For nearly 20 years, the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford has been a hot topic of conversation around the Garden State. Originally called Xanadu, the mega-mall faced delay after delay, with everything from bankruptcies to funding issues, to storm damage affecting its final build. Parts of the mall slowly began to open in 2019, with the entire complex slated to open on March 18, 2020… and we all know what happened then. By 2022, though, most of the mall was finally open for visitors in all its glory, including an indoor water park and massive candy store… and even the only indoor ski slope in America: the American Dream Ski Slope, known as Big Snow. We think this is such a cool idea and we couldn’t wait to hit the slopes and test it out for ourselves!
This indoor ski resort in NJ was part of the mall that opened in December of 2019, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it was shuttered in 2020. It was then damaged by a fire in 2021, but by May 2022, it was completed and back in action.
And now it's the only indoor ski slope in America!
Now, the slopes are wide open and ready for you to enjoy a ski day, no matter what the weather is like outside! I've got to say, being on a ski slope in the middle of a sweltering summer is a strange experience, but that's indoor skiing in New Jersey for you.
Inside the indoor ski resort, it's always a chilly 28 degrees. This is an ideal temperature for snow-making and recreational activities like skiing, snowboarding, and even tubing.
The American Dream ski slope offers four lifts: a fixed quad, two carpets, and a platter lift.
Platters, also called button lifts, are not a common way to reach the top of a mountain on the "ice coast," so it's a fun and unique way to ride up if you're used to typically skiing in the East!
Unlike traditional all-day lift tickets, at Big Snow, you'll reserve a two-hour time slot. That's the perfect amount of time to get a handful of trips down the mountain and practice new skills.
This indoor ski resort in New Jersey is home to about four acres of skiable terrain. There's a capacity of 500 people per session, and both snowboarding and skiing are allowed.
Big Snow is the perfect place to try skiing for the first time thanks to its predictable banks and clear visibility.
However, it's more fun than you would expect even if you're an experienced skier. The top half of the upper slope is a blue trail, while the lower half is green. There's a separate learning area for first-time skiers.
This progression park is separate from the main slope, giving inexperienced first-timers the opportunity to safely explore the park's banks and turns.
We absolutely love this place - it's such a blast and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
You're given a helmet and sized for appropriate skis, plus you'll get a snowsuit, so you don't even need to own any equipment.
If you need a pick-me-up, Joe C's Gourmet Cocoa Stand is just off the slopes and the perfect place for a refreshing beverage.
This is an ice-free environment that's just perfect for trying out your first boxes and rails. It's a great way to set yourself up for success, even if you've never been on the slopes before.
This indoor ski resort in NJ is equally popular with those who have never been on skis before and those who are hardened winter sportsmen. It's a great way to get in as many runs as you can before heading back to the mountains in the winter.
After all, skiing is pretty difficult for at least half of the year in most of the country, so Big Snow has something for everyone. This indoor ski resort in New Jersey is so much fun!
Looking for more information about the only indoor ski slope in America? The Big Snow American Dream website has everything you need to know about ticket types, reservations, operating hours, and current conditions. You can also find Big SNOW American Dream on Facebook.
If you’re looking for a great ski area for the wintertime, consider planning a trip to Mountain Creek, where you’ll find the longest snow-tubing run in New Jersey and plenty of terrain for skiing or riding.
Looking for a great place to stay near the American Dream? The Meadowlands Plaza Hotel is right across the river and offers up a comfortable stay at a reasonable price.