Beyond Long Island: Where to Find Warm Cabins, Snow-Capped Mountains & Picturesque Retreats for Winter

Ah, winter in Long Island. That’s when we fantasize about cold, wet, and sloppy sidewalks being the epitome of winter wonderland beauty. Don’t get me wrong—Long Island beaches in the summertime? Wonderful, but when winter comes, Long Islanders start fantasizing about places where winter actually feels, well, wintry. So, if your panorama is a same-old iced driveway, it’s high time to go off-island for  snug cabins, ski trails, and scenic retreats that actually make winter worth braving

Why Long Islanders Are Heading for the Hills

Turns out, we're not alone in our winter escape quest. Winter bookings at Northeast resorts have gone up **20% over 2022**, with family groups, groups of friends, and even singles all coveting a whiff of cool, crisp mountain air. **Airbnb experiences a 30% increase in search for 3-hour drive-by cabins near NYC**, so book your trip yesterday, stat. And let's face it: winter in Long Island has its high (largely in the form of 'gram-worthy snowfalls that disintegrate into slush in 24, but a real winter wonderland is a pretty strong draw, too

Where to Search for Optimum Winter Retreat

1. Winter's Original Getaway: The Catskills

Just a **2.5-hour drive** off Long Island, the Catskills are a no-brainer. Two of the state's finest ski and snowboarding can be found at Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain, and an après-ski existence that will have you almost forgetting sore legs for a full day afterwards. Need a less high-energy activity? **Snow tubing, ice skating, and winter hiking** make for a perfect family vacation location. Perk: farm-to-table restaurants and nearby breweries make for a good reason to refuel post-day-on-the-mountain.

2. The Adirondacks: Where Winter Truly Serves As Winter

If you’re a serious skier, your best bet is Lake Placid. Home to the **1980 Winter Olympics**Winter sports are big in this town. **Whiteface Mountain** holds the **largest vertical drop in the Northeast**, and if that’s not your cup of tea, go for a try at bobsledding (yes, real bobsledding) or **sledding with a sled and a whole lot of happy pups** over Mirror Lake**. And, not to mention, the cabin rentals in this area resemble a Hallmark feature film.

3. Vermont: Because All Americans Aspire to Be a Ski Guy

If Long Island's cool, snowy aunt, Vermont, actually existed, then Stowe, Killington, and Stratton have first-class skiing and snowboarding, and then places like Woodstock, with that **quaint New England character** that we all pretend not to desire in life. **Fun fact:** Vermont alone produces over **50% of America’s maple syrup**, and even if skiing isn't your bag, there's a reason to go and drown pancakes in liquid gold at any opportunity.

4. The Poconos: Quick, family friendly escape

Sometimes you just have to break out *without* driving six hours in a car. The **Poconos are under three hours from Long Island**, with snow tubing, waterparks indoors (because kids inexplicably don't tire at all), and cute little vacation rentals that cry out "quaint winter weekend." Camelback Mountain features one of the **largest snow tubing parks in the country**, and even with no coordination at all, winter sports can be enjoyed.

Pro Tips for Long Islanders Planning a Winter Getaway

Winter travel is in full swing, and procrastinating and then booking at the eleventh hour is a novice move—prices skyrocket, and the best accommodations vanish in an instant. That dream fireplace cabin? Book at least 2-3 months in advance, or overpay for whatever’s available. To pack wisely, remember: let’s face it, Long Islanders have a knack for underestimating winter temperatures. That’s not enough for a trip to the hills, a hoodie and a pair of jeans won’t suffice, so bundle up, or shiver your heart out. Traffic, of course, is a horror, and don’t even dream about getting in your car at rush hour—unless five hours of idling on the George Washington Bridge constitutes a vacation for you. Not a skier? Don’t fret, winter retreats don’t have to involve careening down a hill face-first in a heap of white fluff. Snowshoeing, hot springs, and a leisurely gondola ride through winter wonderland are under-appreciated alternatives that allow for a winter wonderland experience minus face-plating in a heap of white fluff. And then, for goodness' sake, indulge in the local atmosphere. That small-town atmosphere, cozy coffee shops, and locally produced maple syrup don’t have to be for visitors alone—sink in, and you’ll understand why winter retreats become an annual ritual for many.

Why It's Important to Long Islanders

Let’s be real: most of us live on Long Island because we love being near the water, *not* because we dream of endless icy commutes. But having a go-to winter escape makes the cold months *actually enjoyable* instead of just something we endure. And if you’re thinking about moving to an area that offers better winter activities year-round, well, that’s where I come in. 

Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend retreat, dreaming of a year-round home with winter charm, or considering a vacation property near the slopes, I can help you find the perfect fit.

📩 Email me at Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com
🌐 Visit www.TheBeaconTeam.com to explore homes that match your lifestyle.

🏡 Let’s turn your winter getaway dreams into reality! 🚪🔥⛰️