If a fun day of outdoor adventure is a calling, you don’t have to cross state lines—Mountain Creek in Vernon, New Jersey, has got you covered with an all-season mountain resort with lots of activities and experiences to keep you busy, snow, rain, or shine. Whether you’re into boarding, biking, skiing, ziplining, or want to splash around in the waterpark, this resort spans 167 skiable acres and transforms with the seasons. Nationally recognized as one of the “Best Places to Learn” for skiing and as one of the “Best Bike Parks” in North America, it’s a place where everyone, of every age, can find their adventure groove. Scroll down for what makes Mountain Creek the perfect daycation or overnight, any time of year. (featured photo credit: istock/Zuberka)
Mountain Creek: A Year-Round Family Destination
Ski, snowboard, or SNO-GO into winter fun
From December to March, Mountain Creek is bustling with winter activities—it has a total of 46 trails, 8 lifts, and 3 magic carpets. During the day, you can hit the snow tubing park, try multiple freestyle terrain parks, or head down the mountain on a SNO-GO Bike (which is what it sounds like, it’s a fusion of skiing and biking that can go on lifts). Night skiing is daily, so you can ski under the stars until the wee hours if you plan to stay over. Newbies can take a Terrain-Based Learning class, or the kiddos can try Kids Camp. And no need to bring your equipment; rentals are available for skiing, snowboarding, and SNO-GOing.
Blooming with spring activities
When the winter begins to melt away, head outdoors and challenge the family with TreEscape at The Great Gorge near Mountain Creek Resort. They have ropes courses for ages 4+, an aerial obstacle course, night climbing, and a kids’ park. Golfers will also appreciate playing on one of three George Fazio-designed 9-hole courses. Want to check out Mountain Creek from a different angle? Take a cabriolet to the mountaintop, where you can see panoramic views of the tri-state area, and then travel along a series of ziplines (ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length) suspended high above their mountaintop lake.
Wet and wild activities in the summer
Splash, slide, and summer at Mountain Creek. From Colorado River Rapids and Surf Hill to the Legendary Canyon Cliffs, your family can find thrills and fun for every age. Littles will love hanging out in the Fishing Village area with sprays and buckets of fun, and bigs who like adventure will want to try the Zero-G or the 18-foot freefall on Bombs Away. Go out of the water park for a different kind of ride–strap into the Alpine Mountain Coaster (kids can ride with an adult down the mountain in a seat) to take in the views and feel the g-forces on the way down.
Hiking and biking in the fall
Fall at Mountain Creek kicks off with its Oktoberfest, filled with live music, authentic German food, and activities for kids and adults. For the family with adventure in their middle name, take a hike on their hiking trails or ride the bike park, rated one of the “Best Bike Parks” in North America. The bike trails are full of more daring elements, like freeride trails that require jumping skills, or rugged, technical trails for the rough rider. Want to brush up on trail biking skills? You can find lessons and rentals on-site. If hiking is more your speed, there are guided hikes on Saturdays and Sundays, or you can explore the trails on your own.
Settle in and eat out
Keep the fun going and stay over at Mountain Creek at the Appalachian Hotel. This hotel is ideal if you are looking for slopestyle accommodations at the base of Vernon Peak. It’s got everything you need to make you feel at home, with newly renovated rooms, a market, bar, pool and hot tub, fire pit, and a gym. You can also dine at Red Tail Lodge Dining, the South Lodge Dining, and Schuss. Or if you want to warm up at their outdoor fireplaces and firepits, The Biergarten is a delicious spot with craft brews and bites.
What to know before you go
The ski resort at Mountain Creek officially opens in early December, and, depending on the weather, stays open through mid-March. Check out the mountain report to get the latest on the trails and their event calendar for what’s happening at Mountain Creek any time of year. For another overnight option a few miles away, Crystal Springs Resort offers several lodging options with indoor pools, a spa, kids’ activities, and world-class dining.
To learn more about Mountain Creek, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Mountain Creek
200 Route 94
Vernon, New Jersey 07462
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