Planning a day on the slopes and wondering how to get from bustling New York City to the peaceful heights of Windham Mountain? This Windham Transportation Only tour by Urban Sherpa Travel offers a straightforward, cost-effective way to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding in the Catskills.
While it may not include lift tickets or rentals, it provides reliable bus transportation with pick-up and drop-off right from NYC, making it a popular choice among winter adventurers.
What really stands out about this tour is its value for money and convenience. For just $69 per person, you receive a luxury coach ride that takes you comfortably from the city to Windham, known for its expansive terrain and accessible slopes. Another big plus: the trip is booked on short notice, often about ten days in advance, meaning spontaneous winter plans are quite feasible.
On the downside, you’ll need to reserve your lift tickets separately, which might be a small hassle but also allows you to choose only what you need.
Designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, this trip is perfect for those looking to escape the city for a day, without the fuss of driving or parking. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, you’ll find Windham offers a variety of slopes and features that cater to your skill level. If you’re after a reliable, budget-friendly way to access the mountains, this tour deserves serious consideration.
This experience made our article of What Are The Best Tours & Things To Do In The Catskills? Our Top 7 Picks.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Experience
- The Ride from NYC to Windham
- Windham Mountain: What You’ll Find
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- Punctuality and Communication
- Meeting Point and Logistics
- The Experience’s Strengths
- Potential Drawbacks
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
- FAQ
- The Best Of The Catskills!
- More Tour Reviews in The Catskills
Key Points
- Affordable transportation: For just $69, enjoy a luxury coach ride from NYC to Windham Mountain.
- Flexible booking: Usually booked about 10 days in advance, with a simple online process.
- Ideal for all skill levels: Windham’s terrain includes beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and expert trails.
- No lift tickets included: You’ll need to purchase lift tickets separately if you want to use the lifts.
- Round-trip or one-way options: Flexible transportation options, with the possibility to add rentals or lessons.
- Good reviews for reliability: Travelers praise punctuality, professionalism, and good communication.
👉 See our pick of the What Are The Best Tours & Things To Do In The Catskills? Our Top 7 Picks
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in The Catskills.
The Ride from NYC to Windham
The coach transportation is the backbone of this tour. It’s described as luxury, which suggests modern, comfortable seating and a smooth ride—important when you’re heading out early or returning late after a full day on the slopes. The trip takes approximately two and a half hours, making it a manageable, stress-free journey for most travelers. The convenience of pickup from NYC eliminates the hassle of driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads.
The small group size—maximum 50 travelers—helps keep the experience intimate and friendly, avoiding the chaos that can come with larger busloads. The responsibility and punctuality praised in reviews make this a reliable option for planning your day.
Windham Mountain: What You’ll Find
Windham Mountain is often celebrated as urban Sherpa’s most popular destination. It’s known for its expansive runs and variety of terrain, making it suitable whether you’re just starting out or seeking thrills on more challenging slopes.
Beginner skiers and snowboarders will find Wooly Bear perfect for practicing stops and turns, providing gentle progress for those new to the sport. As you improve, you can take on Wide Connection to Upper Wipeout, which offers more miles of varied terrain. For intermediates craving a little adrenaline, Lower Wolverine and Upper Wiseacres are recommended, providing longer runs and some variety. Experts will appreciate Upper Wheelchair or heading to the eastern peak for more challenging descents.
An interesting feature is the Big Bag, a large inflatable slope designed for catching air and practicing tricks—an added fun feature for those who love a bit of air time.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour’s cost includes only the coach transportation, both one-way or round-trip options. Lift tickets, rentals, and lessons are not included, giving you flexibility to choose what you need. If you want to make the most of your day, you’ll want to purchase lift passes and rentals separately, which can be done on Windham’s website or at the mountain itself.
This setup appeals to budget-conscious travelers who prefer to tailor their experience. For instance, some may choose only to ride and skip lessons, saving money, while others might add rentals for convenience. The cost-effectiveness lies in the transportation, which is often a major expense when planning a day trip to the mountains.
Punctuality and Communication
Based on a glowing review, travelers find Urban Sherpa Travel to be highly reliable, with super good punctuality and responsible service. The ability to communicate even across language barriers was noted positively by travelers from Puerto Rico, demonstrating a commitment to accessible service.
The confirmation process is quick, and since most travelers book about 10 days in advance, there’s ample time to plan your gear, lift tickets, and schedule.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The departure point is straightforward—at Windham, NY—making it easy for travelers to find and access. The service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, which broadens accessibility.
The Experience’s Strengths
Travelers consistently praise the good value for money, thanks to the combination of reliable transport, friendly service, and the opportunity to spend a day on some of the best terrain in the Catskills. The short duration of the trip makes it ideal for a quick getaway, and the flexibility in booking and optional add-ons cater to different preferences.
Potential Drawbacks
While the transportation is dependable and comfortable, the exclusion of lift tickets and rentals might be a downside for some, especially if you’re comparing this trip to all-inclusive packages. It also means that you need to plan ahead for these additional costs. Weather-dependent cancellations are possible, but the policy allows for full refunds or rescheduling, adding a layer of security.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is ideal for NYC-based skiers or snowboarders who want a convenient, budget-friendly way to hit the slopes without the hassle of driving or parking. It’s perfect for beginners wanting to try Windham’s gentle slopes, as well as intermediate and advanced riders seeking a variety of runs in a scenic mountain setting.
Travelers who appreciate reliable service, good communication, and a small, friendly group will find this tour especially appealing. Since it does not include lift tickets, it’s best suited to those who are comfortable arranging these separately or those who already have their passes.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For those looking to spend a day skiing or snowboarding in the Catskills without the headache of logistics, this Urban Sherpa bus trip offers a solid, cost-effective solution. The luxury coach, combined with Windham’s varied terrain, makes it a good value—especially given the positive reviews for punctuality and service quality.
While you’ll need to purchase your lift tickets separately, the overall experience—convenient pickup, comfortable ride, scenic mountain views, and terrain for all skill levels—makes this a smart choice for a quick, accessible mountain escape from NYC.
This trip is best suited for budget-conscious travelers, beginners, or anyone seeking a hassle-free way to enjoy a winter day in the mountains. If you’re okay with planning your own lift arrangements and appreciate reliable, friendly service, this tour could become your go-to winter outing.
Windham Transportation Only from NYC
FAQ

Does this tour include lift tickets or rentals?
No, lift tickets and rentals are not included but can be purchased separately at Windham Mountain.
Can I book this tour on short notice?
Yes, it is usually booked about 10 days in advance, making last-minute plans feasible.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the luxury motor coaches are designed for a smooth, comfortable ride, perfect for a two-and-a-half-hour trip.
What skill levels does Windham Mountain cater to?
It offers slopes suitable for beginners (like Wooly Bear), intermediates, and experts—so everyone can find a trail that suits their ability.
What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is it suitable for non-skiers or non-snowboarders?
The transportation is the main focus; non-participants could enjoy the scenery and mountain atmosphere but would need to plan separately for activities.
What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal and manageable.
How do I meet the tour?
At the designated Windham, NY pickup point, which is easy to find and access.
In summary, this Windham Transportation Only tour by Urban Sherpa offers a practical, reliable, and affordable way to enjoy a full day on the slopes in the Catskills. It’s a perfect fit for those seeking a straightforward trip, especially if you’re comfortable arranging your own lift tickets. With good reviews and a reputation for punctuality, it’s a solid choice for a winter escape from NYC.














