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.
Facebook / American Dream
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.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
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.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
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.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
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.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
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.
Lisa Sammons/OnlyInYourState

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This progression park is separate from the main slope, giving inexperienced first-timers the opportunity to safely explore the park's banks and turns.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
We absolutely love this place - it's such a blast and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
Lisa Sammons/OnlyInYourState
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.
Big SNOW American Dream/Facebook
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.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
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.
Facebook / Big SNOW American Dream
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!
Lisa Sammons/OnlyInYourState

Check out this cool video of this indoor ski resort in New Jersey from CNET:

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.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Indoor Ski Resort NJ

Lisa Sammons | October 08, 2023

Is this indoor ski resort in NJ the only indoor ski resort in the country?

While Big Snow has discussed opening other indoor ski resorts in other areas of the country, the American Dream ski slope is currently the only place you can go indoor skiing in North America.

What are some other great places for skiing in New Jersey?

The American Dream ski slope may be the only place you can go indoor skiing in New Jersey, but there are other excellent ski resorts in NJ to enjoy tubing and skiing at. Here are a few of our favorites:

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Featured Addresses
Big SNOW American Dream, 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA