: 50% Snowmaking: Yes