If your family is new to skiing or you want to get your kids on the slopes in a family-friendly, not-so-scary setting, Campgaw Mountain—close to the NY border in Mahwah, NJ—is the place to go. It’s got everything the big mountains offer, but on a smaller scale so littles (and adults new to skiing) can boot or board up and get acquainted with the sport. Plus, the recently revamped snow tubing area is open day and night, giving families the ultimate chill thrill. Recently, my kids and I decided to get back into the sport (we had been skiing and boarding a few times before) and chose Campgaw as the place to fine-tune our skills and catch some snow tubing on a chilly January day. We had a blast doing it all—and the best part was the less-than-an-hour drive got us home just in time for dinner. Read on for what we did, and for more ski resorts close by, check out our guide to skiing in the tri-state area. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Campgaw Mountain: A NJ Mountain With Lifts, Lessons, And Lounging
Get ready to tackle the mountain
This Bergen County ski mountain is easy to get to (it’s only 18 miles north of the George Washington Bridge), and parking is simple and free. Even though the mountain is smaller compared to other resorts, it has 100% snowmaking capabilities, so you can enjoy skiing no matter the weather. As we strolled toward the resort, I eyed up the mountain and knew it would be manageable for my kids and me since I hadn’t been skiing in a few years and thought I’d get back into it. The mountain consists of 18 skiable acres with eight beginner and intermediate trails and five lifts, so the slopes never feel crowded. It was the ideal spot for my kids to build their confidence in skiing and snowboarding on their own. My kids have had lessons before, so thanks to the manageable feeling at Campgaw, it was finally time to get them out on the slopes on their own.
Renting is easy
My son was excited to snowboard, while my daughter and I were happy to ski. Since we didn’t have equipment, we rented everything on-site at the Lodge. Campgaw Mountain offers daily and seasonal on-site rentals, including ski packages (skis, boots, and poles), snowboard packages (board and boots), skis and snowboard only, boots only, and ski poles. We had helmets, but you can also rent helmets at Campgaw (it’s required by law for ages 18 and under). The staff was very helpful in showing us how everything should fit, and we were allowed to keep our shoes under the bench or in the lockers downstairs. Once we suited up, we headed outside.
Time to hit the trails
Since it was our first outing of the season for skiing and snowboarding, we opted for the Lower Liftline Trail. We hopped on the chair lift, and once off, the kids went down, getting back acquainted with the sport. It wasn’t a big trail, but one where they could gain confidence and practice their turns. After a few runs, we went to the tree-lined Minisink Trail and eventually tackled the more difficult Upper Mighty Gaw Trail and Upper Oratam Way Trail. A highlight was that we didn’t need to hurry, as Campgaw remains open at night with 80% of the area illuminated, providing a unique experience that allowed us to maximize our day. Campgaw also features a Learning Center that offers Private, Semi-Private, Group, and Adaptive Lessons for participants aged 3 and older, depending on the program. Additionally, Cruiser, Mountain Master, and Adult Programs are accessible for those looking to refine their skills throughout the season.
The Lodge at Campgaw Mountain provides a variety of food options. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Refuel before getting back on the mountain
During the day, we set our skis aside and popped into the Lodge for a bite and a warm-up. The kids were happy to find their favorites, like French fries, chicken fingers, hamburgers, mozzarella sticks, soup, and hot pretzels. For a quick snack, there are also muffins, cookies, crumb cake, or chips. My kids couldn’t leave without a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows, which is available alongside all the usual drinks, like coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
Snow tube day or night
Snow tubing at Campgaw Mountain is another way to get thrills on the mountain without having the effort of finesse of skiing or boarding. There are 15-17 tubing lanes, each over 800 feet long and equipped with a tube lift, so getting up the mountain is a breeze. No experience is needed, and the variety of lanes—with their unique rollers and pitches—ensures that every ride is a little adventure. We had the joy of tubing at night, surrounded by lights, and the chilly air made it even more thrilling. The excitement built as the staff counted us down from 3, 2, 1, and then off we went, racing down the mountain alongside other riders at thrilling speeds—my kids had an absolute blast, and I did too!
FAQs
When is Campgaw Mountain open?
Campgaw Mountain is open every day during the winter, but hours vary by day of the week and holidays.
How much does it cost to visit Campgaw Mountain?
Full ($41 and up) and half-day ($36 and up) snow passes, daily lessons ($103 and up), daily and seasonal rentals ($52 and up), season passes ($389 and up), and snow tubing tickets ($24 and up) are available. Tubing is very popular at Campgaw, so it’s recommended that you get your tickets online in advance. Tubing sessions are typically 2 hours, but 1-hour sessions are available on select holidays. All riders must be at least 48 inches tall and not over 300 pounds to participate.
What’s new at Campgaw Mountain?
Campgaw has made many upgrades, including newer, more efficient snowmaking equipment, a revamped tubing area with a longer runout for stopping, and a reimagined observation area so that parents/guardians have an easier time watching their children during lessons. Also, be on the lookout this season for a new food addition—a waffle hut with various sweet toppings (yum!).
To learn more about Campgaw Mountain, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Campgaw Mountain
200 Campgaw Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
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