Community Corner
Winter Adventure Day Trips in North Jersey
Great ideas for tackling the winter blues head-on.
Written by Laura Kiniry
Whether it's heading to the ski slopes or bundling up at a B&B, here are four great ways to spend a winter day in North Jersey. These local winter wonderlands are full of adventure—and are less than a tank of gas away.
Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
200 Route 94
Vernon, NJ 07462
Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
(973) 827-2000
Why Go? Approximately 167 acres of ski trails across four mountain peaks, along with snow tubing and an alpine coaster. More than half the park is devoted to snowboarding.
Must Do: Hit up the all-mountain terrain park, which hosts freestyle events and features more than 18 trails. There's even a terrain park for beginners.
Insider Tip: “Don't go in expecting Kilington [VT] or Park City [UT] and you may be pleasantly surprised,” says Yelper Dave C.
The Fine Print: Hours range depending on peak, though the resort is generally open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most winter days, with slight adjustments during holiday periods (typically December 20, 2013-January 1, 2014; January 17-20, 2014; February 14-23, 2014).
Montague Township, NJ 07827
(973) 875-4800
Why Go? At 1,803 feet, it's home to New Jersey's highest elevation and an excellent park for both snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Must Do: The Monument Trail, an approximately 3.7-mile loop that's ideal for snowshoeing.
Insider Tip: The High Point Cross Country Ski Center rents snowshoes, skis, and other winter sports equipment. “They have cheap rentals and ample trails for every level skier,” says Yelper Natalia P.
The Fine Print: The High Point ski center is open December through March, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. It's located within the park at 1480 Route 23. The park itself is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
222 Jersey City Blvd.
(201) 200-1000
Why Go? It's a "think globally, act locally" resource for living, learning, and working, with three themed floors and a slew of multifaceted, interactive exhibits.
Must Do: Catch a film in the center's 400-seat IMAX Dome Theater, one of the world's largest.
Insider Tip: “For the science center, [planning] is absolutely critical to get the most out of your visit,” says TripAdvisor reviewer MV Shark. Decide what you want to see up front and pick up both a map and day's events schedule on arrival.
The Fine Print: Open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends until 5:30 p.m. Closed Monday. General admission prices are $19.75 adults, $14.75 kids 2-12, and $16.75 for seniors 62 and older. Teachers with I.D. pay only $9.75. IMAX films cost extra.
